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

COURTESY
$40
from shop.mango.com
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Buy this for your artsy mother, then borrow it back. 

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2 of 12

Multi-Colored Extra Long Scarf

COURTESY
$26
from zara.com
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So many colors. So much scarf! So much money? Not so much.

3 of 12

Spirit Coasters

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

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4 of 12

Faux Fur Mule Slipper

COURTESY
$20
from urbanoutfitters.com
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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.

5 of 12

Men's Wooden Watch

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$30
from amazon.com
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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.

6 of 12

Ombre Pet Cave

COURTESY
$60
from uncommongoods.com
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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

COURTESY
$30
from target.com
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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
from nordstrom.com
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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
from etsy.com
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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
from nordstrom.com
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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
from neimanmarcus.com
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Don't look at as a deck of cards for $35, it's 50-plus pieces of wall art. 

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