The ultimate Christmas present need not cost a fortune – a thoughtfully chosen gift, be it unique, unexpected, or with a twist, is just as treasured.
Here are some of our favourite gift ideas under $50:
Classic Enamelware, from $35, Kip and Co.
This classic enamelware featuring a cute hundreds and thousands pattern is durable, versatile and dishwasher-proof, making it perfect for young kids, camping, or outdoor entertaining. Keep your gift under the $50 mark by choosing a Cyprus Milkpot, Strawberry Bomb 2 Mug Set, Cereal Bowl Set, or Tumbler Set.
Mountain Made Flag Series, $39, Pony Rider
Inspired by the scout and nautical flags of yesterday, this series of adventurous flags can be framed, hung from a door, or strung together bunting-style in the den, TV room or kids bedroom.
Octaevo Paper Vase, $32, Jardan
Handmade in Barcelona, these clever, cool and unique paper vases are made from waterproof paper and feature one of three arty graphics making them a standout in any space. Just add water and flowers.
Kalindi Dotted Mini tile, $49.50, Ahoy Trader
Byron Bay-based artist Jai Vasicek is one of Australia’s most sought-after creatives for the stunning paintings, prints, crosses and decorative tiles he creates using mixed media and layering techniques. We love his very affordable mini tiles that look great on a small piece of wall or displayed together.
Ceramic jug, $48, Mud Australia
Available in oodles of colours, from plum and pistachio to wasabi and ink, this handcrafted mini jug looks equally sweet on the table filled with milk, dressing or gravy, or in the kitchen used as a stylish and versatile vessel for cooking.
OSC Lipstick Holder, $35, Design Stuff
Clean up your bathroom vanity with this clever silicon and metal lipstick holder. With 16 slots, it looks great in any bathroom and keeps lippies in line.
Kartell Jellies Coat Hangers, $35, Space Furniture
Crafted from colourful, transparent plastic and beautifully light-reflective, these stylish coat hooks are both functional and statement pieces. Available in various patterns and colours.
La DoubleJ dishtowel, $49, Adam Heath
The cult Milanese fashion brand’s collection of stylish dish towels made from crisp, heavy-duty cotton look beautiful hanging in the kitchen or cradling bread in a basket on the table.
Porcelain Fortune Cookie, $14 each, The Society Inc.
Lucky dip and see what’s in store for 2020. Sibella Court’s handmade ceramic fortune cookies are a table treat and quirky design object all-in-one.
Le Galet The Pebble Incense Holder, $29, Maison Balzac
This little bubble of glass is the most perfect incense stick holder we’ve seen. Choose from amber, rose or white glass, and add any deliciously scented stick you wish. Or grab a packet of Maison Balzac’s Encens Japonaisa Incense, available in three different scents and made on the island of Awaji in Japan.
Soy dish, $45, Dinosaur Designs
Fill this small resin dish with dipping sauce and add an instant pop of colour to the table. Each one is unique and available in every colour under the sun, including blood orange, tortoiseshell, lagoon, white marble and horn.
Enamel Key Ring, from $29, Bride & Wolfe
Cheeky, colourful and cool, these fun keyrings are perfect for holding your house key and almost too cute to hide in a handbag. Including lips and lightning bolts in happy seventies-inspired hues, they are so chic you will want to wear them as jewellery.
Stainless Steel Straws – Martini, $4 each, The Cool Hunter
Elevate your next drink with an elegant and eco-friendly stainless steel straw. Choose from polished black, chrome or gold.
Officine Universelle Buly Campagne D’Italie Scented Matches, $25, Mecca Cosmetica
Perfume ambient air with super-slender matches coated in a scented solution. When all lit, the pretty box is lovely for stowing tiny treasures or displaying on a benchtop.