With the holidays right around the corner, we are all starting our search for the perfect gift for that special (or that especially difficult to shop for) person. Fortunately, I’ve got some pointers and ideas for how to find the best gifts for every person in your life… because let’s be real, sometimes finding a gift for someone is just straight up impossible. So, to avoid that awkward “Ohhhh (insert painful long pause)… I love it,” let’s talk presents in the middle of November, because it’s never too early to start Christmas shopping!

For Mom

She cleaned up for us when we were little, so it’s only fair to repay her with a gift that will make her smile! Think about your mom’s interests and the things that she loves but would never buy for herself. If that doesn’t help, here’s a list:

1. An iPad holder that you can place a book or kindle in for the moms that love to read
2. Wooden tea bag holder for the mom that survives off of tea
3. Large fuzzy throw blankets because who doesn’t love to curl up under a cozy blanket?!
4. Bamboo bathtub tray… which you can also add some bath bombs and her favorite sweet treats to so that you’ve got a whole spa night themed gift!
5. If your mom truly does not want anything and insists you don’t get her something, make her something. Yes, I know this is what we all used to do when we were little, but a homemade gift never fails!

For Dad

When it comes to gift-giving for your dad, there probably won’t be many complaints. Hand him a bag full of cheesy t-shirts or his favorite tool wrapped up in a box and he’ll be happy! So long as it’s from you, anything will suffice!

1. For the dads that are grown-up versions of rambunctious little boys, what better way to feed into that youthful joy than gifting them toys like a water gun or drone!
2. A massage gun for the dads that live at the gym
3. A basket with a cheesy (or fancy) apron, spatula, and any other grilling/barbecue accessories that you know your dad would love
4. Grab a bucket from Home Depot and fill it with car and house cleaning supplies for the dads that clean for therapy.
5. Flannel pajama pants with a random gray t-shirt because for some reason, dads hate wearing the matching pajama set

For Your Brother

Brothers, we love them and we hate them… sometimes both at the same time; but we also don’t know what we’d do without them, so treat your brother for Christmas with a gift that will (maybe) put a temporary stop to the bickering over the silliest things:

1. Anything video game related: a controller, keyboard, mouse, a game for a switch, wireless headphones, keycaps for a keyboard.
2. LED lights for his room
3. A Spike Ball set or any other outdoor activities
4. Charging station for the boys that never remember to charge their phone or AirPods
5. If all else fails, get him a subscription box full of his favorite snacks.

For Your Sister

They steal your clothes and get you in trouble yet are always there when you need someone to talk to about a rough day or something crazy that happened to you. So get them a gift that shows them that, despite their annoyingness and constant ability to always throw you under the bus, you wouldn’t know what to do without them:

Younger Sister

1. Scrunchies, nail polish, cozy socks, bath bombs (essentially all of the fun stuff in CVS)
2. Star projector night light
3. Mini karaoke machine

Older Sister

1. If your older sister is in college, get her some decor that she can put around her own place.
2. Get her favorite clothes for her so that she stops stealing yours!
3. An emergency care kit from Amazon she can put in her car or purse

For Grandparents

They are the ones that always say yes when your parents say no; they are the ones that host the best sleepovers full of your favorite foods. So, you’ve got to show your appreciation for their unconditional affection somehow, and what better way than to give them a gift that will make them happy:

1. Digital photo frame for the grandparents that love to reminisce on memories!
2. Wearable blankets for the grandparents that are perpetually cold (and, the pictures you’ll get with both of them wearing them will be more than frame-worthy)
3. A mini tree that they can plant in the front or back of their house
4. A beehive hotel for the grandparents that love all things nature
5. Baking and cooking dishes for the grandparents that love to cook and bake
6. Matching slippers because all grandparents deserve a cozy place to put their feet

For the Dog and the Cat

1. Yes, your dog and cat deserve a Christmas present because they are part of the family too and deserve to be spoiled year round, but especially on holidays:
2. Cat tree so that your cat has something other than the furniture in your house to climb on
3. A dog DNA test
4. Get your pets a bed that they can share, or two separate beds if your cat and dog are anything like my crazy pets who hate each other’s guts: a donut shag cat and dog bed.
5. Catnip and dog treats because you can’t go wrong with treats!
6. Kong dogs toys (it’s the one brand of dog toys that my dog can’t destroy, any other brand and the toy will be ripped to pieces within a day)

Shopping for the holiday’s can be stressful and overwhelming, so start now, use the ideas above, and channel your inner Santa Claus. Before you know it, you’ll have a white beard and a drooping red hat and be a master gift-giver! Good luck and happy shopping!!!