As holiday cheer begins to swell, so do our shopping lists. But gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful or a complete drain your bank account. We’ve put together a guide featuring 50 distinctive gifts under $50 from some of our favorite makers and retailers around the South. And everything is shoppable online!
FOOD & DRINK
Piedmont Pennies
The South’s favorite crunchy cheese straw (not in the shape of a straw) is the tastiest gift or addition to a holiday snack spread. These “biscuit bites of heaven” perfectly balance cheesy crunch and savory spice. This 18-ounce aluminum cookie tin has a resealable bag for freshness. The gift tin is $37 at Piedmont Pennies.
Cookie mix
As we prepare to bake this holiday season, lean on Cookie Fix’s cookie mixes to craft premium homemade cookies like those sold at one of the South’s best cookie bakeries. Simply add butter, eggs, vanilla, and any fun mix-ins you desire. Mix the dough, and you’re ready for fresh, hot cookies right out of the oven. Pick from three mixes — chocolate chip, jingle bell blondie, and M&M chocolate chip — for $22 each at Cookie Fix.
Espresso martini mix
The cocktail gurus at Charleston’s Bittermilk rarely release new products, but they’ve unveiled the idolized espresso martini just in time for the holidays. It’s made from a robust blend of local coffee, French Broad Chocolate cacao, and a hint of vanilla. Handcrafted by bartenders, this mixer would be the perfect gift paired with your friend’s favorite spirit. Get a bottle while you can for $18 at Bittermilk.
Set of El Guapo syrups
Here’s another one for the cocktail enthusiasts in your life: El Guapo’s build-your-own syrup set. Choose three flavors of zero-proof syrups made with cane sugar and locally sourced ingredients from New Orleans. They’ll even include a handwritten card. This set is perfect for effortlessly making cocktails at home or even for baking! It’s $49.99 for a set of three. Choose your flavors at El Guapo.
Homemade pizza night gift basket
You don’t need a wood-fired pizza oven to enjoy the taste of Italy at home. ATL’s Mercato de Bellina’s gourmet gift basket features hand-picked products sourced straight from cherished family makers in Italy. The basket includes four ingredients: organic pizza dough mix, organic tomato sauce, garlic-infused EVOO, and semi-dried cherry tomatoes. Just add cheese and toppings! The set is currently on sale for $36.90 (reg. $39.90) at Mercato di Bellina.
Pimento cheese
Thomasville’s Sweet Grass Dairy is heralded throughout the South for good reason, and their pimento cheese just won a coveted Made in the South award! Enjoy this on crackers, with veggies, or melted on a burger or grilled cheese. A tub is $9 at Sweet Grass Dairy.
BBQ sauces
One of Houston’s best BBQ joints offers aspiring or seasoned grill masters a peek into their secret sauces. Perfect for enhancing any meat, the set includes TRUTH’s OG BBQ Sauce (sweet, tangy, and light), the Stay Gold Mustard (like a South Carolina “gold”), and a White Lightnin’ Sauce (like an Alabama “white”). The sauce trinity is $40 at TRUTH.
Jittery Joe’s Southeastern Coffee
Jittery Joe’s Coffee just launched a special collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Jason Isbell and Southeastern Records to mark the label’s 10th anniversary. This special Guatemalan blend has notes of orange marmalade and peanut brittle — perfect for slow mornings and long drives. The collector’s tin features custom artwork and is available for $18.99 at Jittery Joe’s.
Ashleigh Shanti’s new cookbook
Celebrated chef Ashleigh Shanti’s debut cookbook, Our South: Black Food Through My Lens, explores the rich culinary traditions of the Southern United States, particularly the Appalachian and coastal regions. The five chapters — Backcountry, Lowcountry, Midlands, Lowlands, and Homeland — reflect the diverse locales that have influenced Ashleigh’s cooking. You’ll read her personal stories along with her delicious recipes. Grab a copy for $37.20 on Amazon.
Shopping help for just $49!
For your sister, mom, cousin, or friend who is always “too busy”, we have just the gift that lets her know that you hear her, you see her hard work, and you have just the thing to help add a little stress-reduction to her life! Shipt, a Birmingham-based company that has spread nationwide, provides holiday shopping help for a discounted annual price of just $49! This special offers 50% off with code SHIPTGIFT. You can get same-day delivery through December 24 (order by 3 p.m.), choose your delivery window with Shipt’s scheduling tool, and shop from Target, Sephora, Ulta, PetSmart, your favorite local grocers, Fresh Market, and more! Find out more here.
HOME & KITCHEN
Spoon rest
This ceramic spoon rest is the perfect countertop companion beside the stove or coffee nook. It keeps the counters clean and the kitchen stylish. Each piece is handcrafted in Virginia Beach, VA, and would be cutely gifted with a new seasonal spoon or spatula. Shop this for $38 at Jars of Dust.
Holiday catchall tray
Serve your baked goods or keep track of trinkets with this large catchall tray. It’s perfect for collecting cards, keys, or jewelry or displaying easy-to-grab holiday treats. This porcelain dish features illustrated Nutcracker characters and gold foil accents. It’s $36 at Rifle Paper Co., one of our favorite Southern paper makers.
Tea towel
This tea towel’s deep green and white woodland scene features stylish symbols of the season. It’s perfect for the sink or oven door or with a plate of cookies as a holiday hostess gift. What’s even sweeter? Bauble Stockings and artist Ashley Schoenith of Heirloomed Collection are donating 10% of the profit to Purple Pansies, a nonprofit supporting those affected by pancreatic cancer. It’s $22 at Heirloomed.
Blanket
Cozy up under this camel-and-white checkered, super plush blanket. It’s perfect for a kid’s room or to throw in the car for a road trip and is $45 at Josie’s Boutique.
Desktop calendar
We wait with bated breath each year until Dogwood Hill’s new desktop calendar drops. Each month features original artwork from 12 different Dogwood Hill artists. The 5-by-7 calendar is packaged in a cute keepsake or envelope (or a box if you throw in the custom easel). It is $36 at Dogwood Hill.
Festive taper candles
We love the festive and brightly hued towering taper candles. Add them to a tablescape or garlanded mantle to set the holiday mood A set of six taper candles is $36 at Box Turtle.
Oyster ornament
Charleston’s oyster art studio, Grit & Grace, has unveiled a new collection of beautifully decoupaged oyster shell ornaments. They feature six holiday-themed watercolor designs by artist Laura Lobdell, including mistletoe, a cardinal, a sailboat, a Christmas whale, and more. Collect or gift all six designs for $30 each at Grit & Grace.
Commemorative cork box
This cute cork box is a crowd favorite and effortlessly thoughtful gift. This little handmade “safe” keeps the special cork with all the details of their toast-worthy moment. This makes a fabulous gift when paired with their favorite spirit. Snag a few at Crème de la Crème for $18 each.
Marble bookends
These marble bookends will bring lots of cheer for the book lover or anyone who loves to show off their well-decorated bookshelf. Available in green or white, these bookends are unique and will stand out as a special and memorable home decor item. They’re $48 at Merridian Home Furnishings.
Marble bookends, $48, at Merridian Home Furnishings | Image: Merridian Home Furnishingshttps://www.merridian.com/shop/bookend-marble-accessory
Nutcracker cake plate
This ceramic cake plate features an elegant nutcracker embellished with gold. Bring this cheerful gift to a holiday party or gift it to the baker in your life. It is exactly the kind of cherished item anyone would love to bring out for the holiday season year after year. Find it for $42 at Hostess & Home.
Cowboy Christmas candle
Full of nostalgic holiday scents like amber, Montana juniper, frankincense, and whiskey, you can’t go wrong gifting Ranger Station’s Cowboy Christmas candle ($39). The luxe candle is made with a premium soy wax blend and offers more than 30 hours of burn time.
JEWELRY
Birthstone set
This exquisite birthstone set with emerald-shaped stones is the perfect personalized gift for hard-to-shop-for jewelry lovers. Each set includes a necklace and studs showcasing any of the 12 birthstones, making for a thoughtful holiday gift! This set is $49 at Kate Morgan.
Ring
Strings of Hope is a survivor-led jewelry brand that upcycles second-hand musical strings and creates jobs for those overcoming substance use disorder, domestic violence, and human trafficking. This ring is made from flattened guitar string with a smooth inner finish and is available in gold or rose gold in every size (half sizes, too!). Shop this unique gift for $40 at Strings of Hope.
Choker
It’s rare to find genuine turquoise at such a great price point! This beautiful choker is great for the layering lover and maximalist in your life. It’s $48 at StArmandasDesigns. (They have SO many fabulous pieces to peruse!)
Cuff bangles
Give your silver-loving woman a delicate hand-stamped cuff in three different shapes — a hammered wave cuff, a flattened cuff, and a thin, lightly hammered cuff. You can purchase these beautiful stacking bracelets alone (they’re $45 each) or as a set at Dee Ruel.
Personalized cuff ring
For a sentimental and thoughtful gift, this cuff ring is incredibly stylish and offers the opportunity for personalization with two monogram letters. The 14k gold-fill ring features a 14 gauge wire hammered on both ends. Be sure to order this by December 6, the holiday personalization cutoff date. It’s $40 at ABLE.
Earrings
These classic bow and pearl drop earrings are perfect for the holidays or year-round! The crinkled, worn gold adds a touch of charm and grace to any outfit. This pair is $28 at Grace & Grandeur.
WOMEN’S CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Boxer shorts
Boxer-style but wearable out-of-the-house shorts are so in right now, and this Charleston company reigns supreme. Chakeris’s luxurious shorts are lightweight cotton and come in various colorful patterns. This gift is sure to impress your most stylish friend. Shop these for $42 at Chakeris.
Pom slippers
It’s hard to say “bah humbug” with these pompom slippers on your feet. They’re available in three sizes and two colorways, perfect for lounging with a touch of sass. Shop these for $28 at Ally B.
Vest
Outwear with oversized bow ties is so of the fashion moment, and we love this trendy, comfy padded vest. It can spruce up any winter style, from a flowy dress to outerwear, and it’s got pockets! Shop this for $48 at Ascot & Hart.
Fashionable fedora
This oatmeal fedora is the perfect gift for all hat-loving women. The faux felt material gives it a cozy, luxe feel, while the gold chain trim adds some sophistication. (Depending on the outfit, you can also add a different hat band!). This hat is available for $40 from Wrapsody.
GIFTS FOR HIM
KEVIN! candle
Your guy’s space deserves to smell amazing, too. This limited-edition scent inspired by Home Alone has notes of snow, bergamot, green tea, fennel, heather, and hand-white musk that transport you to a holiday dream house with nobody home and the world at your fingertips. It’s available for $48 from the coveted New Orleans perfumery, Hazeltine.
Brass collar stays
Sid and Ann Mashburn are style icons with lots of gift ideas. It’s always nice to have some backup collar stays … and even nicer when they’re made of beautiful brass to step up your guy’s game from plastic. This set of five pairs comes in a stocking-ready matchbox for $25 at Sid Mashburn.
Wallet
We love a minimalist front-pocket wallet that’s slim but fits plenty. This wallet has two card slots that hold between four and eight cards, plus a cash partition. Each piece is hand-stitched and made from scratch in Espacio’s Austin, TX, workshop. Shop this in four color options for $49 at Small World Goods.
Leather care kit
Extend the life of leather footwear and accessories with this Red Wing leather care kit. This curated assortment of specialized products will maintain leather’s unique qualities. The kit includes foam leather cleaner, leather protector, leather conditioner, and boot-care cloths. This set is $39.99 at Tabor.
Bandana
Tom Beckbe calls the bandana a “mild-mannered hero,” and we tend to agree. This 22-inch-square bandana is made in the USA from imported cotton French micro twill and screen-printed with an original classic Western American design. It is on sale for $20 (reg. $29) at Tom Beckbe.
Wool and silk socks
These wool and silk boot socks are made of an Italian-spun wool and silk blend that’s supremely soft and generously warm. They’re available at Stag in four heathered colors for $34 a pair.
Brass corkscrew
It’s amazing how often you need a corkscrew on the go — at tailgates, in hotel rooms, or outside on the patio. This brass corkscrew’s unique two-piece design protects it with a stylish sheath that unscrews to become the handle. Cast on solid brass, this tool can clip onto your keyring and travel by your side. It’s $35 at Red Barn Mercantile.
BATH & BODY
Soap set
Designed and handmade in London, each of the five colors in this soap set is gently perfumed with a fresh fragrance: Blue is aqua minerals and sea kelp. Yellow is basil and neroli blossom. Pink is cardamon and mimosa. Green is eucalyptus. Lilac is lavender. Split them up as stocking stuffers, or gift them as a set! The cutely-packed bundle is $46 at Schumachers.
Terry makeup bag
This pretty, padded, large terry quilted makeup bag measures a spacious 10 inches long, providing ample room for all your makeup and skincare essentials. It comes in a few colors and costs $24 at Fresh Ink.
Holiday hand care duo
The perfect hostess gift, this hand soap and lotion duo comes in two holiday scents: Frosted Gingerbread or Three Trees. The duo offers gentle cleansing and long-lasting moisture, along with festive aromas! Every purchase from Thistle Farms supports their mission to help women survivors heal and reclaim their lives by breaking the cycles of trafficking, exploitation, and addiction. Shop the set for $32 at Thistle Farms.
Muscle rub
A muscle rub is often just what the doctor ordered after a long flight, drive, or workout. This one is made of all-natural organic ingredients and has a lovely cooling effect to help soothe tired, overworked muscles. You can also place a little under your nose to open the sinus passages. A little goes a long way, and the effects last! A four-ounce jar is $24, and an eight-ounce jar is $39.50 at Kind Folke.
Eyeshadow
A quality eyeshadow is a fool-proof ingredient for quick and natural makeup. This long-lasting, velvety matte eye shadow instantly smooths and contours the lid. Apply a little with a fingertip for a touch of color, or use a brush for a smokier look. It’s available in shades Sylvie (a shimmery brown) and Olivia (a shimmery gray) for $35 at The Blue Collection.
Candle subscription
This is the perfect gift for anyone constantly burning a candle in the bathroom or the living room. Each month, a full-size Slow North candle in a surprise seasonal scent is delivered straight to their doorstep. The first box will be charged on the day of the order, and boxes ship on the first of the month! This is $37 per month at Slow North.
Luxury comb
While the iconic full-sized Mason Pearson brushes belong more in our Luxe Loves gift guide (coming soon!), their detangling comb is the perfect gift at an under-$50 price! It’s handmade to last forever, finished in tortoiseshell, and has the Mason Pearson logo elegantly hot-foiled on the handle. Shop this for $45 at You Are Here.
KIDS
Mystery game
This mom-and-pop puzzle and game maker in Mississippi has captured the heart of one StyleBlueprint team member. In this new game, players strive to solve four mysteries under the big top. The mystery booklet lets kids learn about each case, interview suspects, and examine evidence until they’ve connected all the dots. Each game is $29.99 at Deadbolt Mystery Society (ships late November!).
Personalized ornament
Let the kids in on the tree decorating tradition with their own personal, hand-painted ornaments! Mississippi artist Holly Slay will paint their name and likeness for $36 at Holly Slay Handmade.
Jellycat gift set
Give the kids a trend they love: Jellycat! This set contains a brand new Jellycat plush penguin and The Naughty Penguins book. Liz & Roo will even package it in a holiday wrap or their signature gift box. This set is $47 at Liz & Roo.
Colorful notebooks
Nothing encourages a kid’s mind to run wild than a blank notebook! These feature hand-painted designs in vibrant colors, sewn bindings, and 48 lined interior pages. Shop these packs of two notebooks for $16 at Idlewild Co.
Space balance game
Balance games are so great for teaching kids patience and motor skills. We’re all for supporting small businesses with colorful, hand-made goods. This creative and unique space set is $42.95 at All About Kids Store.
Ski onesie and PJs
The sleep romper is the perfect onesie for babies from 0 to 24 months! It’s soft and cozy and has the optional foot and hand coverings every parent loves. This apres-ski print also comes in the softest two-piece toddler pajama set, perfect for those who’ve outgrown the romper. Both are $42 at George & Co.
Happy hunting!
This article is not sponsored, but it contains product affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
**********
Keep up with the very best of the South — subscribe to StyleBlueprint!
