‘Tis the season to be generous! Christmas is a wonderful time to shower the ones you love with well-deserved presents. If you’re rattling your brain for the perfect gift idea for your lady friend, relative, or significant other, then look no further. Here is a list of options that can work with any budget. Consider it a gift from me to you! (I’ll be expecting a gift from this list in return)
1. Nail Polish
This simple stocking stuffer is a crowd pleaser. You have all the colors of the rainbow to choose from, so be sure to select a shade that suits your girl’s style.
2. Reading Material
If your bestie is a bookworm, she’ll love receiving a new novel to devour. If not, a magazine subscription is another option. It’s a gift that keeps giving for a whole year!
3. Scented Candles
Every woman could use a little extra Zen in her life. Candles are adorable decorations that come in many delicious scents. Plus it’s super fun sniffing out your favorites.
4. Pajamas
Pajamas aren’t something people often invest in since so few people see them, which makes them perfect to give as presents. Many stores have adorable holiday PJ sets available. Also, they’re easy to size correctly due to their loose, cozy fit.
5. Music
Whether your lady listens to playlists on her iPhone or on vinyl, bring music to her ears with CD’s, records, or an iTunes gift card.
6. Photo Gifts
In the digital age, it’s increasingly uncommon to have physical photos. Surprise your girl with a photo canvas from your vacation together or a picture frame holding a snap from your birthday party. It’s decorative as well as sentimental.
7. Scarves
The holiday season tends to be a chilly one. Keep her warm with a new scarf; there are endless colors and designs to choose from. Try to pick one that compliments her wardrobe.
8. Mugs/Tumblers
Mugs are adorable and perfect for holding hot chocolate or coffee in the cold winter months. If your BFF isn’t a coffee drinker, opt for a cute tumbler instead. It’ll keep her hydrated in style.
9. Event Tickets
If her favorite band is going on tour or a musical you know she loves is coming to the theater, why not get her tickets! It’ll be an event you both can look forward to and enjoy together.
10. Sunglasses
Sunnies tend to be viewed as a summertime accessory, but bright white snow is reflective AF so I wear mine all year round. It’s a one-size-fits-all accessory that everybody uses. Don’t forget to include a protective case.
11. Blankets
Winter is coming. That means cozy nights in wrapped up in a brand new blanket. The cozier, the better.
12. Perfume
Who doesn’t love to smell good? Perfume is quite a luxurious gift. If designer aromas are out of your budget, opt for an affordable body spray.
13. Wallet
It’s ironic how many people don’t spend what’s in their wallet on a quality wallet. Spoil her with a new one that she’ll love showing off at the checkout counter.
14. Home Décor
Mirrors, figurines, and throw pillows are among the many options for interior decorations. Make sure you’re keeping in line with the current style of her home. Avoid gifting a modern centerpiece to a bohemian flower child, and vice versa.
15. Lip Color
The options are endless with this stocking stuffer. Pick a deep purple lipstick for your rocker chick or select a nude lip stain for your natural beauty. There are also plenty of holiday packs that include several different shades for variety.
16. Hair Tools
Maintaining a killer mane is hard to do. Give her a hand by providing a new curling iron, styling wand, or straightener. Smaller items like brushes and hair accessories are also a major help.
17. Socks
Getting socks for Christmas was a major bummer as a kid. However, now there are so many fun textures and crazy patterns that socks are making a comeback! Fuzzy socks can be worn around the house or tucked into boots to keep her tootsies nice and warm.
18. Phone Case
Another stocking stuffer, this is something that virtually everyone uses. Help her personalize her mobile device by picking a case that reminds you of her.
19. Jewelry
This is an obvious one. You can be romantic and opt for diamonds or be more practical with affordable earring sets or statement necklaces. Either way, jewelry is a pretty safe bet for a satisfied gift receiver.
20. Gift Cards
Some people think giving gift cards is impersonal, but I totally disagree! This is especially prevalent with clothing. Picking someone else’s clothing is hard enough, then there’s the added challenge of finding the right size. Give gift cards to her favorite retailer and avoid the struggle. Plus, she gets to go shopping! It’s a win-win.
...& 5 Gifts to Avoid!
It's the thought that counts when it comes to giving presents. So if you put zero thought in, it can be a bit of a bummer. Giving someone a gift they don't like is like giving an errand (which I guarantee was not on their Christmas list). They're tasked with either tracking down where you got the present from and exchanging it, having it take up space in their storage, or simply giving it away. Here are some risky gifts that you may want to steer clear of this holiday season.
1. Jeans
It’s hard enough for me to find jeans for myself that fit correctly; I guarantee you can’t do it. Please, for the love of God, do not try to guess anyone's pant size. Just don’t.
2. Random Chocolate
People mistakenly believe giving a box of chocolates is a safe bet. WRONG! I’m not saying don’t give sweets; I’m saying make sure that they’re sweets that your lady enjoys. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received tiny boxes of chocolate with nuts (side note: I despise crunchy items ruining my smooth chocolate). It just proves that the gift giver has not paid attention to what I eat and grabbed something random at the checkout line. Take two seconds to register what kinds of snacks your lady enjoys, then get those.
3. Cleaning Supplies
Unless you are specifically asked to purchase a vacuum cleaner for this particular holiday, DO NOT DO IT. One, it’s super boring. Two, it implies that she will be the only person using it, which isn’t true unless she lives alone or you’re the worst significant other ever.
4. Skincare/Lotion
People tend to think lotion/body wash sets are a safe gift to give but proceed with caution. Many women have a skincare regimen that they stick to with very specific items. Unless you know what she uses nightly on her face, don’t just take a guess. Also, some people have allergies or reactions to scented lotions. You don’t want to give her a rash for Christmas.
5. Gag Gifts
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never received a gag gift that I genuinely enjoyed. It’s funny for a second, then I’m left with an item that I don’t want and will never use that I will probably throw away within the week. If you really want to get a laugh this holiday season, tell your lady a knock-knock joke while she opens your legitimate present.
