A Gift Giver’s Guide To Holiday Shopping

Molly Kelly

Staff Writer                           

As the holiday season is quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect presents for those in your life. Whether it’s your mom, dad, significant other, sibling, or even roommate, this gift guide is sure to get you right with the perfect gifts, even equipped with common places to buy such presents, for those who make the holiday season feel whole. Take it from a “D1 shopper” whose love language is pure gift-giving. Here are my opinions and ideas on what you should get for those special people in your life this season.

First, if you want to show your mom that you love her, certainly don’t get her a robe. The 2020, SNL skit “I Got A Robe,” explains just why your mom does not want that this year. Moms are the creators of all Christmas magic, making sure all the presents are wrapped, the Christmas tree is decorated perfectly, and that all of her family members are happy throughout the holidays. They deserve a special present too. So, here are some ideas:

• Perfume (what is her favorite scent)? (Ulta, Sephora, online stores)
• Spa Basket: Candle/lotions/bath salts/fuzzy socks/skincare (Bath and Body works, T.J. Maxx/Marshalls)
• Clothing: Cozy sweaters, pajamas, slippers (T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, The Paper Store)
• Jewelry (doesn’t have to be fancy, T.J. Maxx has great options)!
• Apple Watch (Amazon, Apple store)
• Books (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, local book stores)
• Decorative Pillows/Comfy Blankets (Homegoods, online stores)
• Personalized ornament (Amazon, online)
• Scrapbook (good if the budget is low – Michaels, CVS, etc.)
• Dish Towels/Kitchenware (mom’s surprisingly love customized and cute towels that match the kitchen – can be found online or in various chains)
• Air Fryer (surprisingly this is a great gift – Amazon, online stores, etc.)
• Wallet, purse (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Target)
• Chocolate/baked goods (the way to any mom’s heart)!
• Experiences/Giftcards: Her favorite restaurant, store, cafe, nail salon, hair salon, concert tickets, etc.

Next, whoever the girl is in your life, whether that be a daughter, best friend, girlfriend, sister, or even roommate, these gifts are sure to be items she either wants or really needs, but doesn’t want to ask for! Every girl ages 13-20s will surely have these items on their Christmas list.        

• Jellycat (Online, The Paper Store)
• Weighted stuffed animal/blanket (Amazon)
• Personalized blanket (Etsy, Amazon)
• Digital camera (Amazon)
• Best Friend ornament (Etsy, Amazon)
• Makeup (Lip liner, mascara, fake lashes, setting spray, lip gloss – safest options if you’re clueless with makeup) – (CVS, Sephora, Ulta, Glossier)
• Nail polish/fake nails (CVS)
• Skin care headband/skincare (CVS, Ulta, Sephora, Glossier, Florence By Mills)
• Sweaters, hats, scarves (Paper Store, Marshall’s)
• Candles (Bath & Body Works, Homegoods, Yankee Candle)
• Hair clips/bows (Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx)
• Uggs/Converse (DSW, online shoe stores)
• Jewelry/ring dish (hoop earrings, promise rings, etc.) (T.J. Maxx, jewelry stores)
• Pajamas/fuzzy socks/slippers (T.J. Maxx, Homegoods)
• Tote bags (Esty)
• Light up mirror (Amazon)
• Poster/Merch of favorite singer (online stores)
• Airpods/Headphones (Apple, online stores)
• Lotion/Perfume/body scrubs & gels – Sol De Janeiro is popular (Bath & Body Works, Sephora, Ulta, Tree Hut)
• Workout sets/weights (Kohls, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lulu Lemon)
• Candy/baked goods
• Giftcards: Dunkin, Starbucks, Ulta, nail salon, favorite store, etc.

Dads can be especially difficult to buy for, as they generally say they “don’t want anything.” Despite this, giving your dad a Christmas gift is more than necessary as they are the backbone of the season. They carry in the Christmas tree, they are often the ones to lay down their credit card for the presents, and the ones who act like they know what is wrapped underneath the tree on Christmas morning, even though they have zero idea. These ideas could also work for any boy in your life, whether that be a best friend, roommate, brother, or boyfriend. Most boys enjoy the same sorts of things…So here are some ideas!

• College Merch (dad’s love college sweatshirts & hats)
• Baseball hats (Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx)
• Sneakers/new shoes (Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW)
• Golf balls/clubs/equipment (Dick’s Sporting Goods, online stores)
• Ski jacket/hat/gloves (Amazon/online stores)
• Apple Watch (Apple Store, Amazon)
• Whiskey/beer glasses (Amazon, online stores)
• Puzzles
• Customized socks (Amazon, Etsy)
• waterbottle/coffee mugs (Homegoods, Amazon)
• Customized keychain (Etsy, Amazon)
• Framed photo for desk (CVS for printed phots & frames)
• Baked goods/candy (every dad’s favorite)
• Chain/Cross Necklace (jewelry stores, T.J. Maxx)
• Sports jerseys (Dick’s Sporting Goods, online)
• Video Games (Online stores, Amazon)
• Experiences: Tickets to a basketball/football game, concert tickets, golf times, skiing passes

I hope these gifts have helped you as much as they have helped me get all my Christmas shopping done early. Make sure to take advantage of Black Friday Deals, and happy shopping!