Presents That Don't Suck
Because life is too short to be a bad gift-giver!
I genuinely don’t understand people who are bad at giving gifts. I’m not saying everyone should be good at giving the best, most thoughtful, one-of-a-kind, life-altering presents that bring the recipient to tears. But I do think it’s fair to expect folks to not absolutely suck at it. Yet so many do!
I get that budget plays a role. And money helps. (Of course it does.) But so does taste.
Take my in-laws, for instance. They are generous, thoughtful people. Truly. I love them to bits. But they’ve fallen victim to the insane capitalist-driven narrative that quantity somehow trumps quality. Every year, they would rather overwhelm my husband and me with a stack of neatly wrapped nonsense than buy us one $120 coffee table book we’d actually love.
To them, spending more than $100 on a single item is unprecedented. So instead, they spend $300 on twenty items no one asked for, needed, or remembers two days later. Always last-minute Marshall’s grabs destined for the landfill.
Make it make sense!!!?
So if you happen to be someone who identifies with this particular style of gifting and are shopping for a self-made metropolitan millennial in your life (or any self-respecting person for that matter), let me help you break the cycle. Below, you’ll find a range of ideas at various price points that won’t end up in a donation bin by February and might actually win you some brownie points along the way!
We’re doing it Twelve Days of Christmas style, too. Because WHY NOT!! (And yes, all hyperlinks are affiliate links through my Shop My account. So if you feel inspired to buy anything, please do so through the links in this article. Mama’s got rent to pay.)
On the first day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to their niece, nephew, or grandchild…
…the Sky Dragon plush from Jellycat. ($70) Because, like it or not, brand names matter. And if you’re going to phone it in with a stuffed animal, at least make sure it’s from THE toy company of the moment. (Yes, it’s Jellycat. Trust me. But if you don’t believe me, a Labubu will do just fine.)
On the second day of Christmas a reformed gift giver brought to the white elephant gift exchange…
…a Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme boxed glass candle. ($48) Because no matter what nay-sayer have to say about candles being lazy, the right candle is appreciated by anyone who burns them. And it’s not something anyone wants to spend their own money on. The stakes are also super low at holiday gift exchanges with strangers. Candles are impersonal, universal, and budget friendly. Boy Smells has great branding, delicious scents, and someone you’ll never talk to again is going to leave that party content.
On the third day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the social butterfly…
…an Instax Mini 99 Instant Film Camera. ($199 with film and a photo album!) Because who doesn’t love tactile memory making by providing an immediate, physical photograph you can hold, share, and decorate with? This is a gift with high-impact because it offers the recipient a mindful and rewarding experience that forces them to live in the moment and accept each shot for what it is. (And it’s usually good! Something about the flash makes everyone photogenic.)
On the fourth day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to their work spouse…
…an Alessi candy jar ($85) filled with their favorite mix from Bon Bon. (Mine’s sour, in case you care.) This is actually a gift for yourself, because it’s something you can snack from every time you pop by their desk to procrastinate. The jar is just a fancy distraction from your selfish motives.
On the fifth day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the emo teen…
…a bottle of Chanel nail polish. ($33) Specifically 161 LE DIABLE EN CHANEL—a dark glossy black befitting any angsty young adult, regardless of their gender expression. The beauty of Chanel is that even though it’s more expensive than a bottle of whatever CVS sells, $33 isn’t going to ruin you financially. It’s also full-proof in the sense that not even alternative free-thinkers can resist the caché this French fashion house wields.
On the sixth day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the chic minimalist…
…a cashmere scarf. ($155) This one by Reiss is perfect for two reasons: No fuss. No logos. Scarves are a seasonal gift that errs on the side of caution but still delivers on being delightfully luxurious. They’re timeless, unisex, and the kind of clothing purchase no one can be offended by… because they fit everyone! But if it’s not cashmere, don’t bother. Whenever you play it safe, you’ve gotta up the ante! People can buy their own non-luxury scarves. PS—the only permissible colors (by my account) are grey, black, navy, or a shade of brown.
On the seventh day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the poet…
…a Moleskin! ($33) Duh. Not even going to elaborate. Save your money, make a poet happy.
On the eighth day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the man who has it all…
…Montblanc’s “Meisterstück Classique” gold plated ballpoint pen. ($470) Is it expensive? Yes. Will he love it? Absolutely. Designer pens are a gateway to watches, but with a lot less capital required. This is one of those presents he’d never buy for himself, but will gladly brag about for years to come.
On the ninth day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the world traveler…
…a black Hermés Chevre Mysore Tarmac PM Passport Holder. ($350) Quiet luxury matters when you’re trying to keep your passport protected in a discreet way. Logos invite pick pockets. Sumptuous black leather by Hermés doesn’t scream out loud. Find one secondhand to save a few bucks. (Plenty still come with the original box, so they never need to know.)
On the tenth day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the self-care enthusiast…
…the Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Memory Box Sampler Set. ($39) Fragrance is super personal, so committing someone else to an entire bottle of a fragrance you like would be insane. But a bunch of samples is a genius way to allow the recipient to explore each scent on their own. Amp it up by promising to buy them a bottle of whichever they like best at a later date.
On the eleventh day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the foodie…
…The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook. ($36) This guide is complete with cheese pairing charts and recipes that demonstrate how matching mouthwatering cheeses with the perfect cracker, chutney, and exceptional wine can make or break a charcuterie board. They’ll love it. Add a 12-piece Hickory Farms gift basket ($105) to get them started on their tasting journey straight away.
On the twelfth day of Christmas a reformed gift giver gave to the woman who doesn’t want anything…
…an Orrefors ‘Precious’ glass vase ($275) filled with their favorite flowers. A nice bouquet always get the job done. Presenting them in this shimmering glass keepsake (which looks like a star from above!) is a memorable way to wish someone the happiest of holidays.
It’s not rocket science. Just common sense. HAPPY SHOPPING :-)
FAB gift guide. I want the Jellycat for myself tho TYSM.
"To them, spending more than $100 on a single item is unprecedented. So instead, they spend $300 on twenty items no one asked for, needed, or remembers two days later. Always last-minute Marshall’s grabs destined for the landfill." Truly, the horror. Need to somehow get this letter over to a few select people...