For those special people and dearest friends on your holiday gift list this year, you’re probably looking at a bit higher of a budget. For that select group, we’ve rounded up 10 modern gift ideas under $100, from an industrial candlestick by a late designer to a book about a brand with an iconic design legacy, from a visually attractive and super useful extension cord to a minimalist phone case – we have you covered! Read on to see unique gift ideas for everyone on your list in the under $100 range.
Gifting a handy trinket tray is like gifting organization to someone in a thoughtfully aesthetic way. Whether they need/want to contain their keys, wallet, or pocket change when they arrive home, the remote controls on the coffee table after shutting down at night, or jewelry on their dresser at the end of a long day, a beautiful catchall like this wavy blue glass tray would make a lovely gift they might not think to buy for themself.
You can’t beat a good looking clock as a gift, especially one designed by an iconic designer like Jasper Morrison for an eclectic homewares brand like HAY. It comes in four colors so you can cater it to the recipient’s preferences and then watch them enjoy it for years to come. Plus, it’s 20% off its original price of $65 right now until November 28th. A gift on sale means there’s more money to spread around on additional gifts!
We all know at least one person who really appreciates unique design that falls just outside the norm. Enter the late Virgil Abloh’s Conversational Objects Candlestick, with its industrial charm in an unexpected design. They will love pulling this out for special dinner parties or enjoy it all year long on their console. Either way, the recipient will always be thankful for you and appreciate the short life of such an influential designer.
We all have that friend that cannot begin their day without a shot (or two) of espresso in the morning. How fun would these colorful cups be when they’re sipping that shot before the sun comes up? They’re mini in size yet pack a chunky punch with their bold design and fat handles. It will be impossible for your recipient not to smile while using them even though they’ll barely be awake.
Name a single person that doesn’t use or need an extension cord? Most people live with multiples throughout their living space to reach that reading lamp next to the sofa, or to power an air purifier away from the wall. Yet for the most part, they still remain hideously ugly and unsightly when it comes to design. Who wants that eyesore of a cord snaking its way across the floor?! No one. Now there are a few options that don’t scream offensive, like this black and white 12-foot cord that’s delightful to see. Anyone would appreciate a replacement extension cord in their life, especially if it looked like this!
As someone who owns the original colorful grinder (I need to get a second one for salt), I can attest to how much joy it brings when spotted on my stovetop. When I saw the black and white version, I knew I had to include it in this gift guide. The limited edition set comes with two so they can dispense both salt and pepper with joy and think of you every time they do.
If you know a flower lover, they’d probably agree that one can never have enough vases in the collection, especially when they’re not your standard clear glass cylinders. This Yinka Ilori MoMA Exclusive vase has a tall presence at 12″ tall but it’s the pale pink textured glass and silhouette that really makes you pause and take notice. It works with a simple stem or two of one’s favorite flowers or on it’s own as a design object, so it’s really a double duty gift.
I own about 6 Casetify cases and can attest to the quality and how well they protect a phone. You can basically customize most aspects of any design to make it completely unique and colorful. But if you don’t know exactly what your person wants or their style, this all-white Wabi-Sabi design is a great option. I love the rippling ring design and I’m sure they will too.
I figured I can’t be the only one in need of new flatware. So when I came across the Minimal Flatware set from David Mellor, I knew I needed to share it for all those people who recently moved into a new home or are upgrading the kitchen stuff they already have. The stainless steel collection is clean yet stylish, perfect for your design-loving friend who wants to level up their dinner party game.
You can never go wrong gifting a book to someone, especially when you know their interests. And if you know anyone into modern design, you know they’ll love and appreciate this newly released book on the history of the iconic brand Braun. The German electronics brand has a design legacy like no one else and diving into learn more will make any lover of design appreciative.
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