This post contains affiliate links. To find out more, hop over to our Disclosure page.
The holidays are upon us, and you know what that means… the endless parade of Oh-you-don’t-have-to-get-me-anything‘s and I-don’t-need-anything‘s.
Frustrating isn’t it?
Obviously, you care enough to ask this person what he or she wants. You intend on gifting something this important person would enjoy.
In other words, you won’t be gifting this person a generic cookie-mix-in-a-jar. You know, the kind of gift that you hand out to your I-barely-know-you-but-I-must-give-a-cordial-gift colleagues.
So you want to make sure you get the perfect gift, but they’re not giving you any hints? Check out this list of the best resources I have found to help you rise to the top of gift giving this holiday season. Even if you don’t end up giving any of these items specifically, it’ll (hopefully) inspire your own “Christmas gift ideas” brain into action. Let’s get those gears turning!
This year, there includes absolutely no fishing for Christmas gift ideas. Because you won’t even have to ask. You’ll just magically surprise your loved ones with the perfect gift that they’re sure to love.
No gift cards allowed either. You’re more original than that.
Oh, and look out for the handy gift giving lessons sprinkled throughout the post. It’s like a scavenger hunt!
Just a quick note- We’re not going to be talking about children in this post, because they’re usually pretty easy. You ask them what they want, and they tell you, and that’s what you get for them. Anyone can do that.
The real test of becoming a gift-giving Jedi is the ability to use The Force to see what someone wants before they know they want it themselves. Listen now, for I am your Master.
On the note of Star Wars…
Christmas gift ideas for the movie lover
With so much amazing entertainment out there, it’s no wonder people get super hyped about the collectable merchandise. Personally, it’s not my thing, and so I never thought about giving these things as gifts till now.
Gift giving lesson #1: Abandon your personal interests. Rack your brain to begin thinking outside what you think makes for a great gift.
You can always go the route of gifting the a DVD box set, but you came here for interesting Christmas gift ideas, not obvious ones.
Gift giving lesson #2: Think about two of your subject’s interests and combine them.
Recently, I’ve been really into cooking. I’ve also picked up a knackering for Star Wars, strangely. What’s better gift for me than these Star Wars R2D2 measuring cups? *Hint to anybody I know that’s reading this.*
Endless gifts exist in this category. You just have to know where to look.
Christmas gift ideas FOR HIM
Now, let’s talk guys.
We all know most guys are awful to shop for. Especially if they’re like my boyfriend, who sounds something like this.
“Don’t need to get me anything… I don’t want anything… No, I don’t need anything…”
And then there’s me.
“What? Of course you do! You need socks. All your socks have holes!”
Gift giving lesson #3: Look for a gift that’s practical, but with a twist that makes it interesting. I conclude the best gifts are things that most guys find useful, even if they didn’t think they needed it in the first place.
Without further ado, these are my Christmas gift ideas and recommendations for this year.
Baxter of California Pomade Mixer Kit
Since most guys don’t enhance their faces with makeup, they often like to enhance their hair and make it look good any way they can. Seriously, hair products are expensive, and sometimes it takes some experimentation to figure out exactly what kind of product he’s looking for.
This set of four mixers let’s the guy mix and match different consistencies to see which works best on his hair. And really, what guy doesn’t like playing mixologist?
Baxter of California Pomade Mixer Kit — $28.00
Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II
Miniature speakers are one of those things that you never knew you wanted, but once you’ve got one, you can’t imagine life without it. It’s perfect for situations when you want to avoid headphones, such as when you’re trying to follow a yoga video on your phone without strangling yourself.
Another great option: use it when you’re watching a movie in bed and you don’t want to blow out your pathetic little Macbook speakers. (It’s happened to me, don’t try it.)
Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II — $129.00
Ugg Australia Men’s Scuff Slip-on Shoes
Guys don’t like to admit when they’re lost and need directions, and so why would they admit they’re cold? A pair of snuggly slippers to wear in the winter is a must have for everyone, so why not buy them for someone who is unlikely to buy them for himself?
Ugg Australia Men’s Scuff Slip-on Shoes — $79.95
Giorgio Armani Mini Attitude 5 Piece Gift Set for Men
This is the cologne my boyfriend likes, so I’m using this as an example, (though I do believe it is quite a popular brand.) You can substitute with whichever cologne you see fit. These holiday gift sets are not only a great deal, but they are something that almost any guy will find useful at some point. Pay attention to what he likes, and your gift is sure to be a hit!
Giorgio Armani Mini Attitude 5 Piece Gift Set for Men — $41.89
The North Face Men’s Resolve Jacket
Another thing that he didn’t know he needed- a nice multipurpose jacket. Whether the guy is the outdoorsy type, the hang out in the library type, or the going-out-on-the-town type, a simple black jacket is a necessity to be kept in the car at all times. Even if he refuses to believe he’s cold, he’ll use is more than he probably cares to admit.
The North Face Men’s Resolve Jacket — $72.46
Christmas gift ideas FOR HER
And for the ladies in your life?
Clarisonic Mia 2
This is something that many women (or men) may want, but they’ll put off buying it because of the price. And that’s what makes it such a great gift for someone very special.
Gift giving lesson #4: Gift things that the receiver may have reservations about purchasing for him/herself.
Give someone the gift of clean, smooth skin this holiday season.
Clarisonic Mia 2 — $169.00
Copi Women’s Simple Design Quilted Backpack
We often think of backpacks as something that should be left back in middle school. But I bet there have been times when you wished you owned a stylish backpack for times when holding a purse would be inconvenient.
This falls under the same category as the Bose speaker above: you didn’t know you needed it until you have it. It’s a great option for frequent travelers and new moms alike.
Copi Women’s Simple Design Quilted Backpack — $36.90
Hismith Tower Tree for Makeup Brushes
This one is for all the makeup lovers out there. Most of us simply wash our makeup brushes and lay them flat to dry, (myself included: Exhibit A,) which works perfectly fine. But sometimes it’s nice to have something just a bit more sophisticated to spice up your life. A makeup brush drying tree is just that, and for a reasonable price too.
Hismith Tower Tree for Makeup Brushes — $8.99
J.Rosée Jewelry Organizer – Travel Jewelry Box
It’s no secret, I’m obsessed with travel goodies. Even ones I don’t need, because well, I don’t wear that much jewelry.
For someone who travels frequently, a solid little organizer like this one is super handy. Use it to store jewelry, plus endless other easily-lost essentials, such as bobby pins, hair ties, ear plugs, nail clippers, and more.
Not to mention, it looks super chic.
J.Rosée Jewelry Organizer — $32.99
Vera Wang Princess (or her favorite perfume)
If you’re up for a little investigating, surprise your favorite person with her favorite perfume. Not much to say about this one, except that she’ll love your for it.
Alternatively, your can go with a perfume sampler set. This is great for ladies like me, who want to get into the whole perfume collection thing, but am unsure where to start, since perfume is so expensive and I can’t just go around buying them like I buy drugstore lipsticks. For the price, your lovely recipient will get to try out 15 different scents, and when she’s ready, she takes the voucher back to Sephora to redeem for the full size of her favorite one in the bunch!
Vera Wang Princess — $24.95; Sephora Perfume Sampler — $65.00
Artificial succulents in modern white pots
Succulents are totally on trend this year. Unfortunately, I’ve got a rather brown thumb, and I’m not so good at keeping plants alive.
If you know someone that wants to get in on the succulent life without the responsibility of nurturing a living creature, then these make the perfect little gift.
Set of 4 White Ceramic Planter with Artificial Succulents — $17.99
Custom built spa kit
Who says your gift has to be from one place? There are plenty of options when it comes to body products, so why not mix and match to create your own personalized gift?
You can even get creative with the container you wrap it in. Decorate a basket and give it fruit-basket style, or wrap it all up in a practical, reusable container.
Some of my favorite places to purchase products: Amazon, Lush, Bath & Body Works
Christmas gift ideas that are just pretty cool
Just a few interesting things that just about anybody in your life will enjoy.
Illuminated “Selfie” Phone Case
Phones are the new accessory these days, and if all else fails, phone cases make a useful gift for just about anyone. Even better, you can help friend feel beautiful with a light-up selfie case that’ll give them the most flattering selfies. Everybody needs a good selfie once in a while.
Just make sure you know what kind of phone your person owns, first.
EN-LIFE iPhone 7 Illuminated Cell Phone Case — $21.99
Portable Solar Charger
We’re always on the go, and so are our devices. When you don’t have an outlet handy, a solar charger is a lifesaver.
If you have difficulties gathering Christmas gift ideas for the no-frills pragmatist in your life, then this should really help you out.
Matone Portable Solar Battery Charger — $18.99
Packing Cubes
If there is anybody in your life who hasn’t yet been introduced to the wonders of packing cubes, now is the time! Everybody needs to pack a bag at some point, and having packing cubes around makes the task infinitely easier.
Be the hero of your buddy’s holiday travels, and send over a set of these as an early gift. They’ll appreciate it immensely.
AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set — $22.99
Laser Projection Keyboard
One of those things that someone probably would buy for themselves, but would feel completely badass using.
ZHISHAN Wireless Laser Projection Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard for iPhone/iPad — $34.99
That’s all for today!
Liked this post on some awesome Christmas gift ideas? You’re sure to like this post too >> Top Twelve 2016 Sephora Holiday Makeup Exclusives.
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
Till next time. ♥︎
Sign up for my weekly newsletter for exclusive content and insights, plus get instant access to my library of on-the-go beauty resources!
FTC- This post is not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned. All opinions are my own. Some links are affiliated.
Some awesome suggestions here! I’m so bad at gifts, I just go the lazy route and get everybody gift cards lmfao. –Lea
I’m glad you found this helpful, Lea! Now get out there and shop for some personalized gifts your friends and family will love. Thanks for reading 🙂 xo
These would make great birthday gifts too. Not only Christmas. I didn’t see this post at Christmas time, but I still think it’s very useful all year. My brother’s birthday is coming up and I’ll be back to look for ideas. Thanks!
I completely agree, Zeng! Hope your brother has a great birthday 🙂 xo
Very nice post. I just stumbled onto your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed your stuff. Good gift ideas here. Subscribed!
I’m glad you’re finding my suggestions helpful. Thank you for subscribing! 🙂 xo
I want to to thank you for this very good read!!
I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you book-marked
to check out new stuff you post!
Hi Amy! I’m so glad you enjoyed 🙂 Thanks for reading! xo
This is indeed a best Christmas holiday gift guide. Actually I’m looking forward to use some of these gift ideas to buy gifts for my family, if you don’t mind. Thanks for including the gifts prices, just wondering are these prices are still same.
Hello Teresa! The prices should be the same, but Amazon does change things on a whim sometimes. Even if you don’t end up buying these exact items, I hope this gave you some inspiration so your gift-buying goes smoother! Thanks so much for reading!