Holiday Gifts for Under $50

Holiday shopping is hard — and expensive. We've made it easier (and cheaper!)

by: Jeannie McDowell, Margot Doughtery | from: AARP The Magazine | November 22, 2011

— Photo by Lisa Shin

For the Foodie

(Items are described beginning with the green canister of olive oil and moving clockwise.)

How’s this for gifts with good taste: Pasolivo’s Extra-Virgin Olive Oil — this one infused with lime ($25 for 375 ml at pasolivo.com), and salt and pepper ground from these mini Saltwerks and Pepperwerks mills ($10.95 each at crateandbarrel.com), combine for an easy salad dressing or marinade. Mixologists will find infinite uses for hibiscus, lavender, rose and fire orchid–infused Elixirs ($12.95 per 9-ounce bottle at floralinfusions.com). A pairing of Colston Bassett Stilton and Marshall’s Farm honey ($42 for the duo at cowgirlcreamery.com) calls for a honey dipper ($2.95 at crateandbarrel.com). For those who are serious about their java, try a handsome stainless steel espresso cup and saucer ($9.95 at crateandbarrel.com). Choffy brews like coffee and smells like chocolate — with neither the caffeine nor the calories ($15 per 12-ounce bag at drinkchoffy.com).