Gift giving … it can be fun and special. But it can also become stressful when you want to buy for many different people and you can’t think of something special for each person on your list. We find SO much joy in finding meaningful gifts for others, wrapping them, and then seeing them open them. The joy of seeing others happy and touched is priceless.We see gift-giving as a way to foster a relationship. And it makes us realize how well we know someone as we try and find the perfect gift. I am convicted by this each year. Knowing I have not done a good enough job fostering relationships and knowing what is happening in others’ lives. We have created this blog post out of love for giving to others. We want to help you give in a meaningful way and foster relationships through giving. Some of our gift ideas are wrapped gifts, some are acts of service, and some are highly personalized. Before we list all of our favorites this year, read through our tips and tricks to make this holiday season easier. TIP #1:Keep a list on your phone throughout the year of anything you learn about someone. That they love their dog. That they are really into a specific podcast or author. That they love a specific brand, store, or restaurant. That they love getting pedicures once a month. That they said they need or want something. Whatever it is, record it. Then when it is time to give, you are ready to buy and won’t be stressed about what to get them. (This will also end up saving you money because you will buy intentionally)TIP #2:If you haven’t recorded anything, ask yourself 3 questions.

What does the person do professionally and personally?
What does the person talk about?
What does the person enjoy or love?

TIP #3:And if you are still stumped, have a conversation with your gift recipient. Afterall, gift-giving should foster relationships.

How is school or work? What are you doing at work/school?
What have you been up to outside of work/school? (Where do you go in your free time?)
What are you loving lately? (movies, books, music, brands, podcasts, etc.)

TIP #4:Once you have thought though who your gift recipient is, think about the type of gift to give. These are the 4 genres I usually find myself giving.

Something to read or learn (book, subscription, lessons)
Something to play with (toy, electronic, sports-related, crafts, music-related)
Something to wear (clothes, shoes, or accessories)
Something to do (restaurant, concert, show, exercise class, movies, event, workshop)

TIP #5:I usually pick 1-2 theme gifts for the year. Last year my theme was books and candles. This helps to give meaningful gifts by customizing the gift to the person but simplifying the search. Other easy theme gifts:Candles, earrings, face masks, books, wine/liquor, framed pictures, personalized stationeryNow you are ready to shop, but where? Here are a few places we are shopping this year.

Books and More: www.amazon.com
Photo Gifts: www.artifactuprising.com
Customized and Special Gifts: www.etsy.com
Pretty Things: www.papersource.com
Different and Unique Gifts: www.uncommongoods.com and www.thegrommet.com
Quality Personalized Gifts: www.markandgraham.com
Local Boutiques and shops: www.wrapsodyonline.com and www.southerncrossingopelika.com
Minimalist Jewelry: https://shopejd.com/
Target, World Market, and TJ Maxx
Subscription-Based businesses

12 Different Types of People In Your LifeWe have identified 12 different types of people that you may know in your life. We didn’t do The mom, The man, The girlfriend, The parent, etc. We chose to go a different route because people like @chrislovesjulia create awesome Gift Guides already. We decided to create types based on what people are experiencing in life. Happy gifting!THE STUDENTEloise Career WorkbooksSwell Snack Container (hot or cold)1-year Subscription to Amazon PrimeLapdesk A framed quote: I love finding a quote, printing it off on my printer or at a local printer and then framing it in a pretty frame from Artifact Uprising. Inexpensive but thoughtful. Smart Back PackA Nice Bag to Replace the Backpack as They Enter the Industry:The Dagne Dover Tote with CompartmentsTote Bag from Target (get it customized with their initial)Men’s Laptop Bag from EtsyLow on $$$: gift cards to place they like but don’t have money to go toLocal Restaurant gift card (The Hound) and Gas gift cardTired from the semester: spa package or massage Homesick Candles for the Student Who Is Far From Home THE PROFESSIONAL Ember Mug - Temperature Controlled from your phone!Corkcicle Lunch ToteLunch Box for a ManMini Business card holder + Gift Card for Personalized Mini Business CardsCustomized Leather Business Card HoldersBook on Networking or Personal Development: See our Pinterest Board: Meaning Gift Giving for lists of booksTech Cord OrganizerTravel Cord Organizer from UnCommon GoodsTravel BagsTravel Toiletries from brands they loveCustomized Luggage Tags from EtsyTo Do List - Sticky Notes (stocking stuffer) Healthy snack subscription box = Graze THE JOB SEEKERPersonal Branding for Professionals CourseLeather Portfolio CaseCustomized Leather Padfolio Personalized Stationery from Etsy Shops (Lola Louie Paperie)Personalized Stationary from Minted.comTHE HOMEBODY OR DECORATOR OR HOSTESS Hand Squeezed Juicer for a Fun Drink BarPretty Serving Dishes (match their style - wood, white, silver, ornate, etc.)Appetizer or Cocktail Mixers from Local BrandsPersonalized Home Bar ItemsMixology SetPersonalized Wood Recipe BoardHomebody ShirtHearth & Hand Candles from Target - Cedar MagnoliaOliver Henry Candle Co. (based on Opelika, AL)Wine SubscriptionTHE NEW HOMEOWNER / THE PERSON WHO JUST MOVEDTake a picture of their new home, download the Sketch Master App, upload the picture to the app and pick your filter. Print off your new sketched photo and frame it! I love the frames from Target and Artifact Uprising!Home town or Alma Mater Custom Sketch for HomeHomesick Candle to Remind them of HomeBluetooth Keyless EntryTHE WOMAN WHO NEEDS TO PAMPER HERSELF Farmgirl FlowersScalp Revival TherapyShower Steamers Spa Gift Card from a Local SpaOr Foot Massage from a Local Foot Massage SpaEssential Oil Eye Mask with Sound MachineBook: Stretched Too Thin by Jessica TurnerBook: When Less Becomes More by Emily LeySlippers: Toms Slippers (Eloise's Favorites)Beanie with Interchangeable Pom Poms from AnthropologieEmma Jane Designs - Simple Jewelry Pieces with MeaningCostume Earrings by Beth Ladd CollectionsAgate Rock Pop SocketsFleece Lined Pants by Fancy Crush THE COUPLEThe Dating CoupleThe Adventure Challenge - Couples EditionThe Engaged or Newly Married CoupleThey have so many photos from their engagement and wedding - Look at Artifact Uprising or Snap Fish or www.minted.com for customized photo giftsThe Married CoupleGourmet Oil Dipping Spice KitThe Couple with KidsGive them a date night: gift card + free babysittingDate Night BoxTHE FAMILY (includes kid gifts)Personalized Calendar or Gift Card for oneOversized GamesA Map of MemoriesGathre Mat - for little onesGames for the whole family - LCRBackpack CoolerThe Adventure Challenge - Family Edition
THE ONE WHO HAS EVERYTHINGEmber Mug - Temperature Controlled from your phone!Birthday and Anniversary Organizer - great for grandparents!New York Times Front Page Birthday BookFarmgirl Fresh WreathSmart Device Charging StationAWAY luggageLook at Mark & Graham for nice giftsReturn Address Stamp (self-inking)THE CONSCIOUS ONE: Body, Mind, and EarthBody & Health ConsciousSelf-Hem Leggings (for the short people!)Organic Coffee SubscriptionHealthy Snack Subscription Box - Like GrazeEarth ConsciousUltrasonic Aromatherapy HumidifierMake a Zero Waste Kit or buy one (include reusable straws, silverware, and cup)Reusable Stainless Steel StrawsGrove.com Home Products THE AVID LEARNER / THE SMARTY PANTSTrivia Game with Amazon AlexaPersonalized Book Stamp/EmbosserAudible SubscriptionReading Bundle: Book light + Kindle Gift Card or Book + Customize BookmarkNew book - check out book guides on Pinterest BoardLeather bookmark or corner page bookmarkCustomized Metal Book MarkTHE PET LOVERFi Smart Collar (GPS)The Foggy Dog: Cute Dog Accessories, Collars, and BedsMark and Graham: Customized dog sweaterDIY BlanketsGo to sam’s club and get there big super soft blankets. They have Christmas themed ones right now, but also lots of different other colors. It is way cheaper than buying actual “dog” blankets. Jar or Bucket of Treats:ShutterFly Jar TJ Maxx - they always have good dog treat canisters, bones, and toysBarkbox SubscriptionPurchased Dog BandanaDIY dog bandana for the holidays or their owner’s favorite sports teamTHE GUY WHO SAYS HE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT HE WANTSCustom Car Sketch from Etsy.comGrill Smoker Gift SetEZGAUGE ToolDollar Shave Club SubscriptionOther Men’s Subscriptions:Birch Box - for the guy who won't buy himself nice toiletries Harrys.com - for the groomerSports Stadium BlueprintMonogrammed Custom SocksBluetooth Headphone BeaniesMonogrammed Leather Sunglass StrapSmart Wool SocksMore gifts can be found on our Pinterest Board!

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