HOLIDAY GIFTING, DECODED

Holiday gifting sounds simple… until you actually start shopping.

Suddenly, your list includes the person who has everything, the person you barely know but definitely have to buy for, the person who says “don’t get me anything” (and absolutely means something), and the person who loves luxury but not luxury prices. Oh – and don’t forget the friend who deserves a gift that does something… whether that’s spark joy, creativity, laughter, or a full-on emotional moment.

So instead of panic-buying another candle or stress-Googling “unique gifts under $25,” we asked our team to share their go-to ideas for every impossible gifting scenario. The result? A list that’s thoughtful, practical, slightly chaotic, and surprisingly helpful.

Consider this your official permission to gift smarter, laugh more, and maybe look way more intentional than you actually were.

The Person Who Has Everything

Ayin: I’d gift this person a Clever Fox Journal. They offer beautifully designed journals for every lifestyle – gratitude, self-care, fitness, travel, and more. No matter their interests, there’s a version that fits. It’s a thoughtful way to encourage reflection, creativity, and capturing meaningful insights.

Yalina: Because when they have it all… you have to REALLY get creative. I’d give this person an experience gift – like a massage or a cooking class – because a core memory lives rent-free forever.

Pen: The “Emergency Self-Care” Lemon: A beautifully packaged, high-quality, real lemon. With a card that says, “When life gives you lemons, make a quick martini.” Cheers!

Sam: I’ve been told that I am the “has everything” person… so for someone like me, all I want is an experience! Most people don’t want to spend any additional money on themselves during and after the holidays so why not pamper them with something they probably don’t get to do often – a spa day. Grab them a certificate for a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure, or a hair-and-scalp massage. Just do some research and look for reviews first, don’t send them somewhere sketchy.

Maritza: Gift them memories. The KODAK CHARMERA Keychain Digital Camera Blind Box is fun, nostalgic, and sells out fast. Get it before it’s gone… don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The Person You Barely Know But Have to Get a Gift For

Ayin: I’ll get this person a First Aid Kit because who wouldn’t appreciate a little extra safety at home or in the car? It’s one of those essentials everyone needs but rarely remembers to buy… until something happens. Consider this your gentle (and helpful) “trigger” to get them prepared!

Yalina: I’m choosing a classic cute mug paired with a coffee shop gift card because it’s safe, sweet, and completely free of awkward energy. It says “I was thoughtful” without trying too hard – the perfect middle ground.

Pen: “Emergency” Fancy Snacks – A small kit containing one expensive bag of chips, popcorn, one fancy soda, and one piece of reallyyyyy good chocolate. Calling it the “Life’s Little Crisis Kit.” It’s universally appreciated fuel – trust me, nowadays, everyone would LOVE this!

Sam: I would hate to get someone a gift they aren’t going to like or use. I’m extremely picky and particular about things, so I assume most people are as well. So for someone I don’t know, they’re usually getting a gift card. Sure, it’s impersonal, but they WILL use it, and that’s the point! My favorite way to give gift cards is to get something small and silly that corresponds with said gift card. For example, a Chipotle gift card with a tortilla blanket, or an Olive Garden gift card with some pasta chip clips, or a Din Tai Fung gift card inside of a bamboo steamer with some mini hot sauces, etc. It makes it so much cuter & thought out!

Maritza: Gift them a candle because you can’t go wrong, and it smells like effort.

The Person Who Says “Don’t Get Me Anything”

Ayin: I’ll get this person a fortune plant because even when they say “don’t get me anything,” they deserve a little abundance and peace… and let’s be honest, now they also have no excuse not to talk to me when it grows beautifully.

Yalina: I’ll still show up with a handwritten card and a small treat because they said no gift, not no thought. Effort always wins, and this one keeps it simple but meaningful.

Pen: The Donation-in-Disguise – A gift certificate for a donation to Vision Himpossible Ministries (VHM). Frame it as, “This is not for you, it’s for the future of the world’s children. You just happen to be the vessel.”  “Thank you for your love of others <3.” 

Sam: This person is usually a close family member or friend trying to spare your wallet and sanity during the holidays. These are some of the best people to shop for because you know the littlest details about what they love, like, or need. If you don’t, you better start paying attention! When all else fails, go practical like a re-up of their signature perfume, a fresh pair of their favorite shoes, a new baking set if they’re all of a sudden into sourdough or a new carry-on if you know they’re going on a trip soon.

Maritza: If you’re anything like my mom, that actually means get something big. We’ve tricked her more times than I can count… surprise! I’d go with the Coach Brooklyn Hobo Bag. Suede is the only way.

Bougie On A Non-Bougie Budget

Ayin: Your tote bag  just got promoted to its highest calling. Fully embroidered, hand-sewn, and absolutely not that basic tote from “you-know-which” store. This one has soul, craftsmanship, and just a bit of bougie energy because you deserve nothing less.

Yalina: Silk pillowcases are elite because suddenly they’ll be sleeping like royalty, protecting their hair, preventing future wrinkles, and waking up with fewer creases on their face and in their soul. It’s luxury behavior at a reasonable price.

Pen: The “Trader Joe’s Gourmet” Basket: Curated small woven basket only using items from Trader Joe’s (or a similar specialty store or farmers market). Focusing on the aesthetically pleasing, slightly exotic items—like Fondue Cheese Mix, specialty breads, cold cuts and niche wine. It looks expensive but is very affordable. I’ll throw in my special flower arrangement and this will be the best gift ever!

Sam: Buy them a Birkin, a Birkin for their air pods of course because who in their right mind would spend $20,000 on a purse?! The Coach purse charms add some personality to your bag and some of the charms can act as a keychain…for my peeps that always lose their keys in their bag. You can get them a perfume sampler or a skin care set to try! Luxury items without breaking the bank, plus everything is so much cuter when it’s mini!

Maritza: Who doesn’t want to impress the bougie friend? I’d gift the Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter — because the charm is the real star… especially with my 20% off discount code 😉

A Gift That Makes…

Ayin: A Gift that Makes You Look More Thoughtful Than You Really Are

Personalize note pads because nothing says “I put effort into this” like something that literally has your name on it. Bonus points if you act surprised when they actually use it.

Yalina: A Gift That Makes You Laugh

I’m an avid reader, and love a good laugh, therefore the book, Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn is perfect because laughter is lowkey one of the best presents you can give. It’s festive, hilarious, and completely unhinged in the best way possible – perfect for anyone who loves humor.

Pen: A Gift That Makes My Best Friend… Feel Cozy And Nostalgic

The “Filipino Comfort Treats” Box: A curated little bundle centered on my best friend’s ultimate fave—hopia, that perfect flaky Filipino pastry with all the yummy fillings. Since good hopia is a rare treasure in the US, I source it from a beloved Filipino bakery in LA (yes, that one). Paired with a cozy mug and her choice of hot tea or hot chocolate, it becomes the cutest, snuggliest nostalgia-in-a-box. SARRAAP!!!

Sam: A Gift That Makes Your Creativity Flow

A cooking, pottery, or painting class – cooking classes are fun for the foodies, you eat what you make under the guidance of a professional and sometimes they pair it with a glass of wine! At pottery or painting classes you get to create something you can use or look at every day…or laugh at because it’s so horrible. When I do these kinds of things, I make sure I paint or make something practical like a mug, cereal bowl, or plate.

Maritza: A Gift That Makes Them Laugh, Cry, And Remember All The Good Times

Give a book filled with photo memories.❤️