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Christmas

Gift Guide #1: My Favorite Strangely Affordable (Or Very Worth It) Home Items That Can Make A Big Statement – All Hand Picked By ME

Welcome to my 2024 home gift guide – where I did things very differently this year. After years of combing websites to find the good stuff and then making graphics to show you, I decided to treat myself to days and days of IRL shopping at my favorite retailers (small business and makers gift guide is still in the works, FYI) and collected a ton of really good stuff – ranging from $3 to $200 (most under $100). At first, it was going to be just really affordable cool stuff that looked expensive but I decided to include 3-4 splurgier items – but honestly, most of it is actually so affordable. And as you can see there is certainly a color palette that I’m into 🙂 So without further ado – let’s do some epic show and tell.

Blouse | Jeans | Boots

This shopping took hours, but I had so much fun by myself. I threw on a Podcast and combed all three malls in Portland – and thank goodness we have three upcoming makeovers so most of these pieces already have a home (or I’m keeping them because they are that good). And the thing about national retailers that is kinda great these days is that their inventory does turn over seasonally, meaning that pieces won’t be “everywhere” – keeping them still looking and feeling unique, even though it might be from Target, World Market, West Elm, Crate and Barrel, CB2, etc.

Textiles: Velvet Jacquard Blush Pillow | Neutral Striped Pillow | Plaid Blanket | Striped Faux Fur Blanket | Multi-Colored Striped Pillow | Blue Round Pillow

Vessels: Marble Tray | Ceramic Speckle Glaze Vase | Blue Glass Vase | Footed Striped Bowl | Tall Ceramic Vase

Cookware and Glassware: Glass Blue Coupes | Glass Purple Goblet | Butter Dish | Modern Ribbed Baking Dish | Dutch Oven

Other Decor: Green Wood Trees | Velvet Lamp | Scalloped Frame | Dark Green Unruled Notepad | Ruled Notepad (black version) | | Horse Painting | Diamond Taper Candles | Wavy Shade Lamp | Gold Frame | Drink Table

To see me play with all of these cute finds, here’s a little video! (just wait for the ad to play:))

Textiles: Velvet Jacquard Blush Pillow | Neutral Striped Pillow | Plaid Blanket | Striped Faux Fur Blanket | Multi-Colored Striped Pillow | Blue Round Pillow

Vessels: Marble Tray | Ceramic Speckle Glaze Vase | Blue Glass Vase | Footed Striped Bowl | Tall Ceramic Vase

Cookware and Glassware: Glass Blue Coupes | Glass Purple Goblet | Butter Dish | Modern Ribbed Baking Dish | Dutch Oven

Other Decor: Velvet Lamp | Scalloped Frame | Dark Green Unruled Notepad | Ruled Notepad (black version) | Horse Painting | Diamond Taper Candles

All of these are STAND OUT pieces in my mind – some simpler (like a really good-looking but affordable notepad) and some pretty epic (like the velvet lamp that is under $100). The most perfect color for a Dutch oven for $40 (which Emily M. bought from me because it’s so pretty) and that excellent bright blue round pillow from Schoolhouse (and Clare V. collection).

Textiles: Neutral Striped Pillow | Plaid Blanket | Striped Faux Fur Blanket

Vessels: Marble Tray

Cookware and Glassware: Glass Blue Coupes | Glass Purple Goblet | Butter Dish | Modern Ribbed Baking Dish

Other Decor: Velvet Lamp | Scalloped Frame

We have used that Target marble catchall in like 4 shoots recently, as a testament to how good it is (think nuts on coffee table, jewelry in bathroom, keys in entry, etc). And don’t get me started on the bright blue butter dish (which is one of the few things not from a national retailer but I wanted to give it some love – I love Pigeon Toe Ceramics).

Vessels: Chrome Catchall | Black Vase | Red Marble Tray | Tall Ceramic Vase | Marble Box | Ceramic Speckle Glaze Vase | Blue Glass Vase | White Footed Tray | Blue Leather Trays

Other Decor: Velvet Lamp | Spiral Blue Striped Notebook | Spiral Blue Notebook | Scalloped Frame | Dark Green Unruled Notepad | Ruled Notepad (black version) | Glass Candle Holder | Gift Box Set | Glass Ornament

The two vases from Target (the white curvy lady and the blue glass vases) and both really good for flowers/branches (small mouth, wider base) and are such pretty objects on their own. But the black one is so affordable, too, and looks really pretty as an object – with or without flowers.

Vessels: Black Vase | Red Marble Tray | Tall Ceramic Vase | Marble Box | Ceramic Speckle Glaze Vase | Blue Glass Vase

Other Decor: Spiral Blue Striped Notebook | Spiral Blue Notebook | Scalloped Frame | Glass Candle Holder | Gift Box Set | Glass Ornament

I’m very into that burgundy tray (you’ll see it on a coffee table styled out, soon) and that scalloped marble box (bathroom, nightstand, coffee table – it’s so pretty and I love how scallops catch the light). Same with the frame – I’ve started collecting really good, not basic/boring frames and this one I think is really special.

Vessels: Red Marble Tray | Tall Ceramic Vase | Marble Box | Ceramic Speckle Glaze Vase | Blue Glass Vase

Other Decor: Spiral Blue Striped Notebook | Spiral Blue Notebook | Scalloped Frame | Gift Box Set | Glass Ornament

That ceramic vessel is pretty great for those who want a more muted organic palette – but the handles make it look so handmade and special.

Vessels: Chrome Catchall | Black Vase | Red Marble Tray | Blue Glass Vase | White Footed Tray | Blue Leather Trays

Other Decor: Velvet Lamp | Spiral Blue Striped Notebook | Spiral Blue Notebook | Dark Green Unruled Notepad | Ruled Notepad (black version) | Glass Candle Holder | Gift Box Set | Glass Ornament

Honorable mentions to the two pretty notepads and the blue faux leather trays (that I’ve used in two projects now – so affordable and utilitarian, but such a great color).

On Wall Shelf: Green Pillar Candles | Horse Painting | Glass Taper Holder | Glass Blue Coupes | Glass Purple Goblet | Wine Glasses

On Counter: Red and White Striped Candles | Scalloped Candelabra | Gray Striped Napkins | Scalloped Serving Bowl | Footed Striped Bowl | Blue Checkered Tissue-Box Cover | Green Blender | Wooden Bowl | Serving Utensils | Leather Pot Holder | Modern Ribbed Baking Dish | Purple Tree (old Target) | Butter Dish | Red Striped Napkins

On Stovetop: Dutch Oven | Modern Ribbed Casserole Dish

In here I found some pretty awesome stuff for the kitchen that I couldn’t believe how cute and affordable it was – the light blue covered baking dish? SO CUTE (great for sides but also comes bigger in white). The footed blue/green vessel (under $20) and the scallop candle holder (could be year-round on the dining table with nonholiday candles) – both are styling staples. As you can see all of these pieces have something really special about them – either the shape, the texture (the scallop, the round ribbing), or the perfect color.

On Wall Shelf: Glass Taper Holder | Glass Blue Coupes | Glass Purple Goblet | Wine Glasses

On Counter: Gray Striped Napkins | Footed Striped Bowl | Blue Checkered Tissue-Box Cover | Green Blender | Wooden Bowl | Serving Utensils | Leather Pot Holder | Modern Ribbed Baking Dish | Purple Tree (old Target) | Red Striped Napkins

Are we done with organic white on white? I mean, no – it is always in and a classic, but this stuff adds MORE to a home and at these prices, I was just super impressed (that wood bowl with the ribbing on the outside looks so expensive, y’all – it’s the perfect pistachio bowl for your coffee table and its $25). OH, and that is a really good leather trivet if you are in the market for one (I was and bought this for myself).

On Wall Shelf: Green Pillar Candles | Horse Painting | Glass Taper Holder | Glass Blue Coupes | Glass Purple Goblet

On Counter: Scalloped Serving Bowl | Footed Striped Bowl | Blue Checkered Tissue-Box Cover | Green Blender | Wooden Bowl | Serving Utensils | Leather Pot Holder | Modern Ribbed Baking Dish | Butter Dish | Red Striped Napkins

The red stripe napkins are $3 each and while of course, they are excellent Christmas napkins, red is having such a moment that I’d use it in spring and summer, too. They feel really high quality. The glassware that I collected on the shelves are just better than basic – the two-toned glasses are thick and special (and splurgier) while the purple goblets are affordable and so rich. And don’t forget the $8 glass candle holders – so good, so pretty, so affordable. I have them on my coffee table.

On Wall Shelf: Horse Painting | Glass Taper Holder | Glass Blue Coupes | Glass Purple Goblet

On Counter: Red and White Striped Candles | Scalloped Candelabra | Scalloped Serving Bowl | Footed Striped Bowl | Blue Checkered Tissue-Box Cover | Green Blender | Wooden Bowl | Serving Utensils | Leather Pot Holder | Modern Ribbed Baking Dish | Purple Tree (old Target) | Red Striped Napkins | Butter Dish

The green blender is countertop worthy (I just bought it for myself and love it), and while that tissue box cover is on the splurgy side it also comes in black and white and it’s metal. Let’s just say it brings me more joy than I originally predicted (I also love the tray version of it and have it on my coffee table).

Textiles: Plaid Blanket | Blue Round Pillow | Geometric Velvet Pillow | Velvet Jacquard Blush Pillow | Fuzzy White Pillow | Multi-Colored Striped Pillow | Ottoman Pouf

Decor: Gift Box Set | Maroon Lamp | Wavy Shade Lamp | Gold Frame | Marble Tray

I don’t know what I love more – that incredible wavy lampshade on that green lamp – $70!!!!! FOR BOTH!!! Or that really good oxblood dome lamp (splurgier, but very powerful and makes a fast statement in any room). The mustard velvet ottoman is in my home and pairs so pretty with my blue velvet chair. But the Schoolhouse blanket? Certainly a splurge but it’s so incredible – if you have a basic bed or sofa and you want to punch up your room – a pattern like this does it INSTANTLY. And don’t forget that Rejuvenation has incredible velvet pillows in really rich colors (and some neutrals) for those of you who don’t want a pattern).

Textiles: Plaid Blanket | Blue Round Pillow | Geometric Velvet Pillow | Velvet Jacquard Blush Pillow | Fuzzy White Pillow | Multi-Colored Striped Pillow | Ottoman Pouf

Decor: Gift Box Set | Maroon Lamp | Wavy Shade Lamp | Gold Frame

I’m really into velvet apparently, as almost all of these pillows are – it’s just such a pretty texture in really rich colors. The round blue pillow – special and such a punch. The blue/green velvet pillow is also excellent (and the same pattern comes as curtains which look so expensive and custom – patterned curtains are so back, y’all).

Textiles: Blue Round Pillow | Geometric Velvet Pillow | Velvet Jacquard Blush Pillow | Fuzzy White Pillow | Multi-Colored Striped Pillow | Ottoman Pouf

Decor: Wavy Shade Lamp | Gold Frame | Marble Tray

Blouse | Jeans | Boots

We are still pulling together the rest of the gift guides, so please let us know if you have any requests (we have a fashion/beauty and jewelry coming up as well as a couple of different kids’ guides). I had so much fun shooting this and actually being able to personally touch and feel the pieces to ensure they are high quality, despite being so affordable.

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Kim Malkiewicz
1 month ago

Love, love, love this roundup! (And the photography) I’m in my “reducing” phase, but may make room for the footed bowl and H&M matte vase.

Tara
1 month ago
Reply to  Kim Malkiewicz

Oops! I didn’t realize I copied you. 🤦‍♀️

Trueblue
1 month ago

The first item I sourced was the $349 blanket. I always admired Pendleton blankets. The second was an $85 scalloped bowl. Where has scalloped decor been all these years? So fresh. The third was a $20 pillow. Guess which one may go in my cart. So fun and beautiful choices. You have nudged me into start ordering for Christmas today.

Anna
1 month ago

Okay this is FUN!!!! I need to have another look when I’m on my computer because this photography deserves to be viewed on a bigger screen!

D
1 month ago

All pretty things. I consistently love World Market over the years.
I would love a round up of beauty products that are on the natural side; doesn’t have to be 100% but just more conscious ingredients especially because I will be buying for my daughter! Wish you could do another teen round up but one that wasn’t exclusively focused on what’s trending on Tik Tok.

Julie S
1 month ago

Experiencing items in real life is so far superior to guessing online! If only the malls didn’t come with the overwhelming (for me) amount of sights, sounds, stuff, and people. These are some great items for sure and thanks for scoping them out.

Tara
1 month ago

Love, love, love this roundup! Thank you for doing the legwork!

Bria
1 month ago

Great finds! I am currently loving the Striped Raffia Lamps from Alexandra Gater and all the Louisiana Posters from Louisiana Design Store in Denmark.

Tia
1 month ago

I love the way this was presented and the photography! I have a feeling I will get one or two of these items.
Just a heads up for other readers, the wooden bowl is decorative & not for food. (I popped on over intending to get it as a salad bowl. I wish I had a place for it as a decorative object!)

Leslie
1 month ago

The faux fur link is broken – keeps taking me to a round pillow. Help!

Admin
1 month ago
Reply to  Leslie

ah sorry, here it is!

ally
1 month ago

Love, love, love your gift guides. Thank you for all the time and care you put into them each year. This is a gorgeous roundup of lovely things. And please tell me Brian is doing another one for the men this year–I end up referring to that one all year long for gifts for the guys in my life!

Beth
1 month ago

I like this “buy and try” so much more than the “links I found” kind of gift guide. Thanks for putting in the extra work!

Randi
1 month ago

Love the plaid blanket (looks like a newer pattern of a Pendalton). The link takes me to a velvet pillow. Can you share the real link? Thanks!

Admin
1 month ago
Reply to  Randi
Kirsten
1 month ago

I know this isn’t part of the link up, but any insights on where that gorgeous abstract blue, brown, & gold painting in Emily’s entry way is from? Because the way it made my heart skip was real.

Gabi
27 days ago
Reply to  Kirsten

From the entry reveal: “vintage from the 60s, a gift from my friend Scott”

Sara
1 month ago

All gorgeous and getting me in the spirit for the holiday season ahead. To that end where are the adorable trees in your foyer from? Source please 🙂

Addi
29 days ago
Reply to  Sara

They were from Terrain a few years ago.

Sara
29 days ago
Reply to  Addi

Thanks!