Holiday Gifting for Gals, Guys & Friends

Another holiday season is upon us and while things look a lot different in 2020 I know a lot of people are still trying to hold onto some sense of tradition when it comes to the holidays. I know things change and vary every year and honestly gifts are kind of the last thing on my mind, but there are plenty of happy moments the holidays do bring and some of those might not be able to happen this year. That being said I decided to still stick with putting together a little blog post about gifting and while it’s not something I necessarily think has to be done (I really do prefer just spending time with people vs receiving a present) there’s still a part of me that enjoys the process of thinking of others and what would make them smile. I decided to actually sit down and work on this ahead of time since I know a lot of gifts will probably be mailed out this year and it gives everyone ample time to prepare. I know I usually start at the beginning of November for shopping but with the way the world is right now it’s hard to find the motivation. This has definitely helped spark some thoughtful gifting so I’m getting a little more eager to get the process started now.

My last note before I get started here is this. The Holidays can be a challenging time for a lot of people The joys of gift giving can be met with monetary hardships, or the idea of family time can be met with loneliness and anxiety. I know that writing these kind of posts can seem very trivial and unimportant and it’s definitely not my intention. I think the most valuable way to send your love is to reach out and connect. 2020 is a really strange year with the inability for a lot of us to be together with our families but I hope that it will be a continued lesson for us to appreciate what we do have and try to continue finding the little things that bring joy in our lives.

Easy Gifts for Her

I find it challenging to shop for some of my friends especially if they are like me and aren’t very keen on getting gifts. I usually am a “if I want/need something I’ll get it myself”. When it comes to gift receiving I’m very practical. I prefer things I’ll have for a long period of time or something I might not be super “excited” about buying for myself (ie. certain home items, workout things, or things for say my car haha). That being the way I like receiving gifts it’s usually how I give them as well. I pulled together a few pieces that might be a fit for the woman/women in your life.

There are a few items here that I feel like you can’t go wrong with. One of them being a good statement jacket. Depending on the person, I loved this particular Stand Studio piece because it has a slight crop (for ease of wear), not too heavy and has an interesting yet neutral print. Another favorite is to gift a really cute set of loungewear/pjs. I know it’s kind of annoying as a kid to get pajamas or comfy clothes for a holiday but as I’ve gotten older (and with the pandemic) I think it’s an easy gift to give plus if it’s chic you know it will get good use. Another great option is a monogram or name necklace, bracelet, ring etc. I didn’t realize how much people loved these until I was wearing my “Steph” necklace from M Jewelers a ton. I always got questions on it and I think it’s an easy gift to give a lovely lady in your life (you can also play around with budgets depending on the quality metal you get). I know my mom would love something like this. Candles are also a great option for just about anyone, I know my grandma loves receiving them.

The last few options are ones that while a bit more personal, can really hit home those certain women in your life. I know I have found a new love of moving my body this year whether yoga or a quick HIIT workout. These Bala bangles are a great gift to give to a girlfriend, cousin, parent etc. Another great gift for someone who loves a self-care moment would be any of the NuFace products. I use both the FIX and original NuFace and can’t tell you how much I love them. They are also great for someone who enjoys getting facials but isn’t able to swing them as much with COVID.

Coworkers or Friends

Giving gifts to friends can be hard. Usually it comes down to the price point as well as how well you know the person. I only say that because on occasion a name pull means you won’t always get the friend or coworker you know best. I pulled together a few items that I feel have the most generic yet effective type of gifting for these individuals in your life. Think fun, practical and within budget.

You really can’t go wrong with gifting someone a Hydroflask. Not only are yo encouraging drinking more water you are also saving a ton of plastic waste by giving them a really cool reason to refill their water bottles themselves. Weighted blankets are also a better option (in my eyes) than receiving a traditional fleece blanket. If you go with a neutral color it can work in almost anyone’s home and from what I’ve heard these blankets are wonderful for anyone who just likes to feel cuddled. Socks and slippers have been a great option for coworkers in the past. With a ton of character options it’s a simple way to give someone something meaningful (if you get say their favorite Star Wars character on them) while sticking to the $30-$50 minimums.

Now onto the more practical friend gifts. Most of my friends either live on their own or have families. Being in the industry we are in as well it’s actually nice to be able to find a gift outside of fashion and beauty and get something more wellness/lifestyle driven. The Our Place pan and my air fryer have by far been my 2020 highlights and I think it would bring a lot of joy to any household without one. Another great thought I had recently as well was to gift someone a set from Blueland. I’m making a more conscious effort every year to reduce the amount of waste I’m producing. By swapping things like my cleaning products to reusable more eco friendly products like those from Blueland it’s a simple way to get started on that path. Why not gift something like this to get your friends or coworkers along on the journey.

Easy Gifts for Him

Being as practical as I am, I like to ensure that when I’m purchasing for any men in my family/life that I am giving them something they will use a lot. That being said most guys taste is a lot more expensive than I anticipated haha. Considering I won’t be able to get anyone a PS5 I’m just going to roll with a few other options that I feel fit nicely for the men in my life.

Clothing can be hard to buy for guys sometimes but I know for my husband my staples are sneakers, a fun t-shirt, these Roark pants (he has the same pair in shorts) and of course some boxers. Another easy gift to give to any guy in your life is a pair of house slippers. Nick loves this pair from Target that has a cotton lining and hard sole bottom to be worn both indoors or outdoors. Another great option for gifting is a nice duffel bag or toiletries case. I tend to notice guys don’t always choose to buy themselves these things so receiving a nice one that will last is always a practical gift.

Stocking Stuffers

I really love a good stocking, it’s one of the Christmas traditions I feel I connect with so much. The unwrapped treats and trinkets you’d find in your stocking really brings me back to those Santa believing days. It’s still something I like to push the limits on within my own home but my husband could definitely use some work on mine haha. I put down a few ideas for easy stocking stuffer options to add into what you already might be filling up on.

Hand sanitizer is probably going to be a given this year but it’s funny because my mom always included sanitizers every year in my stocking haha. Guess we knew what was up before all of this happened. Another great option is the Hey Dewy portable humidifier. I know that during these dryer months it’s a perfect option to move around with you in the house or take to work if you need a little extra moisture. Reusable straws, reusable storage bags and Vital Proteins or Moon Juice packs are somewhat within the more “wellness” area but I know getting these items or even a container of Matcha are a cute addition to the candy you might have thrown in (and are a little more ‘adult’). Underwear is like a must for me in stockings (I always get my husband at least 2 pairs) so I definitely think it’s not that weird of a gift (unless your kids see you opening it maybe haha). Last but certainly not least is a portable jewelry case. I didn’t realize how nice this was until I received one and let me tell you, it definitely encouraged me to bring jewelry options when I travel anywhere.

The Gift of Giving

One of the most special gifts to give will always and forever be a donation in someones name. Especially during a year like 2020 a lot more individuals are realizing what causes are important to them. This is a great time to suggest doing a gift exchange of donating on behalf of someone and choosing an organization they either affiliate with or finding new organizations to donate on behalf of. From Civil Rights, to Animals, to ecological and climate organizations there are a ton of ways to give monetarily this way.