The Ultimate Handbag Gift Guide - For Any Budget!

It's gift guide season yet again! As it's been so well received in previous years, I'm again doing my annual handbag lover gift guide. Lots of different gift ideas at multiple price points for the bag mad person in your life! As I'm only sharing one gift guide for Christmas, I've made it a good one.

No matter how expensive their taste in handbags, you're sure to find something that will fit your budget and make any handbag fan very happy!

Under $50: Stocking Fillers

You might not be able to get them a luxe handbag under $50, but you can get some fun accessories! Think of inside their bag: pouches to organise things inside or mini emergency / first aid kits. You can give them pieces to add to the exterior of their current handbag too, with luggage tags or bag charms. You can always get them a book relating to the brand they love, or a general fashion / handbag one. For someone who has absolutely everything, there's always the raincoat for handbags!

Under $100: Handbag Related Gifts

You might not be able to score a bag for under $100, but you can pick up a SLG (small leather good) from their favourite mid-range designer. Think key holders, coin purses and card holders! Kate Spade, Coach, Rebecca Minkoff, Furla, Sophie Hulme and Tory Burch are good brands to look at. Of course for those same designers you might have luck second hand shopping to find a used bag in this price range. See the note about second hand shopping at the end.

Under $250: Beautiful Bags For A Bigger Budget

Shopbop and Nordstrom have a wide range of bags and you might be able to score one on sale to bring it down to your budget. Wallets are a good pick at this price point. You can also look at the same mid-range designers above. Kate Spade and Rebecca Minkoff often have bags under $250, as do Madewell.

Under $500: Handbag Splurges For That Special Someone

If they've hinted, or they've outright told you they are saving up for a special bag, this would be the perfect splurge! An idea gift for a close friend or family member who you want to treat. At this price point, you could get a luxe brand like Chloe or Balenciaga second hand, or something a little smaller like a SLG brand new. You could also get a top range bag from the previously listed designers at lower price points. If you're unsure what colour to get, best to stick to a neutral colour so it easily works with the recipients wardrobe and will be a classic they can treasure for years to come.

Second Hand Shopping

Second hand shopping is a great way to find a bag they love at a price more suited to your budget. Do your due diligence on researching condition so you know exactly what signs of wear there will be on the bag of their dreams. Buying from sites like The Real Real or Fashionphile that guarantee authenticity are good ways to go too.

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I hope you found this list useful and it's given you some wonderful gift ideas! There's lots of time to buy now before Christmas and surprise someone with the perfect gift. It's even better to purchase now with the Cyber Weekend and Black Friday sales. I've shared some of the best bag related ones below!

Shopbop Buy More Save More Sale

Use coupon code 'MORE18' for 15% off orders over $200 all the way up to 25% off orders over $800! Includes sale items too, for extra discounts.

Rebecca Minkoff Thanksgiving Sale

Get an extra 25% off orders over $100 at Rebecca Minkoff when you use discount code 'THX25'
Or use code 'THX30' for 30% off your $200+ order!

David Jones Cyber Monday Sale
Get 20% off a selected range of bags, and free standard shipping (Monday only!)

Looking at the higher end handbag gifts? Try these sales!

Luisaviaroma

Get an extra 20% off sale items with the discount code 'BF20'!

The Outnet 

Get up to 80% off in their sale, no coupon code needed!

MyTheresa 

Shop 30% off selected items for black Friday with code 'BLACK30'

Do you have any handbags on your Christmas list this year? Of course I'd be thrilled with anything on this list, I would never say no to another handbag!

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Monochrome Jeans And Tee Outfits With Pink Rebecca Minkoff Small Darren Bag

You might have noticed this Rebecca Minkoff Darren bag popping up in quite a few posts lately, I've been loving it! Mostly I've been sticking with neutrals when wearing it.

What I wore:

Scarf: Fashion Scarf Girl leaf print scarf (c/o)
Tee: Atmos & Here black essential v-neck tee
Jeans: Jeanswest Cecile dove grey skinny jeans
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff small Darren messenger bag in peony

Why I wore it:

While I'm trying to be more adventurous with colour, I do sometimes like to play it safe and stick with the classics. With a neutral black and grey outfit, I thought this pastel pink small Darren bag was the perfect accessory. I was pleased by how well it matched with my Fashion Scarf Girl leaf scarf as well!

It was a wet day and I was working from home so I just needed a comfortable outfit to do the daycare pickup and drop off and sit in front of my computer. Jeans and a tee were perfect for that. These ballet flats have a rubber sole too, perfect for rushing around in the rain.

While it is a simple outfit, I really liked wearing this.


Last worn: black tee, grey skinny jeans, black ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff small Darren. First time I've worn the scarf on the blog as it's a recent addition to my wardrobe.

Other ways to wear: black tee and olive pants, grey skinny jeans and navy blouse, black ballet flats and pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff small Darren and stripes.

Perfect for pregnancy: black ballet flats in second trimester.

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Unboxing My Rebecca Minkoff Darren Bag

A quick reveal explaining why I bought this bag, first impressions and different ways you can wear it!

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What I wore:

Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
Jeans: Jeanswest prima denim super skinny jeans in absolute black
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne Ava White leopard ballet flats
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff small Darren messenger bag in peony

Why I wore it:

Since I liked the outfit above so much, I wore exactly the same one again a few days later. It was a much drier start to the day, and I decided to take my new leopard print ballet flats out for a spin. Keeping them away from the mud the boys seemed to find on our morning walk was tricky, but they were mostly unscathed!

As well as the different shoes, I flipped the colours around in the outfit so it was a grey tee and black jeans, the opposite of the first outfit. Again I accessorised with the same pastel pink bag.

We had a fun morning after our walk at our ABA mother's group catch-up, then a couple of quick errands to run. For a first wear, these shoes were very comfortable. I've shared them on the blog before, although this was the first time I wore them.


Last worn: grey tee, beaded necklace, Prima skinny jeans, white leopard print flats, Rebecca Minkoff small Darren (above).

Other ways to wear: grey tee over a maxi dress, beaded necklace, Prima skinny jeans and stripes, white leopard print flats and printed dress, Rebecca Minkoff small Darren and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: grey tee in second trimester, beaded necklace, Prima skinny jeans in second trimester.

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Basic V-Neck Tees Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

Jeans and a tee is a wardrobe staple, especially as a stay at home mum! These outfits are a great example of how you can still wear the classic combination while staying away from the blue jeans rut, with grey and black denim instead. You can also add a little colour to your jeans and tee outfit with some fun accessories. Sticking with a neutral outfit makes accessorising easy as any colour works!


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Print Mixing: Printed Dresses, Leopard Flats and Pink Bags

When I first bought these leopard print flats, I saw myself wearing them with plain outfits, to let them be the standout print. I decided to try stretch myself a little and wore some printed dresses with the leopard print shoes. Keeping things simple, I stuck with black and white dresses to match the colour of the shoes.

What I wore:

Necklace: Uniquely Made with Love Sea Change necklace
Dress: Jeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne Ava White leopard ballet flats (new purchase)
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff small Darren messenger bag in peony

Why I wore it:

I hadn't been feeling too well when I wore this - I'd been to the doctor the day before and was signed off for the day. I woke up expecting to feel better, still feeling pretty terrible. Got myself and the boys dressed and ready and dropped them off at daycare, where I was promptly asked if I was okay as I wasn't my usual self. Realised that all I wanted to do was go home and sleep so went home, let work know I wouldn't be in, and booked another appointment to see the doctor who then gave me more time off work.

I wouldn't usually be so dressed up for a doctors appointment, but I'd planned my outfit before so it was easy to grab and go, and I had started the day not feeling too sick.

Does feel like this was a bit of a waste of an outfit as I really liked the print mixing with the striped dress and leopard print flats, and the pastel pink Darren bag was a cute addition. Ended up taking everything off when I got home and defaulting to trackie dacks to curl up on the sofa and doze and watch netflix!


Last worn: striped fit and flare dress, bead necklace, Rebecca Minkoff small Darren. First time I've worn the leopard print flats on the blog as they are a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: striped fit and flare dress and purple bag, Rebecca Minkoff small Darren and pencil skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: striped fit and flare dress in second trimester.

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More Printed Dress Inspiration: 30 Ways To Wear a Tie Dye Dress

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What I wore:

Necklace: Lovisa silver love knitted heart pendant necklace
Dress: Kmart Aztec print tiered little black dress
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne Ava White leopard ballet flats
Bag: Balenciaga RH classic city in 2010 sorbet (more affordable preloved)

Why I wore it:

Felt much better when I wore this outfit! Unfortunately, the day was not any more fun! Had to go do my taxes. Not very exciting! We did do a little Christmas shopping afterwards, but came home empty handed.

Since I liked the outfit combination above so much, I tried it again, with a black and white printed dress to compliment the black and white shoes. This time I went with a bolder pink bag, my sorbet Balenciaga city. Perfect size for holding all the paperwork I had to take to and from my appointment.

I did just post this dress recently, but I love it in spring and summer. It's so light, fun to wear and it's a nice length for spending time with the boys - not too short! Kmart still sell them too - they have the same style in lots of different designs at the moment.


Last worn: tiered dress, knotted heart necklace, leopard print flats (above), Balenciaga sorbet city bag.

Other ways to wear: tiered dress layered for winter, Balenciaga sorbet city bag and sheath dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: Balenciaga sorbet city bag in third trimester.

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Leopard Print Flats Under $50:

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How You Can Wear It:

It's easy to wear printed shoes with plain neutral pieces, but you can try something different by wearing them with a printed dress. To keep things simple and cohesive, pick a dress that matches the colours in the shoes. You can add a bright and colourful handbag to your outfit also as it can add interest to your outfit without clashing with the prints.


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Congrats to Jaydee who won the Mater baby product hamper giveaway!

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