10 No-Fail Gifts I’m Eyeing for Friends and Family This Holiday Season, Starting at just $4
There’s still plenty of time before the holiday season comes in full swing, but there’s an advantage to checking some of your go-to people off of your holiday shopping list weeks or even months ahead of time. Spreading out your gift shopping by starting a bit early makes it easier to budget, and it’ll also diminish some of the worry you might have about items arriving on time. Most of all, getting a head start will simply save you stress when the holidays do roll around. After all, wouldn’t you rather spend a December Saturday watching your favorite holiday movie by a fireplace, rather than braving a crowded mall?
If you need some gifting inspiration, keep reading. I’m sharing 10 items I’m eyeing for my own friends and family, and I’m totally okay if you decide to copy any one (or all) of these perfect presents.
1. Antique Style Photo Frame with Glass Front
Last year, while shopping at a holiday market in Manhattan, I found some beautiful black-and-white prints depicting various buildings in the city all dressed up for the season. I love the idea of buying more of these this year, placing them in pretty frames, and gifting them to loved ones. To help make the process easier, I’ve already been keeping my eye on some frames that I like, and these vintage style pieces are a front runner. I love the ornate look; these appear way more luxe than their price tag suggests.
Buy: Antique Style Photo Frame with Glass Front, $19.99 from Amazon.
2. Laguna Tin Candle
I gave this candle to a friend as part of her birthday gift last fall, and she couldn’t stop raving about it — and ordered herself another after burning it through! It’s now on my list as a go-to gift for friends, and I plan to scoop up a few before my calendar fills up with gift exchanges and the like. Candles have a reputation for being boring or basic gifts, but I honestly think most people really do like them!
Buy: Laguna Tin Candle, $20.00 from Gorjana
3. Shortbread Cookie Blister Lip Balm
Burt’s Bees lip balm is a classic, but if you didn’t realize the brand also releases seasonal flavors, you’ve been missing out. I love the idea of grabbing some of these ultra affordable Shortbread Cookie lip balms to give out as stocking stuffers or tie on top of presents (you could write your “to” and “from” directly on the packaging using permanent marker). I know they’ll be well-received… because who isn’t suffering from chapped lips all winter long?
Buy: Shortbread Cookie Blister Lip Balm, $3.59 from Wallgreens
4. KONG Cozie Reindeer Squeaky Dog Toy
So many of my friends have gotten pandemic pups, and I have a new influx of dogs in my life to shop for this season. I’ve been keeping an eye out for cute, holiday-themed dog toys when I see them, and this reindeer is adorable and won’t break the bank, making it a perfect pick for my friends’ furry friends.
Buy: KONG Cozie Reindeer Squeaky Dog Toy, $9.99 from Chewy
5. Bazaardi Hand Carved Wooden Multipurpose Keepsake
My friends are always asking me about the burl wood boxes I have scattered all over my apartment, and while nothing beats a vintage find, this keepsake box is more affordable than most and can be ordered in just a click. You could even place a small ring, bracelet, or necklace inside for a close friend.
Buy: Bazaardi Hand Carved Wooden Multipurpose Keepsake, $46.97 from Amazon.
6. The Floral Edit
My parents have become quite the gardeners over the course of the pandemic; every time I go home to visit, they’re always excited to show me the latest flowers and vegetables they’ve planted in the backyard. I love how this handy little gardening kit is packaged to be ultra giftable and contains the essentials: three small vases, a mini spritzer, and some shears.
Buy: The Floral Edit, $100.00 from Goodee
7. Cocktail Codex Cookbook
Coffee table books are always a perfect gift for that person in your life who has everything. I love the idea of presenting a coffee table book like this as a hostess gift in lieu of the traditional bottle of wine.
Buy: Cocktail Codex Cookbook, $20.99 from Amazon
8. Claudette Frame
Everyone has a Francophile in their life (in my case, it’s my mom, who’s been taking online French classes for the past couple of years!) When I spotted this picture frame on the Anthropologie website, I just about squealed. It’s honestly so cute and would make for the perfect gift for the Paris-obsessed person in your life.
Buy: Claudette Frame, $48.00 from Anthropologie
9. Storage Basket with Lid
If you’re like me and have a sibling who’s still living at home but planning to move into an apartment soon, practical gifts are the name of the game. This storage basket is excellent for small spaces and will complement a number of design styles. Scoop it up before it goes out of stock!
Buy: Storage Basket with Lid, $14.99 from H&M Home
10. Whittard of Chelsea – Cocoa Creations Hot Chocolate Gift Set
I’ll be honest with you, I always like to keep a few “last minute” gift options on hand for instances where I get invited to a holiday part or gift exchange last minute or realize there’s someone whom I’ve forgotten about. I find that nice teas, coffees, or hot chocolates are a no-fail in these instances. This gift set can easily be divided up as needed, making it a great deal price-wise, and it will definitely come in handy over the course of a busy December — I promise!
Buy: Whittard of Chelsea – Cocoa Creations Hot Chocolate Gift Set, $33.43 from Amazon