If you’re looking to get gifts for your whole family this holiday season (on the budget of a teenager) this is the place to look. I’m going to teach you my method to find the best gift for your family members, not just list off random trendy items. This article is going to be based on the average family but it’s ok if your family doesn’t look like mine, you can apply this advice to any important person in your life.
First, what do you get for your mother?
Ask her and she’ll say “I don’t need anything”, and maybe that’s true but you still want her to have something to open. I noticed that my mom has a somewhat expensive taste when it comes to beauty products, yet she will hesitate to splurge on herself. So how are you going to get her something she’ll like for $20? Well look around her bathroom and find any products that look a little low. You can chip in with your dad or siblings to get her a full-size item she’ll use every day. My mom always uses Its a 10 leave-in conditioner but it’s $40 for a full-size bottle. If my little sister and I wanted to, we could get her one together. Or, you can find a travel-size version of a product she loves, like a mini MAC Lipstick.
Now for all the Dads…
Once again, another hard person to get for. Now I say, go for something that has daily utility. A few years ago, I saw my Dad leaving a lot of change around so I made him a change dish. I haven’t touched on handmade gifts yet but they are always great because even if your gift isn’t perfect, it’ll always be treasured. Gift-giving is all about finding where someone needs a little comfort in life. If your dad sits a lot, get him a cushion. If your dad plays sports, get him some comfy athleisure. If your dad gardens, paint a pot, Etc.
What about siblings?
Siblings are easier to buy for than Mom or Dad. Ask your parents for their wish lists. Also, you can just ask. Chances are if your sibling is little, they’ll forget you even asked.
My siblings like video games, so an Xbox gift card would be a great gift. Maybe you don’t know what games they like so letting them pick something themselves is better. If you know your parents are getting them a big gift (such as a computer, console, or new device), you can get a companion gift. For example a new phone case for their new phone.
If your sibling likes art, you can get them a nice set of supplies, such as colored pencils. If your sibling likes music, maybe a record, CD, or Spotify gift card would be nice.
I have no older siblings but if you want to exchange gifts with someone who’s in college, it would be a good idea to exchange Amazon wishlists. For some, this might seem less fun. But if you’re really stumped and you have no clue what to get them, it’s ok to just ask.
And, if you feel like your gift is too small, you can always throw in a handmade card, or a small treat. Sometimes, candy is just as exciting as a bigger gift.
Remember- without sounding too cliche- it really is the thought that counts. Objects come and go, but the people are who you really remember.
