Guest Picks: 20 Fall Gift Ideas Under $50
Treat a host or birthday honoree to a home accessory that goes above and beyond but still stays within your budget
It may not be the holidays quite yet, but that doesn't mean you are off the hook for gift giving. Between potlucks, dinner parties, open houses and birthdays, it's likely your calender is feeling as full as ever. Be prepared for all of the events on your schedule this fall with these 20 fabulous gift ideas for everyone (and every occasion) on your list. And the best part? They are all under $50. — Laura from Lolalina
Personalized Table Runner
Anything monogrammed automatically feels more personal, and this hemp-burlap runner from Garnet Hill looks heirloom worthy. It's perfect for making a great impression on your mother-in-law.
The Curiosity Shoppe at Target Salad Servers
For your hipster friend, get these arrow-shaped salad servers designed for Target by the San Francisco indie institution The Curiosity Shoppe. These are so cute — and cheap! I would stock up now and give them as hostess gifts all season long.
Small Barkboard Rustic Chalkboard by Olive Manna
These wood-slices-turned-chalkboards from Olive Manna are so beautiful and useful. I am dying to get one for myself! If giving them as a gift, include a note with ideas for where to hang it: as a menu board in dining room, for shopping lists in kitchen, by the front door for neighbors to leave notes or beside the bed for leaving love notes.
Birch Vase
Go the extra mile by bringing an autumn market bouquet in this birch-wrapped vase from Terrain to your next dinner party. Plus, it'll help your host avoid the last-minute rummaging for a container.
Happier at Home
Gretchen Rubin's first book, The Happiness Project, was a runaway success, and her new volume promises to be just as inspiring. Give one to your friend and keep one for yourself, and then hold your own mini book club as you work your way through the book.
Oak Leaf Tea Towel, Copper
Studiopatró makes the most beautiful hand-printed linen tea towels, and this copper-colored leaf design feels just right for fall. For a personal touch, use one to wrap up a homemade loaf and package it with your favorite recipe tied to a string.
Tulip Aperitif Glasses
These petite, jewel-like aperitif glasses from Viva Terra would make a wonderfully festive addition to anyone's entertaining arsenal. Include a bottle of delicious dessert wine, and if you're lucky, they will share a glass with you.
Wooden Ball Decanter
This decanter from Apartment 48 is just the sort of cool, modern find that most of us wouldn't think to buy for ourselves, making it all the more appreciated when it comes as a gift.
Cherry Candles
How adorable are these little cherry candles? Give them as a set or put them on a cake — either way they are sure to bring smiles.
Harvest Fine Tea
Excellent tea always makes a good gift in my book, and these boxes are so pretty that they beg to be left out on the counter. I would bundle a box with some delicious biscotti or tea cookies, and maybe a special teatime playlist created for the occasion.
Hidden Fox Teacup
Hello, little foxy! These hidden animal teacups from Modest Peach are so darling — it would be hard to choose just one. Paired with a box of Harvest Tea, it would make a fabulous gift for a design-obsessed tea lover.
Coffee Mint Hand Soap
Delicious-smelling soap wrapped in luxurious paper is a can't-miss hostess gift. I favor any of the Saipua soaps for their amazing scent combinations. Coffee and mint sounds perfect for fall.
Traditional Napkins
These linen napkins come in a range of natural hues with a fun contrasting trim. With six to a set, they feel like a generous gift for the price.
Fall Time Poster Pillow by Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast
Hot chocolate, crisp air and crunchy leaves — for a friend with an autumn birthday, share the best of their special season with this handmade pillow from Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast.
Log Slice Bowl
Cooks will appreciate a set of these Log Slice bowls for holding sea salt and peppercorns, while the non-cooks among us can use them to hold earrings or spare change in style.
Black Walnut Cheese Board, Natural Edge by Red Onion Woodworks
A really good serving board makes even the simplest spread look grand. This one stands out because it is made from salvaged wood and features a stunning natural edge.
Espresso Cup and Saucer, Turban Squash
Vermont artist Laura Zindel's richly detailed illustrations are a perfect match for her own line of ceramics. Coffee connoisseurs would surely love to be gifted a single, special cup from her collection, along with a pound of locally roasted espresso beans.
Laura Zindel Thanksgiving Dessert Plates
Zindel also recently collaborated with West Elm to produce these gorgeous plates, which would work equally well for salad or dessert. At $8 a piece, you can afford to give a whole stack.
Rococo Potholder and Oven Mitt, Cream
Who couldn't use a fresh set of pot holders? Anthropologie is a great go-to source for cute kitchen goodies, and this ruffled pair with its dark floral print is my current favorite.
Sweet Paul Magazine #10
Looking for an alternative to the standard flowers or bottle of wine? Bring a small-press independent magazine (or two) tied with twine to your next dinner party instead. Sweet Paul, one of my favorites, is packed full of original recipes, gorgeous food styling and creative craft projects.
Next: A Host of Party Prep Ideas
Next: A Host of Party Prep Ideas