Last-Minute Gifts That Look More Expensive Than They Are

By Faye Penn
Updated: Dec 20, 2016 @ 2:19 pm
COURTESY

Hey small spender! Giving gifts that look like they cost more than they did is not only a holiday strategy, it's a world view, an ethos, and a core human principle. When you gift items that look more lavish than they are, you not only look generous, you invite the recipient to give you a better present as well. So you win twice!

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Mixed Piece Necklace

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$40 available at shop.mango.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Buy this for your artsy mother, then borrow it back. 

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Multi-Colored Extra Long Scarf

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$26 available at zara.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

So many colors. So much scarf! So much money? Not so much.

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Spirit Coasters

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$10 available at amazon.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Four coasters for $10 means you can throw in a bottle of Cuervo, too.

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Faux Fur Mule Slipper

COURTESY
$20 available at urbanoutfitters.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

These Chewbacca-style slippers are a distant cousin to the celeb-loved Gucci slides that have a secret upside: He won't realize he's dusting the floor.

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Men's Wooden Watch

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$30 available at amazon.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Because a man with a watch is more likely to be on time—and this rugged rebuke to smartwatches feels trendy and classic all at once.

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Ombre Pet Cave

COURTESY
$60 available at uncommongoods.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Why does ombre make everything look fancy? This cat bed looks so posh we want to curl up inside.

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Men's Nylon Weekender

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$30 available at target.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

This bag will look great slung across his shoulder, on your floor, and then on your shoulder when you commandeer it.

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Sage Ombre Tote

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$48 available at nordstrom.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Not only is this pretty carryall reversible, it comes with a pouch—so it really counts as three gifts. 

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Moroccan Pouf

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$79 available at etsy.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

A Moroccan pouf for $79? Almost—you’ll have to stuff it yourself. (So much chicer than a laundry hamper.) Check Etsy for other colors.

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Stuart Weitzman Mary Janes

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$32 available at nordstrom.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Technically, newborns don’t need $32 shoes, but these pretty little numbers let a fashion-y mom say, “I still got it" for a lot less than her size would cost.

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Christian LaCroix Playing Cards

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$35 available at neimanmarcus.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Don't look at as a deck of cards for $35, it's 50-plus pieces of wall art. 

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