To me, a great gift is something the recipient would love/ use, but wouldn't (necessarily) want to buy for themselves. The goal is to surprise and delight.
As is pretty much a mantra of mine, I'd like to suggest that you start your holiday shopping now. It is not too early and you'll feel very accomplished having this out of the way. (Remember, there is still wrapping to contend with if you don't have the retailer do it for you, so just making the purchases does not mean the task is totally complete.)
I have done the legwork for those who don't have the time or inclination to shop, or for those simply looking for some inspiration. What follows are my current favorite gifts from The Store section of my website, broken down by recipient/ type of gift.
FOR HOSTS/ HOSTESSES: Give something fun, useful, and re-giftable
Games: Code Names, Anomia, Telestrations and Ransom Notes are my current favorites.
Cocktail napkins: Funny, snarky, or otherwise, cocktail napkins make a great gift and are something you can never have too many of (and can easily be re-gifted).
MY FAVORITE GIFTS FOR THE HOME:
Candle "Sand": you don't need to be Martha Stewart to make beautiful candles out of (almost) any cup or bowl to suit your decor. Plus, you can re-purpose the "sand" which hasn't melted for other occasions. You NEED to check this out! This is a great gift for you or for someone who likes ambiance.
Mug Warmer: Attractive, on-sale, and a great idea so your hot beverage stays hot while you read.
Wine Pairing Cheat Sheet (Wheel): For anyone unsure of how to pick the type of wine for a particular meal or ingredient, this is a fun, cheap resource.
FOR THE READERS:
Customized Wooden Book Rest/ Cup holder: This holds a book or tablet, as well as a cup, and makes a great gift.
Mug Warmer: Attractive, on-sale, and a great idea so your hot beverage stays hot while you read.
FOR THOSE WHO SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN THE KITCHEN
A Great Bread Knife: This one will get through your crustiest breads!
Such A Cool Knife Sharpener: This is the one I'm using.
THOUGHTFUL/ FAMILY-FOCUSED IDEAS: Keep folks off their phones during family time with these conversation-focused activities.
Delve Deck: Delve into conversation with these probing cards
Tales Life Story Interview Kit: You'd be surprised what you might learn from your older family members!
FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR FUN: Here are my current favorite games.
Code Names (team fun
Anomia (a game of mental reflexes)
Telestrations (if Pictionary and Telephone had a child)
Ransom Notes (trying to communicate with limited vocabulary)
FOR THE COCKTAIL CROWD:
A Great Good-Looking Champagne Bottle Stopper: Only the best!
Wine Pairing Cheat Sheet (Wheel):Â For anyone unsure of how to pick the type of wine for a particular meal or ingredient, this is a fun, cheap resource.
FOR THE SNARKY FOLKS:
The Middle Finger (F-Word Gesture) Sculpture: Useful to hold rings or simply as home decor for those who are comfortable dropping the F-bomb.
Cocktail napkins: Funny, snarky, or otherwise, cocktail napkins make a great gift and are something you can never have too many of (and can easily be re-gifted).
Of course, there are items for the travelers in your life as well as items related to technology. But the items above are my current favorites. Hope at least some of them will work for you, or inspire you anyway.
Happy shopping!
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