I feel like once Thanksgiving is over, we all panic because we haven't thought about anyone's gifts, and then half of the things we buy are pretty last minute. Or, if you're anything like me, you have ideas all year long, but totally forget all of them when you actually need them. And, of course, you forgot to write them down that one time you remembered. So, I decided to create the ultimate gift guide, including purchased or handmade items!
For The Best Friend: This is the one time of the year you can really spoil your best friend, so I say you should as all out as you can. I usually do a self-care sort of little basket, including handmade bath salts, some slippers, lotions, yummy chocolates or other treats, and some sort of jewelry or wearable. An assortment of homemade goodies might be the perfect pick for you foodie friends. Or maybe a designer purse or pair of sunglasses for the friend that's a little more fashion forward. A care package type of gift is perfect for the long distance friend. You could always go the makeup route if you've got a friend focused on beauty. And skincare is also a great option! Of course, you can totally get them that one thing they'd never actually buy themselves, but they want oh so badly.
For The Sister: This should be one of the easiest people to shop for, because she's basically your built-in bestie. I'm sure any girl would love a new sweater, some nail polish in trending colours, or the new book she's been eyeing. If you know what scent she wears, you could buy her perfume, lotion, body wash, or all three for her! The best gifts are the ones they'll really use.
For The Mom: I know my mom doesn't like to splurge on herself, so that's what I try to do during this time. It could be as practical as the new toaster she says she doesn't need, but totally does. Or as indulgent as the expensive perfume she would never get for herself, especially not at full price. Or, if your mom is the woman you can never buy for, go simple! You can never not want a pair of nice slippers or comfy pajamas. I usually try to include a sweet treat just for mom. (Even though we know she's gonna end up sharing!)
For The Dad: I try to keep the manlier gifts pretty niche, they won't use things like lotions or bath salts. (Unless they do! In which case, you should totally do something like that!) If he's into bbq-ing, you could get him a new apron, fancy tools, or even some seasonings. If he's on the handier side, a new drill could totally make his holiday season. I know they don't seem sentimental, but anything personalized (especially if YOU made it) will be a big hit. If all else fails, a gift card to your local hardware store should be totally good.
For The Brother: If he likes to dress up, you could get him a tie, suspenders, or a nice button up shirt. Boys never really grow up, even if they seem like it, so toys are always a great gift. Maybe not Legos...but definitely the grown-up option. Some high-tech radios or a nerdy board game is a great option!
For The Boyfriend: I always try to make gifts for my boyfriend, because its much more sentimental. If I buy him something it's probably something significant or something he can use. For example, I always steal his hoodies, so I could get him a really nice hoodie to replace the ones I've taken. (Plus, then I can take that one too!) But I like to pick up nice shirts that I think would look nice on him as well.
For The Little Ones: I'm really trying to avoid getting the kids in my life toys. They don't last as long and I think that they might be growing out of it. However, there are a lot of alternatives! I like to get kids little maker's kits. My sisters absolutely love any sort of like project kit, so it's perfect! And this can work for boys too!! My brothers love little robotic kits and stuff like that. I think these are great because they really get them thinking and creating things. Clothes are also a great idea. One of my sisters told me that she wants pretty dresses this year, and I always get one of the boys some sort of accessory because he loves those things.
For The Co-Worker: I work with a lot of people, but each and everyone of them like food. I usually bring in a plate of goodies or something, because everyone loves that. But for those people you REALLY wanna get something for, you can do lots of things! I think a cute idea is a cocoa kit. This usually includes a few goodies, some cocoa mix, a mug and a special gift or something.
For The Aunt or Grandma: I've made or bought more candles for my aunts and grandma than I think I could ever count. But they always like them. I also like to do soaps or lotions. Perfumes are a little touchy, but if you know what they wear, you can always get them a bottle of that. My aunt and uncle are super sentimental so I try to get them something family related, like framed pictures or something they made. If they have a hobby, you could get them something related to that!
For The Uncle or Grandpa: Guys are just so hard to buy for. Do you buy them something nice? Do you buy them something useful? Do they just want socks again this year?! My mom had the best solution for this. Every year she would make them boxes of goodies that she only made this one time a year, and everyone loved it. She actually ended up making them for my aunt and grandma as well, because they would ransack the guys' boxes. But food is always a good idea.
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