My Year Round Gift Giving Guide

I know that Christmas has come and gone, but gift giving is something I practice all year round. Letting someone know you are thinking about them or appreciate them, or even for a birthday or anniversary are great times to give a gift. But don’t go to your nearest store and pick out an impersonal gift set just yet, as I am here to give you my gift giving tips for a present that is sure to impress.

I want to start by saying this is not a comprehensive list of what to get Dad, Mom, and Boyfriend, but rather some tips to give the perfect gift for the people in YOUR life. I always giggle when I read those lists and see recommendations to get my dad an Alexa, a nice tie, or a cheesy coffee cup because my own personal father has a flip phone, only wears a tie on Christmas, and doesn’t drink coffee. Gift giving should be as personal as the people in your life. You know those people better than anyone, especially a random person on the internet, so think from the heart.

What I like to do first is think about what I love about a particular person AND what that person likes. I will use my husband for an example. He loves sappy stuff, like memories we have created together, handwritten letters, and anything deeply personal. He also is a nerd about space and loves to travel. He is a Minnesota sports fan. Right off the bat, that gives me so many ideas! Over the years, I have given him photo books of our time together, experiences on our travels, TONS of Vikings and Wild gear, an in-home planetarium projector, a scratch-off map of places we have gone and will go, and one of those moon prints of our anniversary. Easy right?

Although it may be arguably easier to gift for the people you are closest to, I have a basic checklist for gifts for those smaller moments or gifts for friends. In college, I always got my roomies birthday and Christmas gifts. I am known for my go-to gift of wine/champagne, a candle, a picture frame (with a picture in it, that is the best added touch), and something small that is personal to us! For my friend’s birthday this year, for example, I gave her some notebooks, a guided journal (she loves to write), a candle, a picture frame of us, and a murder mystery dinner kit. The last thing is practical and fun because we love to giggle about my 12th birthday party that was Clue themed. Simple, yet personal! You don’t have to spend a fortune to make the people around you smile :)

I know that Christmas is the most stressful time for shopping for gifts, but I like to start my shopping in the summer, where things aren’t so “themed” and I can start early. It is also easier on the wallet! I make a list of some ideas and go from there. I am normally done besides a few little things before Thanksgiving, and then I can actually enjoy the holiday season.

In short, really think about the person you are gifting to. This is an attainable practice on any budget at any time of the year!