Hello, everyone! Finding gifts can be so tricky for some people. While a lot of people are easy to shop or craft for, a lot of people are very difficult and give no helpful hints on what they could use or would like. To simplify gifting and remove the stress, I have compiled a list of gift ideas that anyone would like and could use, no matter who they are. At first glance, they may seem boring or too impersonal; however, all of the gifts listed can be customized special for the recipient. In addition, they generally are quite inexpensive. So, without further ado, here's the list:
Candles
Candles are not only very practical, but they also smell scrumptious and can be very personal. I'm not just talking about melting photos on or taping them to the jar, either. There are lots of book-themed candles for the literary people you know available to buy, or you could hand-make a candle with their favorite book scene scent. Another option I've done is cover up a regular candle label with a homemade one that transforms a pine scent into the woods of Narnia, or the like. If you make your candles, you could choose to put the wax in a non-traditional jar-thing such as a teacup, as well. A gift idea I saw on Pinterest and helped a friend of mine make is melting a hand-doodled design onto a candlestick, which is another option (great for kids to make).Notebooks or Sketchbooks
Maybe it's just me, but I don't see how anyone can ever have too many notebooks. They're fun and so easily personalized. You can make Polymer clay covers, sew one from scratch, draw or paint on the cover of a bought one, mod-podge photos to a cover, turn the covers to chalkboard or leather... the list goes on and on. There are countless tutorials online if you need inspiration. This gift is great for kids and adults alike.Writing Utensils
Going hand-in-hand with the previous category, everyone can always use more pens, a cool sharpener or pretty pencils. I have an addiction to gel ink pens. My favorites are the $3-4 Pen+Gear packs. Dollar Tree and just about every store offers gel pens and other neat writing gadgets. You could get creative and decorate pencils or pens, too, with yarn, paint or clay or anything, really. I've made Polymer-clay decorated pens. Also, you could purchase pencils with special engraved messages. If you like woodworking, you could even glue led into hollowed branches to make fancy woodland pencils.Books
Now, I understand that not everyone's a book worm, but there is a book for everyone. Maybe the person you're shopping for likes magazines, or a photo album, scrapbooks, joke books, crossword puzzles, zentangle coloring books, and so on. If you want to make something really special, you could write or illustrate your own book for that person themed around one of their interests or about them. There are so many great options, and this gift is excellent for all people of all ages.Socks
This may sound rather strange, but socks are not only practical and (hopefully) cozy, they can be fun and personal. It would be strange to give all of your co-workers socks, so I guess it depends on the situation, but in general, socks are a great gift. I've received Two Left Feet-brand socks, and I love them! They make all sorts of designs, from cameras, to books, to tacos, although they are expensive. If this is a gift idea you'd like to look into, you should take a look at theirs. If you want off-brand socks for kids, a dollar store might be the way to go.Water Bottles or Mugs
Maybe I'm just weird, and I do admittedly drink more water than a normal person, but I don't believe a person can ever have too many water bottles. There are so many kinds and design options, too, so they can be personalized, as well. I have received lots of mugs for birthdays and Christmas, and I absolutely love them all. I have designated each for a specific purpose and still use them all daily. So, like water bottles, I guess you really can't have too many. Who isn't thrilled to receive a special, cute mug, after all?
Music
Everybody of any age loves music, from babies to elderly folks. This could be in the form of a music book, a musical instrument, a music gift card, a CD, a musical toy, a music box, and so on. There are countless options and plenty of ways to be personal and creative with this magical gift.
Photos/Videos
You've no doubt given something under this category to someone before or received one of these gifts, but you really can't go wrong with giving someone sentimental photos or videos. Photos could be in a scrapbook, album, framed, put on a flash-drive/disc, or made into any type of household decor. Videos could be on a flash-drive or disc. If you don't have any recordings of the person, you could buy a disc from a play they performed in, or buy a movie they love, or a similar alternative.
Body Care Items
Any adult would appreciate a scrumptious-smelling, handmade and rejuvenating sugar scrub. They are so easy to make, practical and inexpensive. You could use that person's favorite scent, such as coffee, mint, rose, and so on. For children, you could do bath bubble mix, bath chalk or some other fun alternative. Maybe the bottle could have their favorite character. For adults, there are also bath bombs and Epsom salts that are easy to make, among others. For kids and adults alike (but especially adults), lotion is always a handy thing to have. There are recipes online, but you can also find special products at local shops and gift stores, too. Both kids and adults also appreciate lip balms. The best ever is Pure and Simple's lip balm.Experiences
Before you jump to conclusions, let me say this does not have to be expensive! Sure, experiences could be fun things like movie theater/drama theater tickets, classes/lessons, trips, etcetera. But they could also be a gift you are able to offer for low-cost. I paint, so I've given my parents, siblings, and grandparents canvases and taught them a fun painting tutorial. I had the supplies and space, so I just paid for the canvases, which were $1 each. Maybe you could give free music lessons, or take somebody to free museums. Maybe you're an actor/actress and you could give tickets to your upcoming production. Be creative!
Technically, that was 12 or more gift ideas. Anyway, I hope this comes in handy for you!
-Lauryn