Something Small

Photo from Target

A collection of gifts under $50.00 - for stuffing stockings, office gifts, or combining to make something much grander. These small things are always my favorite to give and receive.

For prompting dinner time conversation or personal reflection - a perennial gift guide favorite source (see the conversation menus) a deck of words that defy translation in the way their native language communicates emotion. Untranslatable Words from The School of Life.

For the perfect transition to after dinner drinks - a trivia game filled with facts you may prefer to not know. Truly Terrifying Trivia from Brass Monkey.

For a new model of an essential tool - a flat-folding juicer that makes margarita missions even more suitcase friendly. Fluicer from Dreamfarm or on Amazon.

For fighting the chill - a multifunction gaiter that can be tucked under coat collars or pulled over ears made out of a high tech heat containing fabric. HeatTech Neck Gaiter from Uniqlo.

For a fun colorful riff on keeping track of their paperbacks - Bookplates from Ban.Dō.

For their furry friends - funny gourmet-themed squeaky plushes. Shrimp Toy from Howlpot.

For creating roads wherever they go - Road Tape for Toy Cars available on Amazon.

For ambience - a travel-themed box set of colored tapers. Traveller’s Collection from Candle Flair. I also love their extra-tall 18” sets and this more sculptural Japanese version from Jinen, for something much more extravagant this site boasts several options.

For ambience & tinned fish lovers - Tin of Sardines Candle from Leif.

For true tinned fish lovers- an entertaining essential - Conservas dish by Jose Gourmet from Big Night. Pair with something delicious from Fishwife or one of the many purveyors on Caputos.

For a fish of a different sort - an itty bitty (truly tiny at 1.25” when folded) pen knife. Folding Fish Knife Keychain from Earthen.

For an incredible movie night treat - Black Truffle Popcorn by Regalis available on Amazon.

For afternoon rainbows - small window clings that deliver big magic. Cloud Suncatcher Stickers from Studio Kiero on Etsy.

For little teeth & learning to eat - Silicon Teethy Spoon Set from Design Kids Life.

For those that need a more scientific spoon - a measuring spoon that adjusts volume with a slide of your finger, saving both drawer space and time washing up. Adjustable Measuring Spoon by Joseph Joseph, also available on Amazon.

For favorite foods at any age - Sticker Sheet from Inciardi Prints.

For smelly spaces - an air freshener with a sense of humor; a combination of three different porous materials perfect for tucking in closets, shoes and other stinky corners. Each one has a different face. Freshen by Soil on Jinen.

For budding architects of all ages - a folding paper city scene. Travel the world through architecture with paper toys from Cinqpoints available on Houses and Parties, with many more on their Euro site.

For daily wear - my absolute favorite huggie earrings that look way higher-end than they are. 14k Gold Plated Small Hoops from Pavoi on Amazon.

For showing off - and because the guide always has socks. Sheer Floral Snakes, Dégradé Soft Wool, Alaskan Salmon (and other fun foods), or my current favorite lettuce-edged white ankle socks (not pictured).

For cats or obsessive campers - a miniature model akin to those on the shelves at REI from Tiny Tents.

For getting a jump start on their New Year’s Resolutions - tearable daily prompt ‘tickets’ for a number of personal improvements including better sleep, less screen time, and more creativity. 30 Day Challenges from Another Me.

For packing their pantry, and because I can never resist a new ingredient gift - Smoked Chili Flakes from Daphnis and Chloe (have and love), Lambrusco Infused Vinegar from Vivō, a hot fudge with a cult following (and a holiday twist) from Coop’s, Liquid Kimchi from Acid League (love everything they make),

For overnight treatments and keeping moisture where it matters the most without making their feet too toasty to sleep. Moisturizing Spa Heel Socks from Kitsch.

For taming wild tresses a hair clip for whatever suits their fancy; animal, vegetable, or mineral - I love this antipasto stack.

For page-turners they can’t put down - an ergonomic add on that slips on their Kindle and makes holding it much more natural than a strap or a pop socket. Gripy by Achievers.

For attaching the minifigure of their choice, or keeping empty as a more subtle nod. Lego Gel Pen available on Amazon.

For leaving the bulky case that doesn’t fit anywhere at home, but still keeping those fancy glasses scuff-free - sleek and simple protection from Lensrappa.

For long hours playing Oh Hell, Setback or Rummy over drinks - a fresh deck. I love this Nasa option, but Art of Play isn’t short on options.

For streamlining their work bag and never being caught with the wrong cable again - the ‘swiss army knife of cables’ available in a variety of lenghts, InCharge from Rolling Square.

For a topper that’s fun and functional - leakproof glass inspired by hardware knobs from Area Ware. I also love this brass variation from Food52 - spread the set amongst your friends, or pair either with a favorite bottle for a bigger gift.

For little makers - a personalized bracelet kit in an array of colors and themes. Personalized Mini Beast Kit from Cotton Twist.

Finally, for favorite faces and moments spent together, and because it really isn’t that hard to pull together a dozen great pictures to bring joy to their desk or nightstand all year- Custom Photo Calendar from Artifact Uprising.