2020 Holiday Gift Inspiration!

One of my main goals when gift-giving? Gift something that the recipient will find useful. I think we’re all guilty of giving little trinkets or random items when we’re not sure what to get someone (and honestly, I’ve learned, when in doubt, just get them chocolates instead. Check this out for some ideas). When an item I gift gets a good amount of use, that’s when I know I’ve done a thoughtful job at gifting. I try to stay within a budget or aim for a price range, (aka, constantly browse the sale section), but sometimes, investing a little more for something that the recipient will truly appreciate and use is worth it for me! This is just my opinion. 🙂

Are you still shopping for presents? Thought I’d share a couple of great gifts that I’ve given in the past couple of years as inspiration!

*This is not sponsored content. All content in this post is reflective of my personal experience and purchases. All opinions are my own*

Beauty

I try to stay away from buying specific makeup products as presents because they’re so personal to each individual, unless I’m absolutely sure I know what works for them. However, I like to gift items that are versatile (such as tools) or not specific to a skin type or tone (such as masks or balms). Honestly, though, most of these presents I buy, I end up wanting myself. For example, a few years ago, I got my mom a CHI hair straightener, as she didn’t really like her old one. I tried it after gifting it to her and instantly wished I bought it for myself! Similarly, I got my friend the Anastasia Soft Glam palette because I knew she wanted it. I was also eyeing it for a while, but couldn’t justify getting myself another eye palette. Soon after gifting it and seeing how beautiful the colors are in person, I gave in and got myself it too. Luckily, it’s my go-to palette (when I actually wear makeup)! Smaller items like bath bombs and the Laniege lip balm are also great add-ons to gifts or stocking stuffers!

Accessories

I love giving accessories as gifts. Not only are they cute, but they are useful and versatile! I always had friends who really liked to accessorize, so gifting items such as jewelry, handbags, and shoes is really easy!

Probably one of the greatest gifts I’ve given is this Madewell Crossbody Bag (you can even customize to emboss initials on it). I got this for one of my friends in college, and she still wears it years later. Talk about maximum usage– a great success! I also like to gift friends earrings; I’ve given one of my friends these Madewell Chunky Hoop Earrings to add to her collection.

If you’re looking for a unisex option, Stan Smith shoes are a great gift idea! I got these a few years back as a present in all white — I almost wanted to get them myself (lol, again, but I didn’t!). They’re great for him/her/they and anyone of all ages and are really versatile. Again, I try to go for maximum usage. 😉

Apparrel

My go to shop for apparel as gifts is Lululemon. I actually got my first pair of Lululemon leggings as a birthday present 2.5 years ago after being told countless times that I had to try their leggings. To be fair, I can see why everyone loves them — and it’s been an option that never disappoints! For some of my friends, a great gift idea is the the Free to Be sports bra. Paired with some Align leggings and you got a cute workout (or lounge 😉 ) outfit!

Lululemon is also one of the first places I think of if I’m shopping for guys (which is SO difficult for me). The Pacebreaker short is another great option because it looks great and is versatile (Like, I said, aiming for usefulness here). Like I said before, I find shopping for guys really difficult — I can’t tap into their heads and magically figure out exactly what they want. Clothing is often a safe bet for me, since it’s easier for me to figure out their style than figuring out what new gadget they want. Once, when felt generous and ~fancy~ I gifted an Allsaints hoodie because I knew it fit the style (to the tee) of the person I’m gifting it to. A year later, it’s still in their daily outfit rotation.

Misc.

If I can think of a personalized gift, I’ll lean towards it. Last year, one of my co-workers mentioned how he received a puzzle customized with one of his favorite photos of him and his friends. I thought that was so creative and was inspired to do the same! I got a custom puzzle from Shutterfly — all you need to do is upload your photo. It’s a creative way to capture a favorite memory. Shutterfly has some great gift options if you want something personalized (especially great for photographers to show off their work ;)).

If I really don’t know what to get, I’ll look into candles too. Personally, candles are one of those things I don’t mind receiving, but I don’t go out of my way to buy them for myself. I think that’s how my friends feel too. I found this beautiful Nest Candle last year. This particular holiday candle smells amazing too! I love the gold design on the candle itself — makes a great décor piece.

Thanks for checking this out — I hope this helps! If you’re looking for a homemade gift idea, stay tuned for my next blog post. 😉

In the meantime, happy holiday shopping!