No matter what winter holiday you celebrate, chances are you have to buy presents for friends and family. In addition to the stress of going to mob-infused malls and trying to make your way through herds of angry shoppers, just figuring out what to get your mom or significant other is pretty stressful, too. Ditch the impersonal gift cards and let us show you a guide to some thoughtful holiday gifts.
DAD
Going on a road trip with the family during winter break? Get Dad the Garmin Nuvi 265WT GPS for the long journey. Known as the leader of GPS systems, Garmin packs a lot of features into this model, such as automatic rerouting, an FM traffic receiver, and a “Where Am I?” emergency locator that detects the closest landmarks to your surroundings.
Circuit City, $169.99
MOM
Instead of trying to help out with the cooking and completely burning the Christmas roast, make your mom’s experience a bit more enjoyable by making it cuter. Among Anthropologie’s adorable selection of cooking supplies is the Measuring Gaggle ““ a set of compactible measuring cups shaped like geese ““ which may not reduce her time spent in the kitchen, but it’ll at least get her to crack a smile while baking a pie.
Anthropologie, $28
GRANDPARENTS
Can’t decide which picture you want to frame for Grandpa and Grandma? Why not choose all of them? The HP 7-inch Digital Photo Frame allows you to upload all your favorite memories without forcing you to choose just one special picture. Your grandparents will love the easy-to-use functions and high photo quality of their captured memories in this frame.
Best Buy, $109.99
FRIEND
Get in the holiday cheer by snuggling up with a friend and drinking some (spiked) eggnog. The 12 Drinking Games of Christmas promises to spice up your cold winter nights with word games such as “Drink All Ye Faithful” and a game of shots titled “Jigger Bells.”
Urban Outfitters, $14
BOYFRIEND
Your guy has the right looks and the right personality, but does he have the right smell? If he’s lacking in the latter, treat him to Givenchy Play, the newest cologne from the Parisian fashion house. Created with help from Justin Timberlake, the scent is centered around the Caribbean Amyris wood, infusing a fragrance that is both warm and youthful.
Sephora, $53
DOG
A cozy bed is an absolute necessity for yourself during the colder season, and the same goes for your furry canine companion! For your pooch, head over to Petco and purchase the Round Cuddle Up Dog Bed from Dog Whisperer by Cesar Millan. Created by the television personality himself, the bed features a super soft Microtec sleep surface to keep your dog warm and faux bomber leather to envelope it in luxury.
Petco, $39.99
CO-WORKER
Chilly morning commutes call for hot coffee. They also call for a grumpy co-worker. With the Contigo West Loop Mug, however, your co-worker can continue to enjoy their hot coffee after arriving at the office. The unique Autoseal technology allows the user to push a trigger to drink and to release to securely seal the mug, allowing the coffee to stay warmer for longer.
Target, $19.99
EVERYONE
Everyone you know ““ boys and girls, young and old ““ will appreciate the delectable recipes featured in “Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s.” The recipes are simple but will nonetheless impress all your dinner guests with the fancy presentations, courtesy of authors Deana Gunn and Wona Miniati. From stuffed portobellos to shrimp boats, this is one holiday gift that’s good all year long.
Amazon, $19.77
SIBLING
Your sister or brother is blasting their favorite holiday music, and you need to study for your final. What should you do? Go along with the festive spirit and give him or her the new iPod Nano! Now loaded with a video camera and a built-in FM tuner, it’s guaranteed to make you and your sibling(s) happy.
Apple, $149