I’m not quite sure how it happens, but my holiday gift giving list seems to grow each year. In addition to my family and adult children, I have a large circle of girlfriends. And, they mean the world to me! I have walking buddies, gardening conspirators, work colleagues, and lifelong besties ranging from elementary school through college days. Most years, I pick up tiny tokens for all of them.
Of course, it’s oh-so-easy to go overboard when it comes to gift giving. But these are the gals who have seen me through a year of work woes, relationship debacles, and even house renovation disasters. I think they all deserve a little reward!
Maxing out my credit cards is simply not an option. So, I try to keep my gift giving small, simple, and (most importantly) useful. This year, I’ve found some truly amazing Girlfriend Gift Exchange Ideas that I think will be appreciated and are all priced at $25 and under.
For the Fashionista: A Silk Scarf
A silk scarf is the workhorse of the chic woman’s wardrobe. It can instantly elevate a simple sweater when tied at the throat, disguise a bad hair day when knotted in a low ponytail, or add some umph to a handbag when wrapped around the handle.
I probably have way too many scarves (but how many is too many, really?). And, scarves are also one of my all-time fave gifts to give.
Finding high quality silk scarves can be a challenge, though. While my gal-pals certainly all deserve Hermès, unless I win the lottery, I have to look further afield. A quick visit to Macys unearthed several fab options, from a pretty floral scarf by M. Christian Lacroix, to a Giani Bernini signature Logo Square, to an I.N.C. International Concepts Leopard-Print Scarf, created just for Macys, and all under $25 (the leopard print, shown, is actually on clearance for a shocking $13!). Visit Macys to see more.
For the Coffee Addict: Compass Coffee
When my youngest daughter was at university in Washington, DC, she discovered many fabulous local restaurants and food items, from Sweetgreen to Sprinkles Cupcakes (I still miss Farmers, Fishers, Bakers!). However, none has been quite so beloved by our entire family as Compass Coffee.
The unique coffee blends are peak roasted fresh at their local cafes. Each coffee has a wonderful description of its flavors, which really run the gamut (one of my personal faves is the Holiday Blend, which is now available). 12 oz tins start at just $15.99 – $17.99.
Paired with a cute and brand-new Anthropologie mug I found while thrifting (.99 cents with the tag still on!) and some chocolate covered stirring spoons from Marshalls, and I have an adorable gift that is sure to delight. See the changing collections at Compass Coffee.
For the Well Read: Books
Books have always been one of my favorite gifts to give and receive (I am the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait, after all!). A great book on architecture, photography, baking… the possibilities are endless. And, a book is a gift that keeps giving. I personally have books that I’ve read many, many times, such as Classic Rooms by Robert Harling, John Bridges, and Leonie Highton, which I received as a gift over 20 years ago (thank you, Nita!).
A great book can also spark a new passion, or introduce the reader to a new author. A few years back, for example, I received A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle from my daughter. I enjoyed so much that it led me to hunt for additional works and I can now confidently say I have read every book he ever wrote!
To make life easy, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, of course, are great places to pick up just about any book you could want (you may see a few for yourself, too). However, giving new life to used books is what Success Won’t Wait is all about. So, if your recipient is also eco-minded, two used bookstores I can personally recommend are Second & Charles and Powell Books.
I think the gift of a book just cries out for accompaniment, so add a cute tea towel and some wooden spoons tied with a velvet bow to a cookbook. Or combine inexpensive crafting supplies with a how-to book. You can even pair a gardening book with new gloves, tools, or seeds.
For the Holiday Obsessed: Christmas Ornaments
Naturally I adore stunning Christopher Radko ornaments. Who doesn’t? But they are quite pricey. Instead, I have discovered a wonderful alternative for gifting: Old World Ornaments.
These are absolutely gorgeous mouth-blown glass, hand painted ornaments. And there are too many themes to count – food, animals, sports, traditional holiday, and so many more. Choose something that is simply adorable, or commemorate a special event from the past year. (Last year after a trip to France, I received an Eiffel Tower and a passport, pictured, from my two daughters who accompanied me).
There are over 1,500 ornaments from which to choose, and prices start at just $5.99. Visit Old World Christmas to see the entire line (and be prepared… you’ll want them all!).
Whichever gifts you choose for your group of incredible girlfriends, enjoy the time together.
And, if you would like ideas on how to wrap those beautiful gifts, please check out Gift Wrapping Inspiration for Gorgeous Christmas Presents.
While you are here, please don’t forget to enter our latest style giveaways. And, if enjoyed this “2024 Girlfriend Gift Exchange Ideas Under $25” post, please visit Susan’s Christmas on Pinterest for more holiday inspiration.
DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received for this “2024 Girlfriend Gift Exchange Ideas Under $25” post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will be beneficial for my readers.
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Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style and was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewelry, beauty and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors and DIY projects, plus the latest ideas events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!