The most wonderful time of the year has begun! It’s the season of cheer, the season of love, the season of giving…the only question that it brings up is: What exactly is it that we are supposed to be giving? Knowing which presents to get your loved ones and friends during this time of year can be difficult, and possibly even the reason why some people get so stressed out during the holidays. But no fear…our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide is here!
For Your Dad
No sugarcoating; dads are always one of the hardest people to shop for. Unless they’ve got a strikingly obvious dad-hobby like golfing or fishing, it can seem nearly impossible to choose a present for them that they’ll actually like and want to use. If your dad does have one of those hobbies, it’s actually pretty easy: he’ll enjoy a nice game of golf with you or even a new fishing rod. However, if your dad doesn’t happen to enjoy these activities, here’s a few more ideas to help you out.
- A football, or really any other sports-related gear. It’s just kind of a known fact that dads love to play and teach sports to their kids, especially if there’s a male child in your family.
- An all-in-one remote. If there’s one thing I’m pretty sure almost all dads love, it’s watching TV. Imagine your dad’s amazement with a remote that can control both the TV and his phone? It’s like magic to him, and an example of this is the Logitech Harmony Smart Control remote.
- If you’re willing to spend a bit more money (or get the rest of your family to chip in on your gift), a gaming console. Whether its a PlayStation 4 or an Xbox One, he’s sure to find plenty of enjoyment and usage in this gift.
- A new tool kit. I’m not quite sure if dads actually love to fix things or if they just do it because they feel like they have to, but don’t you feel like you always hear your dad saying he needs to get himself a new *insert random tool name here* when he gets the chance?
For Your Mom
Moms, as far as I can tell, seem to appreciate nearly anything you get them. This is mainly because they are moms and its their job to love you and appreciate you no matter what – any present from their teenage-aged kid just means that they mustered up enough decency to go out and actually think about a present to get for their mother. However, there are some things that moms will most likely prefer to receive over others.
- A nice blanket. Everyone likes to escape the brisk cold – especially in this freezing New England season. Blankets are warm, fuzzy, and a nice addition to any house – you can never seem to have too many of ‘em!
- Candles. Moms appear to love it when their houses smell good. I don’t know about anyone else, but my mom has to smell every visible candle when we are in a store and usually ends up buying about four every time. Why not buy her a few more to add to her collection?
- Soap. Think about it – it is one of those things that is just always there in our houses, but we never think about who actually gets it or where it comes from. Well, believe it or not: typically its a mom-bought item. This means that they will greatly appreciate if you save them the effort of restocking it themselves, and bonus points if you get good smelling ones!
- House decor. There seems to be a common theme here with this whole house thing, because seemingly moms just really enjoy spicing up their houses and constantly adding small touches to them. Anything from new couch pillows to a new mirror for the hallway to a new frame for that one picture in the living room is sure to make any mom satisfied.
- Cooking supplies – new spatulas, pans, pots, etc.. While this gift may be a bit more on the expensive side, it benefits everyone in the family and makes any mom who loves cooking get even more excited to make family dinners.
For Your Siblings
Brothers and sisters, who we are sometimes forced to get presents for, should be some of the easiest checkmarks we can make off our present lists considering we spend a fairly decent amount of time with these people. We should know our siblings well enough to know what they like and what they don’t like considering we literally live in the same house as them, but here are a few ideas in case you aren’t sure.
- For a sister, bath and/or body products. Most girls appreciate smelling good and are drawn to products such as those from Lush or Bath and Body Works, and this requires little thought from the brother: just pick out the ones you think smell good. Bath bombs, lotions, body sprays, etc. all fall under this category as well.
- For a brother, the latest video game. Most younger boys – well, guys in general honestly – enjoy virtually shooting zombies and killing other guys, for some reason. Just make sure that you get the game for the console you are certain your brother has if you decide on this option!
- A t-shirt from his/her favorite store. This is one of the most simplistic gifts out there, yet can actually make someone of either gender happy.
- Headphones. It seems like us kids nowadays are constantly listening to music yet more often than not breaking our headphones. Depending on your siblings’ preference, you can get earbuds or the over-the-ear ones. Even if they have a current working pair, backups and more available options are always handy.
For Your Girlfriend
Girlfriends actually seem pretty easy to shop for. Most of the time, they’re happy with anything that proves you genuinely thought about what they might want and the sentimental value associated with what you give them, because you know they will always remember it. Here are a couple options to narrow down your shopping:
- Jewelry. Although this is the most obvious and stereotypical choice, it hardly ever goes wrong. Girls tend to connect sentimental value to the jewelry given to them by specific people (i.e. a boyfriend), and every time she wears that certain necklace, bracelet, pair of earrings, etc., she’ll think of you.
- A giant teddy bear. These aren’t too expensive, and seem to be popping up everywhere nowadays. Most girls love to cuddle, and they love fuzzy and soft things: it’s like a double-win for them on this one.
- Perfume. I cannot stress how much girls love smelling good. This is another one of those things they can never have enough of – and there are so, so many out there to choose from. From fruity-smelling to nature-smelling to season-smelling, anything you pick she will most likely love.
- Pajamas/sweatpants. This one may seem like a strange option, but believe me – one of the things girls love the most in the world is being comfy and warm in what they’re wearing. A girl can never have too many fuzzy pairs of sweatpants, and will love you even more if you’re the one to give them to her.
For Your Boyfriend
These tend to be another hard one to shop for, mainly because they often make you think that they don’t want anything – whether they actually do or not is another story. However, there are definitely some choices out there on what to get your own boyfriend this holiday season.
- A CD/record from his favorite band. Even if your boyfriend isn’t super into music, he’ll still appreciate the fact that you put thought into his gift: you had to actually figure out what music he liked best in order to get the present, and that means you learned more about him in the process.
- A new video game you know he wants. Again, boys just seem to really like killing monsters and random dudes virtually. I don’t know why, but it’s true: if you know your boyfriend has been looking forward to the release of a new video game, try and grab it for him! Just make sure you know which console he has before you pick up the wrong version.
- A new watch. Akin to jewelry for girls, this is another seemingly stereotypical choice, but a good one. While sometimes on the more expensive sides, watches are a classy and sophisticated choice that guys will most definitely appreciate.
- Cologne. Just like girls, guys like to smell good too. Men’s cologne is the same deal as women’s perfume; there are so many to choose from, and it’s honestly really hard to go wrong. Plus, your boyfriend will start wearing whatever scent you pick out, so you get to make sure its one you like!
For Your Best Friend
I don’t know about you, but I really like giving presents that I know people will thoroughly enjoy and not just toss aside with all the other stuff they don’t really want but have anyway. This applies to family members of course, but friends as well; I always try to get good presents for my friends because I care about them as if they are my family, and I know them well enough to know what at least some of their favorite things are. Here’s a couple of items for consideration for a best friend holiday gift.
- Their favorite book, or at least a book by an author you know they really like. This is one of those “gifts that keeps on giving” if they enjoy reading; not only have they received a new item from you, but they actually get to read it as many times as they want!
- An inside-joke related gift. These are always funny and appreciated because they are often on the cheaper side yet remind of your friendship and the good times you have together.
- Concert/show tickets. While this option can sometimes get expensive, it doesn’t necessarily have to be. If you and your friend share a similar music taste and you know a band or artist you like is touring in the area soon, just check out how expensive the tickets are just to see. These gifts are great for surprises and create long-lasting memories that no other gift is able to do.
- Food/Candy. Food in general can be a risky choice because you never know what types of food are a person’s favorites and what they really don’t like, but (hopefully) if you’re best friends with someone you guys share some food favorites or at least know each other’s preferences. Candy and food – at least in my opinion – is always such a nice gift because it’s actually less expected nowadays. Who doesn’t love opening up their favorite candy bar, and wouldn’t this be even better if given to you by a best friend who got it solely because they know you love it?
Hopefully this alleviated some of the stress and worry associated with the holiday season and reminded us all of what it’s really about…giving the best gifts out of everyone you know! Just kidding, although that’s always a bonus.
Happy Holidays!