To take some of the headache out of your holiday shopping and the burden off your budget, check out our best picks for gifts under $100 for friends and family. From indulgences to gadgets to pet treats, these gifts will delight everyone on your list. And don’t forget to add a little something to your own personal wish list.
Sleep Tight
Tired of donning a satin scarf or bonnet to protect that newly styled coif? Well, say goodbye to nightly hair bondage rituals and opt for a Neero & Ana Satin Pillowcase. These luxurious cases, made from 100% acetate bridal satin, come in an equally lush array of colors. Best of all they keep hair silky and in place while also keeping any moisturizers on your skin no matter how much you twist and turn at night. www.neero-ana.com; single standard pillowcase: $29.99; standard set: $54.99; king set: $60
For the Cook in Your Life
Now you can grill year-round, rain or shine, with the DeLonghi Cast-Aluminum Indoor Grill. Avid cooks will love the nonstick cast-aluminum grates and adjustable thermostat. This electric grill has an embedded heating system, allowing it to heat quickly and evenly. And keeping this appliance clean is a cinch: the grates, body, and lid can be submerged in water. www.williams-sonoma.com; $99.95
Finishing Touch for Business Cards
The style of a sophisticated businessman–or woman–speaks for itself, but why not allow the all-important business card make a statement of its own? The Deco Silver-Plated Card Case, with its clean lines and Art Deco-inspired motif, easily does the trick. To add a personal touch, have a loved one’s initials engraved in the case and it will instantly become a treasured memento.
www.redenvelope.com; $22—$27
Foot Rejuvenation
For movers and shakers constantly on the go, a needed trip to the spa can get pushed further and further down the to-do list. So bring spa pleasures right to your home. The Akhassa
Handy Tool for Do-It-Yourselfers
Work smarter, not harder on home improvement projects with the Black & Decker 2 VPX Drill/Driver. A perfect gift for the avid do-it-yourselfer, this drill offers up to 80% more torque to get the job done easily and is 15% smaller than other standard drills. Perhaps one of its best features is the VPX battery system. The ultralightweight lithium ion battery has such a low discharge it could wait on standby until next Christmas. Some heavy-duty remodeling may be in order for 2008. www.blackanddecker.com; $99.99
Peace and Quiet at Last
Whether one seeks a quiet moment away from a noisy environment or just optimal listening to a favorite CD, MP3, or DVD, the Sharper Image Traveler’s Noise-Cancellation Headphones 2.0 are a must-have for commuters and travelers. With advanced noise-cancellation technology, this headset not only eliminates bothersome ambient sounds but is also safe for one’s hearing–preventing the need to pump up the volume. They come complete with an airplane jack adapter and comfortable memory foam-cushioned earphones; simply pop in the batteries and venture off to a more pleasurable listening experience. www.sharperimage.com; $69.95
DJ Mix Master
This holiday season puts aspiring musicians to the test with the iPod Digital Drumsticks and iPod DJ Mixing Studio. Jam along to favorite songs, or to six included background rhythms, with the motion-activated drumsticks. Use buttons on each stick to create different effects–from snare drum to hi-hat–and connect to an iPod or similar MP3 player. Music makers can use the DJ
Stylish Pooch
Just because man’s best friend comes equipped with a fur coat doesn’t mean the cold winter months won’t bring Fido a few shivers. Pups donning the Fab Dog Argyle Ski Vest will get the extra protection they need to stay warm–not to mention being the talk of the town. Ranging from XXS to XXL with a removable faux-fur-trimmed hood and an embroidered argyle stripe down the back, this vest is stylish! Get ready for the neighborhood’s next fashionista. www.fabdog.com; $56 and up
Additional reporting by Sheiresa McRae