Presents Under $150(ish)

For all the last minuters! Our Second Annual List of Affordable Gifts.

Hi, Everyone! In Issue Fourteen, which we published earlier this month, we advocated for buying one gift for (almost) everyone on your list. But for those of you tornado-ing your way into the rest of December with zero premeditation, here’s a list of cool & unusual gifts that will arrive quickly and won’t empty your bank account. There’s everything from not-lame stocking stuffers to starring role presents. And even some things that will make your New Years eve sparkle (hello mail-order caviar and utterly fabulous $60 sequin pants!) And if you’re looking for some non-festive entertainment while you feverishly wrap, we’re loving this new trio of delightfully unhinged spy shows: The Agency, Black Doves and The Lioness.

For our paid subscribers, we’ve saved the best gifts for last—plus a little bonus box featuring our favorite new warm and wonderful party-dressing hack. And for our free subscribers (we love you, too), we’ve unlocked our First Annual $150(ish) Gift Guide because it’s truly evergreen!

Wishing you all a special, peaceful and restful few weeks.

See you in 2025!

Alexa, Aaron & Courtney

They go over your elbows, no joke! From food artist Laila Gohar’s line of fanciful cooking accessories: Gohar World Opera Oven Mitts.

Mail-order a two pound block of Parmigiano that’s received the highest rating from the Italian government's Parmigiano-Reggiano consortium—it’ll be a sleeper hit. Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese via Williams Sonoma.

Made by the Italian legwear brand, these stretchy sparkly pants can roll right up into a stocking—and seem perfect for holiday high-kicks. Calzedonia Sequin Palazzo Pants.

Transform their Bic into a delicious table lighter! Edie Parker Soft Serve Lighter Holder.

Made from dried leaves, roots, blossoms and buds that grow wild in the Tuscan hills, these fragrant sachets are one of this ancient apothecary’s best kept secrets. Santa Maria Novella Pot Pourri.

Our first collaboration ever! An exceptionally durable wool cap hand knit in Stowe, Vermont by Moriarty, the legendary maker of the tri-peak ski hat. The Perfect x Moriarty Hat.

A beach tent that could fit into your evening clutch! Fatboy Portable Sunshade.

Simply nothing better than giving (or receiving) caviar on Christmas. And it’ll keep till New Years! Portage Foods American Sturgeon Caviar or Caviar Set with Crème Fraîche and French Cocktail Blini.

For children of all ages, this groovy throwback is the perfect nightlight. Lava Lamp.

Our new favorite from RMS. Pleasingly weighty packaging and naturally sumptuous colors with an adaptogenic herbal blend healing reparative of oils. RMS Lip Oil.

Arguably the chicest French fishnet market bag. Longchamp Le Pliage.

It wouldn’t be the holidays if we didn’t have a HWB on our list! Toast Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle Cover and Sänger HWB.

Not many people will buy themselves a $155 coffee mug handmade in Paris, but ohhhh what a glorious luxury to sip from one! John Derian x Astier de Villatte's Clover Mug.

Give the gift of The Perfect Newsletter for one whole year! They’ll get our monthly newsletter plus extra special posts on style, travel, food and design in between.

Let the the adults kids put on a show at your next dinner party! Bedazzled Karaoke Microphone.

A glow-inducing stocking stuffer they’ll actually use..and buy again. Jones Road Miracle Balm.

A tiny American Girl Doll that stands a mere 6 inches tall. The American Girl Corp does not make clothes or any other costly accessories for this adorable size. You’re welcome. Molly McIntire™ Mini Doll & Book

Like a warm hug for one’s foot, these cozy comfy Danish-made slippers are 100% wool with a natural rubber sole that’s perfect for popping out to get the mail. Glerups Slipper.

From our favorite purveyor of flora, the gift that keeps on giving…and growing! White Flower Farm Paper Whites.

An extraordinary everyday spice set pretty enough to keep on the kitchen counter. Leila Provisions Spice Set.

Feel free to share this issue with friends by restacking us on Substack or by taking a screenshot of something you love here and posting it on Instagram. Tag us @theperfectshoppe !

As always, all of our illustrations are original and hand-drawn in ink by Courtney Broadwater

Visit us at our shop www.thisistheperfect.com for our collections of vintage clothing and antique treasures for the home! And our new ShopMy page for items from past newsletters all in one shoppable place.

BTW: we may get a small commission from some of the things you buy here. No extra cost to you! Thank you so much for supporting our work.