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A Gift Guide: What to get who for Christmas

Wrapped gifts under a Christmas tree.
Wrapped gifts under a Christmas tree.
Courtesy of Getty Images

The holidays are here, and with them comes the annual stress of finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for your fashion-forward friend, your gym-loving brother, or even your furry companions, the pressure to pick the right present can be overwhelming. Luckily, I’ve put together the ultimate gift guide to make your holiday shopping stress-free.

Let’s face it, our parents deserve the world, but they’re often the hardest to shop for. Here’s how to win them over this holiday season. To graduate from the classic coupon book of “10 free hugs,” treat your mom to a custom photo book featuring cherished family memories or a cozy weighted blanket for those quiet evenings. If she loves to cook, a meal kit subscription like HelloFresh can add some fun to her weekly routine. For your dad, there’s always the classic option of upgrading his tech with a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo or a personalized leather wallet. For grill-loving dads, consider premium barbecue tools or a high-tech meat thermometer.

Moving onto the next classic: the gym rat. If your sibling lives at the gym and talks in reps and sets, these gifts will keep them pumped. Starting with a sleek gym bag with extra compartments for shoes and gear is a must-have to contain the stench. If they deserve a splurge, help them recover post-workout with a massage gun or resistance bands. For the tech-savvy athlete, a fitness tracker like a Fitbit or Garmin makes an ideal companion for his training sessions.

Since it is Aspen, there must be at least one family member who refers to themselves as a “powder hound”. Whether they’re carving The Bowl’s powder or braving Highlands’ icy slopes, skiers and snowboarders will love these thoughtful ideas. Imagine this, upgrade their slope gear with anti-fog ski goggles or heated gloves. We all know it is important to stay hydrated so consider a travel mug for their hot chocolate or coffee après-ski is both practical and personal. But if they do not deserve your whole shopping budget maybe consider something more inexpensive by showing some flair with ski-themed socks or a durable beanie to keep them warm and stylish.

Next up is the fashionista. The fashionista on your list wants gifts that make a statement. Here’s how to impress them. Go for trendy jewelry, like minimalist gold hoops or a bold statement necklace from Mejuri. But make sure they are either a silver or gold person (it is a big deal). If their winter closet is getting bare, head to Luxe loungewear. They carry cashmere sweaters or chic matching sets, which are perfect for cozy winter days. Alternatively, for a gift that keeps on giving, consider a subscription to Rent the Runway or Stitch Fix for curated wardrobe upgrades all year.

If the only person worthy of receiving a gift is your pet, you have come to the right place. Your furry friends deserve some holiday love too. Here are some pet-approved ideas: For dogs, treat them to interactive toys, a plush dog bed, or durable chew bones. , if you’re a cat person go for a scratching post, a window perch for sunbathing, or a cozy cat cave. But if you are all about aesthetics then opt for personalized collars or tags to make a thoughtful and practical gift for any pet or pet owner.

Do you know the next Picasso? I recommend including them in your gift-giving to secure a claim-to-fame relationship. For the creative soul on your list, pick gifts that inspire and support their craft. For example, a professional-grade sketchbook or a set of paints from brands like Winsor & Newton or Copic will fuel their creativity. Otherwise, if their supplies are piling over then think about upgrading their workspace with a stylish desk lamp or a portable easel. Another option if they’re into digital art, an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription or an Apple Pencil will make their creative process seamless.

This would not be a proper guide unless the Finance Bro was included. The finance enthusiast in your life will appreciate gifts that combine practicality with a touch of sophistication since they are most likely involved in the whirlwind that is interning. A sleek leather portfolio or a high-quality fountain pen is perfect for their next big meeting. Of course, a subscription to The Wall Street Journal or Bloomberg will keep them up to date on financial news. Alternatively, for downtime, a classy whiskey decanter set or a hardcover book on investing, like The Intelligent Investor, makes for a refined gift.

This holiday season, make your list, check it twice, and use this guide to find thoughtful gifts for everyone. From tech to wellness to fashion, there’s something here to make every person (and pet) on your list smile. Happy gifting!

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