The holiday gift guide for every price range

Finally sorted out your naughty-or-nice list? Before you max out the credit cards, discover great holiday gifts that are both affordable and unique. “Lucky” magazine’s Allyson Waterman shares presents for under $30, $50 and $100:

Now is the time to make your list, and do not procrastinate one more day. The closer to Christmas, the more we panic, get desperate and spend way too much money. This year, you don't have to break the bank to find something special. Below are smart shopping tips for the holiday season:

• Go personal. So many people are cutting back this year, so go for items that are special. LUCKY loves the photo books and the wooden puzzles. 
• Create a budget. When you're shopping, stick to spending money on the actual gift. Don't waist time getting caught up in the little stuff, or else before you know it, you'll be spending $100 on junk. 
• Shopping online. It's a fantastic way to do your shopping, unless you are the type of person who will not return items you're not happy with. This is not the time to experiment. If Internet shopping is for you, it's so easy to shop with a click. Before you know it, your gift will be wrapped and at your door without your having to leave your home or office (just make sure you leave enough time for delivery).   

$30 and under:

Tiffany & Co. playing cards
Tiffany & Co. / www.tiffany.com; $30

Tiffany & Co. can monogram! Which makes this such a classy and classic gift.

Portable stereo speakers
Fashionationstyle.com; $15

These are great for any age and come in a variety of colors.

Various candlesticks (of various sizes in clear glass and silver)
CB2 / www.cb2.com; $4 - $6

CB2 is a new destination from Crate and Barrel with stores open in Chicago and New York. Candlesticks are a great gift in either a set of two, or they can be bundled for a larger, more lavish gift. Either way, they're so affordable.

Classic/vintage board games (Operation, Boggle, Sorry!)
boardgamesrus.com; under $25

e.l.f. Cosmetics Holiday Beauty Grab Box (fill any container with $1 products from e.l.f. cosmetics)
e.l.f. / www.eyeslipsface.com; $25

$50 and under:

Personalized hometown puzzle
SkyMall / www.skymall.com; $39.95

Puzzles are full-family fun and always a great activity to do when the whole family is lounging around. 

Animal alphabet wooden puzzle
MoMA Store / www.momastore.org; $48

All purchases support the exhibitions and programs at The Museum of Modern Art. Another example of a puzzle, but for kids. A classic, timeless present.

Missoni perfume charm necklace
Saks Fifth Avenue / www.saksfifthavenue.com; $50

This perfume comes in a solid form. It's very 1950s, where you put a dab behind your ears.  Plus, when the perfume wears out, the jewelry is still fantastic.           

Jewel bud vases
Red Envelope / www.redenvelope.com; $40

Patent leather planners
Horchow / www.horchow.com; $50

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