When I’m getting holiday gifts for my friends, I want to include everyone but not have to spend a ton of money. So I like to keep it holiday themed- it’s easy, cute, and doesn’t take any advance planning. We get together before Christmas so they can use the gifts before and during the actual holidays too. I got my friends Lush’s limited edition holiday shower gel minis. This year Lush has three different kinds and they all smell so good! (Snow Fairy is my favorite smelling shower gel ever and I stock up during the holidays). I also got these little gingerbread man soaps from a local beauty boutique, Mojo Spa. They are so cute and small enough that you’ll use the whole thing up before Christmas is over and you’re sick of smelling like gingerbread. Finally I picked out some adorable cozy socks from Free People, and I have cool little gifts for my girl friends. I like to Christmas shop at local stores and boutiques. I always find the best stuff that way and don’t have to worrying about online orders or packages being delivered on time.

For my family I love to give something that’s more personal. Since my family members never seem to want anything specific, my goal is always to give them something they’ll actually use-even if it’s something small. For a unique photo gift I like to make stickers, magnets, or little notepads. I made some cute post-it notes featuring the favorite & most loved member of my family (our dog, Toby) a couple years ago. Everyone still keeps them on their desk!

Since I love fashion and beauty, I also like to give my mom and sister skincare and makeup products that I’ve picked out for them. I’ll look at the travel size items or a make-your-own palette like this Anastasia Beverly Hills eye shadow quad. Other ideas for someone who is hard to shop for (like my dad) are food- you can’t go wrong with that person’s favorite dessert, chocolates, wine, or even a gag gift- something just to make them laugh. You’ll always get a better reaction from my dad with a joke gift than a scarf. One year I gave him a ‘Big Lebowski Kit’ from modcloth.com that included a pocket guide of the movies best quotes, rug mouse pad (to really tie your desk together), and a severed toe (fake, of course).

Also I think a future experience you can share together is a great gift to give family, friends, or a significant other. Tickets to see their favorite band or team, a relaxing spa day, rock climbing, vacation– whatever they love that you can do with them!

Happy Holidays 🙂

All photos taken by me.