Your 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
‘Tis the season.
The holiday season is ramping up, and that means the holiday shopping season is already in full swing. Haven’t started shopping for that perfect gift for that special someone on your list? Don’t fret. Here’s my 2023 holiday gift guide, with a little something for everyone — no matter your budget.
Holiday gift ideas on a budget
When it comes to holiday gifting on a budget, I learned a hack from some fellow Appalachians years ago that has stuck with me into adulthood.
You’re likely already planning to do some holiday baking, and have already worked that into your holiday budget, right? Right. So, why not share the love in the form of homemade baked treats this holiday season?
You can buy super cheap, festively decorated cookie and fudge tins at the Dollar Tree, fill them up with the holiday you goodies you were already planning to bake (even if you have to make a couple extra batches), and viola! Baking holiday treats makes for a super budget-friendly and extra thoughtful gift (since it comes from your own time and effort, and it’s made with love!) and you can gift these tins to whole families, or to individuals, for them to enjoy this holiday season.
Romantic holiday gifts for your partner
Romance is in the air this holiday season, and if you’re a sucker for Lifetime movie holiday romance (like me, ofc), then you’ll love these romantic, unique and experiential holiday gift ideas, like…
Two tickets to the ice skating rink! Even though I can’t ice skate, Andrew and I always have a great time when I try (and he smokes me on the ice), and either way it makes for a romantic winter evening.
A hot cocoa bomb kit, and a Netflix gift card. You can buy hot cocoa bomb kits at Target, Walmart, and other large retailers (or make your own if you’re savvy in the kitchen!), and get your boo thing a Netflix gift card to create the perfect, romantic winter night-in together.
Some comfy PJs, perfect for those cold winter nights. What makes snuggling better? Snuggling in warm PJs on a chilly night, of course. If your S/O doesn’t have a pair of perfectly warm and snuggly winter PJs, pajamas make a great gift (and encourage you to get a little closer) all season long.
Unique holiday gifts for your bestie
I know my besties very well, and I’m sure you know yours well, too. And if I know one thing about them, it’s that they love being reminded that I care, and that our friendship matters to me, and super-personalized gifts do exactly that.
One of my favorite shops in the Manayunk neighborhood (my stomping grounds!) in Philadelphia that specializes in personal, functional gifts is The Little Apple Boutique. From adorable monogrammed wine glasses and bar cart fare, to cookbooks, throw pillows, blankets, quirky (and highly personalized!) cards and more, The Little Apple has something for literally everyone, including your bestie that loves Harry Styles and homemade cocktail kits — no, seriously, they have Harry Styles themed cards and homemade cocktail kits, for real.
The best part? You don’t have to be in Philly to shop The Little Apple. You can also shop their online store any time, from anywhere!
Experiential holiday gifts (for the person who has everything)
Hearkening back to experiential gifts (but not necessarily romantic ones!), the person who has absolutely everything certainly doesn’t need more stuff — but they might need a night out on the town, or a new hobby! Here are some experience-focused ideas to gift your friends and loved ones that have enough things, but could use some more fun:
A cooking class. Even if someone is already pretty good in the kitchen, a cooking class is always a great way to expand their skillset and learn a new dish or two. Plus, it’s fun!
A mixology class. Speaking of fun, a mixology class teaches your friends and loved ones how to amp up their bartending skills (which could really benefit you and the entire friend group in the end, when you think about it).
A sip and paint night. The person you’re gifting doesn’t necessarily have to be an artiste to enjoy a sip and paint night; as a matter of fact, sip and paint nights are great for relaxing, having a glass of wine, and letting a professional guide you through the more complex parts of creating your masterpiece.
So, who are you shopping for this holiday season? What would truly light them up and make them smile as we head into the new year? Let’s discuss,
Xoxo,
MM.