Holiday Gift Guide

Because sometimes a gift card doesn’t cut it.

For him.

Yeah him. The dude you are either dating or kind of dating or just keeping it casual with. We all know the levels of him.

For the long term dating him:

By now you know what he absolutely needs but doesn’t have. For instance, a good watch, since he keeps breaking his. Get it engraved for extra points. Is he starting a new job? A new sport coat and khakis would be good since he put a hole in his and has yet to tell you because “they work just fine.” If he’s really into tech, a smart watch is good, but if he already has every tech gadget in the world, maybe look at getting him tickets to Comicon or maybe and upgrade for an older tech. If he is a die hard sports fan, tickets is always a win. If tickets are too expensive, cause they are expensive, a new jersey or gear is always a great runner up. If all else fails, lingerie is always winner.

For the "we haven't been together long" him:

Don't go all out unless you know for sure he is going all out. Nothing is more awkward than putting so much money and effort into a gift to receive the Bed, Bath and Body Works gift set. You can easily settle for a new shirt or tie. I always find that when your in a relationship that is still very young, the best gift isn't actually a gift at all. Its a lot of pressure on both parties, so just vetoing the whole gift part and going out to a nice dinner or getting a couples massage is the way to go. Same as above, lingerie is always good.

For the "I don't even know if we are together" him:

Honestly, unless you know he's getting you something, don't. You are spending enough money on getting things for friends, family and probably yourself to waste money on someone who hasn't really committed to you. If anything, you can go out for Christmas and call it a day.

For Her.

Yeah her because some ladies have a her in their life and she needs a damn good gift too or your a guy in need for some assistance. Break it down like you for him above.

Our long term ladies.

A makeover from her favorite makeup counter would be awesome. If she already has every lipstick shade possible, brushes are always a winner. If makeup isn't really her thing, you can always grab that cool clothing piece that she's been eyeing, or plan a vacation or dinner. Still stumped, call one of her friends to help out! And as always, lingerie.

For the new her.

This section is also applicable for close female friends. I would use the same gift giving recommendations and guide as I would for your sister but like the short term him, I wouldn't get a gift unless you know they are giving you one too and there is still the option of foregoing the gift giving process completely. A case of wine, those new trendy shoes or clothes she's been wanting, or even fuzzy socks filled with mini bottles. Oh yeah, and lingerie.

For the "I don't quite know" her.

See "I don't even know if were are together" him.

For your Brother.

This depends on the type of guy your brother is. Like the Him section, start with his interests and if you feel like he has every possible thing that he could want, then find something he needs. For instance, my brother loves cars and music. So getting him concert tickets or band tees is always a safe bet. I usually leave the cars thing to him though, since I know nothing about cars and if he needs anything he usually tells us. BUT, he usually needs clothes or shoes since he ruins his and or looses it. My brother actually got me the best gift ever by going to Costco and buying a ton of my favorite foods like mac n cheese and cereal since I was going to college. Coordinate with other siblings and parents, so they don't end up with all the same stuff.

For your Sister.

This I usually find to be easier. That cool piece of clothing that she would totally love. Maybe a LUSH bath bomb collection. Maybe a case of wine. Depends on the sister.

For your Mom.

Okay, so for those of us who can't get our mom's everything they deserve (which is the whole world) her are a list of things that you can give that don't fall under the generic candle, scarf, and or jewelry combo. For the super organized and possible stressed out mother, a mani/ pedi or aromatherapy is a good option. Massage or face masks are good too. If you want to go all out, hiring someone to come clean the house is a very good and creative option. Its also my mother's dream. You could also get her a gift card and consultation with her favorite makeup counter.

For your Dad.

No you can't buy him everything he deserves like your mom. I know it sucks. Dad's are a little more cryptic than your brothers or respected him. They don't like to tell you what they want and if they do, its super cryptic and probably mumbled. You can always get him a cool new gadget, new tools, or a new jersey for his favorite sports team. If he still has everything, my Plan B is always a hilarious gag gift. They are usually cheaper and you get a pretty good laugh.

#giftguide #holidays #christmas