Probably This Picks Holiday Gifting Guide 2023: $100 and Under

In our stocking stuffer gift guide, I talked a bit about the pressure of gifting. Close friends, the ones who held you while you cried over some traumatic life event but who have grown to have different expectations around gifting from your own, the hardest to shop for.

We’re so close, and I want to get them something so meaningful, but it would be weird if I got them anything too nice. Sometimes those of us who enjoy showing our love through gifts can quickly overdo it, which isn’t all that generous to the gift recipient.

Instead of guessing, I recommend communicating directly if you are unsure of where you stand with someone on gifting. I find simply stating whether or not I’m doing gifts that year (and if yes, setting parameters for the cost of the gift) to be the most effective way to do this. I promise you if you say you aren’t doing gifts this year, most people will be relieved, though if someone wants to do a gift exchange, or already got you a gift, they’ll have the opportunity to tell you.

The same goes for cost. Offer what you’re comfortable with, and if it doesn’t work for someone, hopefully they’ll tell you. All you’ve got to do is let them know you’d be happy to shift and be open to that feedback. Do not take it personally. Everyone’s budget is different! For the closest people in my life, I typically keep things under $100.

The rest is up to you, make it as thoughtful or thoughtless as you see fit. That’s not my business!

Below we’ve got a list of solid gifts for this year all coming in at under $100, with the most affordable at $17. They’re all quality items you and your friends will love, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Where Should We Begin, a card game by therapist Esther Perel. The game is designed to help lovers, friends and acquaintances get to know one another through sharing stories of themselves and their lives, and I can’t imagine a more meaningful way to spend time with someone you value this holiday season.

Crate and Barrel Tea Kettle | $85
For the pourover snobs. We get it, you can taste a difference!
Target Fair Isle Beanie | $17
Stay warm and festive in this classic style.
Uncommon Goods Wooden Amplifying Phone Speaker | $60
A low tech, big payoff gift in a tiny package. No plugs, no power source!
Food 52 Enamel Soup Mug | $20
For the soup friend. We all have one.
Where Should We Begin Game | $32
Get to know your loved ones and friends with this intimacy-building game from couples’ therapist extraordinaire Esther Perel.
Etsy Nightstand Book Holder | $30
A must for every bookworm.
Uncommon Goods Amber Cat Stacking Glass Set | $60
For the cat person with style.
Williams Sonoma Tartan Salt and Pepper Mills | $99
A family heirloom your future grandchildren will fight over.
BYREDO Bibliotheque Candle | $94
Have their whole house smelling like an old library, if they’re into that sort of thing.
Anthropologie Twelve Days of Christmas Napkins | $78
Imagine having these out on your Christmas tablescape!!!
Bonus: Crate and Barrel Wine Aerator | $99
Bring out the best in every bottle.