By the TMoM team

Welcome to GIFT GIVING WEEK!  All week long we will have holiday gift ideas for anyone and everyone on your list.  Don’t forget to read Rachel’s blog on personalized gift ideas for moms and dads (more personalized gifts for kids and teens will be featured tomorrow!), and also visit our Gift Giving Category for classic ideas from last season.

Many times at Christmas we hear ourselves saying, “I would love to just get her a little something!”  But for the little somethings, you still want those gifts to be special and unique.  We hope these ideas today will give you a jump start on presents for teachers, hairdressers, babysitters, neighbors, and more!

Below are 20 fabulous gift ideas, many of which are from businesses local to the Triad and North Carolina. Have fun perusing our list, and if you have other “under $20” gift ideas to share, leave a comment below. Later in December we’ll feature last minute stocking stuffer ideas with even more fun “under $20 gifts” ideas!

Rachel’s Suggestions:

1. Freaker USA
“Manufactured in Troy, North Carolina, Freakers (pictured left) are nationally recognized as the one-size-fits-all knit koozie that functionally makes your beverage feel special. Presented in myriad of prismatic designs; the Freaker is a strong, tight knit that keeps your liquids insulated in style.” Freakers can fit anything from baby bottles to water bottles to arms when worn as “gloves!” $8 ~Description from Freaker’s web site

2. Uncommon Goods Money Clip
Perfect for the guy in your life, especially if he has a sense of humor. “While this quote might overstate how money can make you a more likeable person with a prettier voice, it’s certainly a nice thought when you do have money to put in this aluminum clip. The surface has a modern brushed finish with the quote etched into the metal and it makes a compact, stylish alternative to the often-bulky wallet.” $18  ~ Description from UnCommon Goods’ web site.

3. Red Envelope Personalized Family Ornament
“A classic gift that truly keeps on giving, our heirloom-quality keepsake ornament is designed to last a lifetime. Two graduated brushed-nickel discs are bound and hung with red grosgrain ribbon. The discs may be personalized with a date and special message to commemorate a first Christmas or special event.” $19.95 ~ Description from Red Envelope’s web site

4. Elizabeth Miller’s Collegiate Wall Hangings
These collegiate owl wall hangings (pictured right) make a great stocking stuffer. Wise Wolfpack, Wise Tarheel, and a Wise Pirate are currently available for only $12 each. Or, for $15 request a different school. To purchase a unique piece of art from Triad artist, Elizabeth Miller, visit www.creativeandcolorful.blogspot.com.

5. Pottery Barn Guest towels
Monogrammed guest towels add a personal touch to any home, and these classic designs come in pure machine-washable linen. $19

6. Crate & Barrel Photo Coaster Set
Says Katie, “I got a similar set of these for my parents and they love them. Perfect for grandparents or even your husband to keep in his office or ‘man-cave’!” Described by Crate & Barrell: “Polished-glass coasters with cream mats protect a 1.5″ square photo or piece of artwork. Four coasters stack upright in a red cedar base.” $19.95

7. Axis Candle Holder from Crate & Barrel
“Cool candlelight for modern spaces. This intriguing, tubular candleholder has a high-tech appeal. Vines or flowers may be inserted into the tube for an organic accent.” $14.95 ~ Description from Crate & Barrel’s web site.

8. HydroFlask Water Bottle
Says Rachel: These are AMAZING!  Can keep it in 90 degree weather all day long and your ice cubes will still be there at the end of the day.  “So Hydro Flask® began with a challenge: to create a reusable water bottle (pictured left) that truly performs in any environment. It had to keep hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold. Period. It should be BPA-free, lightweight, durable, sweat-proof, freeze-proof, recyclable, and come with an unconditional lifetime warranty.” $19.99 ~ Description from HydroFlask’s web site

Shannon’s Suggestions:

9. Gourmet Selections from Pasta Wench
For the foodie on your list, I highly recommend a visit to The Briar Patch.  With so many unique, gourmet selections from the Pasta Wench, you are sure to find something delicious for that special someone on your list – and there is a LOT to choose from under $20.  I love this for a hostess gift as well.  Pasta Wench is a small family owned company nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Boone NC.  Pasta Wench Pasta is made with 85% ingredients from NC organic growers.

10. Nouvelle candles
You can find many of these candles (pictured left) under $20 at The Briar Patch. These candles are known for their exotic and innovative fragrances, as well as the gorgeous ceramic candle container.  I would love one of every scent please!

11. An Autographed Book from Barnhills
Barnhill’s has so many to choose from, and the autographed copies are in stock.  Visit their website for the extensive list of over 40 unique authors with autographed books. Most books are under $20.

Ashleigh’s Suggestions:

12. Trapezoid Cosmetic Bag
This fun and stylish zippered bag from Meg’s in High Point is the perfect gift for any woman on your list no matter her age.  It is a cosmetic bag, but really could be used for other purposes as well: jewelry bag, wallet, etc..  They offer bright and cheerful two-tone options as well as neutral colors.  The monogram is the perfect touch and makes this gift that much more personal.  This is sure to be a gift any woman would love to receive! The bag is $9.90 and appears to be $19.90 when you add in a monogram.

13. Knitted Headbands and Neckwarmers
Hangs Ups in High Point offers handmade knitted headband and neckwarmers that are gorgeous!  They come in a variety of vibrant colors with flowers embellished with small sequins.  The large size is $14 and can be used as a headband that gives more coverage like a hat or as a neckwarmer.  The smaller size is only $10.95 and is so stylish as a headband!  This is a perfect gift to give someone who has everything – every woman needs a new accessory!

Allison’s Suggestions:

14. Whimsical Sit-About Reindeer
These adorable ceramic reindeer will make anyone smile when you add the to your holiday centerpiece.  You can find  this adorable line of holiday giftware at both the North Greensboro and Cloverdale Ace Hardware stores for $16.99. 15. Colonial Candle music CD gift set
This country music candle set was specially recorded for Colonial candle and cannot be found anywhere in our area, but at North Greensboro and Cloverdale Ace Hardware stores! $16.99

15. Wild Hare Aprons
‘Tis the season to cook and bake so you may as well do it in style and with humor!  You can find these festive holiday aprons at North Greensboro and Cloverdale Ace Hardware stores – and they have attitude! Give friends and family something to laugh about this year!  $14.99

16.   Gourmet Du Village Brie Bakers and Dip Chillers
Getting ready for hors d’ oeuvre hour over the holidays? Again, stop in to North Greensbore Ace and Cloverdale Ace Hardware and see the selection of brie bakers, dip chillers and gourmet dip mixes (pictured left) from $14-16.99!

Katie’s Suggestions:

17. The MagneButton from Splurges
Splurges is the only boutique in NC carrying this product line. Magnebuttons are decorative magnets (see picture to the right) used to hold your scarves together without having a pin and/pin holes. Price points vary from $16.00 – $22.00 and Splurges has sold dozens.  The team at Splurges also offers customers the “how to” on ways in which to use the Magnebutton! Clips your scarves in place! No HOLES ever! Great gifts with a scarf or cardigan!

18. B & G Organic Bath & Body Products
Splurges also carries these products which retail between $6.00 – $15.00. A variety of organic bath soaps, salts, pet products and more! Another product that sells fast!

19. Miniemergency Kit
Good things come in mini packages, and these kits can also be found at Splurges. Measuring just 3.5″ x 2″ x 2,” the Minimergency® Kit for Her by Ms. & Mrs. is more compact than a cupcake. And with 16 emergency essentials, you’ll wonder how they all fit inside. Choose from seven metallic cases: Pewter, Gold, Silver, Red, Turquoise, Pink, and Purple. Contains 16 must-haves: Hairspray, Clear Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Emery Board, Lip Balm, Earring Backs, Clear Elastics, Sewing Kit, Double-Sided Tape, Stain Remover, Deodorant Towelette, Pain Reliever, Tampon, Breath Freshener, Dental Floss, and Adhesive Bandages. $13 – $15

20. ManiPedimergency Kit

Touch up your fingers and toes on-the-go with the Mani-Pedimergency Kit by Ms. & Mrs. This kit – also found at Splurges – contains 3 tiny, travel-size nail polish bottles that you can fill with your favorite colors or top coats. With an emery board and 6 nail polish remover pads included, it’s like having an emergency nail salon at your fingertips. Contents: 3 Travel-Size Nail Polish Bottles, 1 Mini Emery Board, and 6 Nail Polish Remover Pads.  $10 – $12