While many home purchases can be rather pricey…think couches, tables, beds…there are plenty of great budget-friendly home gift options for that Nate-Berkus want-to-be in your life! I visited two local home décor shops, Zella Brown in Bucktown/Wicker Park and Home Accents in Andersonville, and the best thing is both shops are currently having sales!!

Zella Brown
1444 North Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
(773)276-1746

This hip home boutique will sadly be closing at the end of December, but that means that everything in the store (excluding art) is currently 50% off!!!

For the friend whose a little bit rocker and idols Kara Mann (and my personal favorite, hint, hint to those who love me). Put several of these edgy pistol vases on your dining room table and get the holiday conversation started! ($34.50). They also have a single pistol wall hanging version for $19.50.

Got a boyfriend or brother who appreciates a great gag-gift? This old-school receiver plugs into your cell phone and is perfect for the joker in your life. Imagine glancing at someone in their car while they’re chatting away on their screaming yellow handset…priceless! But it will only cost you $22.25.

Do you have a friend who can never make up their mind about what pictures or art to hang? Or maybe a mom of a young child, whose stick people drawings must be hung up for the world to admire? These reusable wall frames are just the thing. Several different shapes and sizes in a single package. ($15)

Home Accents
5653 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60660
(773)989-6883
This store is a treasure trove for finishing decorative touches and is very affordable, made even more so because many items are currently 20% off!!

If you think the gun vase would be a bit too much for the slightly more traditional girlie-girl in your life, these gorgeous metallic, floral candle holders are perfect. At $9 they are priced just right so you have no excuse not to create a bouquet!

Going to dinner at the boyfriend’s parents for the holidays? Instead of the usual wine or wreath, why not consider these unusual lattice work vases? Create a perfect centerpiece-ready look, by buying inexpensive ornaments (red and green for Christmas and blue for Hanukah) and filling them up, as shown. You will be sure to get brownie points for creativity! ($27 and $21)

If you can’t actually be there to snuggle up with your loved ones this holiday season, gift them one (or many) of these cuddly, and chic, throw pillows to cheer them up. They carry an array of colors to suite anyone’s style and are just $32 a pop!

(Katie Rogulski)