?? Holiday Gift Guide: 20 for $20

Holiday Gift Guide: 20 for $20

By Melissa Starker, Chris DeVille and Brittany Kress

A quality gift for a low quantity of bills isn't as elusive as it might seem. Items big and small, perfect for close friends or cubicle coworkers, can be found without fighting over sale prices and facing swelling crowds if you stick to these local $20-and-under finds.

Sock it to Me socks, $8

What the Rock?

1116 N. High St., Short North

614-294-9428

When we were kids, socks were the last things we wanted. Now that we're grownups, our taste has refined to the point where we can appreciate a gift of socks, as long as they're covered in ninjas or monkeys wearing headphones. A variety of motifs is available in both men's and women's sizes.

OSU School Spirit Bracelet, $17

Ursus

2814 Fishinger Rd., Upper Arlington

614-459-3327

A strand of actual-size buckeyes around the neck just isn't an everyday look. For a more subtle statement of OSU pride, there's this stretchy bracelet from Pearl Alley Emporium, which combines dainty pearled beads with scarlet and grey Swarovski crystals.

La Cafetiére 3 Cup French press, $15

1/4 lb. Stauf's coffee, $2.75-3.50

Stauf's Coffee Roasters

1277 Grandview Ave., Grandview

614-486-4861

Help the coffee lover in your life ascend from addict to purist with a sleek French press pot and enough fresh, coarsely ground coffee to break it in. Most beans, from a Sumatra French Roast to the Baba Budan Blend, run between $10 and $14 a pound.

Choonimals T-shirts, $18

A Gal Named Cinda Lou

24 E. College Ave., Westerville

614-599-0308

"We're trying to get T-shirts nobody else has," shop owner Debbie Bennati said. She succeeded with these locally made designer tees, plus New York's Wowch brand and other locals Pretty Patty and Julia Rad.

Metal card holders, $10-$12

Pitaya

1618 N. High St., Campus

614-291-9999

Snazzy engraved and sparkly designs make a statement even before the card does.

Bottle of essential oils, $15

Light bulb ring, $5

Collier West

787 N. High St., Short North

614-294-9378

Form comes before function with this simple alternative to the fragrant plug-in. Put a few drops of the sweet-smelling oil on the ceramic ring, perch it atop a light bulb and let there be scent!

Slang flashcards, $16 each

On Paper

737 N. High St., Short North

614-424-6617

Catch a friend up on street slang ("wanksta") or '50s twang ("buddyroo") with these entertaining illustrated flashcards.

Sundae candle, $18.50

Lave

1586 N. High St., Campus

614-340-9820

They'll want to eat it before they smell it. These ice cream candles are strikingly tasty-looking and can be handcrafted with your choice of "toppings."

Short North coasters, $15 each

pm gallery

726 N. High St., Short North

614-299-0860

Iconic images of familiar facades, street signs and the arches adorn these coasters, great for the Downtown dweller. Smaller designs are available as magnets.

Dog ornament, $14.95

Torso

772 N. High St., Short North

614-421-7663

For the friend who always dresses up her dog—or at least has a dog—a pet ornament is a foolproof purchase come Christmastime. Various dog and cat designs are available.

Beaded curtains for doorways, $18

Contra Culture

2209 N. High St., Campus

614-299-5498

Is it time for a door-curtain revival? Certainly for some. Bring it back with peace sign, mushroom and smiley face designs.

Belt buckles, $10

Eclectiques Antique Mall

3265 N. High St., Clintonville

614-447-2242

Dig for the perfect accessory for every guy on your list in Eclectiques' bin of vintage belt buckles, including lots of engraved American eagle designs.

Travel jewelry case, $20

SoBo Style

3282 N. High St., Clintonville

614-447-8880

This "jewelry roll," made by women in Istanbul, has plenty of zippered pockets and snaps and looks like a little woven rug on the reverse. It rolls up in thirds for the compact transportation of lots of rings and things.

Antique cameras, $9-$20

The Boomerang Room

3274 N. High St., Clintonville

614-262-9661

Although finding film for these functional cameras might be a challenge, cell-phone-camera users will marvel at the size and design of these '30s, '50s and '60s models.

Three Sisters Farm soap, $6 each

Sparrowfish

3327 N. High St., Clintonville

614-453-5844

Three sisters in Williamsport literally make this soap on a farm, and they want their hard work to go down the drain next time your friends wash up. The all-natural soaps come in sweet-smelling "wintry" scents like chocolate and cinnamon bun as well as "mechanic's soap" varieties.

Knit hats, $17 each

Embassy Board Shop

3343 N. High St., Clintonville

614-262-6223

Winter's finally on its way in, and ear-warming knit hats in gray, blue, green and a few patterns are sure to be appreciated by the guys on your list.

Pashmina, $20

Ivy Hill

716 N. High St., Short North

614-297-9925

These light and dressy scarves of sorts are gracing shoulders everywhere. A soft reminder of you draped around her neck is always the way to go.

Large shopping bag, $8

The Container Store

4222 Easton Loop W., Easton

614-337-7400

Everyone's going to have these decorative, reusable shopping bags soon, so get your friends going on the green trend and grab two for each. It won't hurt your wallet or the environment.

Duct tape wallet kit, $20