Whether it’s food, decorations, places to visit, movies to watch, or books to read… we all have our favorite traditions during the holidays that we look forward too.
One thing that’s hard every year: trying to find the PERFECT gift for the toughest, pickiest person who says — “I don’t know what I want” or “I don’t need anything” — yep, that coworker, friend, family member, or Secret Santa recipient.
For years, I pulled my hair out, racked my brain, drove around town, and did hundreds of Google searches, still wondering what I could get for that special someone. For me, my parents were always the toughest to buy for, and nowadays, my nephews aren’t making my life any easier.
Until I found the ultimate gift idea…
You ready? ……
This will change your life……..
GIFT BASKETS! Ok — don’t roll your eyes. Don’t “X” out of this blog and shake your head and say, “This isn’t anything new, Lauren… thanks for wasting the last five minutes of my life.” I’m not just talking about any old gift basket you can run to the store and pick up — not that you can’t or they aren’t lovely — but a basket put together with all your loved one’s favorite items, showing how much effort you went through to ensure they have everything they love. Even if they are partial to certain items… when you put it all together in a basket, bag, or box, the smile on their face never disappoints.
Below are a few helpful ideas of what you can include in your ultimate gift basket:
- Gift cards – I know, most people don’t love giving gift cards because they seem impersonal, but one or two from their favorite places (coffee shops, breakfast spots, health stores, movies, bookstores, or retail stores) still gives your loved ones the freedom to pick something they’ll enjoy.
- Favorite beverages – wine, protein shakes, energy drinks, waters, and more. Whether they’re on the go or enjoying a night in, rest assured they’ll be thinking of you with every sip.
- Favorite snacks – pretzels, chips, candy, popcorn, chocolate… you name it. Maybe your theme is a movie night basket or a date night out. Giving your special person all their favorite items can be both inexpensive and thoughtful.
- Home decor – Does your special person have a favorite animal, flower, scenery? Pillows, throws, pictures, candle’s, or even cute decorative items for their home will have them thinking about you every time they pass by the item.
- Beauty supplies – hand lotions, soaps, perfumes, makeup, etc. For men, think cologne, trimmers, beard oils or lotions, aftershave, etc.
- Holiday ornaments – Maybe your special person has a milestone (new home, child, pet, job, etc.), or, like my family, an obsession with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I grab the Hallmark ornament every year and add it to the basket for my sister.
- Movies or books – If they have a favorite movie or genre of book, add a classic or even a new release to their basket. (Wink…wink 😉)
- Lottery or scratch-off tickets – Who wants to be a millionaire? (Me! Pick me!) Whether it’s a $1 or a $20 scratch-off, throw a couple in, and not only do they get entertainment, but also a chance for some extra cash. 💵
- Donation – Does your special person have a charity or cause they care about? A church, rescue shelter, GoFundMe, or other charity? Make a donation in their name and include it on a card in their basket. You could also volunteer your time with them at a charity or organization as part of your gift.
There you have it! Just a few of the items I include when putting together my baskets. Whether for an anniversary, birthday, Christmas, or any other holiday, show that special person how much you know and care about them by taking the time to curate a basket filled with all their favorite things.
P.S. While it might sound expensive, many of these items can be found at great deals at places like TJ Maxx/HomeGoods, eBay, Etsy, and others!
Have fun with it! And if you create your own bag of goodies, come back and share your amazing creation and what your loved ones thought of it below!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and a wonderful and prosperous New Year to you all!!
XOXO,
LK 💋