Tis’ the season for online shopping and gift-giving!
Even though buying meaningful and affordable gifts is supposed to be fun, we all have that one person in our lives who is absolutely impossible to shop for. Maybe they already have the latest Revlon curling iron, the trendiest winter UGGs or the coolest headphones for the gym. Shopping for these friends can feel like a full-time job and tying that in with the stresses of the holiday season… let’s just say that it’s sometimes unpleasant.
I’m sure that I’m not the only one who actually finds it refreshing when your friends beg you to not spend your entire savings on an extravagant gift for them. Yet I know how much fun gift-giving can be during the holidays and totally understand why people are so insistent on buying gifts for their friends.
Thinking of gift ideas can be tricky, but I’ve got you covered! Make sure to fill up your online shopping carts before the month of December so your gifts will arrive on time and don’t sell out :)
1. A Personalized Message from Celebs on Cameo.com
From Caitlyn Jenner to Carole Baskin, cameo.com has a celeb for everyone. Ask your friend’s favourite celebrity to send them a personalized message and they’ll receive it via text message or email. Some messages from celebrities are more expensive than others, but it will totally be worth it when your friend plays that video on repeat!
2. Support a Local Restaurant or Boutique
Unfortunately, due to the harsh circumstances of the pandemic, many family-run restaurants and clothing boutiques have been forced to close their doors. In order to support small businesses, give your friend a gift card to their favourite restaurant in their university town! They’ll appreciate it when they’re too lazy to cook during the winter semester:)
3. A Portrait Illustration of you and your Besties
A bunch of Etsy shops offer affordable options to choose from. Your friends will surely hang up the design in their college dorms and it is also a good alternative to a basic picture.
4. A Pajama Set
Whether it’s from Victoria’s Secret, Target, or Old Navy, your friends will love wearing their new cozy pj set this winter. Pj sets are perfect to wear on Christmas Day or a cozy girl’s night in with your friends… not to mention they are great for Instagram pictures.
5. A Silk Pillowcase
Attention to all skincare lovers! This gift is meant for you. Silk pillowcases are perfect to keep your skin blemish-free and your hair in good shape when you wake up! Most people wouldn’t treat themselves to their own silk pillowcase, so they’ll be pleasantly surprised when they open your gift.
6. A Skincare Product by The Ordinary Skin Care
The Ordinary, a natural skin care brand, has been trending recently! Your friends may have their products or a traditional go-to product already, but it doesn’t even matter because with winter coming, you can never get enough skin care.
7. A Polaroid Camera or Film for Polaroid Cameras
Taking pictures with old-school film is back. There are tons of apps that allow you to take pics that look like they’ve been developed with film. Polaroid cameras are also making a comeback and I am sure your friends would love to take pictures with a trendy camera.
8. A Subscription to HelloFresh or WineCollective
HelloFresh is a Godsend!! They send you an entire box full of ingredients along with specific recipes that tend to be super simple. Cook with your friends and you’ll feel like you’re on Top Chef. HelloFresh has tons of vegan and allergy-friendly options so there’s something for everyone! In addition, you can send your friend monthly wine deliveries through WineCollective for a perfect movie night with the girls.
9. A Spotify or Apple Music Subscription
Grab a few friends and pay for someone’s Apple Music or Spotify membership… they’ll always think of you when listening to their favourite songs:)
10. Adobe Design Apps (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
Photoshop and other Adobe programs can be super expensive so this could be a really thoughtful holiday gift if you have a friend who’s into graphic design or who would simply benefit from Photoshop. Too expensive? Split the cost between a few friends and make it their birthday AND holiday gift.
11. An Aritzia Matching Set
There are so many colours to choose from and they’re beyond cozy. Make sure to ask your friend their size and colour preference before making your purchase online. It doesn’t matter if that ruins the surprise – it’s important that the set fits and that they love the colour!
12. A Winter Beanie
Who doesn’t love a good winter hat? No matter the colour of the hat or whether there’s a pompom, your friend will rock the beanie throughout the winter months.
Feeling inspired yet?
Happy shopping and Happy Holidays! XO