I am sorry if you are sick of holiday gift guides. I get it, it can be a lot this time of year. I feel like they all post the same suitcase, blow dryer and cozy pajama set. But the reality is, this time of year is when bloggers make the majority of their money, and gift guides are a big source of that income. So you gotta do what ya gotta do. But those types of gifts do not work for anyone I need to gift this year! So I promise, this is the only gift guide I am going to post and I am keeping it short, sweet, and useful. These are five types of gifts I find to be REALLY tricky, with three options. I tried to pull some unique gifts and ones you can’t buy in a store. Happy shopping!
FOR THE PICKY FRIEND WHO HAS EVERYTHING
We all have one of those people on our gift giving list. You rack you brain year after year to come up with something unique that won’t get returned! Here are three gifts that are sure to please even the pickiest people.
A MONTH TO THEIR FAVORITE FITNESS CLASS
SoulCycle addict, Core Power fan? Whatever their class of choice is, treat them to a month on you! Maybe throw in a new workout top or water bottle to go with it!
SPA DAY
I am a major spa person. If you want to make me happy, gift me on a day of pampering. Does your friend love a good facial? Maybe she is a massage girl? Whichever their pamper of choice is, send them on their way!
HIRE A SOMMELIER
Wine lovers? We did this for a friend a couple years ago, and I have to say it was the most well received gift of all time! Find a sommelier in your area and hire them to work a dinner party or night in at your friends house. They can bring wines, do a tasting and everyone gets to learn a little something about wine along the way.
FOR THE INLAWS
Duh duh duhhhhhh, the most dreaded of all gifts. JK, my in laws are the best and so laid back, so gift giving is really easy. But not everyone is so lucky! Here are three gifts you can’t go wrong with.
A PROFESSIONALLY FRAMED PHOTO
This was one of the first holiday gifts we gave to Blake’s parents, a matted and framed photo from our wedding! We told them in advance, so they could pick a frame & size that went well with their house.
SOME QT
Blake and I are big on giving experiential gifts. We don’t give eachother traditional gifts anymore, but instead try to plan something we can do together. Same goes for in laws! I feel like parents and in laws really just want to spend time with you, especially when there are grandkids. So plan a time to see them in the near future! Maybe a trip to the beach, family day in the city, or a musical!
DIGITIZE FAMILY VIDEOS
Get your hands on some old family videos and have them converted to digital copies! It’s so fun to gather around the TV with your family and watch old family videos. This one is sure to be a BIG hit and maybe even bring a tear to their eye!
FOR THE MEN
I finally have the hubby figured out, but only after years of lackluster enthusiasm and returned gifts. For years, I used holidays to try to reshape Blake’s wardrobe. His sense of style and mine are different, to say the least. Nothing says “I love you” like a sweater he is going to hate, right!? Here are some winners for the men in your life…
SOMETHING PERSONAL
Blake’s gift this year is something he mentioned he loved in passing. I am so excited to give it to him, because it is kind of a memory wrapped into a gift. Stay tuned, I will share it on Christmas morning!
A STAYCATION
Every holiday season, we try to do a staycation at one of our favorite hotels downtown. We get into our robes, order room service, and go to bed before 10! We usually try to work in some spa time too and a decadent brunch!
CLOTHES THEY ACTUALLY LIKE
Does your man have a brand he is 100% hooked on? Blake will only wear Mugsy Jeans. He is insanely picky about his clothes and comfort and these are literally the only jeans he will wear! They’re having some awesome Black Friday deals, all purchases get a free belt, and purchases above $100 get 25% off using code BFCM25!
FOR THE HOSTESS
I always have holiday parties galore. I pride myself on being 100% done with my Christmas gifts by Cyber Monday, but somehow, every single year, I forget to account for hostess gifts and find myself scrambling as I walk out the door for the party. This year, I am appropriately stocked well in advance. Here are my three picks for the host or hostess!
I always have a handful of go-to bottles of wine. Right now, one of my top picks is Conundrum wines. Blake and I love love love a good bottle of Caymus Cab, and Conundrum was started by the same family that started Caymus. Conundrum is also amazing quality and the best price! I first got hooked on the red because it pairs really well with Asian and Mexican foods, which we eat allll the time. But they have a white, rosé and sparking wine too! I LOVE rosé but hate anything sweet, theirs is perfectly crisp and fruity.
A family friend gave these to Blake and me as a wedding gift, and they are one of those things in my house that I absolutely love. We’ve used them as decor in our bathroom and as table decor for dinner parties. They come in 9 bazillion colors and make the best hostess gift.
MANI/PEDI GIFT CARD
Hosting can be a lot, especially with large families! Nothing says thank you like a little pampering. A mani/pedi is the perfect way to decompress after the craziness that can come with hosting!
FOR THE BOSS
This is something I used to stress majorly about! Thankfully, I am my own boss now, so I bought myself a massage ;). But finding the right gift that says thank you for being a great boss, with the perfect amount of sentiment and at the right price point is tough!
SOMETHING FUNNY
I had a boss that was obsessed with rolos. I gave her a massive bag of rolos and a gift card to her favorite coffee shop!
TICKETS TO A SPORTING EVENT/SIGNED MEMORABILIA
I had a boss that was obsessed with the Hawks. Luckily, I have a husband who used to play hockey so he was able to get a signed Hawks jersey! Let’s just saw it was very well received.
A BOTTLE OF THEIR FAVORITE SPLURGE WINE
If you’re in an office where you need to impress and pony up, a crate of their favorite wine or even just one bottle of a splurge worthy wine will do the trick! You know your office and the expectations that come with your boss’s gift, so plan accordingly!
Hope this helps make your tricky gift giving a little bit easier!
xoxo
