Top Gifts for Under $20
Take 30 minutes and get through all the hard-to-shop-for people on your list. How does it feel to be DONE?
By Liz Gumbinner
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Courtesy of Theme Fragrance
Scent-sational
Some people in your life are pretty easy to choose gifts for -- your kids (constant reminders make it easy), husband, siblings and parents. But it does take a village to keep your busy mommy life running smoothly, so you can't forget your superstar babysitter, your understanding boss, or your mommy BFF who helps you realize that the time Junior got gum stuck in his hair was actually kind of hilarious. We've got picks that will please them all without breaking the bank (they're $20 or less). Browse through, click to shop, and you'll have your whole list crossed off in 30 minutes flat.
Good for: Your Playgroup Best Friend -- she'll love a gift that reminds her she's not just a mom, she's a hottie.
Theme Fragrances are easy to apply (no spills with this roll-on) and small enough to pop in the diaper bag -- and they smell heavenly.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Plastica
What a Mug
Good for: Your Cool Boss
It can be tough to find the big cheese a gift that strikes that perfect balance between genuinely thoughtful and sucking up. These picks strike just the right tone -- now can I have that promotion?
Marimekko makes gorgeous porcelain mugs that add a dash of bold to a boring office.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Knock Knock
Out of the Box
Good for: Your Cool Boss
If you've got a boss with a sense of humor, hook him or her up with a deck of corporate jargon flash cards that succinctly define all that office-speak.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of The Silly Wagon
Pushing Tin
Good for: The Neighborhood Teen Who Lets You Have Date Night
A little thoughtfulness goes a long way, especially if you want to call on your sitter again next year.
CandyArt's tin box is a kitschy-cute way to store hair bands, post cards, or notes from secret admirers. Fill it with her favorite candy or with cookies the kids helped you make.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Shana Logic
In the Pink
Good for: The Neighborhood Teen Who Lets You Have Date Night
This cozy sweet-meets-punk scarf tells her you think she's cool. Even better: She'll think you're cool too.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of the Spoon Sisters
BYO Straw
Good for: Your Kid's BFF
Your kiddo's best buddy is at your house so often, you're kind of his honorary mom. Get him something that you and your kid can wrap up together.
Kids know that drinks just taste better when sipped through a crazy straw. Strawz lets them concoct their own -- the wackier, the better.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Henry Road
I Feel Pretty
Good for: Your Super Nanny or Invaluable Regular Sitter
Regular caregivers deserve a big fat check for the holidays above all, but it's nice to accompany it with a little something personal too.
We love this mod coated cotton cosmetics bag in goes-with-everything black and white. Perhaps with a gift certificate to Sephora inside?What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Herb + Ginger
Tea for One
Good for: Your Super Nanny or Invaluable Regular Sitter
After a long day with your kids, a calming cup of tea is in order. Rooibos has all the antioxidants of green tea, but none of the caffeine -- and the flavor combos are amazing.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Vinylux.com
Putting Spin on It
Good for: Your Kid's Music Teacher or Ballet Instructor
Surely there's something more original than piano-key note cards or toe-shoe figurines for your kid's favorite instructors. Here's what we found.
This set of six coasters made from recycled 45s not only will keep drinks off the piano, they're fantastic conversation pieces all on their own.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Branch
iCool
Good for: Your Kid's Music Teacher or Ballet Instructor
The handmade, durable wool felt Mediapocket totes an iPod (or cell phone) in sustainable style, whether it's holding 20MB of Black Sabbath or Brahms.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Das Foods
Love at First Bite
Good for: The Neighbor Who Watches Your Kid in a Pinch
Random acts of kindness deserve one in return. Be a good neighbor by gifting yours with one of these finds.
Scrumptious Fleur de Sel caramels in flavors like chocolate walnut with a pinch of ancho chili are made with all-natural ingredients sourced locally in the US, and 10 percent of profits go to charities. Plus they taste divine (give them away fast).What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of McBride Beauty
So Fresh and So Clean
Good for: The Neighbor Who Watches Your Kid in a Pinch
Yummy-smelling artisanal soaps seem too decadent to buy for yourself (you can get 10 bars for that price at Costco!) but you lust after them anyway. Hook a neighbor up with one of these gorgeously packaged all-natural bars from McBride Beauty, whose products are inspired by the natural home remedies of the owner's Irish mother.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Fortunuts
So Fortunate
Good for: The Ped Who Doesn't Balk at Your 2 A.M. Calls
If your doc goes above and beyond, a little extra gift besides the standard kids' photo card for the wall is called for.
Fortunuts makes delicious gourmet nuts packaged in fun Chinese-inspired containers with a fortune inside.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Etsy.com
Bowled Over
Good for: The Holiday Party Hostess
Let other guests bring the wine and flowers -- bring her something inspired that will guarantee your place on the guest list for years to come.
Present one of ceramicist Shoshona Snow's modern, hand-fired dishes filled with holiday chocolates, cashews, or a small tea light.What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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Courtesy of Hable Construction
For the Holiday Party Hostess: Totally Snowed
Good for: The Holiday Party Hostess
We love the new handmade felt "Snowman" ornament from Hable Construction. Let it snow...indoors at least.
Copyright © 2009 Meredith Corporation.- Snowman Wool Felt Ornament, $17, available at HableConstruction.com
- Liz Gumbinner is co-founder and editor of www.coolmompicks.com, a blog about the latest products for moms and kids.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
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