Save these in your notes app, or refer back to this post because this is THE list you need.
Everything listed below is linked here for you!!!
For the Empty Nester Mom or Mother-in-Law
Alright, if your mom or mother-in-law is an empty nester with dogs who are now her babies, she NEEDS this canvas tote. If she's more of a Martha Stewart without dogs, get her a monogrammed L.L. Bean canvas bag. Trust me, it's a vibe.
For the Dad or Father-in Law:
If your dad or father-in-law is ex-military, loves Tom Clancy, or is always thinking about the Roman Empire (LOL, why do they do this?), these gifts are for him:
- Signed Rare Edition or Limited Box Set: Find his fave book on Thrift Books or eBay—so many affordable options.
- Friendly Fire: A memoir about the government using the military to test vaccines, specifically the anthrax vaccine. Riveting, right?
- Impossible Odds: The incredible story of a woman kidnapped by Somali pirates and rescued by Navy SEALs. Your dad will be obsessed.
For the Grandparents:
- Tell Me Your Story Book: Because who doesn’t love hearing the family legacy? This is a gem.
- Digital Picture Frames: These are a huge hit for a reason—keep the family close even when they're miles away.
- Personalized Photo Gifts: Anything with photos of the grandkids. These mugs are my absolute FAVE and you can re-gift them every few years as the kids grow. Genius, right?
For the Broke Young Adult:
We all know one. This could be a college student, new grad, high school student, or that cousin who doesn't have their life together yet. These essentials never go out of style:
- Unlimited Car Wash Pass: The BEST gift my husband ever gave me. Most car washes offer prepaid months too.
- Jiffy Lube Oil Change Gift Card: They probably need it. Enough said.
- Ski Pass: For their local ski area. In Colorado, a season pass to multiple ski resorts saves so much money come winter.
For People You Don't Know Very Well:
Perfect for white elephant gifts:
- Bornn Teapot: Cute and not too expensive. Fill it with your fav fancy tea.
- veggie candles. So cute are you kidding.
- Vintage Fondue Set: A fun gift for a white elephant party. You can find tons on eBay.
For the Teachers
Teachers don't want another coffee mug, they want something consumable and luxurious.
- Dipqyque Candle with a XL set of matches
- A monogrammed makeup bag. I know it's not consumable, but it's cute and personalized. They can use it for pens or makeup. One thing I know about teachers is they love a bag.
- Fancy chocolates. Always a hit, Trader Joes has endless options.
For the Newlywed Couple Who Love Dinner Parties:
Perfect for couples who love to host and don’t have kids yet, or those with older kids:
- Aesthetically Pleasing Board Games: I give my sister and her husband a new one each holiday to add to their collection. It’s a thing.
-A customized champagne bottle with their latest milestone on it (a new house, wedding photos, etc) paired with a limited edition Smeg box to hold it in.
For the Littles:
Nieces, nephews, cousins, or any little person:
- Zoo or Museum Membership: No clutter, no toys that break. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and parents will thank you endlessly.
- Gift Bag of Favorite Juices and Snacks: Ask the parents what the kids are allowed to have. Make it something they don’t get often but LOVE. Huge hit every time.
-Magnitiles: These are a hit every.single.time and one of the rare toys that doesn't get thrown away after a week. Buy the kit with their favorite characters.
- Science Kits: Another fun learning thing that can get used and thrown away (or has a small keepsake).
-Jellycat Stuffed Animals: Unfortunely, yes, they are worth the money.
- Fully Loaded Art Box: I get a XL tacklebox and fill it with all things art supplies. Paint Sticks, water colors, brushes, stickers. This is one of my favorite things to gift.
For the Teenager Overdoing the Axe Body Spray:
- Mini Trial Perfume/Cologne Set from Henry Rose: Unisex with musky and floral options. Pick a trial set and add a gift card so they can try a few, pick their fav, and buy the one they like. So chic!
For HER, the IT Girl in your Life:
- tennis bracelet/necklace . This one is gorgeous and affordable and she'll be dying over it (And here's a much cheaper Amazon one if that's out of your budget).
- this adorable camera + blank vintage photo albums. It’s a digital camera without a screen and gives a super vintage feel. She’ll love it whatever stage of life she’s in
- a vintage heart locket with photos of her kids, pets, loved ones. If someone gave this to me, I'd die immediately.
- the perfect gold bangles, you simply cannot go wrong.
- this Jenni Jayne cardigan is always the right answer
For the Men:
You guys, I don't know. Men are very simple and don't need another monogrammed wallet. Here's what they really, truly want.
- Ryan holiday's box set on stoics if they are one of those that constantly thinks about the Roman Empire.
- Beer. Put a bow on it and add it to their stocking. Craft beer or Michelob Ultra, just get their fav.
- Beef Jerky or Beef Sticks. Always a hit, never wrong.
- Vintage tees of his fav sports teams or the Abercrombie NFL edit is superior.
For large groups:
If you have an extremely large family or are attending holiday parties, bake a large batch of cookies or fudge and put them in pretty vintage tins, Martha Stewart style.
Guys, I want to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your fav gift ideas or share what’s on your holiday shopping list. And don’t forget to click through the links to shop these amazing gifts. Let’s get festive and make this holiday season the best one yet!