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Holiday Gift Ideas: 2023

Updated: Dec 15, 2023


Welcome to December and all its gift-giving holidays! It's time to get shopping, folks, and I have done some of the leg work for you. (You're welcome).


Should you need or want some inspiration for those on your holiday shopping list who are teens or older, here are a bunch of highly rated, somewhat random gift ideas. The gift ideas are broken into the following categories (links are underlined throughout).

In full disclosure, while I have included links for the products below for your convenience, I cannot speak to the actual quality of the specific items; they are just a collection of items I would/ will consider.


Don't want to read through the list? Here are my favorites, which almost everyone can use/ would enjoy:

  1. A jigsaw puzzle which acts like a lottery ticket and pays out (via a QR code).

  2. Personalized phone charging cube -- you can always tell which one is yours!

  3. Darn Tough socks: Let's be real -- one can always use more socks, and these are fun, useful, and can be replaced for free whenever they get a hole or rip! (And they're made in Vermont, which makes me happy).

  4. Book stand with place for drink and phone --for the book lovers in your life.


Ways to spend your time:

  • Lightning Reaction Reloaded -- Shocking Game: Be quick to react or get shocked! ($31.59)

  • $2 Million Puzzle -- Everyone wins at least a buck (up to $1 Million), assuming they redeem by the end of February 2024. I have no idea why it's called a $2 Million Puzzle... ($23.37)

  • Professional Printing 3D Pen: Bring your doodling to life! For the creative types in your life, check out this pen which allows you to create 3D items! ($59.99)

  • Anomia: A fabulously fun game in which, under pressure, you need to come up with examples of things (which proves to be more difficult than you'd think). Be warned, playing this game with teens/ young adults brings to light how much more agile the young(er) mind is (although they may not even understand the categories, so it kinda-sorta evens out). ($15.99)

  • CodeNames: Another fun family game which we are playing quite a bit of these days. It'll make a great gift for anyone on your list who likes to play games! ($12.39)

  • Virtual Reality headset: a total splurge, but for $249 you can likely make a techie very happy with this. I am not a gamer, but I've read good things about this one; I have no idea, though, if this is compatible with all VR gaming/ systems.

  • Mini camera which prints: Think of it as the new (mini) polaroid camera. It comes with film for $63.99 and is available in 6 colors. This is especially great for teen girls and those who will be going to college soon (or are there already and don't have one of these).

  • LEGO Sets: You're never too old for Legos! Should you not be aware, there are kits for folks of all ages and interests! (Prices obviously vary.)


Things to make life more comfortable:

  • Book stand with place for drink and phone --for the book lovers in your life. Also works as a tablet holder, and it can be personalized! ($34.95)

  • Mini-Fridge & Heater -- There isn't a young person I can think of who wouldn't want a mini-fridge/ heater in their room. Here's a VERY mini one, and keeps things either cool (not super-cold) OR warm! Feel free to google to find a different one if you have more space, want a different aesthetic, or only want a refrigerator (without a warmer). ($44.99)

  • Nightlight Bluetooth Speaker -- Change the ambiance in a room while listening to podcasts or music with this bluetooth speaker, which is also an alarm clock and night light. ($37.99)

  • Tortilla Throw Blanket -- Comfy, cozy, and hilarious, for $24.99.

  • Collapsible Backpack Cooler: Not cheap, but utterly useful and fun! Hands-free soft-sided cooler. Carry your beverages and have your hands free to carry beach chairs or food or whatever! Great for camping, the beach, tailgating, and the backyard. ($64.95)

  • Phone Screen Magnifier: Read, play games, and stream movies on a 12" screen from your phone! Great for anyone who wishes their phone screen was larger (hello older people!). ($29.95)


Things which keep you connected and grounded:

  • Personalized phone wall charger cube -- This is a fast-charging wall charger for iPhones and androids. This is especially great for anyone who loses their phone charger and/ or uses theirs at a place where many other people also do! With a personalized base, it's easy to figure out which cord is yours. Has usb-c and standard USB inputs for your charging cords. ($24.99)

  • Portable Fast-charging iPhone Charger: A simple plug-in battery for your iPhone with a digital display and protective chip so it doesn't fry your phone. ($17.99)

  • Power pod for phones: Who can't use a portable way to recharge their devices? This is a tiny, lightweight external battery which connects to your case. ($59.95)

  • Wallet with Air Tag Case: This slim Air Tag wallet can hold as many as one ID card, 5 credit cards and 6 folded bank notes. Does NOT include the Air Tags, which would be another great gift! ($9.99)

  • Air Tags: For those in your life who lose all sorts of things, air tags can be lifesaving! Buy one for $27 or 4 for $86.88.


Things to wear:

  • Sherpa-Lined Hoodie -- Great for any guy who likes to feel cozy and casual -- comes in 15 colors. ($27.10)

  • "Do Not Disturb, I'm Gaming" Socks: A fun gag gift/ stocking stuffer for your gamer. ($7.99)

  • Darn Tough Socks: As I said above, I believe you can never have too many pairs of socks. And Darn Tough socks have fun patterns/ motifs, are developed for a variety of specific uses (hiking, skiing, dress, etc) and heights (low, no show, mid-calf, etc), AND they have a LIFETIME GUARANTY -- if the socks wear, tear, or develop holes, Darn Tough will replace them no questions asked. No strings. No conditions. And you can replace them at any retailer which sells Darn Tough Socks (so no need to save an Amazon receipt or remember where you got the socks). Prices vary.

  • WoolX Merino Wool Clothing: I have not tried this brand of Merino wool clothing yet, but I have heard AMAZING things about them and am hoping that someone decides I've been good enough to earn a pair this holiday season. Their cold weather leggings are super comfy, warm, washable, and have phone pockets! Check them out!! Prices vary.


Edible Gifts:

  • Variety Snack Box Care Package -- OK, this is not healthy, but some folks like to have a variety of snacks on hand for emergencies -- and this ought to work for quite a while! Any snacker will love this. ($29.95)

  • Japanese Snack Box Subscription -- I'm a huge fan of subscription gifts; huge! So, if you have an adventurous eater/ snacker, I highly recommend this (or something like this) -- it's not cheap, but way cheaper than a trip to Japan! ($40 for your first box, $50 autobills every month after that until you cancel your subscription. You can just get the first box...).

  • Luxardo Cherries: Do not think for one moment that these are the maraschino cherries you'll find in Shirley Temples. These are their VERY sophisticated (and expensive) relatives and any cocktail-making enthusiast or foodie will be extremely happy to receive these as a gift. I'm not a cherry person, but one came with a cocktail I had recently and so I finally tried one. Holy cow!!! ($26.99 for 14.1 ozs)

  • Gift boxes from Russ & Daughters (through Goldbelly) and/ or Katz's Deli and/or Fruit of the month gifts from Harry & David.


Now, my personal favorite gifts to give are books (from independent book stores, like The Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, VT), gift cards, things for the kitchen, foods, drinks, experiences and subscriptions, which are all very recipient-specific. That is why there isn't much above in those categories. I hope that these more universal gifts will be inspiring and time saving for you.


HAPPY SHOPPING!!!


(Note: I may earn a small commission on items purchased using the links included.)

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