89 People With Exceptional Taste on the Things Under $100 That (Still) Make Great Gifts

“Holidays are always tense. So give your overworked bestie a gift that keeps on giving … multiple orgasms.”

“I have given this to a 13-year-old boy, a 24-year-old girl, and a senior citizen. You can also get the bracelets in silver, and you can stack them as well (they come in 4mm and 5mm, too).”

“Everyone should have one of these bags, if not more than one. It’s been a mainstay in my world for as long as I can remember.”

“Smells like sandalwood and neroli and makes you automatically chill out after a long shower.”

“No need for needles and freaking out your mom — this sterling-silver-plated piece pops in and out easily and is super-comfortable. Trust me, this gift will make you the coolest aunt or uncle this year.”

“From my favorite bakery in Paris. They jokingly call these shortbread cookies punitons — or little punishments. They arrive packed in a beautiful hand-painted tin that you can use long after the cookies are gone.”

“My favorite cookbook is John Pawson’s. If he says Maldon is the best, then it is. The bucket seems a bit extreme, but then again, salt fanatics do exist. I gave it to my brother-in-law, who is a wonderful cook, and he laughed and loved it.”

“At $80, this might sound steep, but hear me out. This pass covers entry for two people into any of the 2,000 federal recreation sites — including the 58 national parks. That’s access to more than 84 million acres, for TWELVE WHOLE MONTHS. (If you know someone who is in the military, they are able to receive a pass for free. If you are giving this as a gift to someone over 62, it is $80 for a lifetime pass. COME ON!)”

“Suddenly, bowls have become everyone’s favorite dinnerware. Size matters, and Dana Brandwein’s handmade 7x2 Kashmir bowl is just the right size to accommodate multiple components. Plus, it’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe.”

“Thompson Street Studio’s quilts are stunning and utterly unique. While the blankets are ‘investment pieces,’ the quilted coaster set feels similarly heirloomish — and makes owning a piece of the studio’s artistry a lot more accessible.”

“Nobody wants to buy a portable phone charger, but most people would use it every day. I use the red one — I never shy away from color. It’s super-slim and actually gives more than two times the amount of charge your phone needs, so you don’t have to be constantly scoping for your next outlet.”

“Affordable. Super-cute. Useful. It’s a convenient way to keep our city streets clean of dog business or other trash.”

“A mug of L.A. Burdick’s cocoa always goes down well in my house, especially when teamed with a gift subscription to the British weekly The Spectator (it is still my favorite retro print read with Brexit commentary that reminds us it’s not just this side of the Atlantic that has lost the plot).”

“I give all of my cooks a classic Moleskine notebook stamped with a monogram bearing their name (an extra $5 to $7) and allegiance to pastry. Always a hit.”

“The kit is perfect for friends, family, or daughters (like mine) who are into making their own jewelry.”

“Rafanelli orchestrated quite a few state dinners for the previous occupants of the White House. It’s total inspiration — the perfect way to get people thinking of ideas for their own unforgettable party.”

“Blenko, a family-run glass company established in 1893, makes the perfectly designed water carafe for a desk. I love the lapis blue.”

“Cate and I hung out while she was recording this, and I feel really connected to it. I’ll be giving it to all my vinyl-collecting friends.”

“My father-in-law gave me one for Christmas, and I started doing the same. They’re soft, cozy, and everyone looks good in them.”

“Salvador Dalí was a true artist and showman. His book is extraordinary — it’s a beautiful work of art that I refer to time and time again.”

“This lingerie pouch preserves one’s dignity when TSA starts unpacking your bag in front of your fellow travelers. Aside from the appliqué monogram, the pouch can be personalized in different fabrics and finishes (from muslin to satin), and in many colors, making it even more ‘intimate.’”

“Use it next to your sink to store jewelry, or keep it on your desk for paperclips and random change that you never have any use for. The ant adds an unexpected touch.”

“One of the best construction games children can play with, and KAPLA blocks are made of natural products.”

“A funny, slightly subversive children’s book to be enjoyed by parents as well.”

“Nothing beats the taste of quality.”

“My mother-in-law, who is quite hard to buy presents for, grows cucumbers amongst many other things in her garden. I love the idea of any specialist trug or basket, and this is so appealing.”

“Nothing says ‘I’d like to spend some QT with you this year’ like a light-up Frisbee. Trust me.”

“Maison Margiela has a series of scents — to receive all of them at once would be perfect.”

“The speaker is the size of a quail egg and gives such a nice sound. I always have it on me, and have already gifted many.”

“This Venezuelan rum is delicious. For Venezuelans like me, it’s also a bit nostalgic as well.”

“Simply the best mouse I’ve ever used — and I’ve used a lot of mice in the last ten years.”

“Gustiamo has incredible Italian specialities. I love the Wholesome Grains & Legumes basket, but they are all great.”

“Super-fun — and it will make any old kitchen look cool and chic.”

“Creative Growth is a nonprofit organization based in the Bay Area that serves great artists with disabilities. It also makes the best gifts, like this superb Charles Smith print of Batman.”

“This is actually a traditional Spanish wine decanter, but I suggest filling it with a favorite olive oil for an eye-catching holder that can sit on the counter instead of being tucked in a cabinet.”

“A most wonderful collection of children’s books hand-selected based on your family and your child’s interests. Perfect for the kids in your life, or those you love who have children.”

“The most luxurious pepper mill.”

“Spending time with friends and family is my favorite part about the holiday season, and there’s no better way than with this bottle of Champagne.”

“This hamburger dog toy is perfect for people without pooches who, like me, are obsessed with art that looks like food. It’s for display purposes only.”

“The national nightmare that is un-aesthetically pleasing cannabis accessories is now over, thanks to this simply stunning, stacked gold grinder. It’s a must for your friend who likes to indulge in the Devil’s Lettuce. (Not Sweetgreen. Weed).”

“The Beis Cosmetic Case has a zippered top and enough room for about a dozen skin-care items. The lining is water-resistant and very easy to clean, and it has compartments for brushes and smaller items such as tweezers. There is also a cleverly designed cosmetic mirror with a built-in stand.”

“Every holiday season, I gift a suite of Muji’s 0.38mm black gel pens — the only ones I can write with — to my team, so that everyone is on brand.”

“You’d be surprised how many people — even among your friends — were once competitive figure skaters. And even for those who were not, a Hockney photomontage is thoughtful because it’s the sort of thing you ‘add to cart’ but never purchase for yourself.”

“For a few years in the 1960s, Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center at JFK (which recently reopened as the TWA Hotel) redefined air travel — which, alas, has been defined-down almost ever since. This book gives a granular account of the design and construction of the terminal.”

“A dwarf Meyer-lemon tree is a great BFF for anyone who has the right amount of space in the sun (indoors or out). It’s incredibly helpful when you decide to make dinner last minute and don’t feel like running to the store.”

“The packaging is so beautiful and the soaps themselves add a nice touch to any home.”

“The bathtub is where a lot of people (including me) get some of their better ideas. I love the smell of Bathing Culture’s earth-friendly soap and use it for virtually everything.”

“We always buy these loaves as gifts — but they’re too good to part with, so we end up eating ourselves.”

“The silver-plated nutmeg grater we use at home — and to finish the tagliatelle with prosciutto and Parmigiano at Via Carota, as well as Bar Pisellino’s seasonal hot cider.”

“Shrigley is one of few artists who can make junk and not have it suck.”

“Nothing says, ‘I neither know you nor your interests very well, but am obligated to get you something’ quite like the ever-inoffensive Diptyque candle. That’s why you shouldn’t get anybody a Diptyque candle. A nice tea is pleasant, tasteful, useful, and thoughtful — without really meaning anything at all, which is sometimes just the ticket.”

“It’s hard for me to think of someone who wouldn’t like this book full of incredible spaces to dream of.”

“Rustic Roots stuffs its coolers with gorgeous, locally sourced organic produce that’s just begging to be transformed into a meal. You can gift a single basket, or a weekly subscription if it’s for someone who loves to cook.”

“My favorite part is doing the cheat codes and then building cool houses.”

“I literally stopped doing Botox when I started using this.”

“Charbonnel et Walker is one of Britain’s oldest chocolatiers. The chocolates are delicious and come in beautiful packaging. My favorites are the the Dark Chocolate Thin Mints and Dark Marc de Champagne Truffles. (Now you know what to get me.)”

“Most of us don’t need more things. We’re especially low in vitamin D during the winter months, so this will benefit anyone on your list, no matter their gender, age, or taste.”

“A small luxury that can be enjoyed every day. Gift it with your favorite kind of tea (mine is English Breakfast) for an extra personal touch.”

“The design book highlights everyday items that have really nailed it, are just right, and will withstand the test of time.”

“A dinner bell for wrangling your rowdy guests … or is that just at my house?”

“Not for the faint of tongue. With every use you are kicked into a new quantum orbit of alertness.”

“My husband got me one last year. I was a little disappointed at first because it’s, well, a mug. But after using it for a year, I can’t deny how great it is to have perfectly heated coffee every morning.”

“You can never go wrong with adopting a penguin. It even comes with a cute cuddly toy.”

“It’s the best of nature-bathing without the maniacal bike demons and noisy hordes of nearby Prospect Park. Even if you only ever wanted to go once (say, for the pastoral Time Square cosplay exhibition that the modern-day Sakura Matsuri has become), the cost is well worth it for skipping the line.”

“Order it online and have it delivered anywhere in the country. Dessert with a side of nostalgia. It’s perfect.”

“You can monogram initials or a nickname, and who doesn’t live in cozy pajamas over the holidays?”

“For the people on my list who are impossible to shop for, I’m adopting a giraffe.”

“Inspired by the 30,000 B.C.E. fertility symbol, for the goddesses in your life.”

“Use your voice to make samples and have fun making music anywhere. It looks a little complicated but it’s actually really simple.”

“In this digital era, nothing is more refreshing than well-designed print items. For someone who loves to plan, this is functional, thoughtful, and looks a lot better than calendar full of of cats.”

“These are actually my favorite shoes across the board.”

“Asp & Hand’s reusable straw is a unique, colorful, quirky (and environmentally friendly) gift.”

“I never thought luxury could come in a tube.”