Holiday Gift Guide for an early Twenty-Something

Hi Everyone!

It’s that time of year where people ask you want you want for Christmas or Hanukkah, or when you are looking for something to get your friends or family, or when you are in Secret Santa and need to provide a list of things you may like. Being a twenty-something on both sides of this, I thought I’d make a list of things that I am either getting for someone, or things that I myself would like to receive (with some variety thrown in for different tastes).

The twenty-something age group is a but tricky because in my experience, people want more practical gifts (re:money), but that’s not exactly a good answer when someone wants to know what to get you, or when you are looking for something to get for a friend. I have found a few things that I think are both useful and good gifts in general, so I hope this helps anyone needing some ideas!

Disclaimer: I am a woman so some of these are slightly more woman-applicable, and some of these cater more towards my taste. Also, this is not paid/advertising, just my personal thoughts and opinions.

1. A bluetooth photo printer for your phone. This is super useful for people who love to have photos of their friends or family on their walls! I think most people could use this little printer, and you could always get them film for it next year! Also most of these printers print on sticker paper, so someone could put a photo on their water bottle or laptop!

2. A class. Whether your friend wants to learn to dance, do karate, sing, paint, or blow glass, there are tons of fun classes out there for any interest! This is also pretty flexible price wise, because a paint-sip class is pretty affordable, while a pack of pilates classes can get pretty expensive. This works for any interest, and you could always do the class together, making it a fun bonding activity too!

3. A nice journal. Trust me, you can never have enough journals. Show your loved one you know them by choosing their favorite color palette or design. And feel free to write a nice note on the first page, so they have a sweet message from you every time they open it. Luckily journals can range in price, so there are options for every budget!

4. Kitchenware! For this, I’d recommend either these awesome flower spoons, flower bowls, or shell serving piece. If your loved one stirs coffee or eats yogurt, the spoons may be a huge hit! If they eat ice cream or pickles (I was picturing pickle chip when I said this), the bowls may be a win! And if your loved one hates flowers, (sorry, all of my links seem to be floral), this cool shell serving piece would be cool for someone who likes to host, as you could put a roast in here, or chips, whichever!

5. A terrarium! I saw some really cute terrariums in Union Square’s Christmas market, and then I saw this one online! You could find ones of any style, whether someone prefers modern decor, or a more earthy style. Just look up modern sleek terrarium or mushroom terrarium! This is great for a twenty-something who needs more plants in their home, and this is a plant that someone wouldn’t need to purchase a pot for.

6. A nice hoodie. Specifically, my Aunt and cousin wore matching Alo Yoga sweatshirts over the Thanksgiving holiday, so if you have a loved one who is into athleisure, these may be something they’ve been eyeing! Plus the liquid silver logo is pretty cool.

If you’re looking for something in a smaller price range:

1. Cute magnets. A set of magnets can also be super personalized, and if someone does like to print photos, now they can hang them on their fridge! If your loved one does not have a magnetized fridge, but would hang up photos, cute push pins could be the answer.

2. I saw this kind of hair tinsel yesterday at Bryant park, and I loved it. It brought me back to the feather trend of my youth. I think it will be perfect for New Years, and I am strongly considering getting some for myself! It would be immediately applicable, or if your loved one is in university, get them some in their school colors, and I promise it will be a hit for gamedays!

3. Sticky gems. For a friend/family member who is into arts and crafts or makeup, these could be fun, and could also be used for a gameday or New Years! They are also something you could add to a gift if you wanted a little something extra for someone.

4. Hair accessories. From claw clips to unique hair pins, these are functional and can be rather personalized. Below are ones I find cute!

5. Earmuffs! I asked for a pair for Secret Santa a few years ago, and let me tell you: SO cute and cozy! And I can put earbuds under them if I want to listen to music while I am in the great outdoors! These a great winter gift, and while writing this, I am thinking about fun colored earmuffs, which would be so cute if I had a matching coat. So if you have a friend with a pastel puffer, a matching pair of earmuffs would show them you pay attention!

6. A travel light up mirror. I have a large light up mirror that I do my makeup in, but when I travel, that’s not something I could bring. This is a great solution, and useful for people who don’t wear makeup, as they may need to pluck their eyebrows or put in their contacts on-the-go. The one linked is also a portable charger!

Photo by Tetiana Shadrina on Unsplash

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash