It’s gift-giving season, y’all, or as I like to call it, “The time of year when the attention you’ve been paying the previous 11 months pays off.” Catchy, no? There’s a lot of truth to that, though — at least for me. All those little, “I sure wish I had…” or “I thought about buying…” type comments are great fodder for making a list and checking it twice. I make a point of collecting that intel and using it to my advantage as soon as the turkey is cleared from the table. (Pro tip: Start a note in a smartphone app like Google Keep and you can add to it all year.)
Maybe you’re not a planner and that’s O.K. because I’m here to help. This list is full of gift ideas for everyone in your family…and those few select folks who make it on to your list even though you don’t share any DNA. I’ve covered a wide variety of recipients here, everyone from candle lovers (but don’t buy another boring candle) to fitness enthusiasts to pet parents (which is really more of a gift for Fido, but I digress). You’re sure to find the perfect package to put under the tree here!
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Wow Them With Wax
Do not, I repeat, do not buy your candle-loving cousin yet another candle. Instead, foster her creativity with this DIY candle-making kit. This set comes complete with four colors, four fragrances, candle tins, two pounds of soy wax, and all the other little accessories required for pouring your own scents. Even if she (or he) has never made candles before, the included instructions are easy to follow.
Buy Them Beer Gear
People who enjoy a drink after work are some of the easiest people to buy for because there’s an unlimited number of accessories out there that will appeal to them. Something as simple as these heavy beer mugs will go a long way. This gift comes in a set of four 17.25-ounce glasses that have that traditional German-style stein appeal.
Tea It Up
So your recipient is a tea lover and not a beer drinker? That’s O.K. because I’ve included this teapot with infuser for them on this list. Simply fill the teapot with water and microwave and then add your loose leaf tea to the strainer. This makes three to four cups of tea, which is about the number of need to start feeling human in the mornings.
Have A Ball
Your favorite fitness enthusiast doesn’t need a massive exercise ball to see results; this nine-inch ball is perfect for yoga, barre, physical therapy, stretching, posture, core fitness, and more. Able to support up to 600 pounds, this ball won’t lose its shape and has a non-slip glaze to keep you safe. It can also be used while sitting in a desk chair to massage your back and improve your posture.
The Daily Grind
A pill grinder may not seem like much of a gift … until you’re the person who needs a pill grinder, and let me tell you, this one is a dream. Whether you’re gifting it to an older family member, someone who has arthritis, or a mom of small kids, this takes the pain out of getting the medications you need.
Walk The Straighten Narrow
Beard people are my favorite people, probably because they take so much pride in how they look. Give your favorite bearded person this deluxe beard straightener so they can achieve their best mane ever. This features a swivel cord and 12 heat levels in an anti-scald design. And, don’t tell the missus in his life: It doubles as a traditional hair straightener, too.
Break For This Cycle
Does anyone else feel guilty for just sitting at a desk all day? I mean, I have to because I like to eat and I don’t want to be evicted. But, you can feel even more productive by adding an under-desk pedal exerciser to your routine (or someone else’s). This gear features eight resistance settings, has an LCD display to show your distance and calories burned, and is quiet so it won’t annoy cubicle mates.
Wine And Chill
Andddd, we’re back to the alcohol-related gifts, which I honestly need after thinking about exercising at my desk while working. This wine chiller gift set is chic and functional with a vacuum-insulated wine bottle and two 16-oz. tumblers with lids. One reviewer had a genius idea for this set: “Great for the beach or tailgate party.” For less than $20, sign me up.
Let Them Write On The Walls
Kids are going to write on the walls, O.K.? Just accept it now. It’ll be easier to handle, though, if you grab this chalkboard wallpaper. It stretches to a whopping 18 feet, giving them more than enough space to nurture their inner Picasso, and applies easily with a peel-and-stick design. This would make a great gift for anyone with littles to add to a playroom, hallway, or kitchen.
Buy Them Candy, Man
O.K., hear me out. Nobody wants to receive empty glass jars for Christmas (or their birthday, for that matter), but if you’ve run completely out of ideas, snag this two-pack of glass jars. Then — wait for it — fill the jars with their favorite cookies, candy, or snacks. It’s a thoughtful, personalized gift that won’t require a lot of effort.
Show Them How Magical They Are
Who’s the unicorn in your life? This unicorn gift box will undoubtedly be a beloved gift for someone special in your life. Packaged in a giant surprise box, it comes with a plush toy, coloring book with markers, headband, and necklace. And, if you ask me, the best part is, it’s one less gift you’ll have to wrap since it comes packaged ready to gift.
Perfect The Art Of Pasta
I’ve never attempted homemade pasta, but this pasta-making machine is so cheap, it makes me want to learn. The foodie in your life will enjoy bringing restaurant-quality pasta to their kitchen, with seven thickness options for variety. It’ll handle everything from spaghetti and fettuccine to linguini and lasagna. Made of chrome-plated steel with nickel-plated rollers, this is one gift they’ll enjoy for years to come.
Never Glow Up
Why would you play soccer if you could play soccer with a glow-in-the-dark soccer ball? This LED soccer ball has two lights that turn on when kicked or bounced and automatically shut off after 30 seconds of no use. Grab it in white/red or black/red to really score with the soccer fan in your life. This ball the official size/weight for a soccer ball.
Track Your Habits
Christmas comes right before many of us make New Year’s resolutions we have no intention of keeping. I kid, I kid! Some of us make resolutions and actually keep them, while others need a bit of a helping hand. This fitness journal lets them track fitness and nutrition progress with enough space to record goals, exercises, weight, body fat, and more.
A New Storage Purse-spective
Purses take up a ton of room in a closet. This over-the-door purse organizer frees up that space for more clothes (!!) while keeping up to six bags clean and organized. With each slot crafted with clear plastic, she’ll be able to grab her favorite bag and head out the door in a hurry. And, if she’d prefer to use it for something else, like towels, that’s O.K., too.
Concealed Carry In Comfort
A lot of gun enthusiasts like being able to carry concealed (with the proper permits, of course). This belly band gun holster makes carrying simple and easy (and, most of all, comfortable) for men and women alike. This holster works well for guns like manufacturers like Smith and Wesson, Glock, and Ruger, among others. You can also choose from various sizes and right- or left-hand orientation.
Get Growing
Even if your gift recipient doesn’t have much of a green thumb, they’ll still enjoy growing their own herbs with this sow & grow kit. (And, I can say that because I have zero green thumbs and even I can get herbs to grow.) This set includes four frequently used herbs — basil, thyme, cilantro, and parsley — in a kit you can grow indoors or out.
Belt It Out
When all else fails, turn to clothes. You can never go wrong with new socks, pocket squares, cuff links, and the link. This belt from John William Clothing is classic in either brown or black in waist sizes from 32 to 42. One reviewer said, “I was more than pleasantly surprised at the quality and workmanship in this belt.” Your recipient will be, too.
Say Cheese
Is there anyone alive who can’t be placated with cheese and crackers? If there is, I don’t want to know because I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life. This wooden cheese/breadboard is made from acacia wood and perfectly capitalizes on the charcuterie trend taking over life right now. Pair it with some special treats for an unforgettable gift.
Pull Some Strings
Someone on your list has a love of music and, beyond that, a love of creating music themselves. You don’t have to drop a fortune to help them get started with a new instrument. This beginner’s violin kit is perfect for adults or kids and has everything they need to get started: Case, bows, tuner, rosin, and even a lesson book.
Drawing A Blank-et
Give them the gift of comfort this Christmas in the form of this weighted blanket with soft cover. This one comes in various colors and weights from five to 20 pounds. The even pressure these blankets provide has been shown to reduce tossing and turning, aid in temperature regulation, and promote more restful sleep. Basically, you’re giving them the gift of science.
Give The Gift Of Country
For me, I think the love of travel consists of two parts: Experiencing it in the moment and reliving it later. This scratch-off map will let them remember all of their travels in the form of foil-covered states that can be scratched with a coin to commemorate a visit. Under the foil for each state is a beautiful photo representative of each stop.
Grab These Grooming Gloves
This one is a two-for-one gift that will not only be loved by pet parents, but also by pets themselves. These pet grooming gloves simplify the de-shedding process in a way that feels more like they’re getting petted. The five-finger design lets you get to hard-to-reach places, too, like the face or tail. Buy it in a single glove (like Michael Jackson) or invest in a pair.
Roll The Dice On These Stones
The first time I ever saw whiskey stones, I was so confused. Why would you put rocks in your drink? Then, I discovered they’re actually chilling stones to put your drink on “ice.” This set includes six stones and a natural wood storage tray to place them in when not in use. It’s a great gift for the whiskey lover in your life who doesn’t want to sacrifice taste for temperature.
Yoga Mapped Out
Yoga can be intimidating to people who have never done it. This yoga mat is like a Christmas gift and a fitness class in one, thanks to the instructional poses that are displayed right on top of it. Six dozen poses are printed on it in clear graphics that will be appreciated by both seasoned yogis and newbies alike. This is available in six colors at a reasonably-sized 24 inches by 68 inches.
Putt This Under The Tree
We all know someone who’s obsessed with golf. Help them beef up their golf game by buying them this putting mat. The official mat of PGA pro Dustin Johnson, this mat is designed with a Crystal Velvet material allowing the golf ball to roll identical to a perfect green. When you buy this, they’ll also get alignment “train-track” training to ensure a straight-through putting stroke and a return feature that sends the ball back automatically.
Weight For It
When a review starts with, “My new go-to lifting belt,” you know it’s a solid choice. This weightlifting belt works for men or women, providing support for weight up to 600 pounds whether they’re squatting, deadlifting, or strength training. Made from genuine buffalo hide leather, these are soft and flexible while still being dependable for extra support and strength. Measure waist size, not pants size, for the best fit.
Pop And Lock
The student or business professional in your life will enjoy this locking storage box, which is large enough to contain a letter-sized pad of paper, a tablet and so much more. Inside, the case has mesh pockets and a Velcro strap for securing valuables, while outside, the case comes in fun designs like polka dots or the floral pictured.
Rise And Grind
There’s just something I love about a good mortar and pestle set. I don’t know if it’s what it allows you to do as a home cook or if it’s because of the hefty weight of it that feels substantial in my hands. Either way, they’ll love this gift that will last forever, enabling them to mash delicate herbs, crack stubborn peppercorns and even make fresh salsa.
Too Hip To Be Square
I love a guy who knows a good pocket square when he sees one. Although I think pocket squares are becoming less and less popular as we become a more “casual” society, there are still plenty of men who wear suits and appreciate them. This pocket square is less than $10 and comes in great colors from the vibrant red pictured to a sophisticated purple.
A Mat For Their Pad
We spend more time standing in our homes than we probably realize. Whether it’s getting ready at a bathroom vanity or preparing a meal in the kitchen, all of that standing around can be tiresome. This anti-fatigue mat is designed to reduce stress on your knees, muscles, and joints. These come with a non-slip bottom so you don’t have to “chase” them all over the room.
Just A Swingin’
Man, if I had one of these cuddle hammocks, you’d probably never find me anywhere else. These are also called “therapy swings,” which are great for kids who have sensory issues and can be used indoors or out. This hammock supports up to 77 pounds and offers additional benefits like increased focus, better balance and coordination, and a calming effect. (Plus, it’s fun!)
Put Vinyl On Display
Nothing makes great wall art like clever album covers. These vinyl record shelf mounts let them display their entire collection (if you buy enough shelves!) or a single record in a treasured spot in their home. I love that the choice of record can easily be changed out, giving them an ever-evolving style to suit their mood. These floating shelves require only two screws for quick and easy installation.
Perfect Your Posture
Is there anyone out there over the age of 30 who doesn’t have back pain? (The answer is no.) This lumbar support pillow conforms to the spine and promotes an ergonomically correct sitting position for healthy and relaxed posture at home, at work, or in the car. If you know someone who’s always complaining about back and neck pain, this is a sure bet.
Sleeping Beauty
If you’re a really sneaky gift giver, you may have noticed an intended recipient could really use some new bedding. This goose-down alternative comforter set has a plethora of uses, from a primary bedroom to a college dorm to a guest suite. Available in gray, white, or navy, this set includes a comforter/blanket and two pillow shams for a complete bedding overhaul.
Give The Gift Of Great Hair
Contrary to popular belief, a flat iron is not just for achieving silky straight hair; it can also be used to get glorious curls. That dual functionality not only makes it a great hair tool but a great gift, too. This flat iron boasts ceramic plates with crushed tourmaline for great performance and temperatures from 290 to 450 degrees.
Nailed It
I’m always looking for a nail file, which is why I’ve added one to my purse, my nightstand, and any other space where I spend a lot of time. These glass nail files are the best of the best because they are gentle, yet effective and never wear out. Buy a single for a stocking or grab the set of three (and keep one for yourself).