Tuesday, December 2, 2025
This is merely a list! I am including my favorite gifts I have received and gifts that I have given others that were well received.
I am team “Shop between Thanksgiving and Christmas” and somehow it always gets done. Of course, I don’t buy for that many people anymore. Some of you might be done or almost done so I apologize if my ideas are coming to you too late!
If you missed it, you might want to go back to my Saturday post – I shared 4 Somethings that are all holiday related!
Try to shop locally if you can and have that choice to make. We have a hardware store that also has some unique gift ideas – Brownsboro Hardware. They have had road construction affecting the entry to their parking lot so I really want to push them among my local friends. Think outside of the box – a boating store might have a cool gift for someone to anticipate for next summer – Marine Sales and Service if you are local. We bought Molly a float one year and she loved it and it was like she got a gift again when summer rolled around! Or, just go big and buy someone a boat!
A hair salon – they have curling irons, rollers, fancy shampoos and conditioners – J. Estell Salon for example, which is my salon and has great products and even hair styling tools. My mom always used to buy us Aveda products from her salon. What a treat! I have heard that some hair products from Amazon are fake or watered down. Eek!
A local restaurant gift card would be a treat!
Playthings Toy Store has unique toys that kids love! I am seeing more and more small businesses close up shop, you all. Let’s all vow to at least shop small for one gift.
I also think you can shop second hand for some gifts – toys for sure. Sometimes you can find clothes with tags that also fit the person you are shopping for.
Listen, I also really don’t think it’s about the gifts. If you have traditionally gotten gifts for friends, why not say “let’s just make a reservation for January and enjoy each others’ company and have something to look forward to”. It might be awkward, but I bet they would love this idea.
People love homemade food gifts especially. You can make spice blends, Chex Mix, cookies, simmer pot mixes, etc.
coffee maker/accessories to create a coffee bar (could be good for a teen or young adult)
coffee frother – handheld or the small appliance kind that you have to plug in (I love mine!)
bread maker
automatic trashcan
photo calendar
grandchildren birthstone necklace or ring
technology that makes life easier for an older person – just be careful that it isn’t too complicated to work
monogrammed things – Marley Lilly, Etsy – notepads, bracelet, tote bag
winter cozy things – heated vest, gloves, spa socks, fuzzy blanket
spa things – hair towel, silk pillowcase, good smelling bath products
sunglasses
really nice laundry detergent like Diva
good olive oil or a set – I love Graza
good balsamic vinegar – to to a specialty market if the person is a foodie and you might find all kinds of inspo
think outside the season – what do they love to do in the summer?
car accessories – phone stands, mats, good smelling things, vacuum kit
grilling stuff
kit to make your own smoked cocktails
leather dopp kit
leather handbag – Clayton and Crume, Bonhomia
pickle ball set
When I think of my favorite gifts over the years, it wasn’t just about the gift. It was about the giver really “seeing” me or “knowing me”. It wasn’t about the amount they spent, but the fact that they paid attention. Does that make sense?
My mom gave me so many gifts – she was really big on gift giving! My Dad gave me a few things that really stand out (or I found out they were his idea) my first Keurig, my Kindle, and my breadmaker.
Have I given you any ideas today?
Leave your ideas in the comments, please!
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
These are good ideas! I would add that to seek inspo, don´t immediately toss catalogs into the recycling bin (as I am prone to do). I brought in a Garnet Hill catalog yesterday from the mailbox and browsed through it and noticed many items that would make great (albeit a bit on the pricey side) gifts for the lady in your life who likes lux and good quality. If some more expensive items catch your eye, you could always do a google search to see if something similar but less expensive pops up.
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Yes! I hardly get any catalogs but that can be a good source of inspo. Their stuff is gorgeous.
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We almost always buy restaurant gift cards for the grandparents; though we used to make them photo calendars when the boys were younger and I had lots of photos to pick from.
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That’s probably what they most appreciate now. Love the photo gift idea and I left that off my list!
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Such great ideas! I am giving a few more gift cards this year but they are a little outside of the box. Each year looks different in gift giving as the kids get older, don’t they? I just buy now for my girls, parents and then I have 2 gift exchanges.
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I think gift cards can be really great gifts! It does look different but it’s freeing in a lot of ways. I only need to buy for 5 people now!
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I don’t really buy too many gifts anymore but these are great ideas. Now that our kids are all grown it’s a lot easier and we can just enjoy the season.
I always like to gift experiences and that can be a lot of fun!
xo,
Kellyann
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Same! There is a lot of freedom in having older kids!
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I so agree with your thought that a gift that feels personal (even if it’s technically an impersonal item) is the best. One where you feel like the person truly thought about you and who you are and what you love. This year hubs and I rented a beach house and told our kids that was part of their Christmas gift. Everyone loved the idea and we had a wonderful week together. We have a lot of people to buy for still but I typically do it all between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love the choosing and the buying and the giving, but the wrapping is not my favorite part. My mother took such care wrapping gifts and making beautiful bows on each package. Have a great day!
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The gift is all about being seen/known by someone! I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. I bought something for Chris last night that he’s been talking about for a few weeks…I hope he likes it and remembers talking about it with me, otherwise he may be thinking, what in the world? I like to do gift cards to favorite drive through places as stocking stuffers, along with socks/boxers, good smelling body wash, and their favorite candy. I bought Graham a cocktail smoker kit this year! I can’t wait for him to open it on Christmas morning. Ha!
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Great suggestions!
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These are all great ideas! I love my Keurig, my cordless Dyson and cordless leaf blower. Anything cordless makes a great gift! The older I get, the more practical the gifts are that I give and receive. There are a few YouTubers I watch who put together the most amazing gifts that include some thrifted and new items in a gift basket.
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I am just about done shopping for Christmas but this was a great read! Fantastic ideas!
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So many wonderful ideas. I’m the same way – shopping between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I always feel like I have go get through my kids’ birthday (not that it’s stressful, but I want to focus on it) before thinking about Christmas gifts.
Last year, one of my students game me simmer pot ingredients, and I loved it! I agree about meeting up with friends in January rather than buying gifts. I’ve done that with friends through the years.
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Oooh thank you! I’m going on a pre holiday girls weekend with my high school friends and I’m going to get them Diva! I could never bring myself to pay that much for detergent – those are the best kind of gifts, I think.
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I haven’t done much shopping yet, and really need to sit down and “make a list and check it twice.” These are great ideas. I love gifts that make me feel seen. Or when someone remembers a little thing you mentioned and give it to you as a gift. Hope you’re staying warm!
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I’m really into the idea of consumables for gifts (coffee syrups, beauty products…). Knick-knacks are a lot of trouble!
I honestly would but everyone a coffee frother if I didn’t think they already had one!
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I am, too. I think it’s based on seeing so much clutter. Knick-knacks are also personal! I want each thing to be a memory from someone or somewhere although that is hard to do.
I am talking the frother that plugs in – not the hand held. I find this one far superior!
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