The 12 best Kris Kringle gifts under $50, according to the Fashion Journal team
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLIE HAWKS
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
A curated list of crowd-pleasers.
Here at Fashion Journal, it’s no secret that we relish the gift-giving process. When you’re buying for a loved one, there’s something gratifying about taking the time to find a special, lasting present. In saying this, Kris Kringle – whether it’s between friends or with your work colleagues – can be a different experience altogether.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
Despite your best gifting efforts, finding something thoughtful for that coworker you barely know is no easy feat. But before you fall back on a box of Favourites, let us help you. Below, find a curated list of Kris Kringle gifts under $50, handpicked by the Fashion Journal team.
Lanolips 101 Gold Collection Duo
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Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Editor
Any lip balm with lanolin is a gift worth giving in my opinion. It’s incredibly hydrating, and this 101 Gold Collection Duo contains a Baby Rose Gold and Rose Gold balm, both of which can also be used as a cheek tint. Ideal for the festive season, and who doesn’t need some extra lip balm lying around?
Get it here.
Oroton Inez Heart Keyring
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Recommended by: Georgi, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
Here at FJ, we love our little trinkets and accessories – from animal figurines that sit on our laptops while we work to ribbons tied onto every object we can find, we pride ourselves in finding joy in the little things daily. This keyring from Oroton does just that and can be used to personalise much more than your set of keys. Made from saffiano leather in an array of colours and featuring gold hardware, it’s made to last.
Get it here.
Casetify Chrome Doodles Case
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Recommended by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Manager
In the game of gift-giving, it can be hard to strike the right balance between something that’s both practical and chic. This chrome case from Castify seems to tick both these boxes. Though a little on the pricey side, the case boasts some great (and durable) product features including 49ft drop protection and a raised bezel for screen safety, making it the perfect gift for even your clumsiest of friends.
Get it here.
Frank Green Organic Reusable Cup in Mint Gelato and Lilac Haze
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Recommended by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
Widely loved by all warm beverage consumers, a reusable Frank Green cup is a pretty safe Kris Kringle bet. The push-button lid is truly revolutionary for all clumsy girlies who are prone to down-the-shirt spillage, and it’s a sweet gift for your workmate/coffee buddy. The colours are customisable, too, which means you have the choice between a monochromatic black, navy or stone, or something fun like this mint-and-lilac combo.
Get it here.
A Swop gift card
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Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Editor
“A lowly gift card! Pathetic,” I hear you say. But you know what? I think it’s time we get over this perception of gift cards being shitty presents. Some people, particularly in the context of Kris Kringle, are bloody hard to buy for and a gift card eliminates all that uncertainty. They can spend it however they please, and you can support a great local business like secondhand consignment store, Swop. You can opt for a $25 or a $50 voucher, still coming in within budget. And you’ll be supporting circular fashion, which we obviously love.
Get it here.
Hello Numi Print
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Recommended by: Georgi, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
It can be particularly hard to gift something sentimental for a Kris Kringle, particularly if it’s for your quiet coworker or partner’s distant cousin who you only see once a year. I’ve found small prints to be a low-commitment but meaningful winner, as a quick stalk on the recipient’s social media can usually help figure out an aesthetic they’ll love. This print from Spain-based artist Hello Numi is a great choice for those who love a pop of colour.
Get it here.
Szade After Dark sunglasses in plum
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Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Editor
As a sunglass fanatic, I can attest to the fact that owning multiple pairs (for different occasions and looks) is a great idea. I’ve been eyeing this pink pair from Szade – they’d make the perfect gift for a friend or a fashion-savvy co-worker.
Get it here.
Figr Fluid
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Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Editor
Lube might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Kris Kringle present. Because of this, I want to flag that you should make sure the person receiving it would be comfy with said gift (your stuffy boomer boss is probably a no-go). But if you work with open-minded, sex-positive colleagues, a slick lube like this one from Melbourne brand Figr is a pretty pleasing gift, in more ways than one. An added bonus is that it looks great on bedside tables and mantel pieces.
Get it here.
Orb Oils Reveal Pack
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Recommended by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Manager
If you’re struggling to find something for the friend that has it all, why not opt for something with variety? This Reveal Pack from Melbourne-based fragrance brand Orb Oils features five of the brand’s best-selling scents, catering from the subtle to the strong. Better yet, all Orb Oils fragrances have been designed with versatility in mind, meaning they can be worn directly on the skin, diffused in the bath, or added to your linen wash.
Get it here.
Clingy Scrunchie
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Recommended by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
Made from deadstock textiles and organic cotton, this scrunchie from Naarm-based accessories label Clingy is OTT in the best way. It comes in silky black and a maroon check – the ideal gift for your friend who’s developed a penchant for wearing bows in their hair. At $20, it’s a great gift for Kris Kringle swaps with a smaller budget, too.
Get it here.
Suku Home Fresh Sheets Incense
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Recommended by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Manager
I like to think gift-giving is a kind of language of mine. I love the challenge of pinpointing a moment, memory or feeling between a loved one and me and translating that into something tangible. Australian-Balinese label Suku Home creates an array of sentimental incense packs that seem to perfectly encapsulate the little moments in life. With notes of sandalwood and white musk, I have my eye on this Fresh Sheets set for a friend which the brand likens to a “sensual and refreshing feeling of new beginnings”.
Get it here.
OPI Nail Treatment Mini Ornament
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Recommended by: Georgi, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
At-home nail health is so important but I typically overlook it, and I surely can’t be the only one. This gift set from OPI contains a strengthening treatment for natural nails and a three-in-one base coat, top coat and strengthener, so it’s even useful for those who don’t wear nail polish.
Get it here.
For more advice on thoughtful gifting, head here.
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