The holidays are almost here, so that means two things for me: togetherness and gift-giving. I consider gift giving my top love language. I always get my family the gifts they usually ask for, but now that I’m in college and I have cool and stylish friends, I can’t necessarily give them the standard gift card or hot cocoa kit. They deserve something meaningful and filled with sentimental value. I’m also getting older now, so a simple hug won’t really cut it. Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of research on what I want to give them this year, maybe some of my ideas will help you get inspired, too!
Bag Charms
Bag charms are such a good way to express personal style. Maybe you’re into rock climbing, have a pet dog or like a local sports team. Not only can a bag charm be aesthetically pleasing, but it can also be a great conversation starter about your hobbies and interests. One of my best friends is a die-hard K-pop fan, so she has a beaded bag charm with a sleeve to hold her favorite idol cards. Â
If you’re traveling for the holidays, and you want to give your friends something special to share your experiences with, you could purchase a bag charm of a local landmark, or even a bag charm of a local cultural dish or activity.Â
Jewelry Storage
I think the most thoughtful gift that can be given isn’t necessarily an item but a piece of storage to keep special items safe. Personally, I have a stacked jewelry tray that holds my necklace and earrings since I’m always on the go, but maybe you have a friend or someone special who takes more time when planning their jewelry out. Maybe they consider it a small daily styling experience. If so, I heavily suggest getting them a jewelry box to make their jewelry layering experience extra special.
Charm Bracelet Or Necklace
Speaking of jewelry lovers, if you give somebody a place to put their jewelry, why not help them grow their collection too? Similar to bag charms, there is a great touch of personality in your wardrobe. Maybe you give them a charm necklace with their birthstone on it, or maybe it has a charm that recalls an inside joke that you two share. The possibilities with charms are endless.
Kitchenware
In 2026, I plan on being more of a hostess and throwing more get-togethers for my friends and me. I also just really love pieces for my apartment that are fun and functional. Platters, cutlery and baking tools can be used regularly to enhance everyday living. If you want to make your gift recipient really smile, give them a personalized apron or oven mitts so they can cook in style.Â
Best of all …
All of these gift ideas can be very budget-friendly. Whether you would like to make handmade gifts, upcycle or even shop secondhand from your local thrift store, gift giving doesn’t have to break the bank. If you wish to DIY something, I highly suggest looking up tutorials on YouTube and Pinterest.
