If you are a procrastinator like me, you probably haven’t started holiday shopping yet. But there’s no need to panic, because this totally helpful (100% self-targeted) gift guide will help you along this protracted process. As always, my holiday gift guides comprise things that I would like to receive (wink wink nudge nudge) and things I like to give (so things that are 80% cute/20% useful).
For the women in my life for whom I couldn’t find a unique gift this year, they will all receive this Dottie Honey Pot from Anthropologie in the mail. Its frivolousness is offset by its cuteness. And at $20, you will probably need one for yourself. (Yes, I totally ordered one for myself even though I don’t own any honey.)
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| Dottie Honey Pot |
For people whom you really like and can afford to splurge on, I know few people who would be disappointed to receive a pair of really good headphones as a gift. Wireless headphones are finally at a stage in their evolution where buying them won’t put you at the bleeding edge. I tried these Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear Headphone recently, and was impressed by their comfort and the crisp sound quality. Other equally great options that I can vouch for: Bose® QuietComfort® 35 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Wireless Headphones and Sony MDRZX770BT Bluetooth Stereo Headset.
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| Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear Headphone |
Another potential gift that is equal parts cute and practical is this travel charger. I keep one on my desk at work as a diversion, and it also serves as a reminder for me to check my phone battery levels before leaving work (if low, then the charger leaves with me).
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| Emie Samo 5200mAh Portable Charger |
I “read” Sad Animal Facts recently, and can see this being a good (and inexpensive) gift for your someone who likes random facts about animals (if we are being honest, that’s everyone).
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| Sad Animal Facts |
For the bookworms in your life, you can consult the New York Times’s “10 Best Books” and “100 Notable Books” of 2016 lists for ideas.
And for your minimalist friends who don’t want more clutter in their lives, consider making a donation in their name. Before making a donation, I like to refer to this New York Times article on “How to Choose a Charity Wisely.” You can also donate in the name of someone you really admire; I recently joined tens of thousands of people who donated to Planned Parenthood in honor of Mike Pence.
At the top of my wish list this year is this jumbo Rilakkuma plush. I have been stalking it for the better part of this year, but backed down every time because of my indefinite stuffed-animal-buying moratorium. For the people in your life who like bears and who think that more is more, these people will be elated to receive this as a gift.
And my gift guide is not complete without a plug for the Costco 93″ bear. Every year I put it on my wish list, but every year the logistics of getting this home defeat me. 2016 may finally be the year when I become a proud owner of this bear.
For more “inspiration,” consult my gift guides from 2015 and 2014.
