It’s that time of year, when thoughts turn to gift giving and receiving! I have bought exactly one gift, but I tend to do my shopping marathon-style and 
hey, I have 11 days left to get it in. I’m a pretty efficient shopper–I make a list, and I keep a list of Christmas gifts I’ve given for 2 years so I don’t inadvertently repeat the treat! My mom says I’m a good gift-giver…I hope so. I try to think of something the person might not buy for himself/herself, and I tend toward classic items. I thought I’d share a list of some of my favorite gifts to give in case anyone out there needs some inspiration:
cashmere gloves
colored glass earrings
vintage decanter
exfoliating gloves/cloths
magazine subscription
harmonica
vacuum cleaning robot
battery organizer (laugh, but it gets raves)
mini food processor
bamboo plant
wood cutting board
cloth napkins
snow shoes
Doris Day CD
vintage fur collar
pepper jelly
Lodge skillet
purse hanger for table
cocktail shaker
satin pillowcases
Pop-up book
desk emergency kit
set of shot glasses
5-year diary
fancy olive oil
wind chimes
locket
juicer
metal detector
movie theater gift cards
incense burner
charm bracelet
wok
massage oil bar
chef’s hat
stem-less wine glasses
yoga mat
waffle weave bath towels
henna tattoo pen
BB gun
soup tureen
candle snuffer
overlong chain necklaces
cake stand
bird feeder
kitchen timer
wire bread basket
fold up tote
rolling shopping bag
museum membership
I could use some inspiration, too! What are some of YOUR favorite gifts to give?
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Hmmm…I always try to think of something that will have significance (whether light or serious) between me and the person I’m buying for. Part of that comes from the fact that my family and friends know I can’t afford to do a lot of gifting, even of the $10-25 variety. So, when I do drop one, it may be the framed section of the floor of Reynolds Colliseum (NC State gym) I gave to my dad, or the yogurt maker we’re giving my mom (my 3-year old nephew, who she sits for each day, thinks she walks on water because she has his favorite food: yogurt).
Good point, Jake, that gifts should have significance between the giver and the receiver. My family is artsy, so we exchange a lot of handmade things that are meaningful. For years my father gave all of us kids a hand-carved piece of a Nativity scene until we had the entire set. Gorgeous…and cherished.
Stephanie,
I love that! Along those lines, my mom gives my wife and me a new ornament that has some special meaning every year on Christmas Eve, so that we can add to our Christmas decorations every year.
That so special, because the memories will be relived every time you decorate your tree, and can be passed on. Lovely!
I don’t really have any fall back gifts I like to give repeatedly except for candy or treats. Even when I give a gift card, I like to provide some immediate gratification with a small box or bar of candy. Something I know that person really likes.
Nice tip, Anne, to pair a gift card with something small and “immediate” for the recipient. A bar of candy gives a lot of pleasure for such a small item…how thoughtful!
Amazon Kindle gift cards and baked goods wrapped in lovely cloth napkins and tucked into vintage baskets! Great post, Steph!
Love that idea, Deb. My mom makes beautiful cranberry pumpkin loaf cakes, wraps them in a tea towel, tucks the recipe inside and ties with a bow. She has a basket full of them for unexpected guests and last-minute gifts! (I’m not that organized.)
The grownups in my family are at the point where they need or want more “stuff” in their houses. So for the last decade I have been making and giving gift baskets of consumables. An Italian basket with pastas, sauces, cheeses, bread sticks and wine. A Breakfast basket with muffin, pancake and waffle mixes, jelly, honey, and teas. A Southwestern basket with tortilla chips, salsas, hot sauces, tequila and such. Well, you get the picture.
What a great idea! So after the holidays are over, they can have a special meal compliments of you. Nice!
Creative ideas! So many things I would never buy for myself but would love to get. My favorites are harmonica, bb gun, and battery organizer.
I try to get the people in my close family at least one thing that is totally unexpected. It’s usually their favorite gift.
My father is ex-military and a hunter and quite the firearms expert…but his face lit UP when I gave him an airsoft pistol (which is just an adult BB gun). He loves it! I enjoy getting “toys” for adults, something they wouldn’t buy for themselves.
Baking is always well loved. I love to go to Bath and Body Works for lotions. BBW usually has “buy 3 get 3″ promos–add in the $10 off coupon (get on their mailing list!!!) and you’re set. These are also great to have ready year round. Note cards, gift cards and olive oil for the cook!
Last year I gave the quirkiest gift I’ve ever given–UCLA Bruins football Garden Gnome. I found it–along with lots of other colleges and styles, on Amazon. It was a hit.
You can’t go wrong with a gnome. They’re like Chia heads…who doesn’t love ‘em?
My sister always makes homemade Jalapeno Jelly for the family. I’m always thinking, ugh not again. But I find it handy to pull out for or take to parties. It’s always a hit. My standard for the neighbors is a box with homemade chocolate covered pretzels and peppermint bark.
This year I tried really hard to get something small but personal for our 18 year old daughter. She is a freshman in college and we bought her a new computer but needed something for her to open on Christmas Day. I found a great elephant shaped ring holder for her nightstand at Bed, Bath and Beyond. She loves elephants and desperately needs somewhere to put her rings at night because she often loses them. It’s so cute with the elephant’s trunk in the air for placing the ring. There are so many cute and fun things out there I’m finding it hard not to overbuy for Christmas!
As for your list- wow! Great ideas. I might just have Santa put a 5 year diary in my stocking.
Sweet of you to get your daughter something sentimental to go with the practical gift…she’ll think of you every night!
Re: the 5-year diary…it leaves just a few lines to write in every day, so really easy to keep up the good habit of journaling! And I like how you can see previous years’ entries as you write a new entry for the current year.
btw, LOL about the “not again” jalapeno jelly.