WRITER | RACHEL WHITE
Everyone has heard the adage that “It’s better to give than to receive.” With so many options and a society that has so much, it can be hard to find that perfect gift. Fear not! We’re here to help with some holiday hacks for creative, memorable, and fun ideas to simplify gift-giving this year.
Preparation is key. Before you even start shopping, check out Santa’s Bag, a free app for iPhones that helps keep track of your budget, gift ideas, and everything else when it comes to gift-giving. Take advantage of Free Shipping Day on December 15, when more than 400 online retailers offer free shipping. Now for the fun part: Let’s get some presents!
Hostess Gifts
Wine is fine, but who doesn’t love hot chocolate? Hot cocoa bombs are the newest thing – just drop these cuties into a mug of hot milk and watch them bob around until they crack open and melt into an ooey-gooey mixture of marshmallows and chocolate. Chocolates Unlimited and similar stores offer versions that are the perfect present to bring along to a party (make sure you have a gift tag, so the recipient knows who they’re from). To make them even more special, you could drop them into a couple of cute mugs. And if you really love the host, wrap the whole thing in a cozy blanket for the ultimate night of snuggled-up relaxation.
Party Favors
When you’re the host, it’s always lovely to send something home with your guests. This idea doubles as festive decor. Create a DIY potpourri by filling a mason jar with dehydrated oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves, and place them at each setting. The colors make a stunning tabletop design, and when you send a jar home with your guests, they need only add water and place it in a pan on the stovetop at the lowest heat for a fragrance that will fill their home with the scent of the holidays.
Stocking Stuffers
Stockings are the perfect opportunity to buy something your loved one wants but just wouldn’t buy themselves, like this ring dish from Rifle Paper Co. Or maybe a Groove scalp massager along with their favorite splurge shampoo for a shower they can’t wait to jump into every morning. For the grill master, a wireless smart meat thermometer from Meater will up their grill game.
White Elephant Gifts that Everyone Will Steal
For a white elephant gift exchange, everyone brings an anonymous wrapped present, numbers are drawn to see who picks first, and fun ensues. It’s great for all kinds of parties, from office parties to extended family parties. The idea is to have unique and fun gifts that are stolen after they’re opened. There’s usually a spending limit, and inexpensive gifts can be hard to find. This bicycle pizza cutter makes pizza night even more fun, and cycling enthusiasts will love it. For a meaningful gift that will make everyone feel good, check out these expedition bracelets that have a white elephant on them, allow you to track your own elephant, and a portion of proceeds go to Save the Elephants in Kenya. A win-win.
Pet Presents
Your best friend would never forget you, so don’t you dare forget them on Christmas. For the posh pup, how about a Woof Clicquot Pawty Set from Haute Diggity Dog – fun for the pooch, and you’ll have the perfect partner to toast on New Year! Even though the cat has been messing with your plants, they deserve some love, too, so get some Kitty Coal organic catnip on Etsy from misohandmade to put in their stocking.
Last Minute
If you’re reading this article on Christmas Eve, do not worry! We have two words for you: subscription boxes. They provide a thoughtful gift that’s as easy as the click of a button. Have a brother-in-law that’s a hot sauce fanatic? There’s a subscription for that. A wine-loving best friend? Multiple options. They’re a gift that keeps giving all year. Every month the recipient gets a wonderful package and has warm thoughts of you.
There you have it, something for everyone on your list. But don’t forget our most important holiday hack – have fun! Gift-giving time can be stressful if you let it, so take some time to savor the little things this holiday season ― the smiles on their faces as they unwrap something special, a toast to another year, and a warm hug to say thanks.
