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Gift-giving is special. It involves thought, time and effort to choose the most quintessential item for someone important in your life. Gifts demonstrate one’s appreciation and gratitude. They express one’s adoration for those who have shaped them and are a form of symbolic communication, according to Harvard Business Review. In my life, my parents are the people I appreciate the absolute most. They do more for me and the rest of my family than I could ever imagine. This list will help you come up with meaningful gifts for people who deserve it all.
Gifting your mom the perfect present can feel like a daunting task. Moms always seem to have everything they could possibly need, and my mom never asks for anything. When I am not given many ideas, I put extra pressure on myself to find something extraordinary. The list of gifts for moms includes both classic and unique items.
Moms!
1. Classic fashion jewelry
Julie Vos is a high-end fashion jewelry brand that my mom really likes. The jewelry has a preppy, classic style. My favorite designs have gems and are gold. The Savoy Gold Hoop Earrings are wide, chunky everyday earrings. This style comes in two sizes and starts at $75.
2. A bracelet stack
ENewton has the best quality gold beaded bracelets that create the ideal stack. I got my first ENewton bracelets when I was in sixth grade, and I wore them for years. Then, for my high school graduation, I got a new stack. These bracelets can get wet and will not turn colors. They are elegant, timeless and durable. There are so many options on the website, so you will definitely find something your mom will love. I think getting your mom a bracelet with your birthstone, or maybe orange and blue (go Gators), would make the gift even more special.
3. Slippers
I am obsessed with these rose-pink metallic slippers with pink fur. They are so plush and comfortable. These shoes are easy to throw on when doing things around the house or when your mom is ready to go to bed. If your mom’s favorite color isn’t pink, these slippers also come in navy metallic with navy fur and bronze metallic with caramel fur for $40.
4. An apron & oven mitts
This blue floral apron is amazing for moms who love to cook. The blue ribbon detail is so pretty, and the pattern reminds me of LoveShackFancy. For $32, you can guarantee that your mom will always cook in style. This apron has a matching oven mitt with the same blue floral design and navy trim. The mitt is only $16!
5. Gator dish towel
Being a UF mom means that you also have to love the Gators. This UF dish towel includes every campus landmark and, of course, Albert and Alberta make an appearance. The towel can be purchased on Amazon for $24. It is the perfect addition to your kitchen at home.
6. Colored wine glasses
Anthropologie sells this set of four wine glasses in ten colors for $56. These glasses are very in style since they are monochromatic. These glasses will make your mom feel fancy, and when not in use, can be used as decoration.
7. An adorable mug
This cream mug with rose pink bows reminds me of my mom. Every year, she makes our house look like a winter wonderland with gorgeous decorations to make the holidays memorable and special. She spends hours and hours wrapping all the gifts and adding huge bows. Mugs are great for everyone – coffee drinkers, tea lovers and those who drink hot chocolate during the winter months. This $16 mug would remind her of the happy holiday spirit year-round.
8. A fragrant candle
Anthropologie is my go-to store for candles. The store has a wide variety of gorgeous and deliciously scented candles that are both functional and serve as decorative accents. The Capri Blue Volcano candle is an iconic tropical citrus scent that comes in four different sizes. The medium size is my favorite, which is $36. I love the capiz jar and gold lid, but there are plenty of other designs that you can also choose from!
9. Perfume
My mom’s everyday fragrance of choice is Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. It has an incredible floral scent. This is definitely a luxury gift since it’s $105. Buying your mom her favorite perfume or picking one out that you think she would love is a great option.
10. Hair products
My mom always appreciates a good hair product. This Florida heat is no joke, and nothing is worse than having a bad hair day. Amika’s anti-humidity spray has prevented frizz and heat damage for my mom, so I will definitely gift her another one this holiday season. It can be found on Amazon for $26.20.
11. A picture frame with a photo
Moms love photos, so purchasing a frame, or two, and adding a nice photo in it would brighten her day. On Amazon, I found this set of two white high gloss bamboo frames. They are neutral, but more interesting than just a basic metallic or wood frame. This set is $49.50, but there are countless other options.
12. A nice blanket
Barefoot Dreams has the most luxurious and soft blankets on the market. While these blankets are on the pricier side, they are worth the splurge. The blanket is unlike any other. Anyone on your list would thoroughly enjoy having this blanket.
13. Patterned playing cards
This gift is kind of random, but some families like playing card games together. This patterned playing cards set will elevate any family game night for $35. There are four pattern options and Mark & Graham offers complimentary customization for this gift. This set of cards is something your mom most likely does not already own, and a gift that will be highly used around the holidays when the family is together.
14. Planner – $35
Moms have a lot going on. Getting them a planner with a cute design will help them stay organized, and it will serve as a constant daily reminder of you when you’re away at school. Papier has some of the best stationery. Anyone can use a daily planner, and this one comes in six colorways. My favorite is cream with blue text.
Somehow, I have an even harder time selecting a gift for my dad. He is so easygoing and never wants or asks for anything. I understand all the girl trends, but I am unaware of what is trending for men. Finding something that my dad will really enjoy opening on Christmas morning is difficult, but I have come up with a list of items that my dad would be happy to see under the tree.
Dads!
1. Sunglasses
Sunglasses can be hard to purchase for someone else, but everyone needs a pair in the sunny state of Florida. I think this pair of Ray-Bans with gold frames would look great and be liked by most dads. It is a nicer gift since the pair is over $100, but there are so many other options that you can choose from to make sure you get the best pair for your dad.
2. Cologne
While my dad can’t wear cologne to work, he always wears it on the weekends. Cologne is a staple holiday gift. You can buy him his favorite one or buy something new for him to try out. My dad usually switches it up, but right now he’s wearing Dior Sauvage which is $68 at Sephora.
3. Body wash
L’Occitane has really nice bath and body products for both men and women. My dad likes their products’ scents and every year, he receives more of their products. This body wash is classic and fragrant, but not overpowering and is $24.
4. Laptop sleeve
I am always introducing my dad to the latest technology and accessories. Getting him a new laptop sleeve would be highly appreciated since that is something he definitely needs to protect his computer and something he wouldn’t think to buy for himself. This navy laptop sleeve from Best Buy is $31.99 and has a cool texture.
5. UF embroidered wallet
This needlepoint wallet with Albert is easy to carry because it is slim. It holds credit cards and has a spot for cash. My dad dislikes having a heavy wallet, so this is perfect since it is lightweight. At $65, this wallet is a functional gift that can be your dad’s daily reminder of you working hard at UF.
6. UF hat
I feel like all dads love wearing hats, so why not gift your dad a UF-themed one? This vintage-style royal blue hat with an embroidered Albert can be found at Dick’s Sporting Goods for $30.
7. Slippers
We always keep my house pretty chilly, so my dad is always cold. He usually wears slippers to stay warm. J. Crew Factory is selling a pair of suede sherpa slippers that come in indigo and caramel for $27.50. The rubber sole makes these shoes easy to walk around in, and the fur on the inside makes the slippers extra comfortable.
8. Keychain
This is another product from Smathers & Branson to get for your dad. Adding a royal blue keychain with “Dad” written in bold white letters will help my dad quickly find his keys, which he seems to lose daily. This will be the best $32.50 ever spent.
9. An insulated tumbler/mug
My dad drinks coffee every single day, and is at work for a very long time. Having warm, fresh coffee is a must, and this Yeti travel mug with a lid will help him get the best-tasting coffee all day long. It comes in many colors, holds 20 oz and is $38.
10. Koozie
Smathers & Branson has high-quality needlepoint gifts that my dad and brother both appreciate getting. The “World’s Best Dad” royal blue with white text can cooler is useful and something your dad can’t gift himself. I highly recommend this $35 present.
11. Snacks
My dad looks forward to getting all his favorite snacks and treats each holiday season. My dad has a big sweet tooth, so he is in heaven when he receives all his favorites. Get your dad his favorite food or drink.
12. A good book
Whenever my dad has free time, he can be found reading a book. Typically, I get my dad a book relating to his career since he prefers reading educational texts. He also likes to read biographies of people with similar careers. I like that this gift is relatively inexpensive, but also very personalized and thoughtful.
Ultimately, it is essential to remember that it isn’t the monetary value of the gift that matters; rather, it’s the thought and presentation that mean the most. Most parents do not expect anything and understand how challenging it can be to find a high-quality gift. I hope that this list will make your holiday shopping a lot easier!