Well, I asked my boyfriend to buy me this house. He cruelly said no.
He then said something about “tracking prices” and “Q2 2023,” which I thought was very that was hot and masculine until he went on to explain to me that “that means the second quarter of 2023.”
So then I was like, “you don't get to condescend me if you’re not going to buy me the townhouse.” Like???
Anyway, in case your boyfriend is also a BROKE LOSER who refuses to buy you the townhouse you deserve, here’s a gift guide that includes some “more affordable” gift ideas that you can forward to him.
Or, maybe you’re just looking for some ideas of things to buy a friend, who deserves presents, because if you sent your friend a $4 million townhouse and said, “I want this,” they’d know to respond with an even more expensive property and a “I like this one better,” and would then spend the next hour sending houses neither of you will ever be able to afford back and forth while saying snobby things about why you wouldn’t want to live in them anyway.
Regardless, gift ideas below.
$30 or less - so for your sister or a friend (not for your girlfriend, cheapo)
I think that the key to making an inexpensive gift have impact is to wrap it cutely and give it along with a handmade card.
I like to wrap presents by tying them up in paisley handkerchiefs because it looks adorable, is environmentally friendly, and the handkerchief becomes a sort of bonus presie. Then I make a card by drawing something on 5x7 watercolor paper and writing a lil note on the back (again, the card becomes an additional gift/art piece…we love!).
Now, for the actual gifts:
For your friend who's into manifestation and self-betterment: the Five Minute Journal ($29) or this etherial tarot deck ($20) that any fairy core girlie would drool over.
For your friend who’s hot but kind of a mess: I buy multiple of these $13 hoops every few months because I can never keep track of my earrings, and they’re the perfect every day hoop. Make sure to get the 50mm size (and get silver…cheap gold looks cheap).
For your artsy friend who loves a mood board and is/was possibly obsessed with Cole Mohr: this Russian Prison Tattoos book ($29) that’s niche enough that they won’t already have it.
For your friend who has a hilariously tragic dating life: But Like Maybe Don’t ($11) is a laugh out loud worthy illustrated guide to what NOT to do when dating, and it’s a cute book to have on a bookshelf.
For your friend that’s always on vacation somehow (??): this bikini ($20) is my favorite of all bikinis. I have it in multiple colors and I never end up wearing any of my other (more expensive) suits because this one is just so sexy but also weirdly practical (meaning you can actually swim in it).
I once drunkenly ordered myself and 5 (mostly guy) friends this kimono ($10-12) in all different colors, and I stand by that purchase. Everyone needs a cheap “silk” kimono!! And it’s a bonus if you and all your friends have matching ones.
$30 - $50
For the fashion girlies/fans of Julia Fox: anything from OGBFF is going to be the best present ever. I like the baby tees. The Tits for Brains ($45) and Cancelled Adjacent ($50) tees are my favorites.
For your cozy bestie who loves to curl up with a hot mug of coffee/tea: these handmade mugs by Eve Christa ($45) are gorgeous.
I LOVE anything that’s handmade/limited, especially for gifts because you know they won’t already have it and it feels extra special to receive something that’s really an art piece. Plus, we love supporting small designers/artists.
For the main character: these earrings by Laser Kitten ($38) are so fun and adorable. It’s nice to give a statement piece as a gift sometimes, and these hit the mark while also being super affordable.
A gift for/from me: please consider subscribing/upgrading to a paid subscription or gifting a subscription to my Substack to someone with impeccable taste that will surely love my content. You get access to all content, including the chat, and my eternal gratitude! Here’s a special discount ($45) on the annual subscription (this is the “from me” part hehe).
You can also subscribe for free (or do a free trial), which I also be very happy about <3.
$50 - $100
I receive more compliments on my nameplate necklace (which says Slayer, my dog’s name) than on anything else I own. You can get one just like it from The M Jewelers for ~$90 (it says $185, but they always have huge discounts…right now, it’s 55% off for Black Friday with code BF55).
You can go the traditional route and customize it with their name, but I think it’s even cuter if you do their dog’s name or some cheeky word that means something to you both or perhaps your nickname for them (like, if you call them KitKat…how cute?).
Everyone loves cashmere (unless they’re vegan…not vegan friendly), and this cashmere crewneck by Naadam is the perfect closet staple sweater. It’s soft and cozy and chic.
One of my favorite shirts that I own is my hand-painted shirt by Femlord (pictured above). Mine was a one off piece, which she has more of on her website, but she also has a bunch of designs available, and I especially love this I Love NY shirt ($65, see below). They’re each made per order and are customizable, also. <333
For anyone that’s into art/culture/nightlife/iconic NYC history: this coffee table book about Studio 54 ($55) is delicious.
over $100 (your girlfriend will be very happy)
I want nothing more than to walk around feeling like I’m wrapped in a duvet, which is what I imagine it feels like wearing these big pants by Lola Divavi ($215). They’re sick.
Now, if you’re shopping for a girlfriend…lingerie, duh!
Lingerie is the best gift to get your partner because it’s a sexy little gift you both get to enjoy, that will be enjoyed time and time again. It can be tricky to buy when bra sizing isn’t standardized, but ask for her bra size (or sneakily check her bras) and get a gift receipt. Alternatively, you can bring her to the store and shop together.
I love this red set and this one by Fleur du Mal (links are for the bras only—garter and panties sold separately), though basically anything by them is gonna be gorg. Also check out Simone Perele and Aubade. If you’re in NYC and wanna go the “shop together” route, Sugar Cookies Lingerie is the best boutique lingerie shop. The owner is so helpful and she stocks the most divine pieces.
If you’re looking for a purse to gift, this gun metal Lilith purse by MANC ($425) is INCREDIBLE, will be wearable for years, and won’t break the bank (as far as purses go).
They have a bunch of amazing colors—I also love the Lilith in blue croc and the Maya in green.
Now, my boyfriend also shot down this $1 million canary diamond engagement ring…but in case you’re in the market, check this rock out!
And finally, nothing says “I love you/Merry Christmas” quite like a plane ticket to somewhere tropical. Maybe a ski trip. Just saying.
Please let me know in the comments if you got any of these (and what your favorite gift you’ve ever gotten is)!
xoxo