Nothing is better than getting a good gift. Receiving a box, marveling at the wrapping paper and taking it off nicely because they worked so hard on it, throwing the wrapping paper away anyways… Truly, magical.
However, the gift-giving season is a curse for some. Receiving gifts is delightful, but buying them for someone else can be a struggle. From secret santa exchanges to that one friend who you really want to get a gift for but for some reason refuses to admit to having ever experienced a worldly desire, here is a brief, but hopefully wide-reaching guide to last-minute gift purchases that you can use before this holiday break.
- Girl, hit up a Bath and Body Works. This is a go-to for people that seem to have an interest in non-specific self-care. Figure out what kind of scents they like (or just go based on vibes), pick up a lotion and a hand sanitizer or two, and you have a secret santa gift that no one will be disappointed with.
People this gift might not work for:
- People with skin sensitivities
- People who are really into skincare and have higher standards
- People whose preferred Bath and Body Works scents you should probably (but don’t) know
- Go the silly little guy route. Trinkets are difficult to mess up. Know someone who is an enjoyer of cute things? Get them a silly little guy of some sort to live on their shelf. A Smiski, a Sonny Angel, a Peach Riot… Any manner of mysterious little creature will work, and they will be delighted. If they aren’t? Blame the blind box manufacturer. (Note: keychains can also fall into this category. Jingle jingle!)
People this gift might not work for:
- People not known to have a whimsical spirit
- People who make their passionate distaste for Labubus known
- People who have very specific interior design tastes
- Get something you know they need. Pens and pencils to replace the ones they lost. A new notebook or binder to replace the one they’ve been using since middle school because it hasn’t fallen all the way apart. Bobby pins and hair ties because all of theirs have somehow disappeared into the depths of hell. I guarantee you they’ve made an offhand comment about something mundane they need replaced, and replacing it for them is practical while also showing that you care and pay attention to them.
People this gift might not work for:
- People you don’t know as well
- People who are really responsible
- People who you don’t listen to when they speak
- Two words: Neck. Lace. Take one look at your gift recipient. Hone in on the neck. Are they wearing silver or gold? Make a mental note. Go somewhere with reasonably priced jewelry. Buy them a simple necklace in their metal of choice. Congratulations. You have succeeded. It really was that easy.
People this gift might not work for:
- People who don’t wear jewelry
- People who are picky with their jewelry
- People who you have already purchased jewelry for before (a bit of variety goes a long way).
- Something edible. Here is your mission: go to a grocery store. Buy chips, candy bars, and baked goods up to the price limit. Put these delicious snacks into a gift bag. BOOM! Gift. If you’re talented, you can even bake something yourself, which will make the gift extra special!
People this gift might not work for:
- People with food sensitivities or allergies
- People who want something that can last forever
- People who you haven’t the slightest clue as to what flavors they like
These categories are broad, but if nothing here suits your designated recipient: there’s ultimately nothing wrong with a gift card. Is it impersonal? Or kinda pathetic if you know them really well? Admittedly, yes, but it’s better than nothing—or worse, something they don’t like. Bonus tip: get them a gift card for a store at the mall you know they like, and then your gift can be a fun little mall outing where they get to buy something they like for themself! Note: this won’t work if you’re getting a gift for someone you don’t want to spend time with.
Happy holidays, and good luck spreading cheer!
