50 Under $50: Your Ultimate Southern Holiday Gift Guide
We're back with our annual "50 Under $50" holiday gift guide, featuring makers and retailers we love across the South!
As holiday cheer begins to swell, so do our shopping lists. But gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful or a complete drain on your bank account. We’ve put together a guide featuring 50 distinctive gifts (all $50 or under) from some of our favorite makers and retailers around the South. And everything is shoppable online!
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SIPS & SNACKS
Autumn Blend coffee
Create a new morning ritual with this cozy autumn blend from Short Sleeves Coffee ($19). Every sip brings notes of brown sugar-dusted peaches, maple syrup, and fall spices. Hand-roasted in the mountains of North Carolina, it’s the perfect seasonal upgrade for any coffee lover.

Anne’s Cheese Biscuits
A savory Southern tradition wrapped up in a pretty tube! This comes with about 30 hand-baked, crispy cheddar biscuits made for sharing (or keeping). Get a few for hostess gifts for $20 at Anne’s Cheese Biscuits.

Chardonel
This award-winning Chardonel from a North Carolina winemaker blends Chardonnay finesse with Seyval vitality. Expect bright stone fruit, honeysuckle, and a brisk, clean finish. A bottle is $38 at Marked Tree Vineyard, one of the region’s standout estate vineyards. (Fun fact: all of their bottles side-by-side create striking horizontal artwork.)

Key lime tea cookies
Another fabulous hostess gift or ready-to-serve snack: these key lime tea cookies. Inspired by Florida’s signature fruit and baked with care in Arkansas, they balance tart and sweet beautifully. It’s $7.60 for a six-ounce pouch at Janis & Melanie.

Hot honey
Hot honey is everywhere in the culinary world, it seems. This one blends raw, unfiltered Lowcountry honey with a Charleston-made habanero hot sauce for the perfect sweet-heat drizzle. It can upgrade everything from biscuits to roasted veggies. A jar is $15 at Edisto Gold Honey.

Golden Hour tea
Infused with apple spice and honey, Golden Hour ($15) from the tea and coffee gurus at Methodical is like a holiday hug in a mug. It’s reminiscent of falling leaves and cozy campfires and the perfect gift (already packaged beautifully) for every tea lover.

Cinnamon cocktail crackers
We eagerly await new snacks from Reid’s Fine Foods, and these cinnamon cocktail crackers are a surefire winner on your own table or gifted to your hosts. It’s $12.99 for 10 ounces, and $22.99 for 20 ounces at Reid’s.

KITCHEN & ENTERTAINING
Brass shell spoons
What’s not to love about this pair of espresso spoons from East Fork ($44)?! Hand-carved from solid brass and shaped like sea-worn shells, they’ll bring some understated elegance to cocktails, hot cocoa, or morning espresso.

Set of personalized tea towels
These personalized tea towels bring a fun Western twist to the kitchen with their heart-covered cowboy boot print. Sold as a set of two and customized with initials, they make an adorable gift for hosts, newlyweds, or any loved one from the South. The pair is $42 at Taylor Beach Design.

Ceramic butter keeper
This speckled ceramic butter keeper blends minimalist design with classic French functionality. It keeps your butter soft and ready at room temperature, making it a sweet upgrade for any cook’s countertop. Shop this for $48 at Dwell Home Supply.

Set of retro swimmer cocktail picks
Add a splash of fun to any holiday or happy hour spread with these reusable cocktail picks. Gold-toned with colorful enamel suits, and 4.4 inches long, they’re the perfect playful upgrade to olives, garnishes, and festive drinks. This set is $34 at Apple & Oak.

Simmer pot gift set
This gift set from the Kentucky clay makers at Dirty South Potters bundles a handmade spoon rest, a festive kitchen towel, and a fragrant simmer-pot mix. It’s a thoughtful, ready-to-gift pick for hostesses, teachers, or holiday swaps. Pick from a few styles for $34 at Dirty South Pottery.

New water bottle
Social media star Corporate Natalie and Atlanta-based drinkware brand Reduce have created a playful, corporate-inspired collection of eco-friendly drinkware. This limited-edition 40-ounce “Chiller” in a fresh cherry color has Available and Busy on either side to let coworkers and family members know what’s up. Spill-proof and with up to 40 hours of cold, it’s $34.99 at Reduce.

GIFTING & ORGANIZATION
Fine wrapping paper
We’re crushing on this Georgia-based paper company that makes luxurious, thick holiday wrapping paper. “Merry Strokes” is bold and playful, but there are dozens of styles to browse. Printed on thick 90 GSM fine art paper, you can get a six-foot roll for $14.99 or a 15-foot one for $29.99 at London Penny.

Oven treat boxes
These retro-style cookie boxes look like tiny red ovens and are a fun, festive way to package homemade treats for hostess gifts, teachers, and even delivery drivers. The set includes six paper cookie boxes and six tags with twine for $14 at Meadow.

Funny holiday gift tags
Behold 16 brutally honest gift tags like “I found this in my closet” and “That’s right. Socks!” There are two versions available for $9.95 at Whiskey River Soap Co. (Note: We starred out a few profanities in the image below. Gift to your most irreverent friend.)

Gift bags
These Inslee Fariss gift bags transform holiday wrapping into a work of art. Featuring her signature whimsical watercolor patterns and coordinating satin handles, they’re perfectly sized and ready to make any gift feel instantly elevated. A mixed set of four is $35 at Inslee Fariss.

Desktop calendar
We love it when Dogwood Hill releases its new desktop calendar. Each month features original artwork from a dozen different artists. The 5-by-7 calendar is packaged in a cute keepsake or envelope. It is $36 at Dogwood Hill (or it’s $66 with a box and custom easel).

Magic Light Wand
Every house can become that much more magical with the addition of the Magic Light Wand! This is the original Magic Light Wand, first conceived by a Memphis family in 2012, and it’s back and better than ever! One “ta da” – up to 60 feet away – can light up the tree. The newest wands, now available, feature pairing capabilities designed to create a home system with multiple receivers on different trees, with wands placed strategically throughout the house. Available in six colors: gold, red, silver, pink, purple, and blue, each features beautiful chrome details. Why not create the absolute best Christmas house imaginable?! Find it online here for $49. (The family just dropped off over 500 Wands at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Le Bonheur’s Children’s Hospital, and Make-A-Wish Midsouth. This is the feel-good gift of Christmas!)

HOME DECOR
Glass tea light holder
These scalloped glass candleholders add instant color and charm to any tablescape, inside or out. Just pop in a tealight and they glow beautifully, making them perfect for holiday dinners or cozy winter nights. They’re sold individually for $18 at Verdigris, so we suggest getting a few!

Playing card art print
This giclée print features Virginia-based artist Riley Sheehey’s signature whimsy as she reimagines classic playing-card motifs. It’s a fun graphic piece that’s ready for a frame and some additional friends from Riley’s whole playing card collection. It’s $45 at Riley Sheehey.

Marble star dish
This charming 100% marble dish makes a great gift paired with almost anything! A pair of earrings, a craft soap, some yummy cheese, a bottle of wine … you name it! It’s $11.99 at Auden & Avery.

Wavy picture fame
Print the photos! Frame them! This 5-by-7 frame is the perfect addition to any gallery wall, desk, or side table. The natural wood and wavy shape will stand out but fit in with every aesthetic. Get a few frames for $14 each at Chic & Shabby.

Encouraging card deck
After her snarky trophies generated a ton of buzz, textile and curio creator Jenni Earle made A Trophy a Day card deck pairing 36 hand-drawn trophy illustrations with witty, real-talk encouragement. This deck makes an uplifting gift for anyone who deserves a little daily recognition. It’s $32 at Jenni Earle.

The Southerner’s Y’allmanac
The Southerner’s Y’allmanac (just released in August) by Rachel Hardage Barrett and Jeanne Lyons Davis is a guide to Southern life, filled with decorating, entertaining, cooking, and gardening ideas, along with wit and wisdom from prominent Southerners. It’s a coffee table book that guests will actually read! It’s on sale for $22.41 on Amazon.

Mushroom lamp
Small, sculptural, and effortlessly cool, this spotted glass portable mushroom lamp adds a touch of whimsy and warmth wherever it ends up. Find it for $35 at Celadon Home.

Gratitude banner
We envision this in a child’s room, but place it in the mudroom or hallway to remind everyone that gratitude breeds happiness. With paper leaves ready for jotting down daily “happies,” it might turn a holiday ritual into a year-round one. This is on sale for $47 at Juliska.

WOMEN’S WARDROBE
Candy necklace
We love the color variety of these stone strands by Charleston’s Market & King. And the fact that you can attach any charm to the gold clasp in a heartbeat to change up the look! Get yours at Market & King in a bunch of colors for $46.

Olive charm
Speaking of charms, Britt’s Funky Stitch in Savannah has many incredible ones. Throw this cute olive charm onto a necklace, bracelet, or create a funky bag charm. She’s got a ton of charms to pick from for around $16 at Britt’s Funky Stitch.

Jewelry case
This whimsical round jewelry case is soft, compact, and perfect for travel. The embroidered mushrooms and stars make it look irresistibly cute on a dresser or in a carry-on. It’s $26.77 at The Common Pine.

Tote bag
Add a burst of color to everyday errands with these fabulous block-print totes — each one sewn from vibrant, mixed-pattern cotton with sturdy handles and charming contrast trim. Lightweight but roomy, they’re $48 at Swank & Co.

Sunglasses
These handmade Texas sunglasses pair a sleek silhouette with tiny gold hoops for a subtle Y2K-inspired edge. Choose from silver or gold in a variety of shapes at Verve Jewelry for $25.

Chunky gold hoops
Simple, bold, and always included in our “earscapes” for a reason. These chunky gold hoops are $32 at Mary Kathryn Design.

Touchscreen gloves
Everyone could use a new (or an extra) pair of gloves for the car or bag this winter. This oatmeal-colored pair is crafted from soft merino wool and features touchscreen fingertips. Get yours for $38 at Salt & Sundry.

Cozy sweatpants
These wide-leg sweatpants are the soft, easy staple everyone needs this season. Perfect for travel days, errand runs, or cozy nights in, they’re a wardrobe workhorse at just $46 from Talulah.

BATH & BEAUTY
Mini lip oil trio
This limited-edition collection of mini lip oils from RMS Beauty (on sale for $35) is a perfect holiday stocking stuffer. With three hydrating, subtly tinted oils in travel-friendly sizes, it delivers glossy nourishment and a hint of color for gifting or on-the-go glow.

Luxury room spray
A really delicious room mist is the easiest way to elevate a space. This one, from a Texas fragrance maker, features odor-eliminating compounds and notes of sandalwood and coconut. It’s $18 at Beecon of Light Candles.

Trio of festive bath bombs
This gift-ready bath set from Old Whaling Co. ($28) brings holiday magic to the tub with three limited-edition bath bombs — “Coastal Christmas,” “Sugar Plum Ferry,” and “Yuletide Glow” — packed into a luxe gold-foil gift box.

Holiday bar soap
This goat-milk soap blends juicy raspberry, bright orange, and a soft musk for a cozy, festive scent. Hand-poured, hand-cut, and made in Kentucky with simple food-grade ingredients, it’s a thoughtful hostess gift that feels as good as it smells. Each bar is $6.50 at Rock Bottom Soap.

Deodorant
Another Kentucky brand we love, Misc. Goods Co. is a boutique fragrance house that customers return to for their colognes, perfumes, oils, soaps, and more. Their five-starred natural deodorant is the perfect pick for anyone looking for an easy clean-product swap. It’s $19 at Misc. Goods Co. Not sure of the right scent? Get them a discovery set first!

MEN
Set of Barbour socks
A Barbour-branded gift for $50? We love it. This three-pack of socks features a charming pheasant print in rich fall colors, adding a subtle dash of personality to his everyday wardrobe. The pack of three pairs of socks is $50 at Two Friends.

Bandana
Whether he uses it more as a handkerchief or a bandana, we love the bold hit of color and cyclical coyote-and-floral design by Austin, TX-based artist Lauren Dickens. Made from soft, pre-washed organic cotton and made entirely by hand, it’s a lightweight, sustainable accessory that no two guys will wear exactly the same. Find it at Stag Provisions for $30.

Coffee subscription
Get him happy and caffeinated this winter (and beyond) with Deeper Roots’ coffee subscription. It’s $18.75 per month for single-bag deliveries of small-batch, locally roasted beans. Ideal for the coffee lover who appreciates quality and discovery.

Dry box
This handy dry box is “crushproof, dustproof, adventure-proof,” and ready for all your adventures on and off the water. And every purchase bolsters Toadfish’s incredible causes that protect our fragile coastal ecosystems. This box is currently on sale for $45 at Toadfish.

Luggage tag
Luggage tags are a necessity that often need to be swapped out. This handsome leather one ($36) from Glad & Young will look great on any bag and will actually survive the jostling of checked baggage. It comes in multiple colors, and you can add gold foil stamping for an additional $20.

KIDS
Baby’s first Santa hat
This cozy Santa hat for babies (6 to 24 months) adds instant holiday cheer to those first Christmas photos. They also have a smaller size for 3 to 6 months. Soft, festive, and perfectly sized for little heads, it’s $32 at The Tiny Finch.

“Cut Up This Book” collage book
Unlock your imagination with this 128-page treasury of more than 1000 images designed for cutting and collaging. With background scenes, vintage figures, and a practical intro to composition, it’s the ultimate gift for creatives of all ages. This is $17.99 at Page & Post.

Keepsake box
This is the perfect baby gift for new moms and dads. It comes in gingham blue or pink and is pretty enough to display in a nursery. Use it as a vessel for a new outfit or gift it on its own! They’re $38 from Texas kids’ designer Ruth & Ralph.

Bamboo PJ set
We love the understated design and cozy color of these kids’ pajamas from the sister brand of beloved Rylee + Cru. They’re slim-fit, soft, and stretchy, and come in a whole bunch of designs. They’re on sale for $27.30 each at Quincy Mae.

Nesting snails
Adorable, eco-friendly, and sturdy, this stackable snail encourages toddlers to play with visual balance and problem-solving. It’s $28 at Gift Horse.

Wooden tea set
Any wee one in your life will swoon over this romantic, solid-wood tea set. It features a teapot, a cupcake, a tea bag, cups, saucers, teaspoons, and a milk jug. All presented on a round tray for $47.99 at Jojo Mommy.

Happy gifting!
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Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.