The holidays always come with the added stress of getting gifts, travel and the general chaoticness of seeing extended family and friends. Personally, giving someone a gift card feels a bit lazy, but I always push buying gifts for people until the last second. I want to get them the “perfect” gift, but I also don’t want to break the bank… which, admittedly, leads to a rushed Target trip a few days before Christmas. Anyways, gift giving is hard, and I hope with this guide I’m able to make your holiday shopping a little bit easier this year.
Skincare and makeup always make for a good gift for anyone in your life. A Summer Friday’s Lip Balm or Rare Beauty Blush are easy to find online or in-store, and they don’t break the bank. Sephora also sells gift sets, which start from under $20 and come with a variety of different things in them. Some have different perfumes, others with a lip set or even different hair products. These are great because they are very affordable for what ends up being a lot of different products. Makeup and skincare are universally loved by lots of people, so it’s hard to get someone something they will dislike.

Additionally, experiences are always a great gift to give; especially to those you are closest with. If the person in your life loves concerts or music, concert tickets are a great option. It can create great memories; things you can look back on and treasure for life. Another great experience-oriented gift are classes. Many people enjoy things like cooking, baking or pottery. These skills are sometimes hard to master, and taking a class could help teach more advanced skills that are difficult to learn at home or teach yourself. Even if the person in your life is already a Michelin star chef, a short course in a hobby they enjoy shows that you notice their interests, and care about them.
Although it may be tumultuous, thrifting is a very fun and unique way to acquire a gift. All you have to do is clear an afternoon, get a coffee and snack and then go to your favorite thrift store. If your loved one has a very personal style, thrifting might just be your best bet. Thrift stores have clothes for anyone and everyone, but sometimes the best clothes are hidden away under the “so-so” stuff. (So, it’s important to look through everything.) I also recommend going in with some sort of mood board of what you are looking for. If the person you’re shopping for has Pinterest, consider looking though that first to gain some inspiration. I find it easier to thrift for someone when I know them well, when I know their likes and dislikes as well as their taste in clothing. This makes it easier to find something that they will genuinely like and wear or use.

You definitely don’t have to spend a fortune to give someone an amazing gift. Some of my favorite gifts I have received and given are ones that have been homemade. Homemade gifts are wonderful because they allow a ton of creativity; you can make almost anything! Something homemade also shows your loved one that you took time to create something that reflects your love for them. One of my personal favorites is any type of photo or memory album. All you need to do is print out some pictures of you two together, write some fun captions and make it pretty! If you feel the recipient might want something less sentimental, you could make a candle, jewelry, poems, baked goods or anything else you have a knack for. Ultimately, most people will love anything you take the time to make for them.
Hopefully this guide has sparked your imagination and led you to come up with some great gifts for family and friends. Just remember, whatever you buy does not need to be expensive, the most important thing is that it is from the heart. Wishing everyone happy holidays and a healthy New Year!