Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Blogmas Day 8

Has anyone started their holiday shopping? Please, tell me I’m not alone! It’s been on my mental to-do list for a few days now. Am I procrastinating? Yes. If our holiday circumstances were normal, I’d wait till mid-December to get my holiday shopping done. I hate crowds, but there’s something about holiday crowds that get me in the spirit. It’s almost like a tradition. However, our holiday circumstances are not normal. Most of the holiday shopping is going to be a virtual experience. To ensure that all of the goodies arrive by the 25th, I need to get on it. 

So, on the eighth day of blogmas, your blogger gave you a holiday gift guide. 

Small businesses are some of my favorite places to shop. Smaller businesses offer unique gifts, which take some of the stress out of shopping. How many times have you purchased the “perfect” present for someone, but someone else gave it to them first? Ditching the mainstream ideas eliminates that likely hood. A lot of smaller businesses provide personalization too. Who doesn’t love a personal touch? 

These ideas could go either way. You could find them through small businesses, like an Etsy store or in the mainstream world. However, I recommend supporting any small businesses you can in these times! 

Let’s start universal:

1. A wallet: This is a practical gift. Most people forget to upgrade their worn-out wallets. So, it’s a nice surprise when someone else takes note. Personalizing a wallet takes it to the next level. There are also some great sales at Nordstrom Rack. 
2. Stockings: This a new tradition that I’m starting this year. Stockings are my favorite part of Christmas morning. So, I decided to share some of that excitement with others in my life. Giving someone a small stocking filled with practical presents encompasses a little extra magic. Things like toothpaste, hair accessories, body products, and gift cards; all the things you forget to grab when you’re at Target. It makes practical fun as well as get them set for the beginning of the year. 

For the music lover in your life:

3. Bluetooth speaker: If you know anyone in your life who enjoys music or podcasts while showering, doing chores, or working outside, this is perfect. They’ll love you forever. Headphones or earbuds are nice, but they can be cumbersome. They’re also not waterproof. 
4. Earbuds/headphones: Yes, they can be cumbersome. However, you can never have too many pairs. I keep spare earbuds everywhere, but unfortunately, they break easily. So, when I receive an extra pair, I’m over the moon about it. Get the listener in your life a pair. They’ll thank you, I promise! 
5. Spotify playlist: This is a new trend taking over the interweb. People are creating Spotify plaques with a personal photo then linking them to a playlist you’ve created. People are also creating physical cassette tapes that can also link to Spotify playlists. 

For the coffee/tea drinker in your life:

6. Tumblr: A Tumblr might be better than a traditional mug. It works for on the go, but it’s even better for staying in. It keeps whatever beverage iced or hot at the right temperature for several hours. It also has a lid. It’s the holy grail. 
7. Gourmet Coffee Box: Coffee lovers everywhere jones for a variety of beans. So, give them a gift that will kick start their new year! 
8. Tea Box: Giving the gift of variety isn’t just for the coffee lovers! 

For the athletic one in your life:

9. Water bottle: Hydration is key!
10. Jacket: If any of you live in an area that gets cold or you’re buying for someone who lives in an area that gets cold, then you know how important a jacket is. 
11. Socks: When you get to be an adult, socks are one of the greatest gifts you can receive. Does anyone know what happens to socks? They went into the washer as a pair and came out solo. 

For the  5 o’clock somewhere crowd:

12. Personalized Glass: Whether it’s a wine glass or a set of whiskey glasses, you can never go wrong with a one of a kind glass. Pair it with a bottle to finish off the perfect present. 
13. Cocktail book: In a time with no bars, some of us are realizing we’re mixologists. Prepare those people for a socially distant winter! They’ll have all the recipes they crave right at their fingertips. 
14. Cheeseboard: Just the board. Maybe not the cheeses. Unless you can store them properly before gifting. 

I hope these gave you some ideas for your gifting this holiday season. Keep in mind; it’s not about the presents. People will appreciate the gesture no matter what you give them. Happy and safe gifting!