This post is in partnership with Responsival.
If you’re not quite done with your shopping, I have some ideas for you. Now is the time to pick out those last-minute gifts that are perhaps for the harder-to-shop-for individuals on your list. I hope the following ideas give you inspiration and a few easy options. And if you think someone you know will find this useful, please share this post.
Give something they’ll love
When it comes to gift-giving, keep it simple and remember that the best gifts are generally:
- High-quality
- Useful (home items, books, cookbooks)
- Experience-based (a culinary experience, masterclass, or travel)
- Appeal to the senses (a favorite scent or a curated selection of coffee)
- And most importantly, timeless
For quality and timeless, look no further than a diamond necklace
Let’s start with high-quality and timeless. I have a nickel allergy, so I’ve always been weary of cheap jewelry. And honestly, it’s been a blessing in disguise (RIP all those Forever 21 pieces I missed out on in my teenage years…hehe!) But in all seriousness, why waste your money on something that will tarnish AND go out of style? Imagine if younger you knew this and instead of repeatedly buying those “cheap” trendy purchases, you invested your dollars into something that would stand the test of time. That’s why a diamond necklace is always a solid choice. And when you find a company that creates beautiful fine jewelry at a fair price, you know it’s a great choice. AURATE is just that. Based in NYC, all of their pieces are handmade, and free of extra taxes, unnecessary middlemen, and markups. For example, something that would cost $4,420 at a traditional jeweler would cost $1,700 through AURATE. AURATE creates high-quality, sustainable jewelry made with ethical gold and diamonds, with a focus on classic, clean design. Fine jewelry at a fair price? Now that is a gift you can’t go wrong with!
Need to race Santa? AURATE is currently offering free overnight shipping for orders over $300. If you’re planning something further into the future, like a milestone birthday or bridesmaid gifts, you can even contact them about custom pieces.
Useful: Home Gadgets That Make Life Easier
With the increased time we’re spending at home, you can certainly make someone’s daily life a little easier by gifting some useful products.
- For the music lover: Apple HomePod or the new HomePod Mini ($99) — These are by far the best smart speakers on the market for sound quality. I cannot say enough about the quality. We have ours on all the time and it’s one of the best additions to our daily life! Watch a YouTube video review on the HomePod Mini here.
- For the new mover:
- WeMO Smart Plugs
- Touchless facuets
- Ring Floodlights
- The Frame
- Smart locks you can control from your phone
- Stocking stuffers: an avocado slicer or a cherry pitter are both easy options!
Experiences: Support Small Business And Local Favorites
Now is the time to support your favorite local restaurants and shops. Buy gift cards to support your favorite local spots. Or place a curbside pickup order at The Bellevue Collection or University Village and get those gifts under the tree same-day.
For the foodie: If you want to take it up a notch and make the gift even more memorable, give a local restaurant gift card AND order a favorite food from across the country through Goldbelly.
Ship A Goldbelly Surprise
We live on the west coast, but we love Joe’s Pizza in NYC and get it every time we go, but of course did not have the opportunity this year. Well to my amazement, I found them on Goldbelly and we had Joe’s Pizza delivered to our door! And Joe’s is just one of many favorites that Goldbelly offers (there are over 2,000 restaurants in NY alone). They offer delivery from some of the best restaurants and bakeries across the country. From Pike Place Chowder to Texas BBQ, they even have Magnolia Bakery and Levain Bakery so you can send sweet treats to kin near and far. What a treat for anyone craving a hometown favorite or missing spots they can’t travel!
Gift A Digital Experience
Know someone who would love to try Masterclass or Audible, or loves streaming YouTube? Give them a subscription.
Gifts That Appeal To The Senses
We Can All Use The Gift Of Comfort
Lululemon gift cards, Barefoot Dreams blankets, or the comfiest pair of slippers are all easy options
Gift of Scent
Scent can be very personal, so gifting a Pura to someone who loves to fill their home with beautiful seasonal scents could be an easy (and high-tech) option! Pura has an amazing selection of scents, including Capri Blue and Nest.
Gift of Taste
Want to keep it simple? Curate a shipment of your favorite chocolates, snacks, coffees, or teas and gift them — you can simply order via Instacart. It may not be the biggest or fanciest gift, but it will certainly be enjoyable!
Wherever you are with your shopping, I hope you found this list helpful.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season!