Little Luxuries—40 Affordable Designer Gift Ideas That They'll Love

Real talk: The holiday season is wonderful… until you see the steep price tag attached. Sure, there's no requirement to spend a fortune on presents, but for some people, gift giving is a love language. After all, being able to treat the people you love in your life to nice things is something to relish, not dread. But that's easier said than done, especially in this economy! Even though intellectually, we might understand that luxury is built on the concept of exclusivity rather than inclusivity, that doesn't take away from the fact that we want to spoil our loved ones. While designer ready-to-wear items are likely out of budget for many, the luxury category isn't necessarily completely out of reach.
There are other entry points into the luxury space that aren't egregiously expensive. They're what we like to call "little luxuries"—i.e., designer items that can make your loved ones (or yourself) feel opulent without overdoing it. But if you've never believed that gifting designer is within reach, you'll want to keep reading. Ahead, we rounded up the 40 best affordable designer gift ideas for women, with prices ranging from $35 to $850. From designer accessories to beauty products to home goods to technology, there's no shortage of ways to spoil your loved ones this season while sticking to a budget. So without further ado, let's get into it.
Who wouldn't love unwrapping a pair of Loewe sunglasses?
Are you looking to gift them with something they'll actually wear? A designer belt is a safe bet, as it's both pragmatic and polished.
With Bottega Veneta's drop earrings being one of the buzziest items of the year, there's no better gift you can buy them.
Have you noticed that their work bag is on its last limb? Give them a luxurious upgrade with this stylish structured handbag that's spacious enough to fit their laptop.
If you can't afford to get them one of Chanel's classic flap bags, the next best thing is the house's iconic fragrance.
Although smaller, a designer card case is a thoughtful gift that's sure to impress.
Anissa Kermiche's vases are popular with the fashion set, making this the perfect gift. But if you're unsure if gifting them with a vase is enough, pair this with a floral subscription to take it up a notch.
For those who always have a manicure, it doesn't get better than receiving designer nail polish.
Quiet luxury who? Make it clear you're spoiling them by opting for monikered items or famous prints—like this Burberry plaid hat!
Give them the gift of rest without sacrificing glamour.
You might not be able to take them to the tropics, but this body oil will make them look like they've been lounging on the beach.
When in doubt, gifting them with a bag from Brandon Blackwood is never a bad idea.
Hands down, these are the most comfortable (and chicest) heeled boots you could get them.
Not sure what type of fragrances they love? Opt for a designer discovery set to cover your bases.
Cement yourself as "cool" in their eyes by gifting them with anything from Khaite.
Make their happy hours even swankier with this unique glassware.
Shopping for a sneakerhead? Secure them one of the hottest fashion collabs of the moment.
Skincare fanatics will appreciate unwrapping this NuFace device set.
Those who are passionate about supporting rising labels will love unwrapping Luar's popular Ana Bag.
Frequent flyers may not always be able to afford first-class, but they can feel like they're in it with this passport cover.
Music lovers will appreciate you giving their sound system a stylish upgrade.
If they can't snuggle up with you when it's cold out, this cozy designer scarf is the next best thing.
For those who are glued to their phones, there's no better gift than a designer case.
Anyone living in a big city can tell you that it's a luxury to have noise-canceling headphones.
Anything you gift them from Ferragamo will surely have them freaking out, but we particularly favor these sculptural earrings.
Securing one of Telfar's coveted shopping totes will ensure you win the holiday season.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
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