You asked for it, you got it. Back by popular demand, More Beautiful‘s second annual Holiday Gift Giving Guide is here!
Like many of you, I’m tired of the consumerism that descends upon us each year, even before we put away the Halloween decorations. But I have to admit, once December rolls around I do find myself getting into the spirit of gift-giving. I enjoy choosing thoughtful presents for the people I love, then carefully wrapping them and tucking them under the Christmas tree so the anticipation builds. All while playing my favorite holiday music, of course.
I do hope that however you approach seasonal shopping, you find this selection helpful and inspiring. Maybe so much so that you indulge in a trinket or two for yourself. And don’t forget to bookmark this page for last-minute gifts, because almost all these items are available on Amazon Prime.*
So here it is, a selection of great gifts for every person on your list, including…
THE AESTHETE
Some people just like to surround themselves with visually appealing and/or luxurious things. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. This cheerful vase will have them rising and shining even on dreary winter mornings. A darling menorah will make Chanukah more colorful than ever. Frequent travelers will delight in this cashmere set that can make a coach seat feel like first class. This iconic steamer turns an at-home facial into an event. Anyone over 40 will appreciate this lighted magnifying mirror that helps you primp for various indoor and outdoor settings. Surely someone in your life deserves this extravagant Dyson set in a gorgeous gift box that delivers a professional-looking blowout. This vintage-inspired votive collection keeps their home smelling luscious throughout the year, while this fun novelty candle is perfect for someone who appreciates a pair of hot gams.
THE ATHLETE
Ah, so many activities, so little time. The friend who can’t sit still needs a gift that can keep up with their lifestyle. Tennis-loving pals will enjoy hitting the court in this flirty dress, while a functional tennis pointer can help to fine-tune their strokes during training. Whatever sport they’re into, this nifty camera mount allows them to record their moves and up their game. For someone who prefers to run on a treadmill or stationery bike, an adjustable clip-on fan will keep them cool while they sweat. The person who understands the power of strength training (especially during midlife) will appreciate these colorful resistance bands, or a collection of hand weights. Got a golfer in your life? They’ll go gaga over these personalized balls. Your runner friends will find this sought-after watch invaluable, and can relax during nighttime jogs with these clip-on safety lights. Anyone who meditates will appreciate a pretty cushion that blends with any decor, while yoga practitioners will get into the flow with this set of yoga dice. Finally, any athlete will get good use out of a pretty-yet-functional gym bag. And when they’re not on the move, they’ll use this popular blender to make energy-boosting smoothies to replenish and restore—until the next workout.
THE BOOKWORM
Books always make great gifts—despite Marie Kondo’s misguided attempt to eradicate them from our bookshelves. First up, why is everyone playing pickleball? For those who partake and want to sharpen their skills, or for those who still need to learn the rules, Pickleball For All: Everything But the “Kitchen” Sink makes for a unique present. Fiction lovers will adore The Violin Conspiracy, the story of a musician who discovers his beat-up family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, or Lessons In Chemistry, the empowering tale of a female scientist in the 1960s who becomes the unlikely star of a cooking show. (For more great book picks, see More Beautiful’s recently published list of must-reads.) If you’re looking for a tear-jerker for the sentimental ones on your list, pick up a copy of Small Things Like These. Style mavens will appreciate The Fashion Book, a recently updated version of the industry classic that traces 200 years of iconic fashion moments. If biographies are their thing, try one of these: Patti Smith’s A Book of Days is a visual stunner inspired by the musician’s popular Instagram. Joan Didion’s Let Me Tell You What I Mean is an insightful glimpse into the mind of the legendary writer. Bono’s page-turner Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, traces the musician’s journey from a child in Dublin to his international success at the helm of U2. And Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry encapsulates former first lady’s compassionate reflections on change during challenging times. If you’ve got a cookbook lover to satisfy, you can’t go wrong with any of these: Via Carota: A Celebration of Seasonal Cooking is a beautiful collection from the beloved Greenwich Village restaurant that no one can get into. Let’s Eat France (like its sister book Let’s Eat Italy) is a charming coffee table tome that take readers on a culinary journey through the country’s regional specialties. Apres All Day offers cozy recipes to share with family and friends during the colder months. The Aviary Cocktail Book is a gorgeous compilation of recipes from The Aviary, the drink-focused little sister of Michelin-starred Alinea. And the latest Barefoot Contessa offering from Inga Garten is a great gift for anyone who likes their crispy hash browns, Boston cream pie and other classic comfort food.
THE GOURMAND
If food is their thing, we’ve got some tasty options. The home chef can always use an inspired collection of cold-pressed olive oils, a gift pack of a famous truffle hot sauce, or a sweet honey sampler in a cute book-shaped box. A chili crunch variety pack is perfect for the chef who likes to spice it up, while croissant-shaped gnocchi makes a beautiful and unexpected main dish. Mouth-watering Panettone From Roy is a decadent, in-demand gift that often sells out before the holidays. A hot chocolate gift set can warm up the coldest nights, while a coffee collection from an ethically sourced brand is a winning present. Because you can never have too many desserts on hand during the holidays, this biscotti sampler box is always a good idea. Parties feel more special with these colorful wine glasses and a classy set of embroidered cocktail napkins. And finally, if you’re looking for something truly unique, nothing announces “Salt and pepper’s here!” like these adorable Ninja shakers.
THE TECHIE
Who doesn’t love gadgets? Nobody, that’s who. But some people definitely like them more. For those on your list (and you know who they are), this portable projector is a generous gift that elevates movie night, while this coveted virtual reality bundle provides endless hours of entertainment. Techie wine snobs will rely on this stemless glass chiller to keep their vino at just the right temperature, while a sleek temperature-control smart mug helps coffee and tea fans keep their beverages warm for hours. On-the-go types will appreciate a pair of Ran-Ban Wayfarer smart sunglasses, which enable them to take photos and videos hands-free; the Airfly Pro, which transmits audio from in-flight entertainment, gym equipment or gaming devices with no cords in sight; or these Kim Kardashian-designed Beats Fit Pro noise-canceling earbuds that look as sharp as they sound. The pal who likes to sing in the shower will adore this cute waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Sentimental types will go for this personalized song plaque, which reminds them of a favorite life moment while doubling as an LED lamp. A bluetooth headband lets them fall asleep or work out while streaming their favorite music or podcast, while these nifty magnetic strips help them keep their favorite beverages within arm’s reach.
THE SENSUALIST
Touchy-feely types who enjoy pampering themselves are relatively easy to indulge. They’ll love wearing this irreverent sleep mask when they’re catching their Zs and don’t want to be bothered. A mulberry silk pillowcase will ensure they wake up with a crease-free face. If you know someone who’s been stressed out lately (and let’s face it, who isn’t), this collection of epsom bath salts will have them soaking their troubles away. Give them these disposable under-eye masks to combat puffiness and dark circles, or a decadent lip balm to rehydrate parched winter puckers. Another great option: an ultra-rich skin cream that’s been recommended by several people I admire, including New York Times writer (and More Beautiful Podcast guest) Melinda Wenner Moyer. Some more stress-busting gifts: a Zen garden kit to get them blissing out, a pine-scented candle for some seasonal aromatherapy, or a set of therapy spray and dough (yeah, it was new to me too) to relieve tension and anxiety. For those suffering from aches and pains, a microwavable heating pad soothes overtaxed muscles and joints. And for everyone on your list who likes to slip into something comfy at the end of the day, these super-soft slippers come in an array of colors.
THE HOST
Hold on to the people in your life who throw a good party; they’re a rare breed that deserves a token of appreciation more thoughtful than a bottle of wine or a grocery store flower bouquet. (In fact, never bring a host anything that requires her to stop entertaining just so that she can hunt down a vase for you. Never.) Instead, bring them something one-of-a-kind and fun, like these festive little gnomes that put everybody in their place at the holiday table. Music-loving hosts will appreciate these mixed tape sponges or a set of vinyl record coasters that protect their countertops from moisture stains. For the earth-conscious host who despises plastic bags, this novelty candy dish shows those Ziplocs who’s boss, and vintage-inspired oven mitt announces that someone’s got some serious kitchen mojo. This decadent trio of chocolate sauces is great for the foodie host; give the entire box if you’re feeling generous, of spread the wealth over three soirees. A host daydreaming about a winter getaway will enjoy this ocean-themed cutting/charcuterie board that turns the tide on cocktail hour, and a little box of conversation starters will take their party to the next level. Looking for a no-nonsense token that says it all? This stainless-steel mug in a pretty rose-gold finish spells out just how much you value their hospitality.
THE STOCKING DIVER
As a kid, my favorite part of Christmas morning was thinking we were done opening presents when—wait, we forgot about the stockings! Now as a mom, I like to take a “save the best for last” approach to this part of the gift-revealing ceremonies, stuffing the stockings with fun items we can enjoy throughout the year. For instance, these vibrant pompoms not only make holiday ice skating (and summer rollerblading) more exciting, but they let us wax nostalgic about our roller-boogie days. This cute bookmark reminds them what page they were on when they dozed off. A pair of ultra-slim reading glasses are just the right size for a purse or pocket—and can illuminate everything from restaurant menus to theater programs to the print at the bottom of that damn lipstick tube. A bar of vegan, gluten-free chocolate makes for guilt-free holiday indulging, but a portable champagne-cocktail kit will get the party started anywhere, anytime. This mini crossword puzzle calendar will help them keep their minds sharp in the new year, while you never know when a box of pretty playing cards will spark an impromptu game of gin rummy. These oat and shea butter hand masks keep their hands looking young, while a good root coverup spray will help them stretch out their hair-color appointments. Finally, a dollop of this decadent face cream will cure even the driest winter skin overnight.
THE GAME NIGHT ORGANIZER
At every holiday party, someone inevitably announces it’s game time. Introduce something new into the rotation by gifting them one of these: Mind the Gap is a trivia game that gives family members from different generations something to talk about—and decide whether Boomers, Gen X, Millennials or Gen Z represents the best in pop culture, music, movies, television and sensational news headlines. If you know a Cards Against Humanity fan, they’ll love the Everything Box expansion pack, which adds yet another layer of absurdity (and yes, indecency) into an already absurd and indecent game. If they like to dress up, they’ll dig this Holiday Horror murder mystery dinner party game that lets them host their own whodunit in the comfort of their own haunted mansion—er, home. Do You Really Know Your Family will have you questioning whether you actually share DNA with those people sitting around your dining room table. And Relative Insanity, a game from comedian Jeff Foxworthy, has family members finishing one another’s sentences to determine who’s the funniest.
THE KID (OR KID AT HEART)
Holiday break calls for some fun and relaxation. Kiddos big and small will enjoy cuddling up in a hammock made for two (or just one who’s craving some alone time). An adorable plush s’more will make anybody hungry for well, s’mores. To satisfy their craving, give them the tools to make the real deal: a s’mores caddy filled with all the trimmings, plus a portable table-top fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Golf fans will delight in this indoor putting green that lets them practice their strokes year round. An air fort that inflates in 30 seconds flat is the perfect for holiday sleepovers. And a retro Viewfinder with a customized photo reel is a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special.
Happy Holidays!
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