It may not be the holidays quite yet, but that does not mean you’re off the hook for gift giving. Between potlucks, dinner parties, open houses and birthdays, it is likely your calender is feeling as full as ever. Be ready for all the events on your own program this autumn with these 20 fantastic gift ideas for everyone (and every occasion) on your list. And the best part? They are all under $50. — Laura from Lolalina
Garnet Hill
Personalized Table Runner – $48
Anything monogrammed automatically feels more personal, and this hemp-burlap runner from Garnet Hill looks heirloom worthy. It is perfect for making a fantastic impression on your mother-in-law.
Target
The Curiosity Shoppe at Target Salad Servers – $15
For your hipster friend, get these arrow-shaped salad machines created for Target by the San Francisco indie institution The Curiosity Shoppe. These are so adorable — and economical! I’d stock up now and give them as hostess gifts all year.
Etsy
Little Barkboard Rustic Chalkboard by Olive Manna – $38
These wood-slices-turned-chalkboards out of Olive Manna are so beautiful and useful. I’m dying for 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 space, for purchasing lists in kitchen, by the front door for acquaintances to leave notes or beside the mattress for leaving love notes.
Terrain
Birch Vase – $14
Go the extra mile by bringing an autumn market bouquet within this birch-wrapped vase out of Terrain to your next dinner party. Additionally, it is going to help your host prevent the last-minute rummaging for a container.
Anthropologie
More happy Home – $26
Gretchen Rubin’s first publication, The Happiness Project, was a runaway success, along with her new quantity promises to be just as inspirational. Give one to a friend and keep one for yourself, and hold your own mini book club as you work your way through the publication.
Studiopatro
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 autumn. For a personal touch, use one to wrap around a home made loaf and package it with your favorite recipe attached to a string.
VivaTerra
Tulip Aperitif Glasses – $49
These petite, jewel-like aperitif glasses from Viva Terra will make a wonderfully festive addition to anyone’s entertaining arsenal. Include a jar of tasty dessert, and if you are lucky, they will share a glass with you.
Apartment 48
Wooden Ball Decanter – $46
This decanter from Apartment 48 is only the sort of cool, contemporary find that most of us wouldn’t think to purchase for ourselves, which makes it all the more appreciated when it comes as a present.
LEIF
Cherry Candles – $20
How adorable are these small cherry candles? Give them as a set or set them onto a cake — either way they’re certain to bring smiles.
Darling Clementine
Harvest Fine Tea – $20
Excellent tea always creates a fantastic present in my novel, and these boxes are so pretty they beg to be left out to the counter tops. I’d bundle a box with some delicious biscotti or tea biscuits, and maybe a special teatime playlist created for the occasion.
Small Peach
Hidden Fox Teacup – $25
Hello, small foxy! These concealed creature teacups out of Modest Peach are so darling — it might be difficult to select only one. Paired with a box of Harvest Tea, it might make a fantastic present for a design-obsessed tea lover.
Saipua
Coffee Mint Hand Soap – $10
Delicious-smelling soap wrapped in luxurious paper is a can not-miss hostess gift. I favor any of those Saipua soaps for their amazing scent mixes. Coffee and mint sounds perfect for autumn.
Heath Ceramics
Everyday Napkins – $45
These linen napkins come in a selection of organic colors with a fun contrasting trim. With six to a set, they feel like a generous present for the price.
Etsy
Fall Time Poster Pillow by Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast – $49.99
Hot chocolate, crisp air and crispy leaves — to get a friend with an autumn birthday, share the very best of the distinctive season with this handmade pillow out of Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast.
LEIF
Log Slice Bowl – $24
Cooks will love a set of those Slice bowls for holding sea salt and peppercorns, while the non-cooks one of us may use them to hold earrings or spare change in style.
Etsy
Black Walnut Cheese Board, Natural Edge by Red Onion Woodworks – $49
An extremely good serving plank makes even the simplest spread look grand. This one stands out as it’s created from salvaged wood and features a stunning natural border.
Laura Zindel
Espresso Cup and Saucer, Turban Squash – $42
Vermont artist Laura Zindel’s richly detailed illustrations are a perfect match for her very own line of art. Coffee connoisseurs would surely like being gifted one, special cup out of her collection, along with a pound of locally roasted espresso beans.
West Elm
Laura Zindel Thanksgiving Dessert Plates – $8
Zindel also recently collaborated with West Elm to produce these stunning plates, which might work equally well for salad or dessert. At $8 a bit, you can manage to give a whole pile.
Anthropologie
Rococo Potholder and Oven Mitt, Cream – $12
Who couldn’t use an original set of pot holders? Anthropologie is a great go-to resource for adorable kitchen goodies, and this ruffled pair with its dark floral print is my current favorite.
Sweet Paul
Sweet Paul Magazine #10 – $20
On the lookout for an option to the standard flowers or bottle of wine? Bring a small-press separate magazine (or 2) tied with twine to a next dinner party instead. Sweet Paul, among my favorites, is packed full of original recipes, magnificent food styling and innovative craft projects.
Next: A Host of Party Prep Ideas
See related