Finding the perfect gift for someone you love is equal parts sweet as it is stressful, especially if you want them to know it is thoughtful. This holiday season is all about personal gifts that do not end up getting tossed in the “re-gift pile.” Whether you are shopping for your mom, boyfriend, best friend or even that person who claims “anything is fine”, this guide breaks down the best options that are desired and intentional.
A box of chocolate, bouquet of roses or heartfelt card all get the same boring reaction when it comes to moms. Instead, you can never go wrong with something that makes her life easier or helps her feel comfortable. A cozy robe is something she would not buy for herself, a custom necklace with initials or even a high-quality candle that makes the whole house smell like a spa. Moms appreciate anything that shows you actually pay attention to what they like. If you want to go the sentimental route, photo books or memory jars are simple but end up being an unforgettable gift.
“Last year, I gifted my mom a love book… a love book is a book where we put photos of all of our family and put messages from all of her best friends and close family. My mom loved it and said it was the best, most genuine gift she has ever received,” freshman Isabella Mora said.
Partners are hard to buy for because out of kindness they claim they “do not want anything”. But secretly they want something, they just do not want to admit it. Practical gifts are always a good idea because they can be used every day like a watch, hoodie from their favorite team or even their favorite cologne or perfume. It is also very important to know your partner’s love language and whether it is a good idea to get them a big, dramatic gift or a small intimate gift.
“Being with my girlfriend for the first year during Christmas, I was absolutely clueless and I did not know how to show my love for her through gifts, I ended up getting her a Jellycat of her favorite animal, she loves it so much and reminds me how much she loves it almost every day,” freshman Adrian Figuroa said.
For a best friend the key is to go fun or personal. This is the person who is a safe space and true friend, meaning their gift should be somewhat lighthearted but also sentimental. Some cute ideas are matching friendship jewelry, an inside joke tee shirt or a Jellycat plushie. This can not be messed up as long as it feels like genuine effort was put in to the gift. Another fun idea is to create a mini experience gift box. Instead of gifting them one big gift, put together a small themed set based on what the person loves.
“For my 16th birthday, my best friend Sophia reached out to 16 of my closest friends and got them all to write me letters about how much they value me as a friend, she then hand wrote them all and put them on a back of a picture collage of me and all my closest friends, ” sophomore Sophie Space said.
And then there is that one person who insists that they want nothing. For them, go with something minimal but thoughtful. Some cute ideas are a fuzzy blanket, a new book or simply a fun pen. They will appreciate it even if they pretend they do not.
“Last year, I had no clue what to get my sister but I ended up going with a new agenda for the new year, I figured it would be the perfect gift for her because it is something that she could really use and it ended up being a very thoughtful gift,” sophomore Jazmin Martinez said.
At the end of the day, the best gifts are not the most expensive ones, they are the ones that make someone feel seen and loved. Pay attention to what people like, what they have been wanting all year or what might make their daily routine a little better.
