As I wrote in a 2017 gift guide, I love giving gifts. And I feel like I have a real talent for it! I have so much fun finding a gift for a friend, family member, or colleague months ahead of their birthday or the next logical gift giving occasion, and waiting till the time is right to pull it out, give it to them, and see their face light up.
This is a rough holiday season for me. I don’t feel like myself, don’t feel my usual Santa Claus vibes, and am not really in the mood for a lot of shopping and gift wrapping. But I still had fun pulling together a list of gift ideas for anyone else who is in more of a holiday spirit and in need of inspiration!
I came up with gifts in ten different categories. And in each category I found gifts at a variety of price ranges. Almost everything is under $100 and on sale right now. I also obviously have a LOT of ideas of book (or book related) gifts, but this post was too long to fit all that in, too. So you’ll have to come back for a separate blog post on that topic soon! My other caveat? There are very few gift ideas for men on here!!! I mean, a lot of these gifts could work for men, but it’s just more fun to shop for women. And, as my friend Catherine said to me the other day, shouldn’t gift giving be a one way street with men mostly just giving gifts to women, instead of receiving them? I mean, just kidding. But also …
Anyway, I hope that you find one or two things on this list that solve a gift giving conundrum in your own life. Or maybe you’ve been stumped figuring out what to put on your own wish list and this will leave you with ideas! Either way, sending love this holiday season, both for those who are feeling jolly and for those who are having trouble feeling joyful.
Something Pretty
You won’t find many pieces of clothing or jewelry in this gift guide, because I think it can be hard, as a gift giver, to nail such personal purchases. But, these bangles that come in two sizes and two colors, gold or silver, are a slam dunk for anyone who wears jewelry. I have four of these bracelets in the gold in 6″ and wear them almost every day. And they’re currently 25% off! If you’re unsure about sizing, I’d recommend sizing up.
Another splurgier pretty gift is a set of matching pajamas – they really make you feel like you have your whole life together. Big Main Character Energy! I like this set that is a combination of long sleeves and shorts so they work for basically any season or weather. Also, I find the sizing in these to be very forgiving. I have this same set in multiple sizes, based on what’s been in stock when I’ve bought them, and they all magically seem to work out. If you’re unsure about sizing for the person you’re giving these for, I’d size up a couple of sizes.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive gift to give to someone who mostly wears neutrals but likes pops of color here and there, I’m obsessed with this necklace that comes in more than 10 colors. I have it in green and it adds fun to any outfit! And for a stylish stocking stuffer, I love this Lunden and Olivia approved barrette that comes in a bunch of cute patterns and works equally well on thin and thick hair.
Something Practical
Know someone who’s recently returned to the office and needs some over-the-ear noise cancelling headphones that give off a ‘don’t talk to me’ vibe? These are 30% off and under $75 for now, get Wirecutter’s stamp of approval, and come in four colors. I have some and can attest they are very comfortable, don’t randomly come unpaired with your devices (one of my biggest pet peeves with wireless headphones), and work just as well as much more expensive options.
This fall, despite my best efforts, my screen time on my phone went absolutely off the charts. I was just mindlessly scrolling for hours every night and it was really interrupting my sleep. Until I got a Brick. Game changer. If you haven’t heard of a Brick before, read a comprehensive review and explanation here. This is the gift that is at the top of most of my friends’ holiday wish lists so I feel like it’d be a crowdpleaser for almost anyone. I mean, who doesn’t need to spend less time on their phone, right? And it’s currently 20% off!
For the person in your life who is always losing their sunglasses and needs some cute new ones that work with every face shape and every outfit and won’t break any hearts when they go missing, snag these designer lookalike sunglasses for under $10. An ideal stocking stuffer.
Something Customizable
There’s something really fun about a customized gift, isn’t there? As long as you really know the person you’re giving a gift to, a little personalization is really the cherry on top of the cake of a thoughtful gift.
Ralph Lauren offers so many ways to personalize their classic baseball cap. It comes in a bunch of different colors and you can customize the embroidery on the front and back of the cap. This is a classic item that anyone would hold onto for years.
Speaking of custom embroidered classic accessories, amazingly it isn’t too late to order an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote and still have it arrive before Christmas. I know that Lands’ End offers a similar product at a lower price, but the L.L. Bean version is the original, and I wouldn’t stray from that. My mom has Boat and Totes that she’s been using for more than thirty years that are still going strong. I’m partial to the medium size with short handles, which is small enough to look nice as an everyday bag but also can fit a whole lot. But you really can’t go wrong with any of the options. Want to really go above and beyond? Add on some bag charms to go with the tote, too!
And to go in their tote bag? A monogrammable card case that comes in nine colors for under $25, and an astonishingly inexpensive customizable notebook.
Something Whimsical
One of the things that really makes a gift, is if it’s something that the gift recipient loves but would never purchase for themself. And I think fuzzy rhinestone embellished slippers fit squarely in that category. Plus they have thick rubber soles so can be worn (briefly) outside, too! So practical!
As I’ve said above, I think bag charms are so fun. They’re one of my favorite 2025 trends. I’d love to gift this faux fur charm or this beaded dog bag charm which comes in four breeds.
Now this is going to sound really kookie (but this is the section for whimsical gifts!!), but hear me out – slushy maker cup. I had a slushy at the movies this fall and it reunited my love for the snack. Give your friends and family the gift of being able to make a slushy for themselves whenever they want! And from what I hear from people who already have these, they really work.
Want something whimsical but a bit more adult? Stuff a stocking with mother of pearl caviar spoons and some grocery store caviar. Your friend, family member, or colleague will use that immediately on New Year’s Eve and ring in the new year thinking of you!
Something for the Cool Girl
I’ll come right out and say that I’m not sure I’m cool enough to recommend gifts for the cool girl, but I certainly thought I’d try. First of all, how about old issues of two cult classic magazines, David Chang’s Lucky Peach, or John F. Kennedy Jr.’s George. You can find both on eBay and they can be read and displayed. Plus, you get cool points for thinking of such an original gift! You don’t even have to give me credit.
In terms of something slightly more practical but still super cool, I recommend two of my most complimented accessories. I’ve had, worn, and loved both for many years, getting rave reviews of them every time I wear them – a skull and bones embroidered baseball cap, and these fun and cheerful sunglasses.
And if there’s someone with a specific sense of humor, and you know that person’s ring size, may I be so bold as to suggest this ‘fuck’ ring? A small, cheeky way of asserting one’s vibe, even at work or church or the grocery store.
Lastly, these novelty cocktail napkins are so fun and they’re currently 30% off!
Something for the Home
When I returned to working from the office earlier this fall, I needed a new alarm clock to get back on a commuting schedule. So I let myself be influenced by all the ads I’d seen for the Hatch. And I haven’t looked back since, although I know I’m not using it to its full capabilities. I like the variety of sounds you can use to put yourself to sleep or wake up, and the way the light subtly gets brighter in the morning is such a peaceful way to be woken up. It’s a pricier gift, but this is the perfect time to get it because it’s 20% off!
One of my favorite kinds of gifts to give people is a pretty frame with a special photo inside I have and love this lucite one, which is nice for a gift because you don’t have to know anything about the décor of your recipient’s home to know that it’ll look nice there. This marble one is also so beautiful and looks much more expensive than it is.
If you know someone who loves candles and doesn’t have a candle warmer yet, you must change that! Give them this candle warmer, and, depending on your budget, throw in a candle, too. They’ll thank you so much for extending the life of their favorite candles (learn more about how they work here).
Going to a party and need a last minute hostess gift, maybe for someone you don’t know that well? Give them a pretty tea towel! A nice little luxury that’s also practical and easy to regift in case it isn’t their style.
Something for the Traveler
Do you have someone in your life who loves to travel internationally but flies main cabin and not first class? Give them this fleece blanket that folds up. It does double duty as a pillow and slides over the handles of your rolling suitcase for easy transport. I’ve had a similar one for eight years and have gotten so much use out of it. Makes a long haul flight so much more comfortable.
Every kind of traveler could benefit from a cute travel case. I love this one. It has has two compartments and fits my skincare on one side and my makeup on the other side. It comes in three colors and three sizes and I have the medium.
Need a stocking stuffer for a jetsetter? Gift them this passport holder and travel wallet. It’s big enough to fit a printed boarding pass and comes in 25+ colors.
Something Fun
For the person who has everything they need, how about some inexpensive ‘just for fun’ gifts? I love gifting puzzles this time of year. Nothing beats the feeling of curling up in front of a Christmas tree with a new puzzle. This Wes Anderson one is fun, and I like this rainbow gradient one because it doesn’t look too difficult.
Know someone who’s allergic to small talk? Always looking for a chance to go deep? Give them an edition of We’re Not Really Strangers. There are versions for families, for couples, for new couples, and everyone in between. Another favorite game, that is great to pop in a bag and play at restaurants, airports, and at home, is Pass the Pigs. My family has been playing this since I was a little kid. I think what makes it so fun is that there is no skill involved, so no one can get upset when they lose. Plus, there are no complicated rules to learn, it doesn’t take up any space to play, and the concept is so silly that you can’t help but laugh when you play it.
I know the Eras Tour has come and gone, but my love of friendship bracelet making remains. I’ve tested out many kinds of beads, but I think it would be most fun to gift these sparkly beads and these gold letter beads. The combination is about $15 and would give the gift of many hours of bracelet making.
Something for the Experience Lover
I’m sure we all know people who want less stuff in their lives. People who’d rather be gifted an experience than a thing. For them, how about movie tickets, a Ticketmaster gift card, or a package of classes at their favorite group fitness studio? Feels more thoughtful and specific than a random gift card, but isn’t a ‘thing’ that a minimalist might dislike.
Something for Him
As I said, I have very few thoughts when it comes to gifts that are specific to men. I think a lot of the gifts I’ve already suggested could be great for men. But if you are needing an especially … manly (??) gift, then here are some ideas.
So many of the men I know are constantly losing things, so I think this wallet with a built-in tracking card would be a great gift. Also in the manly man gift category, how about a koozie that fits multiple sizes of both bottles and cans and comes in a bunch of different colors.
Now is there a man in your life whose vibe you’re trying to upgrade a little bit? How about this Bring on the Matriarchy t-shirt or this candle that will leave their home smelling super sexy while still masculine. (I will say, though, that this candle is my favorite scent and I’d gift it to both men and women.) Speaking of home related gifts for men – men need more framed photos!! So give them this beautiful burl wood frame with a mat and print of a favorite photo included.
Lastly, a book. Men need to be reading more. They just do. So give them a book you’ve loved. Give them a gift card to pick out a book of their own. Give them a Kindle – anything that will get them reading!!!
OK. That’s it. 45 gift ideas! I hope somewhere in there you found something useful. And coming soon, a gift guide for book lovers, or anyone in your life who you’re trying to turn into a book lover. Stay tuned!
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