Are you having a hard time planning gifts for this year’s holidays? Or, are you wanting to ensure you spend your time and money the right way, by reducing waste by getting something your friends and family actually want? Then this list is perfect for you–if you wish to spend or save these holidays, or just need some ideas to get started, then continue reading!

Smart, Thoughtful Gifts You Can Buy

While handmade gifts may be the best way to reduce consumerism and waste for the holiday season, it can be tough to manage your time and resources to handmake a present for everyone in your life—especially if you’re still learning a craft. Regardless, we can still practice mindfulness by buying items that the receiver will actually use. One way to do this is to think about their necessities and everyday items: how can you help them refresh, refill, or upgrade the products they already use? Or, what can you get them based on their interests or favorites? These vary per person, but can be a good guideline to follow as long as you purchase with a purpose. That being said, here is a list of ideas to get you started: 

Selfcare, Health, & Beauty

Make sure to consider what the receiver has said in the past about what they might be out of, or what might improve their quality of life (e.g., someone mentions that they’re running low on their favorite perfume/cologne).

• Skincare: facial/body moisturizers, oils, foaming or oil cleansers, chapstick, etc.

• Haircare: hair masks, oils, brushes/combs, shampoos/conditioners, etc. 

• Makeup: notice what they’re low on and help them to refill

• Gym: Free weights for home, wrist braces, gloves, yoga mat, protein powder, creatine tablets, reusable water bottle (if they do not have one), comfortable active clothes, or a gym bag. 

• Other: nail polish, UV gel light, press-ons, cuticle oil, perfume/cologne, deodorant, etc. 

Bathroom/Bedroom Luxuries

What might enhance the cozy atmosphere of their safe spaces, like their bathroom or bedroom? Be sure not to buy an item just for the sake of it, but instead if they truly need or would benefit from it. 

• Bathroom: a showerhead, towel warmer, Bluetooth shower speaker, waterproof shower lamp, or a bidet (if they’re into it)

• Bedroom: an air purifier, candles, an electric lighter, a candle-warmer, slippers, pajamas, or a refreshed set of pillows

Personal Customization

Is there anything that they’re running low on, or that might be falling apart, that they use every day? Or, can you upgrade what they might already have with charms, pins, or the like? 

• Jewelry: Especially if you want to be sentimental, a charm or piece of jewelry (especially handmade) can be a perfect choice.

• Bags or Wallets (if falling apart): bag charms, ribbons, or artist-made enamel or button pins for decoration 

• Tailoring: offer to take any of their clothes to a tailor, especially if they have some that they want to wear, but don’t because they fit awkwardly. 

Other Everyday Items/Necessities

How can you refill or upgrade the things they use every day (example: do they have a broken screen case)? 

• Electronics: phone cases, protective screens, chargers

• Car: car maintenance, organizational tools, or a cleaning service

• Pets: toys, stainless steel litterbox upgrade, stainless steel water fountain, quality collars/leashes, bedding, cat trees/scratching posts, treat dispensing puzzles for dogs, or assist in pet food, litter, waste bags, etc.

Experiences

Probably the most overlooked category, paying for an experience can be the perfect way to spend your money wisely while helping the receiver make cherished memories. 

• A professional family photo session

• A full spa day 

• Books/bookmarks

• An activity with family or friends (ziplining, skiing/snowboarding, concerts, plays, or a weekend trip)

• A gift card to their favorite restaurant

• Board games or card games (simpler to expansive ones, from UNO to Dominion)

• Video games (or a Steam gift card)

• Activity kits for those who’re crafty (cross-stitching kits, crocheting kits, LEGOs, diamond painting, book nooks, coloring books, sticker activity books, or reusable sticker books, etc.)

Creative, Thoughtful Gifts You Can Make

Handmade gifts are the best way not only to show you care through your effort, but also to make properly curated, personalized gifts for those you care about. It can also be easier on the wallet, too! So, here’s a list of low to high-skill ideas on products you can make for this holiday season: 

Papercrafts

• Handmade calendars: fill the months with sentimental, nostalgic photos curated for the receiver

• Picture frame collages: create and frame creative collages of memories you share with the receiver, whether with photos, concert tickets, their favorite items, or a specific aesthetic. 

• A custom playing card set: with a standard deck of cards, customized by gluing or sticking on custom photos with the receiver's favorite things, people, or aesthetic

• Custom stickers/photos

• Custom bookmarks: especially if you have a paper laminator, bookmarks can be a very creative or professional handmade gift

Needlework/Textile Art

• Embroidered, crocheted, or patchworked hoodies/shirts 

• Articles of accessorized clothing, such as boleros, socks, and hats. 

• Tree skirts, aprons, stockings, or other holiday-related decorations 

• Bags, like totes or handbags, follow a specific aesthetic, favorite color, or the like

• Stuffed animals, whether crocheted, sewn, or even made with socks, perhaps of their pets or favorite animals/objects.

Painting/Customization

• Framed portraits, family photos, or nostalgic scenes on canvas

• Personalized everyday items, like vases, jars, organization containers, hair brushes, or phone cases, with the use of decoden, stickers, jewels, or paint. 

Clay Art

• Clay jewelry dishes, like ring trays

• A catch-all tray for wallets, keys, change, and other loose items

• Creative coaster sets

• A spoon holder for cooking

• Jewelry charms 

Beadwork

• Bag charms using beads, lace, charms, etc. 

• Jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc.)

• Windchimes

• Rearview mirror decor 

A tip: If any of these gifts, whether purchased or handmade, still feel too small or not sentimental enough, avoid the urge to buy more for the sake of “having enough.” Instead, consider pairing your gift with a personalized, heartfelt card. Begin with a simple “Happy Holidays," and delve into the positive qualities, habits, or moments you’ve noticed about the receiver that might typically go unnoticed. Use specific examples to show your genuine appreciation, and follow a structure like: “I notice and deeply appreciate how you always go the extra mile for everyone else, like the time you [example here]. I hope you give yourself some of that same love and care, too, because you deserve it.”

Regardless of what gift you choose, or even if the perfect fit isn’t on this list, remember that the most meaningful presents come from truly knowing and appreciating the person you’re gifting to. With proper intention and mindfulness, your gifts will be useful, memorable, and genuinely special.