The holidays are upon us, and while most of us are caught up in the holiday cheer, some of us forget what the holidays are all about: giving. Guessing what your loved ones might like at the last minute is pretty tricky. But no need to worry—this gift guide will ease the stress of finding the perfect present this holiday season.
FOR MOM
Shopping for Mom isn’t that difficult. If she cooks, or at least tries to, she’ll love anything that belongs in the kitchen like a juicer or some neat measuring utensils. If cooking is not her thing, don’t fret! If you don’t mind splurging a little bit, then jewelry is always a go-to-gift. Jewelry can always accommodate whatever your mother’s style, from a little charm to a big statement necklace.
FOR DAD
If Dad is the chef of the family and he has a sense of humor, then an apron with a funny picture or saying is a humorous idea. Otherwise, the stereotypical gift of a tie will be your safest bet. But, play it up a bit. Get him something that doesn’t look like the thousands of ties probably hanging up in his closet. If Dad is a sports fan, see the “sports” gift section below.
FOR SIBLING(S)
Sibling gifts tend to be a little more difficult to find. It doesn’t matter whether you have a sister, brother or both. It all depends on his or her personality and age. A much younger sibling would probably like anything that sparks his or her interest. It could range from movies, to dolls, to fun arts and crafts or board games. A much older sibling would probably like a book by his or her favorite author, a funny gag gift or some sort of college apparel. It is a little tricky, but assuming that you know your siblings fairly well, they will like just about anything you buy for them.
A SPORTS-THEMED HOLIDAY
Here are several sports-themed gifts for the athletes in your family:
1. The Brazuca: The official soccer ball of the 2014 World Cup that will be held in Brazil. The 2010 South Africa Jubulani ball was not well received by the public because of the way it moved both on the ground and in the air. Apparently, the Brazuca is very well put together and comes in a variety of colors. The price of the official ball is a little steep, ($159.99) but the replica version is still a great option ($39.99).
2. Mitchell & Ness Joe Theismann Jersey: Losing has never looked so good! Are you embarrassed to leave the house in a jersey of a current Redskin? Well, your problem is solved because the Joe Theismann Vintage Jersey allows you to sport a retro look while cheering for a potential 3-win team. The jersey is available at the NFL Shop for $139.95.
3. Nerf N-Sports Nerfoop Set (Green): This entire list could be composed of Nerf products. If you want to feel like MJ in PJs then there is no other hoop for you. The hoop is available for $6.99 from Hasbro if you are up for a late night slam dunk contest with your friends.
4. EA Sports Video Games: It’s in the game! FIFA 14, NHL 14, Madden NFL 25, and NCAA Football 14 are all sold for $59.99 online and make a great gift for any sports fan and can go great along with the new PS4 and Xbox One or your standard PS3 and Xbox 360. If you want to make a big-time play in a game with high quality graphics then an EA Sports video game is for you.
5. Team U.S.A. Winter Olympic Gear: Team U.S.A. heads to Sochi, Russia in February to compete in the 22nd Winter Olympic Games. If you want to sport red, white and blue in support of the team, the Team U.S.A. Shop has a variety of great gifts ranging from hockey jerseys ($129.95) to official Team U.S.A. t-shirts ($21.95).
HOLIDAYS ON A BUDGET
If you are celebrating the holidays on a budget, there is nothing to fear. You do not need to spend a lot of money to give a good present. Some of the most meaningful and personal gifts are the ones that are homemade. You can personalize almost anything: a bag, a jewelry box, a cute, funny t-shirt. You can also personalize a cell phone case for friends or family members, so they can take your face with them everywhere. Make a homemade picture frame for your mom or dad to hold their favorite family portrait. If you are super artistic, take it a step further and give a homemade painting of your family’s favorite place or anything your heart desires. There are plenty of recipes online to make homemade soaps and bath bombs without spending a ridiculous amount of money. The possibilities are endless, you just have to be creative with it and have fun.
Hopefully, this guide gives you a little guidance or sparks ideas for what to give those special people in your life. Happy holidays!
