Nothing beats the excitement of going to the mall and spending hours sifting through clothing racks and peering over the shelves to find the most perfect gift for everyone on your list. Unless… you have the type of friend that already has everything she needs. What then?
As the self-proclaimed best gift-giver in my family, the holidays are the best time of the year. Gift giving is an art that is easily learned and mastered. My favorite winter activities are usually going to TJ Maxx to find good deals on gifts or to shop online for more personalized items. Not everyone in my family has this talent, so my Christmas Eve is usually spent at the mall with my stepdad steering him away from the ugly sweaters he thinks are “perfect” for my mom (spoiler: they always get returned). Nothing brings me more joy than making sure everyone has a gift under the tree that I know they will love
Whether you’re seeing this two weeks in advance or the night before, there is still time to get the perfect gift for that one friend who you’re never quite sure of. Keep reading for my top 3 store-bought and DIY gifts for the girl that already has it all.
Books & Reading Accessories
Before you scroll, I know what you’re thinking: But my friend doesn’t even read that much. Whether she’s a total bookworm or hasn’t read in years, a book can still be a great gift! For avid readers, ask what she’s been reading lately to figure out some of her favorite authors and series. From there, you can order from any major retailer (or go to Half Price Books for a good deal). If you’re not sure what book to gift, use this site to get custom recommendations based on previously read books.
Another option for someone who isn’t as interested in reading would be a coffee-table or more nonfiction book. My friend got the Taylor Swift Eras Tour book for Christmas last year, and that’s still sitting out on our TV stand where anyone can flip through it. As a graphic design student, I’m also always looking at books I can add to my shelf for inspiration and guides.
For my birthday, my friend gifted me a custom embosser for my bookshelf, and this is still one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received. Especially for an organized bookworm, reading and bookshelf accessories are the perfect gift. Bookmarks are a wallet-friendly and fully-customizable gift option, as well, that your friend is sure to love.
Locally-Made Gift from a Market
Looking to get some shopping done, have a fun afternoon out, and support local small businesses? Check out one of our recent posts that includes holiday markets happening in Cincinnati this December. This past weekend, Her Campus Cincinnati visited the Findlay Holiday Market, and we all found the most perfect hand-made gifts for friends on our lists.
Shopping at a holiday or craft market can be the best way to find unique gifts that are sure to impress your doesn’t-need-anything-new type of friend. When I visit a market like this, I am usually on the hunt for handmade jewelry, crafted soaps and lotions, or unique decor. Finding these from a local vendor adds to the holiday magic of your gift.
Handmade Room Decor
Nothing is cuter (or trendier) than the DIY decor pins I see on Pinterest. All you need is some inspiration and a trip to a craft store to make this happen. (If you’re working on a budget, check out local Cincinnati store Indigo Hippo for affordable supplies.) My roommates and I recently made air dry clay magnets for our fridge, and they turned out perfect. There are so many items that can be made from air dry or polymer clay, from earrings to trinket dishes.
You can also find a unique picture frame at a thrift store and collage it with photos, fabric, stickers, and anything that reminds you of your friend. Canva can be a great option if you’re looking to make something digital then have it printed, full of templates and pre-made designs that you can easily add photos to. There are truly endless options for a DIY decor item to gift to your friend: painting, collaged photo frames, beaded flowers, and clay dishes are just the tip of the crafting iceberg.
Whatever you decide to gift your friend, whether you hunt for the perfect item at a craft fair or spend time crafting their next favorite piece of decor, she will be sure to love it. Share your favorite finds and tag us @hccincinnati on Instagram and @hercampus.cincy on Tiktok. Good luck, and happy gifting!