Christmas is my second favorite holiday, in large part because I love being able to give back, both to strangers through charity and to my friends and family through gifts. This year, I created a (Mostly) Under $50 Gift Guide for people wanting something new to spread the love. Not to mention, it’s the perfect time to snag something for yourself in the event you receive slipper socks. Medium.

All the gifts earned my personal seal of approval. To be worthy of this coveted accolade, I must have either purchased and/or heavily scrutinized the item to ensure quality. Many of these products are in my ever-expanding “review queue” and will benefit from more detailed information in the coming weeks. Suffice it to say, all the products here are excellent, and your giftees will think you are the coolest [insert your relationship to them]. All options from Nordstrom are on one of four style boards which allow you to purchase directly from me.

Beauty Gifts

As your largest organ, skin requires love and attention to keep it healthy and smooth as we age. I never skimp on products, and as my dad jokes: I am preserving myself like fruit. This is because my mom pulled me aside on my 18^th birthday and told me verbatim: “Erica Lynn, you’ve had your fun. Now it’s time to get serious about skin care. You need an AM/PM routine, an anti-aging product, an eye cream, and a moisturizer with sunblock. You can’t unprune a plum.” Blunt birthday bubble bursting aside, this is truly one of the best practical pieces of advice I ever received. For reference, I have sensitive, combination skin with an oily T-zone and normal cheeks.

Clinique 100H Hydrating Lotion

My friend Clinton downstairs in the beauty department gave me this, among a few other items on the list, as a sample, and I quickly fell in love. I use it as a PM moisturizer, and my skin feels a decade younger. There’s also a full Clinique beauty kit including this, an eye cream, and a hydrating mask.

Clarins Hydrating Facial Toner

Many toners contain skin-drying alcohol, but Clarins does not. Another Clinton sample, this toner lured me away from my homemade rosewater/witch hazel combination in the evenings. I still use my homemade mixture in the morning in lieu of face cleaner, but after washing my face in the evenings, I use Clarins to remove any lingering residue without stripping the skin and over drying.

Kiehl’s Facial Mask

Another sample, I enjoyed this one for its hydrating properties, and I’m curious to try the three-pack gift set to customize my needs from week to week.

Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream Mask

While this gift idea is higher than $50, I included it because the results are immediately noticeable. Clinton warned me I would get hooked. (I’m telling y’all, go see him!) My face turns pink for an hour or so after use, hence why I apply at night, but by morning, my skin is radiant. I use it once a week to even texture.

Clinique Almost Lipstick and Chubby Stick

I love how these lipstick alternatives provide enough color to tint your lips without being too “makeup-y.”

Lingerie, Sleepwear, & Active Gifts

I wouldn’t be addicted to intimate apparel if there wasn’t a section devoted to gifts from my department!

Chantelle Seamless One-Size Underwear

I recently reviewed this collection on the blog, and I think they make excellent stocking stuffers. Between the discreet design, the multiple silhouettes and rises, oodles of colors, and the one-size fits most metric, they’re a brilliant, luxurious gift. Plus, they’re mix-and-match three pairs for $48!

Honeydew Pajamas

Since I run fairly warm, especially at night, I prefer lightweight pajamas. The Honeydew Collection combines a soft, breathable fabric with cute designs at an affordable price. I’m partial to the jogger style pants or shorts.

Cuddl Duds Pajamas

A couple weeks ago, I had Kohl’s Cash and a coupon and decided to check out their pajamas. I am committed to finally revamping my at-home wardrobe to be less of a dumpster fire, and my over-sized men’s flannels had to go. I snagged some like these, and omgerd y’all! I LOVERS THEM SO MUCH!

LC by Lauren Conrad Slippers

They channel the Ugg vibe at a significantly lower price without sacrificing warmth or comfort.

Reflex by 90 Degree Leggings

My dad bought me these for Christmas several years ago, and I keep rebuying them. Now there is an option available with tummy support and booty boosting. I got a pair a few weeks ago, and I already want more!

The Zella Cropped Hoodie

I’m a sucker for hoodies, and I love the cropped, boxy silhouette of this one. It’s also lightweight too, meaning it will transition easily through the seasons.

Shapermint Tights & Leggings

Shapermint is a Spanx alternative at a much cheaper price, and the quality is exceptional. I haven’t tried the leggings yet, but if they are anything like the tights and shapewear, I know I’ll be impressed.

Nordstrom Butter Socks

At such an affordable price, these appropriately named “Butter Socks” make for a perfect stocking stuffer!

Barefoot Dreams Sleep Kit

I have a lowkey obsession with Barefoot Dreams because their robes and sweaters feel impossibly soft. However, my present budget does not allow for a $100+ robe. This mask, scrunchie, and sock kit is much more doable!

Nordstrom Sheer Stockings

The Nordstrom brand sheers are good quality for the price, especially considering these are only a 20 denier. This means, by sheer science (Ha! See what I did there?), they are easier to rip than a tight. I have always gotten my money’s worth from them, but I also have super short nails. Caveat emptor!

Simply Vera by Vera Wang Semi-Opaque Tummy Shaping Tights

Because I have a long torso, tights are often problematic for me. The ones which stop at the waist sit too low and can roll or slide throughout the day. These bad boys sit right below my bra, wear easily, and look fantastic!

Chantelle Norah & Rive Gauche

I have a review on the horizon for the Rive Gauche which I received as a reward for sales. I adore how comfortable the fabric is as well as the ample lift and shaping. The band runs slightly snug and the cup slightly generous. I wear a European 34H in mine. The Norah I sell all the time in the store because the fit and construction is so lightweight. I’m going to get the Norah Chic in the future too because I love the comfort.

The Wacoal Back Appeal

Sadly, this bra does not come in my size, but it is one of my personal best-sellers because the fit is flexible and accommodates multiple tissue types. However, the real star is the back. It boasts an impressive width on the wings for smoothing while also anchoring and supporting the bust.

Jewelry Gifts

I know, I know. Jewelry is one of those polarizing gifts. Some people love to receive it (*cough* me *cough*). Others find it cliché or unoriginal. If you’re not keen on giving jewelry on account of people’s varied tastes, I also included a cool jewelry tray and a beautiful clear box that would look elegant sitting on anyone’s dresser.

All of the jewelry is nickel-free, well-reviewed, and in many cases sustainably made. Unfortunately, there weren’t many silver options at Nordstrom, but Kohl’s has a lovely selection of stainless steel and sterling silver too.

Everything Else Gifts

This is the category for all the things which didn’t fit into any of the above categories, but there are some true gems here. My personal pick is the Bolero Duster!

Mirror Mirror Moda Duster Vest

Tomorrow I will be posting a review of this incredible vest. I wear it often because the sharp black and white provide a visual pop, and the cut on the bottom creates beautiful movement while I walk. Right now, you can get the duster along with everything else on the Mirror Mirror Moda website for 20% off with code: BYE2023.

The Zella Heather Beanie

Since shaving my head, hats are a must-wear in cold weather, and I like how this one keeps my head warm while looking chic. The neutral palette blends well with all my outerwear too.

Yummie Signature Denim Leggings

Another recent purchase, I ordered the boot cut style because of my struggle to find a regular jean with that leg silhouette. They do run snug compared to their cotton Rachel legging. I ordered the medium, and it took a couple wears to break in the fabric.

Mirror Mirror Moda Fish Handbag

Okay, truthfully, I haven’t seen this in person, but when has Patricia *ever* let us down with quality and quirkiness? Never, that’s when.

The SO Over-Sized Sweatshirt

I bought this with a suspicious squint because over-sized never works for me, but wow do I love it! I wear it all the time, especially when I run errands. It’s warm, soft, comfortable, and effortlessly chic.

A Christmas Horror Book

Because not everyone likes Hallmark movies . . . Some of us weirdos have an entire list of gory, violent, and/or moody horror movies we watch during the happiest season.

Happy Holidays Everyone!