With Thanksgiving and Black Friday already behind us, Cyber Week looms – along with an endless stream of panic attacks about what to get every person on your list.
I used to get really overwhelmed about Christmas shopping. It’s not the giving that bothers me. Actually, the only thing that gets me into the holiday spirit is the idea of giving someone – anyone – a gift that they’ll really love. Helping others feel special, appreciated, valued, listened to, and loved gives me that special holiday season glow, normally reserved for people who love all the spirit found in caroling, snowball fights, and decorating.
What I *hated* about holiday shopping was the pressure surrounding the search for the perfect and practical gift for each person’s personality. But over the last few years, I’ve realized that some of the most special presents come from finding little luxuries, fun finds, and thoughtful treats that people wouldn’t normally buy themselves. Knowing that so many people struggle to get those creative gift-giving juices flowing, I put together a list of some of the perfect gifts I’ve had my eye on for the special people in my life this year.
For your fit-fam/friends
It’s a lot easier to walk into your spin class or to run in public when you feel confident. Whether your friends and family are expert yogis or are vowing to start exercising in the New Year, there’s nothing that makes gym-going more fun than a chic set. Each of these brands create fitness attire that double as cool athleisure – a timeless trend. Serve your friends a little motivation that will impress on and off the court.
For your stressed somebodies
Skincare is important all-year round, but especially when we require a little extra R&R. For those peeps in your life that don’t get enough shut-eye, give them what you can – some special products to give their skin and soul the boost they so desperately require.
For the person who has everything
Socks are highly underrated. Sometimes, all your look needs to feel complete is a little pop of color or something slightly edgy. Hansel from Basel make the most adorable socks and tights that promise to do more than keep your feet warm. They’re so cool and different they can easily serve as the centerpiece to an entire outfit.
For the person you buy socks for every year
I know you’re out there. Socks are a great gift, but unless they’re supremely cozy and/or cool, you need to spice up your gift-giving game. This year, try something new. Plenty of your friends and family could use a home-decor refresher, or are house-hunting in need of interior design inspo, or are changing apartments every year. For those loved ones, search Etsy or local vintage shops for cool prints that add some character to any living space.
For your long-distance peeps
Many of my friends and I have taken to buying each other short-term subscriptions to various monthly boxes. I once bought my foodie-best friend one-month with an international snack subscription. One of my friends knows I’m a health-nut, so she bought me a three-month subscription to a healthy lifestyle monthly box club. I loved it, and it gave me something to look forward to long after the holiday was over. It’s perfect when you want to surprise long-distance loved ones with a thoughtful surprise.
For your foodies
One of the best birthday presents I ever received came a few years ago in the form of a cake. My mom, being the sweet, perfect, thoughtful angel that she is, knew that I reallllly wanted to try the cakes from Momofuku’s Milk Bar in NYC. So, she went on Goldbely and ordered one for delivery on my birthday. It was the sweetest surprise, and was an awesome way to help me cross an item off of my foodie bucket list. I highly recommend this site to anyone with foodie friends and family this holiday season – these gifts come with memories and flavors they’ll never forget.
For your the fashionista/o’s in your life
It might sound simple, but cool accessories can transform a closet. The perfect gift for any person interested in style is one that works for every season. This year, treat your friends with a flair for fashion to a statement piece they’ll love.
For the eccentric one
Witchsy mastered the online shop for quirky artisan goods. Founded by two women who made up a third male co-founder to skirt sexism, this curated online haven for handcrafted goods will reel you right in. From the beautiful to the outlandish, the gifts stacked on this site are fun for everyone. Plus, your dollars are supporting small businesses and artists, something that will make your creative pals love ya a little extra this year.
For anyone and everyone
A life-changing book. We are all constantly evolving. In trying times, some of the greatest inspiration and comfort lies in great writing. And the gifts of knowledge and inspiration never go out of style. I’ve listed some of the books that have helped me through the hardest times, or have poured inspiration into my temporarily dry imagination.
For when you’re feeling mushy, are too poor for anything else, or have exhausted all other options
DIY gifts! I love making cards and gifts for my loved ones when I find some inspiration. And don’t doubt yourself. If Britney Spears can sell this painting for $10,000, you can make something awesome for the special someones in your life.