Allens Holiday Gift Guide

There are a number of different holidays throughout the year, with the big ones being Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Easter. There are lots of other ones in-between, too, making it feel like you’re always buying presents.

It’s easy to get stuck into the routine of buying the same gifts for the same people every year, especially when it comes to those people who seem to have everything or who never have anything specific on their list.

Rather than buying a cop-out present like chocolates, flowers or socks, we’ve put together this holiday gift-buying guide that covers all of the holidays and special events, as well as all types of people you need to buy for.

Homeware Gifts  

Everyone loves homeware. It’s practical and always welcome in every home, from a residential park home through to a central city flat. Odds are, your gift recipient has something homeware related on their list – they just haven’t got round to buying it yet.

Here are a few types of homewares that make excellent gifts for any holiday:

• Throw pillows and decorative cushions
• Scented candles and candle holders
• Reed diffusers
• Throw blankets

These are more decorative items, but if you want to go down the practical route, there are several gadgets and useful items that you could buy that happen to fall under the homeware category. They include:

• Cast iron skillet
• Mugs
• Luxury towels
• Bath caddy tray
• Themed bookends

If ever in doubt, homeware is a safe bet, just make sure to take note of the person’s interior taste and buy a gift based on that, rather than your own personal preference. Certain homeware items are a bit riskier than others, such as bedding and artwork, but if you feel confident that you know a person’s tastes, the above options make splendid gifts.

Tech Gifts 

We’re living in a society that is increasingly becoming reliant on technology. If you have someone who loves gizmos and gadgets on your holiday gift list, here are some cool gifts they’ll appreciate:

• Wireless phone charger
• Portable photo printer
• Wireless headphones
• Portable Wi-Fi extender
• Video doorbell
• Waterproof phone pouch

Before you buy anything techy, you need to make sure that the present you’re buying is compatible with the recipient’s existing equipment. The last thing you want to do is buy a wireless charger, only for it to not be compatible with their device. Check before you buy!

Hobbyist Gifts 

Most people have a hobby, and if you’re stuck on ideas, it’s always a good call to buy something related to their favourite hobby. If they don’t have a hobby, you could buy them something to get them to try something new. Here are some effective hobby gift ideas:

• Journaling kit
• Book embosser
• Hiking hydration pack
• Fishing tackle
• Supercar experience
• Pocket canvas and paint set

Everyone has different hobbies and interests, and there are usually endless things you can buy to complement their hobby. It could be a new camera lens you know they don’t have yet, or it could be something related to their hobby, such as some thermal socks for the committed hiker on your list.

Personalised Gifts 

They say the best presents are the ones that have lots of thought behind them, and this fits well with personalised gifts. If you have a sentimental person on your list, a customised present will likely mean more to them than anything materialistic. The good news is, it’s now easier than ever to buy a personalised present, and there are lots of things to choose from, too, including:

• Birthstone jewellery e.g. necklaces and bracelets
• Engraved drinking glass or tumbler
• Customised wall print
• Engraved cheese/chopping board
• Sound wave print
• Compact pull-out photo album

Stocking Fillers

In addition to the main gift, many people appreciate smaller, more novelty gifts – stocking stuffers if you will. The great thing about stocking stuffers is that they are inexpensive and can be almost anything. From foodies to those who like fun little bits that bring them a smile, anything can be a stocking filler.

Here are a few unique ideas you can gift as small add-ons:

• Novelty AirPods case
• Velvet scrunchies
• Touchscreen gloves
• Novelty socks
• Handwarmers
• Bathbomb
• Keyring
• Card game
• Sweets and treats

Stocking fillers are great for all occasions, not just Christmas, so if you need something extra to bulk out your gift this holiday season, these are some good ideas.