Holiday Gift Ideas
With all the retailers (both online and in-stores), clamoring for our hard-earned dollars during this gift giving season, now is a good time to get ahead of your holiday shopping. Also now is the time to save some money with the Black Friday and Holiday Deals ahead! Here are some ideas to get you started:
– FOR BOOK LOVERS: Put together a book basket: Add some old-school bookmarks, their favorite candy, bakery treats or hot chocolate. For friends who love mysteries, add a unique magnifying glass (who doesn’t need one – and it’s sooooo “Sherlock Holmes”). OR wrap up a book and affix bookmarks or a magnifying glass for a special touch.
Need some book ideas? Check out the Books Category on this site for book reviews.
– SPECIALTY STOCKING FOR GOURMETS AND SNACKERS: Scour the grocery store aisles for unique gourmet treats and spices. You have to go grocery shopping anyway, so take some extra time to cruise the “international aisle” and “new items aisles” for unique spices, sauces, candy, gourmet crackers and treats.
– SPECIALTY STOCKING FOR COFFEE LOVERS: For coffee lovers, add their favorite coffee (make sure you know if they use pods or bags). If they enjoy an extra “kick” for chilly days or evenings, add a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream and/or Kahlua (perfect in coffee and hot chocolate) and/or gift card to their local coffee shop.
– FESTIVE COCKTAIL SHAKER: For cocktail aficionados, fill a vintage (or new) cocktail shaker with an assortment of bitters, travel-size bottles of liquor with garnishes such as olives or pickled pearl onions, etc. Pinch off small bits of colorful garland and add to the shaker to give it an “instant” holiday flair.
– JIGSAW PUZZLES & BRAIN GAMES (such as Sudoku, crosswords, word searches, etc.): These are fun and also help keep the brain sharp. Perfect for those staying at home who love a mental challenge.
– WARM & COZY THROWS: Pick out a favorite design or theme (i.e., cats, dogs, books, nature, sports team, etc.). Who doesn’t want to nestle under a comfy, warm throw?
– SNOW GLOBES: Kids and adults alike love snow globes. Look for globes that they can enjoy all year ‘round. A snow globe of someone’s favorite sports team, wildlife theme, snow scene, etc. Some globes have music and movable parts when wound up. There are snow globes out there for just about everyone! An especially fun and cheery gift to keep on a “work from home” or “office” desk.
– FOR DO-IT-YOURSELFERS: Check out local hardware stores for specials on work gloves, drills and other tools that come in specifically for the holidays at lower prices, sometimes gift boxed.
FOR A FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS:
Gift bags are great, but a lined holiday basket with a handle makes a terrific presentation (and they can re-use the basket). Line baskets with a festive dish towel or holiday hand towel:
– Put together a gourmet gift basket of assorted goodies. Not only do most people enjoy holiday cookies, candy and cakes – but consider adding loaves of gourmet artisan breads, smoked fish, pearly pickled onions, peppers, gourmet stuffed olives. Jellies, jams and relishes can also add an extra “wow” factor.
– Smoked fish basket: include several types of smoked salmon, and/or smoked whitefish or smoked trout. Include a tub of cream cheese, capers and crackers, artisan bread or bagels.
– Consider a unique and beautiful holiday advent calendar. Some are truly stunning. The advent calendar can be brought out every year as a family tradition and it will also remind them of YOU!
I hope this post has given you some ideas to get you going! Shop the sales, compare prices and start now to stay ahead of the shopping chaos! Need ideas for a nature lover or gardener? Watch this site for upcoming gift ideas specifically geared to nature lovers and outdoor folks!