Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
MSU | Life

A guide to great gift giving this holiday season

Updated Published
Brooklynn Rosenberg Student Contributor, Michigan State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Although finding the perfect gifts for the holidays can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be. In past years I have often resorted to buying simple stuff, but this year I decided to step up my gift-giving game. I wanted each gift to be unique and something the recipient would truly love. Throughout my time spent finding the perfect gifts for my loved ones, I compiled a list of tips, tricks and recommendations to help you find the perfect gift for everyone in your life this holiday season.

Finding a great gift starts with research. This can be anything from window shopping to scouring the internet in search of that perfect but obscure item. One of my favorite ways to do this is by using Etsy. If you can think of something, it probably exists on Etsy.

To begin, I start in the app by searching a range of different topics that I know the recipient likes, such as music, cooking, jewelry, crafting, sports decor, or travel. In addition, Etsy has places for this in the app where you can search based on the occasion and who you’re shopping for. 

Not only has this led me to a lot of great finds, Etsy usually has customizable options which adds a special, personalized touch to any gift. Not to mention, the quality of these gifts are usually far better than anything found in a store as these items are often hand crafted by small businesses who are passionate about their craft. What really tops it off is that these gifts won’t break the bank and they arrive in a timely manner. That said, here are some of my favorite finds.

For the chef

If your recipient loves cooking, they most likely already own pots, pans, and appliances. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get them a meaningful gift to elevate their cooking experience. Personalized cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and serving platters with customizations like one’s last name are all unique and useful options for the chef in your life. With gifts like these you are even able to choose from a variety of different styles and fonts that can compliment any kitchen.

For the homebody

While a blanket and a candle can make for a nice gift, if you want to get a little more creative, digital picture frames, simmer pot kits, and candle warmers bring a new level of comfort to any home. These also go great in themed gift baskets paired with complimentary items like photographs and candles.

For the sports fan

If you have a sports fan in your life, you know that they can never get enough merch and memorabilia. Wall art and graphic tees of one’s favorite sports team are two unique options. These items stray away from the basic team logos that are on every other piece of merch and include displays of one of a kind artwork that make for a really creative gift. 

For the party animal

In addition to a fun night out, everyone enjoys a good pregame, which is why bar cart accessories make for a great gift. Cute glasses, cocktail mix kits, and a candle of one’s favorite drink are all perfect for anyone who appreciates a good time.

For the crafter

What better gift to give the craft lover in your life than one to fuel their next new hobby and crafting obsession. Craft kits are a great gift that come equipped with all the supplies needed for an introduction into any craft imaginable like crochet, pottery, mosaic, or embroidery. These kits are also often made for a range of ages and experience levels which make for a fun and worry free gift.

With this gift guide and Etsy by your side, you can leave the days of stressing over the perfect gift behind. It only takes a few extra steps to elevate your gift giving and find something each and every person will truly love this holiday season. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or coworkers, there is a unique and meaningful gift for everyone on your list.

Brooklynn is the current treasurer of MSU's Her Campus Chapter and this is her second semester in the position. She manages the club's budget and allocates funds for chapter events, merch and incentive prizes. Rosenberg is also a part of the events team where she helps plan events for her chapter.

She is a junior this year at Michigan State University, studying public relations and advertising. She was born and raised in Michigan and graduated from West Bloomfield High School. With her bachelors degree, Brooklynn hopes to someday get a job working in the communications department for a beauty or fashion brand.

In her free time, Brooklynn enjoys reading, baking, attending concerts, doing her makeup and making content for social media. She is super excited for her second year in Her Campus and hopes to get creative and strengthen her writing skills.