If you were getting tested on your gift giving, I’d say this “guide” is more like one of those cheatsheets you can bring into the test instead of the answer key… a jumping off point more than a shopping destination… enjoy!
I’m someone for whom the holiday season brings a lot of joy and a lot of stress—I’m obviously not alone in that. I’m always worried I’m not buying thoughtful enough gifts, or fancy enough gifts, or straight-up enough gifts. My parents are separated, which means for the past many, many Christmases my brother and I individually get them each gifts. And, as the eldest daughter, I worry about making the holiday as special for my parents as they always make it for us.
Every year I find myself texting my brother on December 23rd telling him I’m running around the city for additional, very random gifts because I feel like we didn’t get enough. And every year he’s like what the hell are you doing. Panic gifts from random places are the worst gifts ever. And I have given so many of them to my family.
I’m also a gift guide hater (to a degree)—from bigger publications, they tend to be soulless and they are ALWAYS getting weirder as they try to stop sounding cookie cutter…
If someone spent $400 on this ^ as a gift for me, I’d cut up their credit card and return it in front of them. Maybe this is a rich person thing I can’t relate to? A chic umbrella would be better IMO.
My point is—if you’re spending a lot of money on something from a gift guide, chances are you should not be spending a lot of money on that thing.
So, here are a handful of gifting idea categories aka gift guidance—almost all $25 or under—as you continue (or start if you’re me) your holiday shopping.
🏷️ Something Fancy & Edible
Last year, I wrote a gift guide last year asking five cool people the best gifts they have been given. Abi Balingit, James Beard Award-winning author of the cookbook Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed (which has the greatest cookie recipe ever—Adobo cookies), said she loves being gifted vanilla bean. That is the inspiration for my first idea: a fancy little ingredient.
Think of a random thing you might see at the grocery store, want to get because it looks or sounds delicious, and then put back after you see the price tag.
A good way to figure out what might make a good gift in this category is: Think of a random thing you might see at the grocery store, want to get because it looks or sounds delicious, and then put back after you see the price tag.
Saffron ($11.50)
Fancy tinned fish ($$ varies)
Sumac ($18)
Maldon salt ($10.95)
Vanilla bean ($24)
Olive Oil ($18)
…You can level up any of these gifts by pairing them with cute tableware (below!), a recipe you love, or a cookbook that you swear by.
🏷️ Something Vintage/Thrifted
Shopping secondhand, you can find a gift for everyone on your list. This also nearly guarantees a unique gift. Below are a few thought-starters of things I’d love to receive, but you can creative! I once had a birthday where a friend showed up with a bag of gifts from a pawnshop, and they were all so fun.
Old Kirkland Cashmere ($19+) …Bonus points: get them the Costco cashmere and embroider it with their name!
Chrome Cream & Sugar Set ($22) For a coffee lover. Pair this with a bag of coffee you know they love.
Vintage Handmade Colored Cabbage Ware Plates, Set of 4 ($30). These are a little over budget, but they seemed too good not to include.
A Unique Brooch ($22). Something like this, this, or this. Put it in a cute little box.
Pair of 1970’s Felt Stockings ($26). I got a pair of these for me and my husband and I am obsessed. I meannnnnn… There are so many.
🏷️ Something personalized
Get thee to EVA JOAN! I’ve gotten so many gifts embroidered there; it’s a simple way to level your gift up. I also had the idea of getting someone a set of custom paper travel cups ($4.90 ea)—my husband makes coffee everyday and I’d love to give him some “Aaron Cafe” cups, or better yet, a custom espresso mug ($24). You can put all your gifts in a monogrammed mini boat and tote ($25).
🏷️ Something delightful but unnecessary enough that the person wouldn’t want to spend money on it
This is my personal favorite category of gift. I mentioned these last year, but a friend got me these matches nearly two years ago now, and I am still in love with them, though I would not think to spend $16 on matches on my own!
🏷️ Something in the giftee’s daily routine
Last year, I asked for CeraVe, these cotton pads, and Lotion P50 (RIP phenol). This year I’d love some Welda Skin Food or any very minty toothpaste,.
🏷️ A gift card to somewhere you know they love
Yeah I said it! DOWN with the narrative that gift cards are unthoughtful! I love a gift card.
1970s stockings are brilliant. Such a good list
Contributing to my problem but this is so good