There are 10 days left until Christmas (my girls, this has been the longest shortest year) plus holiday parties, New Years, and birthdays year round so I thought I would share my tips for how to buy a great gift for literally anyone.
Pick a category
Generally, the best gifts are related to hobbies, self care, or every day luxuries. Think about the recipients style and interests and consider items or trinkets related to the person. When I’m stuck on what to buy someone, it’s often because I’m thinking too abstractly. “What should I buy for my cousin?” Is a more difficult question to answer than “what should I buy for a 17 year old girl who loves fashion, creative projects, and reading?” (A jewelry making kit, fancy pens and stationary, an e-reader, DP hair pins) Making a short list of people’s hobbies can really help with gifting.
When in doubt, buy something a little too expensive
I don’t mean that you should blow your budget or that presents need to be overly costly. Often, items that feel just a little bit too pricy more are wonderful presents because people often don’t buy them for themselves. Lush bath bombs ($7-15 each) or Dr. Jart rubber face masks ($15 for a single use mask) are examples of lower budget gifts that are still indulgent and luxurious. Some other favorites: anything from Yeti, silk pillow cases, boars hair hairbrushes, cashmere socks, UGG slippers, designer make up and skin care)
There’s nothing wrong with sharing your favorite things
I generally advise people to avoid scented items as gifts unless they know the taste of the recipient well. Hypocritically, my default nice gift is the Amber Diptique candle. It’s my absolute favorite scent (it smells like the Ritz Pairs!) and I think, sometimes, sharing your favorite things makes gifts feel personal. “I absolutely love this and thought you might too!” A great gift is a great gift, there’s no reason not to give the same item to multiple recipients.
Presents are a luxury
Gifts feel special because they’re an indulgence, while practical gifts are wonderful, a great gift doesn’t always need to be something for daily use. Buy your girlfriend the wild, feather clutch! Give your dad the beer brewing kit! Something that’s used occasionally but thoughtfully can be absolutely wonderful.
When in doubt, find a gadget
Everybody loves a clever gadget! When you can’t think of a gift for someone, look for a little piece of technology that makes life easier or more fun. Think fancy wine openers or tech-y meat thermometers, wearable heart rate monitors, face rollers or red light face masks, portable printers for Polaroid style photos instantly from your phone.
I hope you are all having an absolutely joyful holiday season. You are such a blessing!
Cheers,
Hannah
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I needed this today. Have not purchased one gift. Let work get ahold of me.