Most holiday gift guides are a little unrealistic, don’t you think? I don’t know about you, but my max spend on a gift for the holidays is about $60 – maybe a little more if I’m buying something for my main squeeze. So this year, I decided to put together a realistic holiday gift guide with gifts that I’ve actually received (and loved!) or given (and the recipient loved!). One of my pet peeves is getting a gift that I know I’ll never use. So most of these items are practical and some of the most-used items in the house! Here we go!

For the Popcorn Lovers

This silicone popcorn maker is BY FAR the gift I use most often, even after a number of years. We’re talking I make popcorn with it almost daily. You put a little oil in the bottom (I use avocado oil), throw in your kernels, cover it, and put it in the microwave. It’s healthier than the microwave bags, and it’s easier than a traditional popper. Plus you can use it as the bowl! Throw in some popcorn kernels and different flavor seasonings, and you’ve got an instant classic gift that is super unique.

Silicone Popcorn Maker, Popcorn Kernels & Seasoning, Popcorn Seasoning

For the Coffee Lovers

For all my Keurig friends, this one is for you. If you’re like me, you think about how all those disposable K Cups get expensive and produce a lot of waste. Did you know they make reusable ones? I found a couple of great options on Amazon. Grab that and their favorite coffee and it’s the gift that keeps on giving. I also think this is a great gift option instead of a coffee mug. Because people generally have more mugs than they know what to do with! So reusable pods are unique and are sure to be used! Try to find out which type of Keurig machine they have so you buy a compatible version! I’ve also linked a couple of my favorite coffees here – bags from some of my favorite coffee shops in Chicago!

Reusable K Cups & Coffee Spoon, Reusable K Cups, Intelligentsia Coffee, La Colombe Coffee

For the Writer

This was probably one of the most thoughtful gifts I got last year – a beautiful journal! Journaling is a big part of my life, I prioritize it as part of my morning routine. One of my friends knew that and got me a gorgeous journal from Rifle Paper Company, and it continues to be one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever gotten. I’m so sad that I’ll need a new one soon, but luckily there are a ton of fun and cute options. I’ve linked both a classic and spiral bound here, and they also have a 5-year keepsake journal set which looks super fancy.

Embroidered Journal, Designed Spiral Notebook, 5 Year Keepsake Journal Set

For the “Cozy Up with a Good Book”

Everyone has that friend or family member whose entire personality is wanting to cozy up with a good book. These Old Navy PJs are super cozy, just please only buy someone PJs if you know their size! Also this book set from Rifle Paper Company is beautiful. This set includes some of my all-time favorite books: Little Women, Heidi, A Little Princess, and Anne of Green Gables.

Matching Flannel PJ Set, Classic Book Collection

For the Active Types

I bought my fiance a massage gun for his birthday, and it was one of the best gifts ever (for both of us! lol). I actually got a Theragun that was around $200, but my chiropractor said that lower priced ones work well too! So here’s one for under $60! And a few years ago, I got him this foam roller set that had different pieces to target different muscle groups. It was also another great, well-used gift.

Massage Gun, Teal Foam Roller Set, Black Foam Roller Set

For the Cook

OK, I cannot overstate how the gift of an air fryer changed my life. I’m not exaggerating. My fiance’s sister gifted us an air fryer one year and it became the number one kitchen appliance in our house. We use it multiple times a day and have even lamented that we need a second one so that we can cook our meat and veggies at the same time!! There are so many out there at so many different price points, so it’s hard to choose sometimes. But here are 3 options that are all under $60!

Gourmia 6 Quart Air Fryer, Bella Pro 4.2 Quart Air Fryer, PowerXL Vortex Pro 4 Quart Air Fryer

For the Bartender

Another one of my favorite gifts to receive was a bartender/cocktail set! I suffered for years with mis-matched utensils and when I got a pretty brass set like this, I was overjoyed. They are so sophisticated, and they come in so many different colors, so you can get one to match the style of whoever you’re getting it for. And all of these linked are in the $30ish range, so you can pair it with a bottle of liquor and the garnishes to make your favorite cocktail (or theirs!) and keep it under budget. My two favorite liquor choices are Amarula and Koval Cranberry Gin and everyone I’ve introduced to these two drinks have loved it!

Rose Bartending Set, Gold Bartending Set, Bronze Bartending Set, Silver Bartending Set

Bar Tool Set, Amarula Cream & Marula Fruit Liqueur, Koval Distillery Cranberry Gin Liqueur

For the Cleaner

Have you ever used Swedish dishcloths?? They are so cool! They are basically reusable paper towels, so they’re a great gift for anyone who is environmentally conscious or someone who is setting up house for the first time. They are super absorbent, last forever, and you can even throw them in the wash to prolong their life! Also, look how cute!! There are plenty of patterns to choose from, so your friends and family can reduce waste in style. I gave everyone in my family a set of these one year and although some of them thought they were weird, others loved them! lol Alone, these are more of a stocking stuffer – or you can pair them with a kitchen rack, dish drying mat, or some other kitchen essentials for a thoughtful, useful gift!

6 Pack Swedish Dishcloths with Artful Prints, 10 Pack Bright Colored Swedish Dishcloths

For Accessorizing

And finally, some accessories! One of my friends said a cute AirPod case was one of her favorite gifts of all time. You can get something pretty or something that fits their personality, like this cool game console one! I know I’m always afraid of losing my AirPods, so this is a welcome accessory for me. I also linked this cute scarf from Old Navy! If you want to do group gifts (like everyone gets the same thing), this neutral scarf is a super cute option that everyone is sure to love!

Game Console AirPod Case, Floral AirPod Case, Brushed Scarf

So there you have it – my realistic holiday gift guide, all under $60! I hope it helps with your holiday shopping – I’d love to hear what you’re getting!