When it comes to gifts for Christmas, our budgets have to stretch further than most of the other holidays. Yet, we want to surprise friends and family with a stunning gift, which is possible because there are gift ideas for every budget from kitsch novelties to luxury accessories. You may also find a treat for yourself amongst our gift ideas.
Track down the ideal gift for the hard-to-please fashion fan, with on-trend chunky hoop earrings or a leather jacket (faux or real). A midi-length wrap dress in a floral print with puffed sleeves, fitted at the waist is a style that suits many figures. A faux-leather hoodie with gathered cuffs and a drawstring neck and boxy fit is perfect for a street look. A great dress for Christmas is a maxi-dress with a full skirt and ruffle hem, with the recommendation to buy one size down from her usual size.
Jewellery can lift an existing outfit, and there are myriad designs to suit every person. Unfussy jewellery can make elegant Christmas gifts for those who like a classic style. The current trend is for bold colors, so choose the color that best suits your recipient, whether it is their favorite or the color of their birthstone.
There are so many options if you are looking for gifts for the animal lover who has just moved home. A two-piece candle holder of monkeys made from aluminum or a velvet cushion with an embroidered bee illustration, a large zebra vase are other unusual gifts for the home or, for something unmissable, consider a 100% wool leopard rug that is animal skin-shaped or a one-foot high gold atlas beetle wall decoration for those fascinated by insects.
Incense holders come in many designs. Try a black cat in terracotta sitting on a white glazed ledge. For those wanting to save money, a panda money box can act as an incentive or perhaps a cushion with a geometric jungle design of wild animals or find one with their favourite animal instead. For those who like the animals of the Jurassic era, stegosaurus bookends make a fun statement.
Help them make headway on their next project with the right tools for the job. From sewing machines to patterns and pincushions, craft-led gifts will form an essential part of their kit.
Whether good with pen or paint, an artist’s notepad of acid-free, FSC-certified 120gsm paper, bound with a fabulous cover is a luxury gift without breaking the bank. Look out for patterned cloth and unusual wools too.
Artists and crafters are keen to learn about other people doing similar things now or in the past. A coffee table book on their favorite fashion house makes a great present for those in downtime from creativity.
What about the musicians on your list? The best way to shop for musicians is to consider accessories. Sure, a brand new Taylor guitar may cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, but even high-quality leather guitar straps from Taylor such as may better fit your budget. Other accessories for guitar and bass players might include guitar tuners, personalized guitar picks, and gig bags. If Neil Young and Bob Dylan are major influences on the guitar player in your life, a harmonica headset can often be found for less than $50.
Books are another great option, although you might have to do a little snooping around to find out what the musician in your life already has.The music book publishing industry includes everything from biographies to songbooks.
Personalized gifts are a fail-safe idea for everyone on your list. From monogrammed stationery to initial charms that are easy to find, and which suit all budgets, you can extend this idea to personally tailor every gift.
Frame the best photo you have taken of your recipient this year or have an old photo restored as a surprise for a parent or grandparent. You can create a photobook online with a series of photos if you want to record a history of a family past or present that can be printed and sent direct.
If you are not artistically confident but have an idea for a gift, search online for an artist who can take your idea and bring it into being for something totally unique.
