Good design doesn’t have to break the bank – and this holiday season, we’ve rounded up 10 modern finds, all under $50, that prove it. From sculptural home accessories to clever everyday upgrades, these gifts are perfect for design lovers, stylish friends, and anyone who appreciates a little form and function under the tree.
Photo: Emma Fishman
Abaco Bottle Opener by Areaware \ $35
Part sculpture, part bar tool, this colorful totemic design by Joe Doucet for Areaware is proof that everyday objects can be art. It’s sleek, satisfying to hold, and opens bottles like a champ. Available in three colorways, the abacus-inspired opener will always be at home on your kitchen counter or bar – ready whenever it’s time to crack open a bottle. A minimalist gift that pops in more ways than one.
Photo: Courtesy of Stendig
Stendig V Calendar \ $43
A Design Milk classic for a reason. The iconic Stendig Calendar – now in its smaller V format – brings bold, modernist typography to your wall and instant organization to your life. It’s functional, timeless, and the kind of gift that says “I have great taste” without actually having to say it.
Photo: Nolan Calisch
Infused Slide Tin Salt Gift Set by Jacobsen Salt Co. \ $38
For the foodie who likes to top their latest dish with a little something extra. This set from Jacobsen Salt Co. features infused salts in cute little tins – perfect for leveling up weeknight dinners or fancy brunches. The set includes Pure Flake Sea Salt, Infused Black Garlic Salt, Infused Rosemary Salt, Infused Black Pepper Salt, Infused Lemon Zest Salt, and Infused Habanero Salt. It’s the ultimate small-but-thoughtful gift that tastes as good as it looks.
Photo: Courtesy of Rosendahl Design Group
Holmegaard x Mikkeller Pint Beer Glass (Set of 2) \ $40
For the friend who takes craft beer very seriously (and still wants to look good doing it). This Holmegaard x Mikkeller pint glass set turns every pour into an elevated occasion. Designed with the perfect curve for aroma and fizz, it’s a bar-worthy upgrade for home happy hours – so they can always cheers to good taste.
Photo: Courtesy of Heller
Swell Mini by Heller \ $30
Small but mighty, the Swell Mini is a sculptural statement piece, by Anna Dawson for Heller, that doubles as a design collectible. The Mini is a scaled down version of the larger original Swell, with just enough space to hang a bag, dog leash, headphones, keys, or any other small object you want to have a arm’s reach when you’re heading out the door. Wherever it’s used, it brings instant joy to any space. Available in four colors (Red Orange, Blue, Yellow, and Cream), it’s proof that good things really do come in small packages.
Photo: Courtesy of Fredericks and Mae
Twisted Glass Straws (Set of 4) by Fredericks and Mae \ $45
Sustainable sipping, but make it chic. These colorful, twisted glass straws from Fredericks and Mae turn any drink – from iced coffee to cocktails – into a design moment that doesn’t leave little bits of paper in your mouth like eco-friendly paper straws do. The set includes red, blue, yellow, and black glass straws, along with a straw cleaning brush and a muslin carrying bag. They’re reusable, giftable, and just the right amount of fancy for under fifty bucks.
Photo: Courtesy of Dorothy
Movie Director Solar System Print by Dorothy \ $47
For the film buff who can quote Tarantino and Kubrick in the same breath. This clever four-color litho print reimagines the solar system with iconic movie directors orbiting in cinematic harmony. The legendary Alfred Hitchcock, whose work began about 100 years ago, lives in the center of the solar system with additional directors, like Orson Welles, Billy Wilder, and Vincente Minnelli, closely orbiting out from there and continuing to more contemporary masters, like Sophia Coppola, Greta Gerwig, and David Lynch. It’s a conversation starter, wall upgrade, and nod to pop culture all in one. Bonus: They ship to over 200 countries!
Photo: Courtesy of Studio Proba
Field Study Umbrella by Studio Proba for ShedRain \ $50
Rainy days just got a modern makeover. Studio Proba’s signature playful patterns meet ShedRain’s smart engineering in this stylish umbrella. It’s bright, bold, and guaranteed to make dreary commutes a little sunnier – even when the forecast doesn’t cooperate.
Photo: Courtesy of Boy Smells
Lavendare Candle by Boy Smells \ $30
Calming lavender meets fresh lemon and earthy vetiver in this dreamy candle from Boy Smells. It’s like self-care in wax form – ideal for setting the mood, soothing the mind, or just making your space smell like a fancy spa. Plus, once the candle is done, the lavender glass vessel can be reused as a vase or pen holder, making this a gift that keeps on giving. Light it up and exhale.
Photo: Courtesy of Bink
Day Bottle 21oz by Bink \ $34
Hydration, but make it design-forward. The Bink Day Bottle tracks your water intake with subtle time markers, wrapped in soft matte silicone that feels as good as it looks. It comes in eight fun colors that are bound to suit everyone on your list. Perfect for anyone who loves their wellness routine with a side of good design.
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