2012 holiday home gift guide

Don’t let shopping stress you out, especially with the holidays quickly approaching. Find inspiration from our list of stylish gifts for the home, all less than $50.

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Alarm dock

Don’t let looks deceive you — Areaware’s beech alarm clock is high-tech. Plug in an iPhone or iPod Touch while running a clock app, and you’ll see the time and charge your device, $30.

Areaware /

An easy seasonal gift, we were especially taken with the wishbone ($15) and <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.vivaterra.com/flying-pig-ornament.html'>flying pig</a> ($19, shown).

Ornaments

An easy seasonal gift, we were especially taken with the wishbone ($15) and flying pig ($19, shown).

VivaTerra

Ornaments

VivaTerra’s wishbone ornament,$15.

VivaTerra

Landscape designer or apartment gardener: What nature lover doesn’t need a <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.westelm.com/products/mrk-galvanized-watering-cans-d515/'>retro white gardening can</a>? Available in two sizes, 2.2 liter and seven liter, $16-$29.

Watering cans

Landscape designer or apartment gardener: What nature lover doesn’t need a retro white gardening can? Available in two sizes, 2.2 liter and seven liter, $16-$29.

West Elm

Universal crowd-pleasers such as a <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.oliveandcocoa.com/product/duet-succulent-trough/all-gifts'>row of succulents</a> in a wooden box ($48, shown) or a small olive tree in a terra-cotta pot ($34, next slide) are easy to care for and more creative than poinsettia or amaryllis.

Potted plants

Universal crowd-pleasers such as a row of succulents in a wooden box ($48, shown) or a small olive tree in a terra-cotta pot ($34, next slide) are easy to care for and more creative than poinsettia or amaryllis.

Olive & Cocoa

Potted plants

Olive & Cocoa’s small olive tree in a terra-cotta pot, $34.

Olive & Cocoa

Trays and dishes

Great for serving and organizing anywhere in your home, these are go-to items for many gift-givers. We offer two choices: a small, decorative dish — we’re partial to the dachshund (shown) and the crab by John Derian ($48 each), and nesting blue trays ($49, next slide).

Neiman Marcus

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.wisteria.com/Colorful-Nesting-Trays/productinfo/W7442/'>Wisteria’s blue nesting trays</a>, $49.

Trays and dishes

Wisteria’s blue nesting trays, $49.

Wisteria

<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.neimanmarcus.com/category.jsp?itemId=cat43421033'>John Derian’s small decoupage dish</a> features a vintage crab print, $48.

Trays and dishes

John Derian’s small decoupage dish features a vintage crab print, $48.

Neiman Marcus

The jet-setter in your life will appreciate this <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1730054'>four-pronged travel charger</a> to help them top off the juice in their electronics. It rolls up efficiently to occupy minimal luggage space, $49.

Travel charger

The jet-setter in your life will appreciate this four-pronged travel charger to help them top off the juice in their electronics. It rolls up efficiently to occupy minimal luggage space, $49.

Restoration Hardware

Tortoise glass nut bowl

A bowl this cute can be anything to anyone: a place for M&Ms during a party, a catch-all for the bedside, a jewelry holder for studs and bracelets. Buy one for yourself so you won’t be jealous while giving it to others, $24.

C. Wonder

An ombre effect gives a <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.westelm.com/products/sunset-throw-t400/'>comfy throw</a> a trendy kick. It’s perfect for a new college grad or your chic friend. The 44-by-56-inch heart-warmer is available in colors including gray, teal, goldenrod, light blue and purple, $49.

Sunset throws

An ombre effect gives a comfy throw a trendy kick. It’s perfect for a new college grad or your chic friend. The 44-by-56-inch heart-warmer is available in colors including gray, teal, goldenrod, light blue and purple, $49.

West Elm

Snowman family kit

Build a snowman with these 26 solid-wood pieces, including carrot noses, eyes, eyeglasses, mouths, antlers and buttons. Six black coal-like pieces are of the more button-nose-and-two-eyes-made-out-of-coal type, $29.95.

L.L. Bean

Scratch map

Help your favorite traveler keep a proud tally of places seen. Scratch off states (or countries on Uncommon Goods’ map, next slide) to reveal highways, capitals and bold colors, $28.95.

Paper Source

Scratch map

Uncommon Goods’ scratch-off world map, $24.

Uncommon Goods

As if that book lover needs more books. Get <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.zarahome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/zarahomeus/-15/80279977/372015/1035262/Lasse%2BBookends'>bookends</a> instead to support that healthy reading habit. The carved white resin is a fresh take on traditional motifs typically found on wooden architectural accents, $35.90.

Bookends

As if that book lover needs more books. Get bookends instead to support that healthy reading habit. The carved white resin is a fresh take on traditional motifs typically found on wooden architectural accents, $35.90.

Zara Home

Cake stand

Go for the unexpected: a beehive-shaped cake stand. It’s great for birthday gatherings but also a whimsical way to store cupcakes and cookies in the kitchen, $39.

West Elm

A stylish gadget deserves a stylish cover, whether it’s Jonathan <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1609392736?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1609392736&linkCode=xm2&tag=washingtonpost-20'>Adler’s funky orange pattern</a> (shown) or Ame & Lulu’s tamer geometric look (next slide). Adler’s has a silicone backing, $28.50.

iPad cover

A stylish gadget deserves a stylish cover, whether it’s Jonathan Adler’s funky orange pattern (shown) or Ame & Lulu’s tamer geometric look (next slide). Adler’s has a silicone backing, $28.50.

Jonathan Adler

iPad cover

Ame & Lulu’s geometric iPad cover is available with green, orange and lavender trim, $48.

Ame & Lulu

Local artist Anne Lewis captures iconic D.C. sights by photographing them and then painting with oils. A <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://artbyannelewis.com/buy-art-online/2013-calendar/'>2013 calendar</a> of her images, including the Lincoln Monument at night, the White House in winter and pandas at the National Zoo, is affordable art. Frame each month in a grid for a longer-lasting gift, $29.

Calendar

Local artist Anne Lewis captures iconic D.C. sights by photographing them and then painting with oils. A 2013 calendar of her images, including the Lincoln Monument at night, the White House in winter and pandas at the National Zoo, is affordable art. Frame each month in a grid for a longer-lasting gift, $29.

Anne Lewis

The inscription on <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009IVQF4W?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B009IVQF4W&linkCode=xm2&tag=washingtonpost-20'>Kate Spade’s silver plate business-card holder</a> says it all: “Let’s do lunch.” Network away, young college grad, $20.

Business-card holder

The inscription on Kate Spade’s silver plate business-card holder says it all: “Let’s do lunch.” Network away, young college grad, $20.

Bloomingdale's

Keep <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.cwonder.com/this-little-pig-cheese-board-with-spreader.html'>charcuterie, cheese and olives</a> on hand at parties, $28.

Cheese board and spreader

Keep charcuterie, cheese and olives on hand at parties, $28.

C. Wonder

Popcorn maker

This popcorn maker is fun for home movie nights with the kids. The automated stirring rod keeps kernels from burning, and it can also roast nuts, $48.

West Elm

Help party hosts serve up a big batch of holiday cheer or get them ready for hydrating next summer’s barbecue guests with this <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.cb2.com/glass-beverage-dispenser/s105158'>seven-quart glass vessel</a>. It features a quirky cork stopper and beaker shape, $49.95.

Beverage dispenser

Help party hosts serve up a big batch of holiday cheer or get them ready for hydrating next summer’s barbecue guests with this seven-quart glass vessel. It features a quirky cork stopper and beaker shape, $49.95.

CB2

Place mats

Give these place mats as a gift before the family dinner to showcase the holiday-red ikat pattern. Set of four, $34.

C. Wonder

Keep that commuter calm with a <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.davidstea.com/glass-travel-mug?&TF=&DEID='>sleek travel mug</a>. The double-paneled glass conserves water temperature, while an infuser holds steeping tea. Include non-caffeinated herbal options with your gift for extra de-stressing energy, $24.50.

Travel tea mug

Keep that commuter calm with a sleek travel mug. The double-paneled glass conserves water temperature, while an infuser holds steeping tea. Include non-caffeinated herbal options with your gift for extra de-stressing energy, $24.50.

David’s Tea

If you want to have some good gifts on hand for hosts or the surprise giver, try a <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GTYUM2?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B002GTYUM2&linkCode=xm2&tag=washingtonpost-20'>mini vase</a>. Designers Daniel Black and Martin Blum’s artsy Loop Vase, pictured, has a whimsical touch, $31.54.

Vase

If you want to have some good gifts on hand for hosts or the surprise giver, try a mini vase. Designers Daniel Black and Martin Blum’s artsy Loop Vase, pictured, has a whimsical touch, $31.54.

MoMA Design Store

Favorite moments from 2012 saved in a <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.zarahome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/zarahomeus/-15/80279977/372001/1021280/Day%2BFrame'>keepsake gold-link frame</a> will please the grandparents. Frames are timeless gifts for a reason, $29.90.

Frame

Favorite moments from 2012 saved in a keepsake gold-link frame will please the grandparents. Frames are timeless gifts for a reason, $29.90.

Zara Home

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 18: Jockey Gary Stevens rides Oxbow out to the front of the pack on the first straight away during the 138th Running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md., on Saturday, May 18, 2013. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)

Oxbow wins and infield fun at Preakness Stakes in Baltimore

Oxbow put D. Wayne Lukas in the record books again with an upset of Orb in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, giving the Hall of Fame trainer...

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 13: Many seminary graduates are choosing not to become pastors. Rebecca J. Cole received her Master of Divinity and is becoming a community organizer on Capitol Hill. She hugs another graduate after the ceremony. The 2013 Commencement ceremony for Wesley Theological Seminary was held on May 13 at the Washington National Cathedral. (Photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Eager to minister, but not from the pulpit

An increasing number of divinity students who don’t plan to become pastors envision using their degrees to “minister” in a...

epa03704474 A Muslim woman at the ThetKalPyin temporary relief camp near Sittwe in Rakhine State, Western Myanmar, 17 May 2013. A total of 13 people were confirmed dead in neighboring Bangladesh as people began to return home from shelters, a day after Cyclone Mahasen hit the coast, officials said 17 May. EPA/NYEIN CHAN NAING

Photos of the day

Cyclone Mahasen, Texas tornadoes, puffin census, melting Swiss glacier and more.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 16: American Idol Season 12 Winner Candice Glover (C) is seen onstage during Fox's 'American Idol 2013' Finale Results Show at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Candice Glover wins 12th season of ‘American Idol’

The 23-year-old vocal powerhouse from St. Helena Island, S.C., tops competition in her third try.

US actress Claire Julien smiles on May 16, 2013 while posing during a photocall for the film 'The Bling Ring' at the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes. Cannes, one of the world's top film festivals, opened on May 15 and will climax on May 26 with awards selected by a jury headed this year by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)

Eye on entertainment

Claire Julien, David Hasselhoff, Freida Pinto, Candice Glover, Martin Short and more.

**LOC IMAGE** Geo. Hamilton, Assistant Superintendent, Cambria Iron Mills house, Johnstown Flood, May 31st, 1889. (Photo by Ernest Walter Histed / Library of Congress)

The Johnstown Flood of 1889

On May 31, 1889, the South Fork dam that held Lake Conemaugh failed, and 20 million tons of water descended upon Johnstown, Pa. The flood claimed the lives of 2,209 people and spurred...

HACIPASA, TURKEY - MAY 5: Syrian refugee Hala ponders her life on the run on Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Hacipasa, Turkey. Three times this morning, the sounds of aircrafts were followed by explosions that shook the ground. Hacipasa, which sits just across the river border from Syria, is home of several hundred Syrian refugees who have been displaced by their home country's conflict. For a year, Hala and her family have been displaced from their home village in Syria because of violent conflict. After bouncing from village to village, fleeing bombings that seemed to follow them, the family crossed into Turkey six weeks ago. Initially, the family was deported back into Syria, where they lived in camps for internally displaced Syrians. But when the camps were bombed, the family was allowed to cross into Turkey. Hala said, 'The blood of the people who died in Syria, the martyrs, is our sad song, but nobody is listening.' (Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Turkey faces a refugee crisis

More than 400,000 Syrians have crossed into Turkey seeking refuge from the conflict at home. Finding its resources stretched, Turkey is urgently appealing for international aid and...

(FILES) In this file picture taken on January 31, 2013 British football player David Beckham poses presenting his new jersey after a press conference at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. David Beckham is to retire from professional football at the end of the season, his representative announced on May 16, 2013. The 38-year-old midfielder has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan, as well as winning 115 caps for England, and recently won the French Ligue 1 championship with Paris Saint-Germain. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

David Beckham announces his retirement

The 38-year-old British soccer superstar says he will retire when his French team’s season ends May 26.

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2012 holiday home gift guide

Don’t let shopping stress you out, especially with the holidays quickly approaching. Find inspiration from our list of stylish gifts for the home, all less than $50.

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES

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