I'm a Former Gift Guide Editor, and These Are the 12 Under-$100 Presents I'm Giving This Year

While most people don’t start thinking about buying holiday presents until a good Cyber Week sale rolls around, gift-giving season has already been on my mind for months. I’d love to say it’s because of my ever-so-generous nature, but in reality, my reasoning is a bit more experiential. Before I spent my days scoping out epic deals at InStyle, I was a gift guide editor covering the best presents for year-round holidays and special occasions — not just the scanty few that fall in December. From presents that’ll make him blush to beauty gifts that’ll have her beaming, I’ve covered it all. I’m basically a professional present-giver, so who better to steer you in the right direction as you navigate gift-shopping this season?

I scoured the internet to find 12 of the best gifts for absolutely everyone on your list — yes, even your picky cousin. Shop cozy Spanx essentials for the homebody, under-$10 travel accessories for the frequent-flier, and even a pair of seriously discounted AirPods for the one who’s always up-to-date with the latest tech. And because the holidays can be stressful, I urge you to get something for yourself, too — luckily, all of these finds are under $100. 

Best 12 Holiday Gifts Under $100

• Spanx AirEssentials Crewneck Sweatshirt, $94 (Originally $118); spanx.com
• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds, $99 (Originally $129); amazon.com
• Coach Crossgrain Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag, $97 (Originally $195); nordstrom.com
• Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion, $20 (Originally $22); amazon.com
• SameBed Heated Electric Throw Blanket, $30 with coupon (Originally $146); amazon.com
• Ewedoos Fleece-Lined Leggings, $30 (Originally $40); amazon.com 
• Aikut Candle Warmer Lamp, $50 (Originally $100); amazon.com
• KNQZE Neck Massager With Heat, $48 (Originally $80); amazon.com
• Tory Burch Kira Pearl Linear Earring, $90 (Originally $128); toryburch.com
• Ugg Discoquette Genuine Shearling Slide Slipper, $83 (Originally $100); nordstrom.com
• Kingdalux Set of 6 Suitcase Packing Cubes, $9 with Prime (Originally $15); amazon.com
• Drybar the Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush, $93 (Originally $155); amazon.com

Coach Crossgrain Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag

My top hack for buying gifts that look way more expensive than they really are? Shopping designer brands on sale. Luckily, there are so many great Coach deals at Nordstrom and the brand’s own site, but the best one is this under-$100 leather logo bag at an unheard-of price. The '90s-inspired shoulder style is so chic and on trend, while this discounted berry shade makes for the perfect holiday hue. Though, if you want something a little more versatile, this dainty crossbody bag is the same price, and it firmly has my vote, too. 

Ewedoos Fleece-Lined Leggings  

I start every morning with three things: coffee, a long walk in Central Park, and a whole lot of anxiety. During the warmer months, the sunshine sufficiently propels me out of bed, but that’s proving to be more difficult as we near December’s frigid temps. That’s why I’ve been reaching for Ewedoos’ fleece-lined leggings to mitigate the bitter morning chill: They keep me snuggly even in sub-40-degree temperatures, and are even comfortable enough for a day of working from the couch once I return home. These leggings are a no-brainer gift for anyone who could use a little extra warmth this winter — as is this cuddly heated throw blanket that’s now 79 percent off with an onsite coupon.

KNQZE Neck Massager With Heat

We all know someone who’s impossible to shop for; for me, that’s my two 30-something-year-old male cousins (if I had any clue what men actually liked, maybe I wouldn’t be single). After trying a similar neck massager a few months ago, I decided to give one to my cousin for his last birthday. With two lifelike massaging modes and a soothing heat setting, it’s safe to say it was difficult-recipient-approved. And now that this hands-free option is on sale for just $48 ahead of the holidays, I’m also getting one for my mom (don’t even get me started on buying her gifts). 

Ugg Discoquette Genuine Shearling Slide Slipper

Yet another failsafe find: These cuddly Ugg slippers that are suitable for indoor and outdoor wear, making them perfect for both trips to the kitchen and the corner store. A suede upper material and shearling interior give this pair that walking-on-a-cloud-like comfort shoppers can’t stop raving about. In fact, Nordstrom shoppers attest to their luxurious feel, calling them “the softest slippers,” despite needing to go up a size. I’m stocking up on a few for holiday gifting now while they’re on sale (and might even pick up a pair for myself).

Shop more of my top under-$100 holiday gifts for 2023, below: 

Spanx AirEssentials Crewneck Sweatshirt

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds

Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion

SameBed Heated Electric Throw Blanket

Aikut Candle Warmer Lamp

Kingdalux Set of 6 Suitcase Packing Cubes

Tory Burch Kira Pearl Linear Earring

Drybar the Single Shot Round Blow-Dryer Brush