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15 Stylish Under-$250 Gifts That Actually Look So Expensive

by Austen Tosone

November 9, 2018

Dvora/Shutterstock

A model wearing a winter coat, a beige dress and a maroon bag while standing outside in the winter

With the majority of 2018 already in the rearview mirror, your focus can now be entirely on the upcoming holiday season. The last two months of the year are a time to reconnect with old friends, enjoy (perhaps a little too much) family time, and try to survive your holiday work party without any awkward run-ins. All of this is plenty fun — the holidays are all about celebrating after all — still they often require more than just a good outfit, they also require a thoughtful gift. But, if you want to reserve your splurges for a select few, the truth is there are plenty of stylish gifts under $250 that still seem super luxe — ideal for pleasing hostesses, bosses, and distant family alike.

When it comes time to get shopping, Barneys New York Associate Fashion Director Jackie Kim suggests going into things with as much information as possible. "Buying gifts for your friends can be tricky– especially when it involves sizing and fits," she explains. Her suggestion if you don't have someone's stats on hand: "a thoughtful, personalized gift without a size." Either way, with the ideas below, you'll be sure to please even the pickiest shopper on your gifting list. And who knows, there might also be something with your name on it, too.

Signet Ring

A simple engraved signet ring feels personal without requiring too much sleuthing on your end. This fashionable ring is ideal for layering with other jewelry, but is also cool enough to stand all on its own.

Cashmere Scarf

While a scarf might at first feel like an impersonal gift, choosing a luxe style in a fashion-forward hue like a bold yellow actually makes for a great (and stylish) gift. For your trendy friend whose stuck living somewhere chilly, this style will surely come in handy.

Adeline Hairclip

Adeline Hairclip

The holidays are all about sparkle, but this pretty clip will be a favorite beyond the end of 2018. Since berrettes are poised to be a major trend for the year to come, this is a gift that will get plenty of wear.

Faux Fur Coat

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Every woman can appreciate the outfit-transforming powers of a faux fur coat, which is why it makes for the ideal fashion gift. Skipping a standard black hue for a rich forest green instead makes for a style that feels a bit more of-the-moment.

Kennedy Resin Hoop Earrings

Kennedy Resin Hoop Earrings

These oversized Cult Gaia hoops call to mind a super vintage feeling and are a great gift for the woman who already owns one (or more) of the brand's cult bags. Gold and silver tend to dominate the holiday scene, so these marbled yellow resin earrings will stand out from the crowd.

Chai Candle

When it comes to accessorizing, what you have at home can be just as important as what you put on your body. A chic candle is always a welcome gift.

Blue Belted Cardigan

Blue Belted Cardigan

The best gifts manage to be both practical and stylish and this Pixie Market sweater fits the bill. It's a gift that will go with jeans, a silky slip dress, or even sweats — how's that for versatile?

Linea A Cardholder

Linea A Cardholder

A chic cardholder is a great way to pull off a designer gift at a more digestible price point. If you've set a budget for a certain someone, but you still want your gift of choice to feel fancy, this is the ideal pick.

Le Skinny Luxe Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Le Skinny Luxe Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Often a nice pair of sunglasses is something women want but are hesitant to splurge on. Treat someone special to these fun statement sunglasses and they'll be a sure hit.

The Tomboy

A sweet pajama set will get plenty of wear and might just convince that someone special to give up the ratty oversized tee they've resigned to wearing every night.

Embroidered Striped Shirt

Embroidered Striped Shirt

A classic striped tee is a sure win for friends whether they're style is preppy or something a little more relaxed. This cheeky design from La Ligne is a fun take on a simple style.

Fairmont Pouch

If you have a friend who's been wanting to dip her toes into the animal print trend and doesn't know where to start, this pouch from Ganni might be just the thing. With its wrist strap, it can be used as a tiny clutch or even a travel makeup case.

Cashmere Slide Slipper

Cashmere Slide Slipper

For a gift that's simple but will bring an unexpected amount of joy, spring for a pair of cashmere slippers. Her feet will be happier than ever before.

Mariah Feather-Trimmed Crepe Top

Mariah Feather-Trimmed Crepe Top

For the woman who can't resist an It-item, Staud's feathery top is the way to go. It's a statement maker sure, but it's also an item that can be easily dressed up or down.

Decorative Box

For something fashionable that your gift recipient won't actually have to wear, consider a chic box for storing stray jewelry. This simple soapstone style will look great on any dresser.