As bottom lines and frayed nerves tighten around the end of the year, it truly is the thought that counts. Those you love will know you care, with or without the thing that goes with it. For those who’d like to sweeten the deal, though, Design Milk has scoured the web and filtered through the holiday noise to bring you 10 modern gifts all under $25. There’s something for everyone, with gift ideas ranging from playful and fun to thoughtful and practical.
Photo: Courtesy of Papier
Fruit Sticky Tabs by Papier \ $8
These little tabs are just the thing to keep your notebook or planner organized – three juicy designs, all in lovely colors, sure to keep a date fresh in your mind. Printed on 80gsm paper, keep sections sweet and secure with these tabs from London-based Papier.
Photo: Courtesy of Mattel Creations
UNO x NDJOLIJEAN Card Game \ $25
Anyone who’s just been dealt a draw four, fear not: the UNO x NDJOLIJEAN Card Game may not take away the sting, but it will be beautifully composed: holographic cards meet bold design in the newest reimagining of the iconic game.
Photo: Courtesy of WMS&CO.
Daily List Planner Pad by WMS&CO. \ $20
This undated daily planner pad from WMS&CO helps you track time, prioritize tasks, and record meals to stay mindful of nutrition. For those of us that find daily and bodily tasks somewhat of a chore, this nifty pad that sits on your desk or kitchen counter is perfect for planning and tracking – a visual reminder that what can be measured can be managed.
Photo: Courtesy of Sabah
Sabah Mist by Los Poblanos \ $15
‘Take a deep breath’ in a bottle – this mist from Sabah is produced in collaboration with Los Poblanos, in small batches on their farm in Albuquerque. Infused with notes of sage, cypress, juniper, vetiver, patchouli, cedar, and organic lavender, a whirlwind of greens and botanicals coalesce in this fine mist. Certified organic, keep this refreshing spritz in the car, on your desk, or on a nightstand – you can even spray it on yourself, too.
Photo: Courtesy of HAY
Medium Tin Container by HAY \ $22
Who doesn’t love a good check pattern and a clever storage tin? With the HAY Tin Container, at any size, the bold lines and rounded edges of the tin retain a strong, graphic sensibility while also remaining chic and understated. HAY continues to keep things cohesive: a relatively reserved color palette receives a pop of accent color in the logo, keeping things interesting.
Photo: Courtesy of MUJI
Rechargeable Fan by MUJI \ $19.90
For the person in your life who runs hot (you know the one), this slim MUJI Rechargeable Fan is portable and quite small. A frequent pain point for these mini fans is the sound, and thankfully, MUJI has thought of that too – quiet, powerful, and at a great price point, they continue to deliver on the type of thoughtful, elegant design we’ve come to expect from the brand.
Photo: Courtesy of Iris Hantverk
Soap on a Rope by Lovisa Wattman for Iris Hantverk \ $14
The concept of soap on a rope is quite simple. The execution – quite detail oriented, actually. Iris Hantverk offers a way to get yourself clean, and keep your soap dry in the process. No more puddles of soapy goo clouding up your sink – with almond oil and wheat bran, this bar is not only functional but hydrating, keeping skin moisturized and supple even during harsh winter months.
Photo: Courtesy of Dusen Dusen
Dusen Dusen x Hanna Andersson Socks \ $20
Step out in style (or outfit the crew) this winter with the Dusen Dusen x Hanna Andersson socks. They come in five happy colorways, and with options for packs of two and packs of three, it’s easy to knock out multiple gifts at once. Decorated with their iconic Everybody Sun motif on both sides, these stripy socks are good for everyone in the family – did we mention they come in kids sizes, too?
Photo: Courtesy of Ruff House Print Shop
Strawberry Print Journal by Ruff House Print Shop \ $20
Strawberries are sweet, and so is this little notebook from Ruff House. With bronze spiral binding and thick, lined 70lb interior pages, this notebook in Sunset Pink (also available in a French Vanilla colorway for those who don’t love pink) will lay completely flat, great for taking notes, journaling, doodling, and more. Founded by Jill Shephard, Ruff House Print Shop is a great small business to support this holiday season, offering cards, journals, and pen sets as well.
Photo: Courtesy of Compartes
5-Piece Small Box of Chocolate Truffles by Compartes \ $18
An expert balancing of flavor and color are what link food and art, a symbiosis of presentation and taste. Compartes asks, what would it look like to savor beauty and essence at once? This sweet little box of delectable chocolates features distinctive designs in five chic colors, featuring signature patterns with their silky chocolate ganache inside.
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