Gift shopping can sometimes be intimidating – I always feel like there are tons of options but yet I feel like I can’t find anything that’s suitable. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way about gift giving! Thankfully for you, I have compiled a list of great gift ideas for whomever it is you’re searching for, whether it’s a spouse, sibling, parent, or friend.
How to give thoughtful gifts
I doubt many people enjoy getting gifts that they don’t want. Instead of thinking of what you like, think of what they like. Do they enjoy decorating, baking, cooking, coffee, plants, travel, hiking, or are they artsy, sporty, home-bodies, adventurers, etc? Once you know what they like doing for their spare time, hobbies, self-improvement, etc. then it’s WAY easier to shop for them!
Here are some quick ideas for common categories:
Decorators / Homemakers:
Instead of choosing specific decorations for them (since they may have a different style and preferences), go for general items such as cozy blankets, charcuterie set, coffee table books, cookbooks, candles (see this post for homemade ones!), woven baskets (can be used for anything!).
Bakers / Cooks:
Measuring cups, KitchenAid Mixer, unique dishes for baking/cooking, a high-quality handmade wood cutting board, a high-quality chef’s knife if they don’t have one (Wusthof is my favorite!), unique kitchen towels, a sourdough bread making kit, or a kitchen gadget that you know they don’t have such as an ice cream maker, espresso machine, tea kettle (if they drink tea), etc.
Coffee lovers:
Ceramic mugs that are unique, Breville espresso machine (expensive) or a budget-friendly espresso machine, coffee beans from their favorite coffee shop, coffee making utensils such as cute stirring spoons, a holder for the spoons, etc.
Plant lovers:
A new plant, a planter/pot, a hydroponic garden, a propagation stand, a grow light for their plants, a moisture meter, a cute plant stand, etc.
Travel / Hiking / Outdoors:
A duffel bag, hiking boots, a push-in travel map, a hammock, a survival kit.
Artsy:
New art tools (according to what they do whether watercolor, oil, pencil, clay, acrylic, etc.)
Sporty:
New shoes according to their activity, duffel bag, new leggings, shorts, shirts, etc. Look at what they use / wear all the time and go from there.
Gifts for anyone
If you are giving to a family, a couple, or doing a Christmas gift exchange and don’t want it to be specific to a person, then these ideas are great because they apply to anyone:
Electric tabletop s’mores maker (or this more affordable one)
Artwork – check out my Etsy page to see some art! 🙂
Gift ideas for women
Jewelry:
I love supporting small businesses on Etsy for buying jewelry. Here are some favorites:
Marquis flower petal pendant necklace
Clothing for women:
Puffer vest – I think puffer vests are SO cute and I wear mine all the time. I think it’s a great gift for any woman! Here’s an affordable one, and here’s one from Lululemon.
Flare leggings – These are my new favorite leggings. They are cozy, fun, and easy to style. I have the brown right now, but I definitely plan on buying many more because I love them!
Lululemon leggings – Women love Lululemon! You really can’t go wrong with a pair of their leggings, or a shirt, etc.
Lululemon dupe leggings – Tired of the price tag on Lululemon? Me too. I stopped buying from them years ago when I discovered these dupe leggings. They fit just as nicely as the Lululemon ones, but they’re a fraction of the cost. I may have a dozen pairs of them, because I love them THAT much. I also love the Sunzel brand too – they’re a little thinner and more silky.
Shoes for women:
Chelsea boots – There’s a reason these boots have become so popular recently. They are cute and versatile! Every woman would be happy to have a pair of these.
Slippers – UGG slippers are the best, let’s be honest. They are made out of sheep skin, so they don’t make you sweat, they don’t ever become smelly, and they last for many, many years. You can buy women’s slippers or these kids slippers, depending on who you’re shopping for.
Home / kitchen ideas for women:
KitchenAid Mixer – If they love baking, then a KitchenAid is the BEST kind of gift. It’s on the more expensive side, so no pressure if you’re looking for more budget friendly – just keep reading!
Sourdough bread making kit – if you think they would enjoy making bread.
Candles (see this post for homemade ones!)
Gift ideas for men
UGG slippers – made out of sheep skin, so they don’t make you sweat, they don’t ever become smelly, and they last for many, many years.
Comfortable sneakers (my favorite brand)
Slim wallet w/quick card access
DIY gift ideas
If you want to make an extra special gift, then consider one of these that I have posted:
DIY Dried Orange Slices (to use as an ornament!)
Stocking stuffer ideas
100% mulberry silk pillowcase – These have become very popular for skincare and haircare. I own two of them and have noticed a significant reduction in dry skin/hair ever since using them.
Small propagation set – for any plant lovers
Soil moisture sensor – no more over-watering plants!
Candle wick trimmer – I have this bronze one and I love it. I use it for my DIY candles.
Socks – whether you get fun fuzzy socks, or cute ruffle socks, or functional athletic socks, they’re all a great choice.
Gloves – warm gloves for winter, or even gardening gloves if that’s what the person is into. There are all types of gloves people wear, so you can buy whichever suits them the best!
Essentials that they use all the time such as lotion, chapstick, deodorant, travel sized shampoo/conditioner, pens, pencils, small notepads, etc.
Their favorite treats, candy, protein bars, etc.
