The Ultimate Gift Guide from a Certified Over-Gifter
Let me start with a confession: I am completely, unapologetically obsessed with gift giving. Probably has to do with my shopaholic tendencies if I am honest. While most people start panicking about presents in mid-December, I've been curating my mental (and actual) gift list since... the year before. I'm that person who sees something in March and immediately thinks "Oh, Sarah would LOVE this for her birthday!" and buys it on the spot. My storage unit has a dedicated gift section. Every couple of weeks I bring new things over. Birthdays, special occasions, just because, and of course the holidays. Will this change when I become a parent, who knows. For now I am leaning into having the energy and the financial freedom to spoil my friends and family as I see fit.
I used to be a Black Friday warrior—the kind who mapped out store routes, set alarms for 4am (more than once I joined the midnight crowds!), and treated doorbuster deals like a competitive sport. These days, I've traded the chaos for something better: a slow, intentional approach to gift shopping that happens all year long. No stress, no scrambling, just the pure joy of finding the perfect thing for someone. Probably helps that as a researcher I am in perpetual observation mode. If I visit your home or we have a conversation about something best be sure I am taking mental and physical notes (I maintain a running Note in my iPhone literally titled Gift Ideas).
And yes, I'm heavily influenced by social media ads (targeted advertising knows me too well), and yes, I absolutely buy things for myself while "shopping for others."
But here's what I'm genuinely proud of: people seem to really love the gifts I give. Not in a polite "oh, how nice" way, but in a "how did you know I needed this?" way. My youngest nephew was just bragging to his buddy at 3 years old that some of his toys were from his Aunt Kayte and his friend didn’t HAVE an Aunt Kayte 😹
Over the months I’ve had a few messages from people who need gift giving ideas. So, I've pulled together all my favorite finds from this year—the things I've actually bought, the things I'm planning to buy, and the things that made me stop scrolling and say "okay, that's genius."
Whether you're shopping for tiny humans, moody teens, or the impossible-to-shop-for adults in your life, I've got you covered. While this is a pretty big launch post, I am considering a weekly or monthly round up of things I clicked on and saved to share more frequently. And before we dive in, one more gifting hack for you: send yourself the links to ads you come across so you have a scrolling list right in your inbox, or use your social media’s “save” feature – I have a collection for, you guessed it, gift ideas!
Also quick comment – most of these links are also available in my brand-spanking-new ShopMy account with pictures if you need visuals. NGL, quite a few of these ideas are hyperlinked with an affiliate code which costs nothing additional to you and are quite finicky for me. Meaning: just because you click on the link doesn’t mean I will earn a teeny commission, if the link is interrupted or another link is clicked before you check out, the code will fail. Just want to be transparent.
OH! And this should go without saying but these are just ideas. Some might feel generic, but it how you personalize with in the gift – like a puzzle with their name or of a specific thing they like. I know I GO BIG. Spend where you are comfortable. I have found the more personalized you approach the idea of gifting, no matter how small, is more memorable. And don’t skimp out on experience purchases – for family’s things like zoo or park tickets or activities and memberships. Keeps giving more than on event.
Now…Let the shopping games begin!
LITTLES
(Mostly listed from baby to toddler to bigger kid in progression)
Lovevery milestone box – this is subscription service with Montessori style toys for different development ages. Everyone I have gifted this to as loved it. You can do one-off boxes or the whole year depending on your budget.
Books – not going to link any. Board books on counting, colors, unique travel stories, GoodNight/Bedtime book series are always a hit. For my family and all my nephews – when they were babies I would pick up a Good Night series book for wherever I had visited, a lot of states or major monuments will have specific stories. Same for coloring books on fun topics but don’t forget the crayons. I like these because they are bigger and have a case for them. Gifting these twice this season.
Water and Bath Toys – either for bathtime or water table play. Especially a nicer/upgraded set of some toys that might be a splurge for parents that are appreciated as a gift. I’m eyeing these sand toys for examples. I’ve also gifted seashell collecting kits and these bath cups. And for the parents this splash guard shelf and knee pad!
Tonies Box – this has been a hit for my nephews! Costs can add up for parents when it comes to the figurines so getting new ones gifted every so often really helps. I’ve gifted both a starter kit and specific characters like Disney, Paw Patrol, etc. It’s a really fun screen-free activity and they even have older kid ones. Some are stories and some are songs. Don’t forget the headphones and storage case (small) or (large). There’s loads of branded and off-brand storage solutions as well as new accessories directly from Tonies Amazon Store.
Magnatiles. All the tiles. And even a travel set, great to have with you when you’re out and about!
Games – there are SO many options. Younger toddlers can benefit from games like memory matching (plus so many themed variations to keep in a rotation), or basics like Tic-Tac-Toe (now in a digital format and case) or Connect 4 (or wood versions if worried about plastic), then as they learn those move into cooperative play (about working together), then into the classics like Monopoly (or Junior) and Ticket to Ride. There are so many card game sets, too. I won’t overlink these but what’s always a hit? UNO. And there are so many varieties now. This year I’m giving out the new Uno Spin and last year I gave unique Uno sets like Barbie, Batman, and Mario. Oh and also a mini.
This baby/toddler chair has been a big winner!
Arts and crafts – Sometimes more on the art side but the idea is something creative to keep them busy off screens. I’ve given Montessori style puzzles like these, and typical crafts like bracelet making, nails, potholders, etc. even a bath bomb making kit.
Educational – As the kids in my family have grown into learning how to read and math, etc. I have kept a look out for unique games or gifts that amplify that play and learning.
STEM and Building – I’ve gifted this yard microscope, tools, countless Lego sets for both genders and all ages (Duplo is the younger series!).
Superhero…anything. Dress up costumes, graphic books/comics, notebooks, figurines, if they love it, buy all the branded merch to win them over. I’ve found this to be true for girls and boys. Sub in movie or show characters as needed.
Magic and magician training
Pokemon anything – yep still around and hotter then ever. If you’ve got a Pokemon kid in your life and you gift them a pack of cards (even random boosters) they get stars in their eyes. Minis!
Books, again. I am an avid book giver as kids age – including chapter books, graphic novels, and deep dives into specific topics like sharks and the solar system. Once I know what kind of stories they like I will check titles with parents to make sure either the content is okay or that they don’t have it. Big, big promotor of reading. I will also gift bookstore gift cards, too. (Even joke books)
Fun nightlights.
Sports fans – beanies, hats, tees…anything that roots for their home team.
On my radar: Zip String
TWEEN AND TEEN GIRLS
(Most of these are for girls, though some may be gender neutral. I flagged a few potential boy interests but this is a category I am not actively buying for this season!)
Personal care – all the fun stuff that feels like adulting. From satin/silk pillowcases and eye masks, to hair accessories (headbands, clips, scrunchies are back!), long hair wrap, oil blotting roller or sheets, fun lip gloss flavors, Ulta and Sephora gift cards
School supplies – gel pens are BACK! So sometimes I coordinate with some fun paper, too. Pencil/pen pouches, fun notebooks. Fancy markers and coloring books. Personalized notepads. (Anything BOWS seems to be popular, too)
Caffeine-inspired – yep. Teens and Tweens are hanging out at coffee and tea places and fill up on sugary concoctions. Consider gift cards or other caffeine memorabilia (mugs, cups, etc.)
Thirsty much? Stanely’s are probably over gifted, but HydroJugs is cool. Kids these days have water bottles for e v e r y t h i n g. If they already have a Stanley ask if they have the ice mold.
Fashion accessories – but not the brightly colored cheap things they liked when they were six. Coordinated statement earrings and bracelets (I tend to stay away from necklaces because neck sizes can be hard to judge for lengths). Ink and Alloy have nice options with a worthy cause but can be pricey!
Handbags and Clutches – the trend seems to be heading back into mini bag territory from the gigantic totes we used to lug around. Just make sure its smartphone sized! Slingbacks can be fun.
Knick knacks and décor – don’t underestimate a fun décor gift like a lamp or a dresser piece, even something to hang on a wall. This age is experimenting with their own style both with clothing and their bedrooms. I find some unique pieces in thrift and antique shops. More tweeny but there’s some really cool unicorn pieces I find in almost every antique place that are more classy than the plastic toys. Think of them as fun room ornaments. Letter boards can be a hit!
Older hobbies! Crochet is “all the rage” or so it appears.
FOR HER
(Older teen through older adults, mostly for women)
SPF – if you can get your hands on European SPF gift it all! Euro sunscreens are far superior to US formulas and with better skin benefits. This is what I have. And these SPF lippies.
SPF Clothing – from driving gloves to tops. The women in my life have been very sun conscious. I also found this Nashie brand from social media this year.
Hobby ideas – from themed Lego kits (even flower bouquets!) to unique puzzles and crafting sets. Don’t forget about disc/frisbee golf (could be a guy idea!)
Satin/Silk pillowcases – I think I have gifted these to everyone. So good for your skin but also so cozy to sleep on. And satin showercap. And satin beanies! My favorite hair towel is by Norwex and I also like this Kitsch one (seriously THAT one, the black is of a different material).
Creams and Lotion – again check on any skin allergies if needed. But I’m gifting this Soft Serve set and have had good luck with this sleepy time lotion and this pillow spray. Experimenting with this and this personally right now – so far I like.
Clothing Steamer – I’ve tried a bunch of these over the years. This is my favorite but it is bulky, FYI if planning on traveling with it. But it’s powerful with minimal squirts, IYKYK.
Curling irons/hair devices: Tymo 3-n-1, Dyson Air Wrap (an investment but I have had mine for 5+ years and still obsessed. I have not tried any of the dupes.) I can’t find a link anymore to JUST the airwrap, I don’t think you need ALL the tools so don’t want to sticker shock anyone lol
Nails/Nail Art – trying these pens for the first time (pretty sure coming from China so TBD tariff bill!), also have a few home UV lights for any home gel sets. Olive and June always have great color options.
Tucky – perfect during sweater weather
Calendars – My family always gifts a photo personalized one every year, and I am loving this new celebration calendar style (found mine in Amsterdam, linking a similar one). Or a pretty desk cal.
Travel garment duffle bag and accessories like this luggage sleeve
BOOKS. Or Kindle/Audible gift cards (e.g. Amazon) or bookstand
Lenox spice jar set ($$) or the house plates
On my radar: Lip balm rings, stall stopper, book counter
FOR HIM
(Older teen or adults, mostly for men)
Grill or food prep: Magnetic grill light, BBQ prep set, bristle-free cleaner
So many belts: maglock belt, side belt, holeless belt
Unique tools: Furniture moving kit, Laser level, Adjustable flashlight
Car cleaner – gifting this twice, potentially 3x this year
Coffee on the go
Hat storage: Travel case, wall mount tower or singles,
Foldies or Johnny Fly sunglasses
Portable stool/chair
Personal Care: Nuts Powder, my partner loves the anything from Jack Black line
On my radar: Dude Robe, Twillory Air Blazer ($$)
Plus new for me this year, I give my partner a travel related gift each year. We went to just two new places together this year, so I found colognes to represent each place. Just search for your destination + fragrance for ideas. Sometimes it might be MADE there versus named or scent inspired. Cool reflection gift!
FOR ANYONE
(Less gender specific)
#1 for every house: fire blanket and updated spray and document bag
Yard stuff: Gardening gloves, Yard or Harvest apron, leaf scooper, mini chainsaw
Candle warmer – so many styles and this scented candle
Emergency air wedge bags – but you must practice with them before you need them!
Grease container with strainer – lots of options outside of this link but an underrated kitchen helper
Portable power station, travel charger (pricey, but multiple charges and wall recharging built in – I have many of this brand), micro USB-C port set
Pets: Custom blankets (double check size!), artwork
FOR Pets: Toys that represent something, this year I’m doing Nashville toy guitars and Amsterdam inspired flowers. I also usually throw in a tug toy or two and have had success with these Himalayan chews for big chewers.
BIGGER TICKET IDEA…
So, how’d I do? More specialty lists coming soon!
