With restrictions being brought back amid the rise of another variant, we are left to reimagine the interiors of our homes. We're optimizing our living room for productivity and wellness, as our apartments have turned into our offices, gyms, and retreats. It's no surprise that many of us are taking on house decor or constructions projects, embracing the hygge lifestyle, and transforming our bedrooms into a cozy haven.
The gift of a home essential, whether it be a bold art print or a decorative vase for the living room, will resonate now more than ever. While decor items typically command a high price, I've found 50 gifts under $50 to show that decorating your loved ones' places doesn't have to break the bank.
These Music Playing Cards ($10) are a must have, how cool do they look? The illustrations of some of the best musical talents make them particularly special.
This Harlem Candle Co. Langston Luxury Room Spray ($30) will infuse any room with a lively scent of worn leather, aromatic tobacco, vanilla, and a sweet amber incense. It will smell lovely.
Know anyone who just moved into a new place? Get them the New Home Candle ($34) to burn alongside the new memories they will be making.
This Dried Floral Bouquet ($14 each) will brighten up anyone's day. It's made with soft, textured dried and preserved blooms that will match their cold-weather mood.
This stylish Rove Collection Reed Diffuser ($38-$40) will make their home smell amazing, and infuse their space with zen vibes.
If they're interested in any particular social cause, they'll find plenty of inspiration in Books with Style Activist Portraits of Courage ($35). They can learn from legendary activists who've made history, and it's a book they'll turn to over and over again.
This Jungalow: Decorate Wild - by Justina Blakeney (Hardcover) ($20) is filled with clever tips and inspiration images, so they'll never run out of ideas for decorating their space. Display it on their coffee table.
These cute little Live Assorted Succulents ($49) come fully soil-rooted, ready to be transplanted into a cute ceramic pot. They love the sun and can thrive both indoors and outdoors.
Nothing makes a home cozier than a few plants. Treat them to this The Sill Snake Plant Laurentii ($35).
The editors of New York magazine put together this incredible book, and it's one I'd gift to anyone who loves New York as much as I do. The Encyclopedia of New York ($25) is a collection of fun facts, unexpected origin stories, hidden histories, and useful guides about the city.
If they're into art, they'll love this Taschen Basic Art Series: Bauhaus ($16) book. It celebrates the Bauhaus movement, and will inspire anyone to express their creativity. Plus, it'll look great in their space.
The top stories from the popular blog and Instagram account have been compiled in this heartwarming Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton ($15) book. It's a failsafe gift that will move anyone who's lucky to receive it.
This Modern Weave Storage Bin ($45 - $90) will give them a place to store all their magazines or work essentials. They're very stylish to display in any room.
If they're drawn to bold art prints, get the Emma Make Studio Ethiopian African Hills Abstract Artwork ($10). It features a vibrant abstracted Ethiopian mountain that'll be sure to make them feel transported.
This HoMedics TotalClean Personal UV Air Sanitizer ($30, originally $50) may be small, but it will deliver. It can capture and remove up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses, creating cleaner and fresher air she can enjoy. It's great for the living room, the bathroom, the bedroom, or the closet.
This modern Threshold Round Wooden Bowl ($35) can be used in so many ways, whether they use it to display fruits, store their keys, or maybe even serve food (hey, it happens).
They'll get some much needed R&R with the Bambüsi Expandable Bamboo Spa Bathtub Caddy ($33, originally $37). They can sit back, watch a movie, and sip on their favorite vino.
This Turmeric Botanical Bar ($16) will deeply cleanse and nourish the skin, and it's scented with an essential oil blend of bergamot, geranium, and ginger. It's also fortified with turmeric and rose clay, so what's not to love about it?
These Cocktail Inspired Soaps ($16 for two) are a step above the rest. We guarantee they've never had anything like this before.
This H&M Stoneware Vase($18) looks a lot more expensive than it is, thanks to its glossy surface and stunning construction. They can use it to display flowers, pour water, or as a sculpture.
This Adele Record ($40) is for the friend who always their Adele playlist on repeat. It makes a cool and trendy gift that will hit the right note among music fans.
Featuring some of history's most empowering women, this Nevertheless She Persisted Puzzle ($18) makes a very special gift. The illustrations are of 24 notable historical figures — all women.
We love the quirkiness of this Sculptural Pumpkin Mug ($13), which mimics the shape of a harvest pumpkin. Their morning coffee routine will get a stylish upgrade!
This VAHDAM Assorted Tea Gift Set ($25) is authentically made and infused with delicious ingredients. Give the gift of wellness with this pretty package of consciously made teas.
This easy-to-use Bodum Chambord French Press ($37-$50) will make their favorite cup of coffee every morning, and start their day off on a strong note.
Nothing makes a sweeter gift than a fresh batch of handmade Worthy Earl Grey Lavender Peach Jam ($7). It honestly doesn't get any more thoughtful.
Perfect for water or beer, these Jumbo Ripple Glasses ($30 each) will add some texture and personality to their kitchen shelves. While they're sold individually, we'll be buying the whole set!
This Stainless Steel Flatware ($12 each) is so pretty to look at, they'll use it for special occasions only. The set is an investment they'll cherish for years.
If breakfast is the most important meal for them, get them the Dash Mini Waffle Maker ($10, originally $13). They can make yummy waffles in just 10 minutes, and it's easy to clean with a nonstick surface. They can make more than just waffles, including hash browns, brownies, and more!
This Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit ($42), which includes flavors from all four corners of the world, will take them on an international culinary tour.
This Brightland Awake Olive Oil ($37) is easily my favorite oil oil. Its herbal fragrances adds special flavor to any dish, making it a delicious pantry addition. It's so good, I even reviewed it.
Make their kitchenware extra special with these handmade Ecocon Linen Linen Napkins ($12 and up). The neutral palette will ensure they blend with everything.
If they can't go without their iced coffee, rain or shine, they need the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker With Reusable Tumbler and Coffee Filter ($25, originally $35). It brews a perfectly chilled cup in less than four minutes. They just need to add water and their favorite coffee grounds to the machine, fill the tumbler with ice, and brew. Finish off with milks, sweeteners, and syrups.
Raise a toast with them after you gift this Schott Zwiesel Classico Red Wine Decanter ($40). It's designed to be clear, strong and durable.
This Pierre Thiam Cookbook ($35) makes an excellent gift for adventurous cooks. Since buying it after watching Anthony Bourdain's episode in Senegal, my husband and I have adopted a few recipes into our repertoire, and they have easily become our favorites.
The New World Sourdough by Bryan Ford ($28) is a tasty addition to anyone's bookshelf. The cookbook is here to simplify the process of baking your own sourdough. With practical tips and techniques, readers will feel empowered and excited to dive into the wide variety of baked goods, from warm pita to sweet brioche.
This Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit ($40) makes a really enjoyable gift for the foodies who like to spice up their palate. It includes all the instructions to make incredible small-batch chili sauces.
There's a reason The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty ($17) won the 2018 James Beard Foundation's book of the year award. Twitty, a culinary historian, takes the reader through an eye-opening memoir of Southern cuisine and food culture, paying homage to his unique heritage.
These Stacked Bone Napkin Rings ($30 for four) are so cute and practical, perfect for the friend who loves to host and get fancy with their accessories.
Make these PG Moscow Mule Mugs ($30, for four) part of the next happy hour they host at home. They look super polished, so you know they'll want to leave them on display.
These delicious-looking Wine-Infused Dessert Sauces ($17) are made of spices, whole fruits, and Zinfandel or Merlot. They can have them as drinks or desserts — their choice.
I bet they'll love this Beer-Infused BBQ Sauce ($35), which will give their meat a hoppy punch. It's infused with craft beer, so we're really curious about the taste.
These West Elm Marble & Brass Dip Bowls ($20-$80) make the perfect gift for the person who's always hosting. They're something super useful that they might not buy for themselves.
This NYC Urban Map Glass ($18), which is etched with the city's grid, is a toast to the hidden gems and great memories associated with possibly the most iconic city in the world (I may be biased, though).
This Swimming In Rectangles Candle ($38) is inspired by artist's Matt Schwartz's "She Hit Pause", and it has an iridescent appearance that makes it cool to display. It burns notes of pure ocean cedar, complimented by citrus, geranium, and musk.
This aromatic McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic 2018 Califonia Zinfandel ($25) packs a bold flavor made of fresh plum, cherry and delicate crush black pepper followed by soft oak notes and a hint of spicy vanilla. It's fruit-forward and delicious.
This Cheese Board and Knife Set ($60, originally $80) calls for happy hour at home, so get it for the friend who loves to indulge after work or the couple that loves to entertain. They'll get a lot of use out of it.
They have enough in this Popcorn Kernels and Popcorn Seasoning Variety Pack (Set of 8) ($22) to get through an entire night of movies. You've just made their Friday routine a lot more fun!
This Williams Sonoma Autumn Stripe Apron ($25) looks so professional with its classic stripe and silhouette. Whether they're a self-proclaimed home chef or aspiring cook, it will make a stylish addition in anyone's kitchen.
Whether they're planning a party or wondering what to bring to one, this Williams Sonoma Organic Cocktail Mixer Caddy ($40) makes for effortless entertaining. Go ahead and stock their bar with these mixers, which are prepared in small batches and made from tart and tangy organic fruit juice balanced with organic caned sugar.