It is the end of September and you are at Costco, Target, Wal-mart, or another big brand superstore. You notice that some of these stores may already have Christmas decorations and bundled up gifts ready for display. In a panic, the reality hits that even though Christmas is still a good three months away, the big day will quickly be among us before we know it. You may have no idea where to begin or may not have time in the busy routine we know as life to even think about who to give what for Christmas! I have compiled a list of ten gift ideas for every person on your shopping list, even for your Great Uncle Fred or Grandma Gertrude who may have everything they could already wish for. These are not in any particular order and have been a hit from my own head scratching experiences.
1. Books. As a teacher and a mother, I believe that no single child or adult can ever have enough books in their realm. Maybe you have a child on your list who is already spoiled rotten with all the lastest trends in toys. No child can get enough learning or enjoyment from reading. They are not only entertaining and stimulating, but essential for school readiness. Find out what favorite character or what the child's hobbies are, and go from there. Books come many different forms nowadays, such as picture books, pop-up books, books on CD, touch and feel books, and many others. Barnes and Noble is the Disneyland of books and has every category imaginable. For you shoppers who prefer the online experience, Amazon.com also has a wide selection of reading materials.
2. Bath and Body gift sets. I have never met a woman except for a very small percentage who hasn't appreciated receiving a gift which pampers them. Working women and mothers who work at home full-time both love practical items such as lotion, shower gel, body wash, and anti-bacterial hand gel. Many stores have these types of gift sets already conveniently bundled up to save you time. Bath and Body Works is an excellent store to find a huge selection of pampering gift sets. If you are not sure which type of scent that particular woman on your list is into, stick to something sweet but conservative, such as French Vanilla.
3. Candles. During the cold winter months, who doesn't love to spruce up a candle and add some warmth and aroma to their home? I have found candles to be a big hit with the people on my list. Yankee candles are wonderful and come in a variety of scents. Cracker Barrel and Hallmark Stores, among others, have a wide selection of these types of candles.
4. Towels. These are an item that I believe no person can have enough of, especially women in the household who are the queens of the laundry baskets. After so many uses through and through, towels eventually wear down depending on where they originally came from. Wrapping oneself up in a big towel after a refreshing shower or bath is a luxury. Even Uncle Fred would appreciate a new towel or two.
5. Shaving needs. Unless you have a man on your list who has a beard as long as the Nile River, then skip this item. It is a fact of life that men eventually have to shave their faces at some point and need the essentials to do so. Maybe he needs a new razor or a aftershave gel or lotion to impress his woman. Giftsets of aftershave necessities come in many selections, a popular one which is Drakkar Noir. Another reputable brand is Clinique, which has their own line for Men if he is up for trying something new and stimulating.
6. Gift cards or gift certificates. I have never met anybody who hasn't appreciated or been able to use a gift certificate. Sometimes these particular gifts are a convenient way to go. Restaurants, bookstores, department stores, coffee shops, among many others have them. Just be sure to find out the proximity of the gift card destination from their home so they don't have to drive to Timbuktu to use the gift card. Online stores also have them as well, but I don't recommend this as much since people may not want to put forth the shipping costs in order to put these to use.
7. Gourmet food. It is a fact that people need to eat. Many fine stores have a diverse selection of gourmet food that people may not have time to think about indulging in. Why not give the people on your list that opportunity to experience rewarding tastes that they otherwise may not have thought of? Hickory Farms and Harry and David are two reputable stores that specialize in a wide variety of gourmet foods. If you have someone on your list who is a coffee fanatic, many stores offer gourmet coffee gift sets. Great idea especially for the winter months.
8. Keepsakes. You may have a grandma or grandpa on your list who has everything they need in life. I have found that a jewelry box, snowglobe, or even an ornament with a person's name on it is more heartwarming than anything else. Taking a picture of the grandkids and putting it in a beautiful picture frame for a special person on your list is worth more than anything else. It's the thought that sometimes counts that will be treasured for a lifetime. The Disney Store has a eye catching selection of picture frames and other keepsakes for the special people on your list.
9. Pajamas. This is another great item for the laundry queens in the household. I believe a person can't have enough pajamas, especially if you are an active mother even after the kids go to bed. Having comfortable pajamas to wear to bed makes getting ready for bed more enjoyable and keeps us warm at night. Besides, who wants to hang around the house all evening long with his or her workclothes still on?
10. Sports memorabilia. Face it. The majority of men in the world are fanatics of some football, baseball, hockey, basketball, or some other sport team or another. For example, I have someone on my list who is a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Many diverse items can be found with this particular team logo, such as tumblers, blankets, pillows, clothing, even trash cans, among many others. J.C. Penney is a great store where you can find a wide selection of memorabilia. Amazon.com is a great site which can direct you to the particular college or national team you are looking for.
I hope this helps you out in your search for the perfect gift or gifts for those special people on your list! On top of all these ideas, many of them do not cost a fortune. Happy shopping!
