Friends! I’m so excited to be writing you this letter from my hotel room in Miami. I’ve been here for the week to check out Van Cleef & Arpels’ high jewelry collection (Treasure Island-themed!) and FoundRae’s newest store in the Design District (more on both of those on Marie Claire next week). It’s been such a lovely dip into one of my favorite parts of the job: talking about watches and jewelry.
As one of my good friends just said: Miami Nikki is my favorite. I’m putting together outfits that are unburdened by commuting and enjoying the sunshine before it’s back to rainy New York City. Here are a few looks in case you missed them on Instagram.
Left: Christopher John Rogers dress (similar), Tibi sandals (similar) | Right: CD Greene dress (VCA’s dinner was black tie so I found this on The Real Real for $150), J.Crew heels
When I land back in New York City, my brain will officially switch to Thanksgiving and holiday gift giving. Last week’s newsletter featured my favorite gifts under $200, but gifts under $50 have always been my sweet spot. About 10 years ago my family set this budget for each present and we’ve stuck to it ever since, so I’m a bit of an expert. This week I’ll share 25 ideas and next week I’ll share 25 more. Let’s get started!
25 Under-$50 Gifts
Reviews say this is one of the best N/A drinks on the market; I say it’s a wonderful hostess gift.
Toast to the new year with these beautiful glasses.
You know the vibes!
For the Alison Roman in training in your life.
Speaking of chefs, my favorite Alex Hill of Just Add Hot Sauce makes some of my favorite recipes and shares them in her newsletter Food & Feelings. The subscription is well worth the money.
A traveler can never have too many pouches.
The best, and I truly mean the best, pre-packaged cocktail I’ve ever had. None of that cheap-tasting liquor to be found.
Imagine a weighted blanket…but for your eyes!
For the millennial in your life who will never let go of her going-out tops.
Did you know one of the creators behind this year’s hit Netflix show (Nobody Wants This) also designs a fashion line? I love this hat from the collection that says the quiet part out loud.
In case they went a little too hard this Brat Summer (and fall, and maybe winter?) and their face shows it.
Toss a couple of these into her stocking and she’ll be thrilled.
Anyone with a sweet tooth knows these luxury gummies are so damn delicious.
Highly recommend reading a book when the scrolling gets to be just a bit too much. Pre-order this thriller from friend Danielle Prescod—Mindy Kaling calls it "a gripping novel about power, money, and secrets.”
For anyone on your list who wants to up their home chef game, the olive oils in the Duo Gift Set are a game changer.
If your giftee has issues with sleeping (like me, currently), introduce them to the benefits of cherry juice with melatonin and magnesium. I’m kind of obsessed with these.
It’s all about big bath energy heading into 2025.
Coming from someone who has 12 piercings: You can never have too many earrings.
A soon-to-be obsession that won’t be taken by the TSA.
Bar soap is having a moment; your beauty-obsessed friends will appreciate this.
An unexpected gift anyone would be happy to receive.
Absolutely perfect for traveling with your most valuable pieces.
For the person who’s chronically on their phone-slash-online.
These little bowls are great for just stashing…stuff! Jewelry, hair ties, all that stuff that doesn’t have a real place in one’s home.
Don’t these feel so special? Very rich-looking, but very inexpensive.
First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.
