I love gifts. In the “5 Love Languages” framework, I think gifts is perhaps my top love language. I always shied away from this because I don’t consider myself a particularly materialistic person. But I love picking out gifts for people, and I love receiving gifts, especially something unexpected. In fact, I think it is because I’m not much of a shopper that I enjoy gifts so much. It’s not my nature to treat myself (though that has changed some now that I’ve done therapy). I also think that, since I’m a somewhat reserved person, gifts are an easier way for me to let someone know I care about them.
Since I’m always on the lookout for gift ideas that the recipients might not expect, I’m a big gift guide person. This year, I got to thinking that I could pretty easily put together a gift guide with just the things I’ve recommended in this newsletter over the past two-and-a-half years. So - here it is - the first annual (maybe?) Allow Me to Share Holiday Gift Extravaganza! I hope you find some ideas for people on your list (or for yourself!). I’m one of those people that has my Christmas shopping basically done, so if you’re like me, maybe save this for birthdays and other holidays. Many of these links are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click and purchase something, I get a small commission (and the price is the same for you).
Food/Drink Gifts
Jeni’s ice cream - How fun would it be to get a sampler of ice creams? I sent one to myself, and, I’ve gotta say, I really loved it. :)
St. Germain liqueur - If your recipient likes cocktails, this would be a great addition to their home bar. Super versatile but not necessarily something people have tried before. You could pair it with a cocktail shaker.
David’s Tea - I was a big fan of the iced tea sampler this summer, but if you know someone who likes tea, they have all sorts of sampler packs.
Kitchen Gifts
Ninja Foodi* pressure cooker/air fryer/slow cooker combo - The exact model I have isn’t available anymore, but this one seems similar. I like that I was able to replace my slow cooker and have both air frying and pressure cooking capabilities. It can also be used to saute, which is really useful if you need to saute meat or vegetables before slow cooking or pressure cooking them. You could also throw in a pressure cooker cookbook. I like this one.
Drink Mate carbonator* - Having sparkling water on demand is amazing. We bought this one because it allows you to carbonate any beverage (not just water). I like using it to re-carbonate sodas or sparkling wines that have gone flat. We use ours several times a week, and it is still going strong 3.5 years later. You might also recommend Soda Sense to the recipient. That’s how we exchange our empty CO2 bottles for filled ones.
Clothing Gifts
FAZL socks - These slipper socks are so comfy, and the patterns are so cute! Plus, the purchase supports a good cause.
Vuori Performance Joggers - These are my crazy-expensive joggers that I still wear all the dang time. They’ve held up well to many washes. Definitely a fun gift for someone who wouldn’t splurge on themselves. (Run true to size.)
Stocking Stuffers
TUL gel pens* - the BEST pens in the world
Brookside Dark Chocolate Pomegranate* - I consider these grown-up fruit snacks
Tiesta Tea Fireside Spice tea* - my favorite herbal tea - so much flavor!
Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm* - gives just a hint of color, which is exactly what I want most days
Gloves in a Bottle lotion* - I love this non-greasy, fast-drying lotion in the winter.
Favorite Online Retailers
Grove Collaborative
Favorite products:
European dish cloths - great paper towel replacement - dishwasher-safe
Mrs. Meyer’s seasons cleaning set (orange clove is my favorite scent) - I brought Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products to a work dirty Santa swap. Some people didn’t get it, but it was one of the most stolen gifts! IYKYK.
Hand soap and dish soap dispensers
Hand sanitizer spray - This hand sanitizer has a great scent and doesn’t dry out my hands as much as some others.
Olive & June
Favorite polish colors: Cable Knit (cream neutral), Wild Orchid (magenta), LD (reddish mauve), JJ (cinnamon brown), OMG (deep blue), Green Canteen (teal green), Into the Trees (very dark blue-ish green), HZ (pinky neutral), AW (warm gray), World Lit (pinky mauve). They just started a quick-dry line, but so far I prefer the original polishes.
If someone is new to Olive & June, the full manicure system is the way to go. You get to choose 6 polishes with that, and it comes with all of the tools you need. That would be a GREAT gift. The dry drops, ridge filler, and matte top coat are great add-ons.
Serrv
A fair-trade company that partners with global artisans to provide hand-made goods
Favorite items: Mandala lanterns, Bright Endeavors candles, rethread throw, welcome mat, kashmiri ball ornament set
1Canoe2
A woman-owned small business that has beautiful paper products and textiles
Favorite items: seasonal kitchen towels, art prints, extra-large calendars, thank you cards
Kids’ Gifts
Primary clothes - I love Primary’s bright colors, simple designs, and gender-neutral categories. I’ve bought several pieces for Ellie, and they’ve all held up really well. I also bought their puffer coat for myself last year and love it.
Baketivity kits - I love these kits because they contain everything you need for one baking project. It makes more visually complicated recipes seem doable.
Harry Potter illustrated collection* - These versions of the books are BEAUTIFUL. Great for reading aloud together.
Stuffed animal storage bean bag* - This has been going strong for us for several years (even after being overstuffed and having kids climb all the way into it. I washed it to get some chocolate stains out, and it came out of the wash perfectly.
Qwirkle game* - simple game that’s fun for kids and adults. I’d say age 5 and up. (5- and 6-year-olds might need some help.)
Kids’ stocking stuffers
Welly bandages* - I like to put some useful things in my kids’ stockings so it’s not just all junk. These bandages are the BEST - they stay on and have cute designs.
Ornaments 4 Orphans felted wool ornaments - I can’t get over how cute these little ornaments are! I bought some for all of my nieces and nephews last year and had such fun picking out different designs.
Well, this was SO FUN to put together (especially identifying all my favorite nail polish colors!). I hope that it provided you a few ideas. If you have any gift ideas, leave a comment. I’m always wanting to add to my list!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I second the vote for Jeni’s ice cream. So yummy!