Around this time of year, people begin to panic about what to get their picky great-aunt or their father who only asks for socks for the holidays. (Dad, I really can’t get you another pair of socks. They’re plain white tube socks. That doesn’t feel festive.) Yes, cozy items like bright-colored scarves (his and hers) or comfortable slippers (his and hers*) will always be winners under the tree, but if you’re looking for some more creative ideas to wow your friends and family this year, consider this your Christmas miracle:
Geeky, interactive gifts
Regardless of age, there is always someone whose perfect Christmas day is putting together puzzles or building their new toy. Typically this is the person who also put together an entire miniature train set around the tree or created a “winter wonderland” out of cottony fake snow and tiny, light-up houses. Give the gift of being busy to these tinkerers with a five-piece puzzle set or wooden robot puzzle for their desk.
Gifts for readers, writers and music lovers
For the people who have hobbies they’d prefer to do solo, it’s usually best to buy them exactly what CDs and books they ask for; if their media requests are not under the tree on Christmas morning, you can expect to hear a lot of sighing or see furious scribbling in journals. To surprise them, give them gifts that allow them to enjoy their hobbies in new ways. For music lovers, this record clock* that recycles vintage LPs is a fun way to keep track of time. For readers, book-ify their technology with BookBook laptop, iPad or iPhone cases* that look like vintage tomes. And for writers, a bamboo lap desk* will make their writing and reading in bed all the more comfortable.
Manly men gifts
Ah, you elusive Ron Swansons with no material desires. To appeal to the man in your life who wants for nothing, give him the gift of getting beer everywhere a little bit easier with this wooden beer tote with bottle opener. Perhaps he’d like a man candle in scents of woodshop, new car and Little Italy pizza. Speaking of pizza, try to appeal to his taste buds with a pizza stone* for homemade eats, or give him a taste of something new with salts of the world.
Yard and garden gifts
If someone loves their yard, a gift for the outdoors tends to be successful. This gardener’s seat* is both a fold-out chair so they can prune to their heart’s content and a detachable tool bag. For someone who’s moved into an apartment and misses the outdoors, bring their garden inside with Urbio indoor gardening, which was once featured on “Shark Tank.” Also, this watering can is only $6 and is shaped like an elephant; surely someone you know needs that immediately.
Gifts for foodies and entertainers
If you have someone in your life who loves throwing parties or at least believes that a block of cheese deserves a certain level of pageantry, this turtle cutting board is a fun option for animal-lovers and beach bums alike. Your family will have so much fun writing “Chocolate Chip” in chalk on this chalkboard cookie jar, then scribbling it out to write an accusatory “Mom ate the last one!” Plus, you’re far more likely to bake when your measuring cups are this pretty.
* I have bought this product for myself or others, and it knocked the socks off people who usually only ask for socks. I highly recommend!