Great Gifts for the Family

By Taryn Mohrman
Jeff Westbrook
Sure, finding toys for the kiddos is at top of your holiday to-do, but don't forget your sitter, carpool buddy, and of course, Granny. Check out our guide to the best presents for $50 or less.
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Green Gift: Patterned Plates

Jeff Westbrook

This set of dishwasher-safe bamboo dinner plates prove that eco-friendly can be colorful and cool. $39 for 4; vivaterra.com

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Green Gift: Upcycled Clutch

Jeff Westbrook

Reclaimed plastic ribbon from cassette tapes is what makes this cute clutch shine. $45; uncommongoods.com

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Green Gift: Stately Cutting Board

Jeff Westbrook

Aheirloom's 50 state-shaped cutting boards are made from 3/4-inch thick organic bamboo. $46; amazon.com

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Green Gift: T-Shirt Scarf

Jeff Westbrook

This supersoft scarf is crafted by women in Peru from recycled surplus jersey-cotton T-shirt material. $40; safefa.com

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Green Gift: Goblets & Glasses

Jeff Westbrook

These green tumblers and wine glasses are made from recycled glass bottles. $22.50 for 2 and $33 for 2; greenglass.com

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Green Gift: Fair Trade Bracelets

Jeff Westbrook

These tagua nut and wood bracelets aren't just stylish -- they're handcrafted by fair trade artisans. $22 and $30; propueblo.org

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Green Gift: Extra-Large Tote

Jeff Westbrook

Foodies can stock up at the farmer's market with the Global Girlfriend Striped Market Tote in hand. $38; worldofgood.com

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Green Gift: Natural USB

Jeff Westbrook

Send a student back to school with a 2G flash drive disguised as a tree branch. $26 each; fireworksgallery.net

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Green Gift: Cork Bowl

Jeff Westbrook

The machine washable Adjust-a-Bowl is made from antimicrobial, stain-resistant cork. $35; momastore.org

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Boho Gift: Rubber Rainboots

Jeff Westbrook

Keep a gal pal's feet dry with a pair of Puddles rubber rainboots in a shabby chic design. $50; nomadfootwear.com

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Boho Gift: Painted Thermos

Jeff Westbrook

A hand-painted enamel outside and stainless inside make this thermos fun and functional. $45; patinastores.com

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Boho Gift: Handy Wristlet

Jeff Westbrook

With tons of compartments and a zipper closure, this wristlet is the perfect pick for an on-the-go girl. $17; naturallife.com

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Boho Gift: Chic Earrings

Jeff Westbrook

Towne & Reese's Fisher earrings are a high fashion find at a fraction of the price. $25; shopqueenstreet.com

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Boho Gift: Patterned Towel & Oven Mitt

Jeff Westbrook

Domestic types will devour the decorative prints on this dishtowel and oven mitt. $24 and $18; funktionhome.com

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Boho Gift: Handmade Magnets

Jeff Westbrook

Fancify a loved one's fridge with a set of handcrafted ceramic magnets. $12.50 for 4; cynthiavardhan.etsy.com

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Boho Gift: Floral Trays

Jeff Westbrook

Give a fellow Mom-in-Chief a set of organizational trays she can put to work around the house. $22.50 for 2; madisonavegifts.com

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Boho Gift: Caramel Candies

Jeff Westbrook

A basket of Good Karmals will show your kid's teacher how sweet you all think she is. $45 for 30 pieces; goodkarmal.com

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Boho Gift: Oversized Candle

Jeff Westbrook

This oversized candle comes in a cool retro tin and contains 35 hours of fresh orange fragrance. $20; illumecandles.com

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Vintage Gift: Hanging Lanterns

Jeff Westbrook

Two's Company's Hobnail Lanterns house tiny tea light candles to create an ambient glow. $16 each; shoplittlemissmuffin.com

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Vintage Gift: Bar Set

Jeff Westbrook

The Woodsy Kitchen Bar Accessory set has everything aspiring mixologists need to shake up a party. $40; worldmarket.com

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Vintage Gift: Luxe Lotion

Jeff Westbrook

Bon Bon Shea Butter Rich Lotion is small enough for beauty queens to stash in their bags. $18 each; tokyo-milk.com

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Vintage Gift: Glass Rings

Jeff Westbrook

These unique vintage glass gems are set in adjustable filigree bezels. $41 each; grandmothersbuttons.com

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Vintage Gift: Sweets Stands

Jeff Westbrook

A set of scalloped cake stands will serve as inspiration for even the best baker. $14 and $23; countrycreationspa.com

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Vintage Gift: Specialty Syrup

Jeff Westbrook

Coffee lovers can add their favorite flavor to tons of foods with Java & Co's specialty syrup. $16; abesmarket.com

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Vintage Gift: Comfy Slippers

Jeff Westbrook

Grandpa will stay warm and cozy in fleece-lined moccasins with rubber soles. $40; ae.com

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Vintage Gift: Pretty Perfume

Jeff Westbrook

Japonesque Eau De Perfume has a subtle green tea aroma with hints of jasmine and rose. $34; royalapothic.com

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Vintage Gift: Clock Necklace

Jeff Westbrook

This fully functional 15-inch clock pendant is made from antique brass. $30; unique-vintage.com

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Vintage Gift: Saucer Hook

Jeff Westbrook

Add a little charm to a loved one's wall with a unique Vintage China Saucer Hook -- no two are alike! $30; cakevintage.com

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Modern Gift: Bird House

Jeff Westbrook

Feathered friends will surely flock to this uber cool Bird Caf? Feeder that doubles as outdoor decor. $25; umbra.com

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Modern Gift: Cool Canisters

Jeff Westbrook

This ceramic canister set will add a playful pop of pattern to a kitchen counter or home office. $43 for 3; modcloth.com

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Modern Gift: Lollipop Speaker

Jeff Westbrook

Surprise the sitter with a rechargeable MP3 speaker that's shaped like a lollipop. $20; mollaspace.com

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Modern Gift: Zigzag Necklace

Jeff Westbrook

This acrylic and sterling silver River Necklace is a fun addition to a friend's accessory collection. $30; brevitydesign.com

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Modern Gift: Unbreakable Vase

Jeff Westbrook

Bring the hostess a bunch of blooms in Menu's kid-friendly rubber vase. $30 and $40; speranzaonline.com

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Modern Gift: Silicone Pebbles

Jeff Westbrook

Techies can use the silicone Smart Pebbles as a laptop lifter, smart phone stand, and more. $16 for 2; amazon.com

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Modern Gift: Trendy Tools

Jeff Westbrook

DIY divas will adore a designer tool set, complete with tape measure, hammer, and 6-in-1 screwdriver. $25; lifeguardpress.com

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Modern Gift: Go-To Grinder

Jeff Westbrook

Spice up the holiday table with the battery-operated Bistro Turntable Salt and Pepper Grinder. $40; bodum.com

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Modern Gift: Eyeglass Case

Jeff Westbrook

Give Grandma a bright red eyeglass case and she'll never lose sight of her spectacles again. $15; containerstore.com

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Modern Gift: Water-Resistant Watch

Jeff Westbrook

Water-resistant and super durable, the O'Clock Wristwatch is ideal for athletes of all sizes. $36; dailygrommet.com

Originally published in the December 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

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