Saturday Styles: Stocking-ish Stuffers

Ten functional + fun gifts under $50

Hi there! Welcome to Saturday Styles, your weekly guide to practical, relevant, and sleek product recommendations. Here are my top picks this week based on what I’ve been loving for my clients, my closet, and everyday upgrades.

*Last week, I skipped this shopping newsletter because of the endless flood of promotional pushes and thought you might appreciate one less inundation during that pseudo-fire sale period. I hope you found some great deals on gifts and made intentional purchases for yourself if you partook. This week’s recs include ten fun “stocking stuffer” ideas, or rather, they’re (mostly) smaller giftable items for any holiday you celebrate this season—all under $50. Happy shopping!

COOL COOKING OIL

The bottle is chic as it is delicious. I am not an oil snob by any means, though as I write this, I’m beginning to question that….to that end, this stuff is liquid gold. I don’t cook with it; rather, I mix it into my salads and drizzle on post-roasted veggies. Great for the chef in your life or if you want to sub wine and bring a host gift to your next dinner party. Wonder Valley California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $34.

BUCKET OF SALT

Another idea for the culinary enthusiast… specifically your savory over sweet loved ones. My brother-in-law loves salt; like LOVES it. We got him this last year. I think we might need to restock him again. It’s a good thing salt doesn’t expire. Maldon is my preferred salt in the kitchen, and the flakes work well during cooking, mixing, post-cooking, or raw dish topical sprinkles. It’s kosher, too. Maldon Sea Salt Flakes, 3.1 lb, Bulk Tub, $24.78.

UPGRADED TRAVEL KIT

Call it a dopp kit or a toiletries bag; this unisex travel pouch fits the essentials. It includes two smaller mesh insert bags to keep your personal accouterments extra tidy. The neoprene is waterproof, ideal for where this bag lands upon arrival, and it’s vegan. I have two on my gift list in the tennis ball color above, so I can easily spot it in my luggage. It comes in more subtle tones like black, navy, grey, etc. Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Kit, Large $65 / now $48.75.

CHIC KEYRING

My car/house keys are currently held together with this keyring. It’s chic, minimalist, and ergonomically sound. A great gift idea for the “person who has everything.” Or if someone is getting a new car this season. Or, you are running out of ideas to put in stockings. It’s one of those items that seems useless until you realize how nice your keys look on it when you reach for them on the counter. In addition to the black, it comes in stainless steel and brass. Craighill Closed Helix Ring, $32.

ILLUMINATING HEADWEAR

Every year, I share this wireless LED beanie, and like clockwork, it’s the most popular recommendation. Just goes to show how much we appreciate practicality, even amidst beauty—it does actually look decent while wearing it. Whether you’re a winter runner (no, thanks), take the dogs on an early morning or evening walk, or just like a headlight while walking in the cold, this hat manages to get the job done daily during the cold winter season. Etsfmoa Unisex Beanie with Light, $14.99.

WINTER SKIN

As soon as the temperature drops below 40 degrees and the heat kicks on, I turn up my usage of this shower oil—it helps keep my skin hydrated. I got into it while at the Four Seasons a few years ago, and it brings such luxury into my shower at home. I’ll do a final lather for extra moisture. It doubles as a shaving oil, too. The fragrance is middle of the road strong for what it’s worth, but doesn’t linger. For the bath/spa lover in your life. L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil, $46.

GENTLE HAIR TIES

When not using a hair clip to be gentle on my hair, these are my go-to hair ties. The silk offers a softer touch on color-treated strands without tugging like the more traditional ties. My hairstylist has engrained in me that silk supersedes all when I need to tie my hair back. Slip Silk Skinnie Scrunchies 6-Pack, $35.98.

DESK DESIGNING

In addition to closet requests, I receive a lot of inquiries about office enhancements. Style does transcend arenas, after all. At the end of last year I made a few investments to update my office setting, which included this leather mouse pad (I monogrammed it). It comes in five chic colors. Order by December 9 with personalization to receive by Christmas (according to their site). Leatherology Modern Mouse Pad, $35 + $15 for personalization.

BEDTIME ILLUMINATION

An attachable book light that’s actually good. Clip it on top; the light has two fulcrum points for angle adjustment. I use this when I’m not done reading and don’t want to disturb. Or when I’m hoping to snooze with my book in my hands—quickly switch it off and doze without interruption. The LED reading light comes with three different light modes with five dimmable stages. Glocusent USB Rechargeable Book Light, $12.34.

BLOSSOM IN BRICKS

Added this bloom to my office this past year, and it’s still alive ;) Okay, not a good joke. But this orchid LEGO set is charming, long-lasting, and fun to construct. If I could choose a second career in life, it would be a LEGO designer. I digress. This is a great gift for all ages. Who doesn’t like to be creative and complete a project that looks as pretty as this? LEGO Icons Orchid Artificial Plant, $39.99.

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Stay stylish, and catch you next Saturday!

x Laura