Baby it’s cold outside, which means it’s time for the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping!
Finding the right gifts can be quite tricky depending on what type of person you’re buying for, so I’ve broken down this year’s Holiday Gift Guide into a couple common categories, to give you a head start on gifts for: the techie, gamer, the long term lover, the DIY-er, the foodie, the cocktail enthusiast, the “we just started dating”, and the brainiac.
The Techie & Gamer
Google Home Mini: “Ok Google, make Christmas dinner for me.” Maybe it can’t make your holiday feast, but this gadget can pretty well do everything else, hands-free.
Nintendo Switch: Gamers have been buzzing over Nintendo Switch since its release a year ago. Give the gift of gaming on a plane, a big screen at home or a tablet.
Oculus Rift: In the words of singer, Jamiroquai, “futures….made of….virtual insanity.” Oculus rift is one of the straight up coolest gifts on the market for any techie. Step into another reality with this VR, one of a kind, headset.
The “we just started dating”
To buy or not to buy, I say go the safe route and buy, even something little is a good call!
Gift Card – This is the one time a gift card is acceptable and probably most appreciated. You’ve been on a couple dates, so you have an idea of what makes this person tick, but don’t want to get too specific and/or over the top.
Bottle of Booze: You’ve probably gone for drinks with your new boo, and know what their preferred drink of choice is. Why not treat them to their favorite bottle of whiskey, wine, or growler of beer!
Flowers/Chocolate: These two gifts are the epitome of a nice gesture and both are simple, inexpensive and casual, so if your date doesn’t get you anything they won’t be too embarrassed.
The DIY God/Godess
DIY date night: You may not be the craftiest person yourself, but boy, can your partner make a killer bar of soap. Step into their realm and do some DIY as a couple – here are some ideas to steer you in the right direction; candle making, fresh pasta making, face masks. Your partner will be so thrilled you took an interest in their passion.
Scrapbook: You know he/she has kept every concert stub, pamphlet, wristband and needs a place to put these things! DIY-ers LOVE scrapbooking. Buy a joint scrapbook and add some special mementos to get them started. Even if they decide to rearrange them, it shows you tried and they will love you for it.
Organizer: Just pinterest DIY shelf organizer and boom, buy any one of those shelving units for your crafty beau. They will be elated that you understand their desire to be organized.
The Food Lover
Ultimate dining experience: Perhaps your foodie has a favorite restaurant that you two save for “special occasions” because it is trés chere for a casual date night. Treat your S.O. to a feast they’ll never forget!
Gourmet Spice Rack: I bet you never thought of this one. Although it may not be the sexiest of gifts, it’s definitely spicy and a foodie’s dream gift set. You can find beautiful artisan sets here and here.
Pizza Stone: If they don’t like pizza, I have a hard time believing they are a food lover. Pizza stones are a no mess cooking stone that will amplify your homemade fresh pizza pie! If you want to really impress your date, buy them a stone that can be used on the bbq. Bbq pizza is one way to a food lover’s heart.
The Brainiac
The Hottest Board Game: But which game to buy? For those who are totally lost, start with the Pandemic series of games, or the classic – Settlers Of Catan.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry: Written by the man himself, Neil Degrasse Tyson, explains the nature of space and time. This also holds the #9 spot on the New York Times Best Nonfiction Sellers List.
Wicked Smaht T-Shirt: If your S.O. hasn’t seen the film Good Will Hunting yet, I highly suggest you make them watch it before you gift them this t-shirt to avoid them missing the reference and jumping straight to correct the spelling on the t-shirt.
The Long Time Lover
Scavenger Hunt: This is a winning idea that I stole from a friend who seamlessly pulled it off. He ended the scavenger hunt by asking my best friend to marry him NBD *sobs. Now you can do this yourself (engagement optional of course) by creating a whole day scavenger hunt of all your firsts together – first date, first kiss, first “I love yous,” by planting puzzles and clues around the city.
Frame the Vows: I’ll admit, another idea taken from my father which had my whole family in tears one Xmas morning. My parents originally wrote their vows on the back of a hydro bill (real romantic) and after 30 years of marriage, my father found them in the attic one day. Without telling my mother, he had their vows professionally printed on beautiful parchment paper and framed. Sentimental pieces are the perfect way to warm up the heart this holiday season.
Matching PJ Onesies: There’s no better way to scream cutest couple than to have matching pjs on Xmas morning. You and your beau will want to stay in these jammies all day and cuddle! Bonus, you reap the benefits with this gift too.
Cocktail + Wine + Beer Enthusiast
Personal Carry On Cocktail Kit: Fly high with this wonderful little gem of a kit which contains a bar spoon/muddler, cane sugar and small batch bitters along with a linen coaster…because your beau is classy like that. All you need to do is order a mini bottle of bourbon from the lovely flight crew and you have yourself x2 old fashions.
Wine Tasting/Brewery Tour: Set up a beer tour and tasting flight for two! Or if your date is a wine connoisseur of sorts, look into the closest winery tour and book a spot for the both of you. You can even make a weekend trip out of it, as many wineries have B&B’s near by.
Bespoke Barware: Oak aging barrels, copper mugs and stainless steel ice cubes anyone? Every cocktail enthusiast loves to add to their barware. Check out the latest pieces Bespoke has to offer!
