Whether you like to put up your Christmas decorations on November 1st or you prefer to wait until after Thanksgiving, the holiday season is right around the corner, and with that comes the joyous (yet daunting) task of gift-giving. Finding the perfect gift for a friend, family member, or colleague can feel like an impossible feat. But fear not: I have curated a collection of the best gifts to suit every personality and budget. From gifts for the fashionista in your life to gifts for the book lover in your life, this guide will help you check off every name on your list with ease. The perfect gift is closer than you think…
For the homebody:
Blankets
A homebody is all about comfort, coziness, and relaxation. And what’s the epitome of comfort? Blankets! Especially this luxe faux fur throw blanket from Pottery Barn.
Matching Pajama Set
These pajama sets from Eberjey are made of the softest material, and the monogram adds a personalized twist.
Smart Mug
Keep your coffee or hot chocolate warm all day with the Ember mug, a temperature-controlled smart mug that you control through a phone app.
Robe and Slippers
A robe and slippers are the “homebody uniform,” and this robe from Ugg feels like you are being wrapped in a cloud–it’s also reversible for added versatility.
Bombas has a ton of different styles of both men’s and women’s slippers that are cute and cozy.
Candles
Candles make your house smell good and are relaxing, too. Anthropologie has a wide variety of large and small candles. Pair it with an electric candle lighter for a fun touch, or opt for a candle warmer lamp that can also double as coffee table decor.
For the host:
Drinkware
Gift your entertainer friend some unique drinkware for the next cocktail party they host!
Dipping Bowls
Chips and dip will always be a party staple. A party can never have too many dipping bowls, especially when they look this cute.
Personalized Charcuterie Board
Who wouldn’t love a personalized charcuterie board? This monogrammed one from Williams & Sonoma pairs perfectly with these marble and brass cheese knives. Etsy also has a ton of creative personalized charcuterie boards, tailored specifically to the recipient to show extra appreciation.
Ice Bucket Set
Don’t overlook the appeal of an elegant ice bucket set, especially for someone who loves to host parties.
Wine Bottle Stoppers
Etsy has a ton of creative handmade options that you can fit into the personality and style of whoever the gift is going to. For example, these oyster shell wine bottle stoppers are great for your friends here in NOLA who love oysters! Holiday-themed wine bottle stoppers bring an extra festive touch to holiday parties throughout the season.
For the health enthusiast:
Gym Bag
This large quilted tote bag from Free People is sure to fit everything you need for the gym, and more!
Yoga Mat
Alo’s cushioned and slip-free yoga mat is a high-quality mat that someone might not ordinarily splurge on for themselves, which makes it great to give as a gift!
Oura Ring
While definitely a splurge gift, the Oura ring is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, which is so important! It’s similar to an Apple Watch or Fitbit, but instead of a bracelet, it’s a ring.
Stanley Water Bottle
This viral water bottle is both trendy and functional, and comes in a variety of patterns and colors.
Bala Bangles
A versatile workout accessory that can be used in the yoga studio, at home workouts or during walks. Your workout-obsessed friend is guaranteed to love this as a gift.
Hatch Alarm
If health is a priority, then getting better sleep by falling asleep to a sunset and waking up to a sunrise and a guided meditation is the gift that keeps on giving.
For the chef:
Apron
A high-quality apron is a practical–and fashionable–gift for someone who spends most of their time cooking, and Hedley & Bennett has lots of different colors and styles to choose from.
Smart Meat Thermometer
With Bluetooth connection to your phone, MEATER’s smart meat thermometer ensures restaurant-quality meat every time.
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
Sprinkled over gooey chocolate chip cookies or on top of sizzling hot shishito peppers, Maldon sea salt flakes make any meal feel fancy (and taste great).
Recipe Book/Binder
Every chef needs a place to record their favorite recipes and pass them on to friends and family. Rifle Paper Co.’s recipe book is full of pages that will help you remember every detail of your recipe and cherish the memories made while cooking.
Dish Towels
Cute dish towels add style and personality to a kitchen and are useful for cleaning up any messes made when cooking. Make the gift more personalized to the recipient’s favorite city with West Elm’s City Tea Towels.
For when you’re on a budget (under $25):
Perfume Mini Set
Help your friend find their next favorite scent by gifting them a perfume sampling kit! This Clinique one from Ulta is only $20.
Handmade Gifts
To save money on gifts, consider breaking out your crafty side and making them yourself, while also learning a new hobby along the way! Crocheting a scarf or sewing a makeup pouch are great ideas for a personalized gift. Getting creative with clay and making handmade fridge magnets unique to the gift recipient is another way to gift on a budget. If you’re not feeling too crafty, shop on Etsy for handmade gifts, such as these assorted clay magnets.
Picture Frame
Pictures are always a great gift for friends and family. Have a little fun with it and display your photo in a creative frame, like this glass photo display from West Elm.
Trinket Dish
Everyone needs a place to toss their trinkets… and this charming lidded dish from Anthropologie is just perfect.
Hair Clip
Hair clips are useful and cute. Get a more creative option like this claw clip from Urban Outfitters–the red bow adds a festive touch for the holiday season.
For the fashionista:
Shoe Charms
Elevate a basic sneaker with these bold and whimsical shoe charms from Free People.
Monogram Heart Necklaces
Add a personalized touch to your gift through monogrammed accessories, such as this monogram heart locket necklace. Take it a step further and add a photo inside the locket!
Beaded Bags
Both trendy and festive for the winter season. Win-win.
Edition
Unique Jewelry
Mixed metal jewelry is very trendy right now, and also convenient if you can’t remember if your friend wears silver or gold jewelry…
Scarf
Free People has an Acne Studios scarf dupe–just as fashionable and for a fraction of the cost.
Oversized Sweater
Channel Rory Gilmore’s winter fashion with an oversized cable-knit sweater: versatile and oh-so-cozy.
For the book lover:
Kindle
If the book lover in your life doesn’t already have a Kindle, then they definitely need one ASAP.
Kindle Holder & Page-Turner
Make reading more convenient with a Kindle holder and remote page-turner.
Bookmarks
A colorfully designed or unique bookmark makes reading just that much more fun. Uncommon Goods has a tea cup bookmark, and Etsy has personalized, hand-embroidered corner bookmarks.
Bookends
Books are important, but don’t forget about the bookshelf decorations! Unique and creative bookends make a great gift for the reader in your life.
Reading Journal/Tracker
Keep track of every book you read, and rate them!
With Black Friday coming up, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the sales and check gift-buying off of your to-do list!
About Julia Haas
Julia is the Editor-in-Chief of The Crescent Magazine. She is currently a senior double majoring in Marketing and Management and pursuing a Masters in Accounting. In her free time she enjoys reading romance novels, FaceTiming her dogs at home, and trying new restaurants in NOLA to post on her food blog.
Julia is the Editor-in-Chief of The Crescent Magazine. She is currently a senior double majoring in Marketing and Management and pursuing a Masters in Accounting. In her free time she enjoys reading romance novels, FaceTiming her dogs at home, and trying new restaurants in NOLA to post on her food blog.
