I gathered up over 25 gift ideas to help you with your holiday gift giving. I chose a mix of brands I own and use plus some gift ideas that I just love.
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I love putting together gift guides. It is one of the easiest and most fun projects of the year. I think that a great gift is something fun or useful that someone probably wouldn’t buy themself. With that in mind, I have put together a list of fun and unique gift ideas. My goal was to pick items that you might not see on other lists.
Pajamas for the Entire Family
Lots of places sell holiday pajamas, but Hanna Andersson has matching pajamas for babies, kids, adults, and dogs. Did I order pajamas for 6 adults, 3 dogs, and a baby? Absolutely.
A Personalized Dog Book
I just think this is so cute! It’s the perfect gift for families with dogs and young kids. The book get personalized with your dog’s name and an image of your dog (based on a wide variety of options).
Portable Toys for the Kid on the Go
For $30, get a little backpack filled with toys to spark a child’s imagination.
A Play Structure Kid’s Build Themselves
My siblings and I had the 1980s version of this toy which was called Pipeworks. Now it’s a collectable selling online for $399. This is the closest thing that I could find – 199 pieces is $204 and the deluxe 296 piece set is $335. I can’t stress how long this toy kept three kids occupied, and we played with it for years and years. My parents say it was a last minute impulse buy and one of the best parenting decisions they made.
A Book to Inspire Years of Adventures
Wanderlust: A Traveler’s Guide to the Globe is the ideal gift for the person who has everything and who has been everywhere. This $32 coffee table book is uniquely organized to inspire travel experiences. Sections include Unique Festivals, The Most Beautiful Markets, The Craziest Music Festivals, and Bike Paths Around the World. Find what experiences interest you and discover new travel destinations. I also love the section in the back that breaks down the best places to travel by month. Suddenly planning long holiday weekends and school breaks got easier. The book is available wherever books are sold, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
A Scratch Off List of 100 Classic Movies
This will keep you busy this winter.
Knitting Instructions and Supplies
I love We Are Knitters and have used their supplies and patterns to knit two sweaters – I am working on a third. They have everything from basic beginner patterns to more advanced designs and they have many types of yarn in dozens of colors. This is the perfect gift for a creative or crafty friend. The We Are Knitters website has excellent videos that teach all the knitting skills needed to complete their projects.
A Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Made by Chicago-based Ello, this 18 ounce stainless steel is a great eco-friendly gift. I even use Ello mugs when I make tea at home because they keep it hot for longer.
The Reusable Tote Bag that Holds 50 Pounds
I have this and love it. It’s super durable, I have been using mine for at least 5 years. Plus it folds up into a small carrying pouch so you can just keep it in your purse.
Butter of the Month Club Subscription
Have a friend of family member who is especially passionate about butter? This butter of the month subscription includes flavored butters like roasted garlic, lavender, lemon chive, and dark chocolate.
A Mini Projector
This very affordable mini projector is perfect for movie nights at home. Use it outside in the summer – you can stream right from your phone. There are lots of mini projectors on the market but this one is very well reviewed and only $80.
An Over the Top Candle
Rosy Rings makes the most beautiful candles with creative scents like Fig + Poppy, Peony + Pomelo, and Apricot Rose. The small oval candles (pictured above) are $31 while massive candles that burn for 300 hours are $220.
The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
I think most women want this high tech hairdryer that speeds up the daily chore of drying their hair, but don’t want to make the splurge.
Charmin’s Forever Roll
The best joke gifts are useful, and Charmin’s “forever roll” is just that. It’s a full month of toilet paper on one roll. It’s only available online and a few options are available. The start kit comes with a holder and two rolls and is $29.97. A single roll is $8.99. It’s perfect for the husband who has never bought toilet paper.
An Extra Long Cheese Board
All cheese boards should be 4 feet long! This is such a fun hostess gift (for the friend who will have the space for it).
A Row Boat Serving Bowl
Cuteness meets function with this 15 inch long serving bowl that comes with oar shaped serving tools. It’s $65 and definitely the most fun way to serve a salad.
Milk Bar’s Crack Pie
Know someone with a sweet tooth? This gooey buttery pie is irresistible and universally loved. The Milk Bar Shop also ships cakes, cookies, and cake truffles.
A Super Cozy Robe
This robe with faux fur trim is super soft. Monogramming is available too.
A Dinosaur Sweater
It is also available with a unicorn print.
The Warmest Boots
I grew up in Maine and I have spent 11 years in Chicago. I know winter, and I know that these are the warmest boots I’ve owned. Mine are a year old and still look like new!
Warm Boots for Men
Here is the version of those boots for men.
The Best Slippers
I have had these slippers for years. I have worn through other pairs quickly (like the JCrew pair at my sister’s house), but these are made to last. They have a very durable sole which gives them longevity, but also make them sturdy enough to wear outside (I throw them on to check the mail or take out the trash). They come in 7 colors and are lined with shearling.
Fine Jewelry at a More Affordable Price
I love Monica Vinader jewelry. Many of the pieces can be personalized and my favorites are embellished with small diamonds. Most items are under $400 (many are under $200 too). Many of the necklaces are made to have adjustable lengths which I love.
Sweatpants Nice Enough to Wear Outside the House
Charles lives in these. I got so many ads for these tailored sweatpants in my Instagram feed that I caved and bought him a pair. He has since purchased more pairs and tries to wear these pants every day all winter. They come in 12 colors and the large size is long enough for Charles (he wears 34″ inseam pants).
Pants for Work and Play
Lululemon makes great pants for men! The ABC (short for anti ball crushing) pants walk the line of being casual but easy to dress up. They come in 8 colors and a variety of lengths.
Classic Jeans for Men
Charles has been wearing AG Denim’s Graduate Jeans for 5 years now. They are the best fitting, very durable, and they come in a variety of colors. Most importantly, they are tailored without being skinny. Shout out to our brilliant friend Cait for the recommendation.
Happy holiday shopping!