Top 5 Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Loved Ones
Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends
Year after year, you struggle to come up with new Christmas gift ideas for friends on your shopping list. Heading to the mall with no real idea of what you want to buy sucks away your time when you can least afford it and adds to the stress of the holiday season. It's a far better strategy to have specific Christmas present ideas in mind before you start shopping.
If you are looking for something safe and quick, a Christmas gift basket is a convenient option that is always appreciated. But if you want to give the perfect gift and you are stuck for ideas, there are some strategies you can use to make sure you choose a winner.
Coming Up With Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends
As with birthday gift ideas, you should start by making a list of the person's interests and tastes. Then, try to find a different take on a gift that reflects those interests. For example, if you are shopping for a sports fan, try something like a sports magazine subscription or a personalized piece of game memorabilia. If they are fashion-conscious, take note of their favorite shop or boutique and slip them a gift card. To do this right, you will have to keep your eyes and ears open all year round, not just when the holidays approach.
Of course, the best Christmas present is one that comes from the heart, and in today's uncertain economic climate, giving a hand-made gift is both thoughtful and sensible. Some popular homemade Christmas gift ideas include children's crafts, tree ornaments, wreaths and other seasonal decorations, as well as knitted sweaters, paperweights and artwork.
In the business world, gift-giving is common. Secret Santa exchanges are popular in offices, and many business people give important clients mementos to foster a strong ongoing relationship. Popular corporate Christmas gifts include paperweights, pen sets, desk accessories and office art. You can also give employees gifts that recognize their contributions over the past year, such as personalized trophies, plaques and awards.
Whatever you choose to get for the special people in your life, try not to leave your shopping until the last minute. The best selection comes earlier in the season, though you will have to balance this with the deeper discounts that are usually offered closer to the big day.
5 Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends
Now that we have offered you guidelines on how to consider certain Christmas gift ideas for friends, it is time to focus on specific, unique ideas that everyone will love.
1. Cooking Supplies or Nifty Kitchen Appliances
If one of your friends like to bake, why not get them some baking accessories? This can include customized mixers and spatulas. You might also consider new baking sheets or cookie cutters. You could also consider a coffee machine or an espresso machine — something they may not get for themselves. Obviously, these items may be expensive, so look for sales.
2. Puzzles and Board Games
Puzzles are a great activity to pass the time when at home, and it is a great way to exercise the mind. If your friend is new to puzzles, consider getting them one with a simpler design and less pieces, so they can work their way up to more complex puzzles. They will feel less discouraged this way too.
As for board games, there are a variety of games out there that suit different personalities. Some popular and fun board games include Clue, Candy Land, Monopoly and Scrabble.
3. Candles
Candles offer a cozy atmosphere for any home, and they come in a variety of shapes, smells and sizes. You can get specialty candles that come in specific shapes, such as plants, and you can even get candles with jewelry inside them. Do be cautious and attentive though, because everyone likes different scents, and you do not want to get your friend something they dislike. So, make sure you know some of their favorite scents first. To go with the candle, you can get a festive candle holder too.
4. Customized Prints and Wall Art
Nothing shouts personality in a home like personalized wall art. If your friends like abstract drawings, you can find creative and individual pieces online from Etsy or even Red Bubble. If your friend has a partner or pets, you can customize photos too. You can add inspirational sayings and create a memorable collage. This idea will for sure pull the heartstrings.
5. Hot Chocolate Bombs
Recently, hot chocolate has been taken to the next level with hot chocolate bombs. Instead of loose powder formation, they come in balls, and all the goodness is popped inside. Usually they include cocoa and marshmallows. All you have to do is place the ball in your mug and add hot water. You'll be able to see the hot chocolate bomb dissolve, and it will transform into a cozy cup of hot cocoa. This is the perfect, cozy and sweet treat for the holidays.
