I like to think of myself as an exceptional giver of gifts. Sure, I stress about it…a lot. And every year, I wait until the last minute to finally pull the trigger (with the exception of that one gift I excitedly buy in July and then inevitably lose somewhere to the Guest Closet Abyss by the time December rolls around). But generally speaking, I live for the thrill of finding the perfect little something for the perfect little someone.
This year, in an attempt to get ahead of things a bit (see above re: stress and procrastinating), I’ve been keeping a pretty tightly curated list of all the things that have been catching my eye. Gifts that are so good, I’d almost buy them for myself. A cheeky accessory. A splurge-worthy coffee table book to suit even the most niche interests. Undies that feel like wearing nothing at all. I’m all over it.
10 Perfect Gift Ideas for Everyone On Your List
Put simply, the perfect gift has to offer some kind of significant value while lying just outside the realm of true necessity, or else the recipient would have already bought it. Easier said than done, right?
And yet, here are 10 almost-foolproof gifts that deliver just that. To the extent, it should be noted, that I’d be excited to receive each and every one of these items myself. (Though I also have a forthcoming companion post on the 10 Items I’d Be Most Excited To Receive — stay tuned…)
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1. Paragon Stainless Steel Rocks Tumbler
This Stainless Steel Rocks Tumbler (also at Amazon) is technically a sneak peek at one of the items I’m putting on my Guys Gift Guide this year, but it’s so universally appealing, it deserves a spot here, too. I love the faceted texture, the cool colors and the thin edge, so it actually drinks like a glass. Would make a great stocking stuffer or part of a larger gift with a nice bottle of booze and some fun artisanal garnishes.
Best For: Your Solo Stove-Obsessed Neighbor, Your Hard-To-Shop-For Brother-In-Law
2. Briny Baby Olive Bag Charm
This little Briny Baby Olive Bag Charm was the impetus for this entire post. No matter how much I adore them, I’d almost certainly never buy a bag charm for myself, which is exactly why they make the perfect gift. This one, in particular, packs a big punch. It looks high-end and well-made, with glossy enamel and rhinestone pimentos; is perfectly sized; and is playfully cheeky without being cheap or cheesy. Maybe best yet, whereas some of the best bag charms cost half as much as an actual evening bag, this is one priced just right for gifting.
Best For: Cool Aunties, Chic Grandmas, A Friend You’re Long Overdue For Grabbing Drinks With
More Gift Worthy Bag Charms Under $50
3. Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream
This might be an exception to my rule because I have, admittedly, bought this for myself. But, even given the huge surge in the popularity of Korean beauty products, this Vita C Capsule Cream still feels enough like a novelty to make it giftworthy. It’s hydrating, brightening and so fun to use. The little capsules burst upon application, so you can tailor the dose to your skin type, applying either more of the capsules or more of the suspension cream as desired. The result is brighter, more radiant skin, fewer dark spots and overall increased hydration. There are niacinamide and PDRN (salmon DNA) versions, as well — all with stunning reviews.
Best For: Cool Babysitters, Overtired Mom Friends Who Neglect Self Care, Yourself
4. UGG Genuine Sheepskin Insoles
Sometimes you just need a crowd-pleasing gift under $20. Enter: these sheepskin insoles. They’re indulgent and luxe enough to be considered a gift, extremely practical (I’d slip them into almost any pair of winter boots, or imagine how much cozier they’d make a pair of wellies!) and priced just right to stuff all the stockings.
Best For: White Elephant/Pirates’ Gift Exchanges, Stocking Stuffers, Favorite Things Parties, Your Quirky Best Friend Who Bike Commutes Year Round
5. SKIMS Fits Everybody Lace Boyshort
Do I still have a pair of circa 2005 VS no-show undies that say “Lets Make Mistakes” on the ass? Maybe. And that’s exactly why I am fully recommending the gift of underwear. It’s just not something we prioritize — even if we do need a new pair (or seven). So let’s change that.
These lace boyshorts from SKIMS are super highly reviewed across the web (the consensus: it feels like you’re wearing nothing), totally cute on and just pricey enough (for undies) that I wouldn’t necessarily think to buy them for myself. (Still buying Amazon thongs in bulk over here, which are, also, very good.) Probably best gifted to someone you’re relatively close to, but a stellar choice all the same.
Best For: Your Impossible-To-Shop-For Mom (seriously…I know my mom would never think to splurge on upgraded undies), Your BFF
6. Graphic Image Coffee Table Books
I love a coffee table book. I love finding them at my library’s used book sale even more, but when those stars don’t align, splurging on something like these pretty leather-bound editions from Graphic Image might be the next best thing.
There’s a gorgeous, gift-worthy book for almost every niche interest: car racing, baseball, golf, timepieces, music genres, cooking, hiking, barbecue, sneakers…you name it. I’m deeply considering the Ford Versus Ferrari one for Chris’ birthday (it’s a week before Christmas, lucky me), but they also have leather-bound editions of children’s classics, too, like Goodnight Moon and The Little Prince, that would be so sweet for a mom-to-be. Also available on Amazon.
Best For: Anyone and everyone, honestly, but especially The Guy Who Has Everything, Your Nephew In Finance Who Just Bought His First House, Eclectic MILs Who Don’t Need Anything (But One More Book Won’t Hurt)
A Few More Of My Favorite Leather-Bound Books
7. The 12 Days Of Beauty Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are a dime a dozen, but this 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is chock full of luxe little treasures I’d be so happy to receive, including six full-size beauty products from favorite brands like Kosas and Summer Fridays. The best part: every product is practical — I can’t spy a single one that would go to waste in my own routine (including some of my favorite silk hair ties from Slip).
Best For: Secret Santa Exchanges, Stellar EAs, Older Kiddos’ Girlfriends, Younger Kiddos’ Teachers
8. Brushed Cashmere Rugby Sweater
It’s the brushed texture on this sweater (it’s giving..mohair?) that makes it feel so special. Not your run-of-the-mill, country club cashmere — no. This is far cooler, a little more boho, a lot more androgynous. It’s one of two cashmere pieces that have me actually excited this season (this is the other, I’m sensing a theme…). Unique, luxe and timeless. The perfect gift.
Best For: Whoever You First Texted When You Learned Of Diane Keaton’s Passing
9. Quince Suede Slouchy Shoulder Bag
If there’s one thing that keeps showing up in every inspirational OOTD image I come across online, it’s a buttery, slouchy suede bag. So much sophistication, so little effort. Simply gorgeous. The kind of thing you could easily add to a pair of sweats to make school drop-off or a run-of-the-mill Grocery Outlet haul feel downright posh but would stand out as “sharp” at Sunday service, too. I love the whiskey color, but the navy and the emerald both feel particularly rich.
Best For: Anyone Who Appreciates The Phrase “Put On My Face,” Anyone Who Would Trade A Pair Of Oversized Sunglasses For “Putting On Their Face”
10. Australian Sheepskin Rug
I honestly can’t think of someone who wouldn’t benefit from having a handful of these sheepskin rugs in their home, and yet it still feels like something people are hesitant to buy themselves. For warming up your bedside, adding texture to that cool vintage rocking chair, styling the piano bench as something that does more than collect dust, creating a cozy spot for a furry friend, adding a chic touch to a nursery or playroom — and so on and so forth. This price is bananas good — and the reviews are, too.
Best For: New Mamas, Pinterest Junkies, Your Bestie Who Collects Turquoise Jewelry
Hope you’ve found some holiday shopping inspiration here, friends. What are you most excited to give this year?
xo,
Em
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