The most frustrating part of the Christmas season is easily the shopping. Finding something special for everyone on your list can be a pain, especially when you have no idea what to get your wonderful friends or family members who deserve something great. After racking your brain for ideas and coming up empty, you cave and ask the dreaded question: "What do you want for Christmas?" If the person you're asking is prepared, they'll give you a short list of possible gift ideas (yay!). But more often than not, you'll get a shrug and an "I dunno."
At this point in the holiday season, that response is less helpful than ever. The clock is ticking, and you have to come up with a killer gift that says, "I totally put time and effort into finding a gift that's perfect for you." Here's a short list of great gift ideas (that you will be able to get in time) for everyone on your list.
The first step is to think back on anything the person you're shopping for might have mentioned wanting, or something that they used to have but ran out of/lost/wish they had again. If you can't come up with anything right away, think about any hobbies or activities they enjoy. If there's something related to their hobby that they might want or need (and is in your price range), then you're set!
Still stumped? The next step is going for Christmas-related items that everyone will use (or will think of you when they see). In this case, ornaments that reflect your friend's interests or hobbies are a great gift! Ornaments are easy to find and come in a million different varieties, from foods to sports to cartoon and comic characters. If you can't find something that's to your liking, make something! With a clear ornament, some broken crayon pieces and a hairdryer, you can make some seriously cool tie-dye ornaments.
If there's still someone on your list that you can't find anything fitting for, get out of the holiday mindset and go for people-pleasing. There's a handful of easy items that work for everyone, no matter their age or gender (or anything else, really). Find a cute gift bag or a large stocking and fill it with all the essentials for a movie night! Possible items include fuzzy socks/blankets, candy, popcorn, other assorted snacks hot cocoa mix, and of course a movie (or a movie gift card works too!). Bonus points if you can pull everything together with some sort of theme!
If you seriously cannot think of anything to get for the people remaining on your list, gift cards are still acceptable and will be appreciated. To jazz up this lackluster gift, wrap or present it in a super festive/unnecessary way (think: glitter).
Overall, remember not to stress too much about gift giving. It really is the thought that counts, and I'm sure that whoever is receiving the gift you put effort into finding will appreciate it no matter what.