If you’re anything like me, you’re not particularly on the ball when it comes to holiday gifts. Last year I even put together a procrastinator’s gift guide.
Listen, I always have the best of intentions but the holidays blast by faster than a freight train.
This year I have a plan. I’m stocking up on affordable gifts at the start of the season. Grab and go!
Don’t forget to pin this post for future reference.
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The main categories of gifts I find I need are:
- hostess gifts,
- gifts for people who got me something unexpectedly,
- teacher gifts,
- office party gifts (aka Secret Santa),
- and yankee swap gifts (White Elephant if you live outside of the northeast).
Most of these suggestions meet several or all of these needs.
Therapy Dough
This stuff is a little unique and universally appealing. Who doesn’t like a little fidgety, tactile release? This gift in particular is nice because it isn’t super taste specific. Pretty much anyone will at least try and use this once!
Candles
I know, I know, trite. But trite for a reason! Candles are beloved by almost all and aren’t gender specific. I rounded up a few of my favorites in this post if you want ideas.
This is my current holiday favorite. Yum!
If you want to be extra cautious, go for unscented but super pretty, or fairly subtle, neutral, or seasonal scents like lavender, sage, or balsam. Worst case? So easy for the recipient to regift.
Olive Wood Serving Board
Classic and also trending thanks to Trader Joe’s (apparently their $13 olive wood serving boards are next to impossible to get your hands on). Luckily these are abundantly available online. The perfect hostess gift, especially if you add a jar of fancy preserves or a bottle of olive oil. Better yet? Assemble a charcuterie on the board and bring it to the party. A two for one gift!
Plush Socks
It’s the coziest time of year and there’s nothing more comforting than a brand new pair of cuddly socks. Bind a festively patterned set with some jute and a sprig of evergreen and you’re in business. Keep a bunch of these bundles on hand and grab as needed.
These cuties are a bit of a splurge, but if you’re gifting these to a true sock lover? I think they’re worth it!
Appetizer Forks and Spoons
So useful but most people don’t actually have these! Great for kids small hands and oh so fancy for when your friend or coworker entertains. Bring a set as a hostess gift and you’ll be winning the holidays.
I just bought this set (on major clearance right now) and the matching spoons and they’ve turned into the most used flatware in our house!
Hand Cream
It’s hand washing high season and cracked hands are back. We keep hand cream by the kitchen hand soap and it gets used up so fast! Choose a gender neutral scent like citrus so that everyone can use and enjoy. Bonus points for beautiful packaging.
Small Potted Plants
Keep these on your windowsill and grab as needed. Be sure they are easy to care for — nobody wants to be gifted a chore! These are all excellent options and come in chic little pots.
If you prefer to skip the shipping, I’ve also found great little plants at the grocery store.
Games
Whether you choose something unusual (my favorite weird game) or classic (my favorite game of all time), a game can be a really fun gift option.
Bonus points: It never hurts to have a kid’s game or two on hand just in case.
A Local Gourmet Food Item
Whether it’s honey, maple sugar candy, or really good olive oil, I bet there’s something your region is known for. Find out what it is and keep a few on hand for those last minute gift wrapping parties or your neighbor’s impromptu open house.
Hand Towels
Always needed and always needing to be replaced. There are some really beautiful options for not very much money. Especially good for a house warming or if you’re invited to Thanksgiving or Christmas at someone else’s house. People go through hand towls like water during a party.
And that’s it! I’m working on my stockpile right now. Do you ever do anything like this? I’d love to hear what you’d add to this list!
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