Coming up with family gift ideas is a challenge to say the least.
Maybe you’re super close with everyone in your family. Or you’re still getting to know your in-laws. Finding a thoughtful gift for your loved ones is no easy feat. You have to consider each individual’s style, taste, hobbies, and interests. And you’re also trying to find something for everyone in your family without breaking the bank.
The holiday season is stressful enough as it is without worrying about finding a gift for everyone on your list. So we’ve taken the guesswork out of holiday shopping and rounded up the best gift ideas for your family.
Whether you’re looking for gift ideas for your parents or the people in your family who are difficult to shop for (ahem, that cousin you see once a year or your brother’s new significant other), we’ve got you covered.
Gift ideas for the whole family
Buying gifts for every single person in your family can get expensive fast. A budget friendly solution is to give each family member a small, on-theme gift or a gift that the whole family can enjoy. Below are the best gift ideas for the whole family.
Matching socks. You might think that socks make an impersonal gift, but the trick is to find a well-designed, high quality pair. Plus, socks are one of those things that you can never have enough of. Your family will adore the Scandi designs of these cozy socks and love how they feel on their feet, too.
Molkky outdoor game. Does your family tend to get a little stir crazy when they’re all cooped up in the same house? Then you need to get Molkky, a popular Finnish lawn game that’s a mix between bowling and bocce. Molkky is easy to transport, the rules are easy to follow, and you can play in a backyard, park, or beach.
Gift ideas for mom
These would make sweet gifts for your mom, mother-in-law, or the mother figure in your life.
Daily planner. If your mom loves planning and organizing, then she’ll love our softcover planner. She can record her appointments, jot down her tasks and to-dos, and schedule dates with her family :).
Ina Garten’s Be Ready When the Luck Happens. Who doesn’t love the Barefoot Contessa? Ina Garten’s highly anticipated new memoir is sure to be a comforting and inspiring read.
Gift ideas for dad
Whether you’re really close with your dad or still getting to know him, below are some gift ideas that your dad would really enjoy.
My Dad: In His Own Words Interview Journal. Maybe your dad is a consummate storyteller or maybe he’s got tons of stories but he has trouble opening up. This guided journal is a thoughtful way to get to know him better. You can “interview” your dad using the questions in the journal or have him fill them out. You’ll be able to capture his legacy and pass it down to future generations as a treasured keepsake.
Portable phone charger. Slim and easy-to-carry, this portable phone charger would make a great gift for the frequent flying dad or the newly retired dad who’s ready to travel the world or visit their favorite child (you!).
Gift ideas for your spouse or partner
Here are meaningful gift ideas for that special someone in your life.
Yearly planner. Encourage your partner to follow their dreams by gifting them this yearly planner. They can set their goals, track their progress, and watch their dreams come to fruition. And they’ll feel so supported knowing that you’ll be by their side every step of the way.
Family Recipe Book. There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal to bring people together. And now you and your partner can write down your family recipes, create new ones, and make lasting memories to pass down to future generations. This would be perfect for newlyweds or the couple that just moved in together.
Gift ideas for siblings
Here are some fun and one-of-a kind gifts for your brother, sister, cousin, or bestie who’s practically a sister to you.
Bucket List Journal. This would make such a fun gift for the recent college grad, or the sibling who’s a globe trotting adventurer, or the sibling who’s just embarked on their year of funemployment. They can document all their exciting adventures and keep this journal as a capsule of all their memorable experiences.
Mantra Journal. This unique journal would make a great gift for anyone who's looking to live with more intention, positivity, and motivation.
Gift ideas for little ones
Whether it’s your kids or your nieces and nephews, these gifts are sure to please the little ones in your family.
Magna-tiles. Kids can spend hours playing with their magna-tiles. And even if they already have a set, they will love having new tiles to add to their collection.
Sticky gems. Kids love bright, shiny, and sticky things. These flower sticky gems would be great for craft projects, rainy day activities, and making handmade cards for their friends.
Gift ideas for hard-to-shop-for family members
Maybe you’re tasked with finding a gift for a relative you see once a year. Or a gift for someone who already has everything. Here are some fun gift ideas for family members who are impossible to shop for.
The Leuchtturrm1917 Drehgriffel Ballpoint pen. Not only is this German-brand pen super stylish and unique, but it’s practical and affordable as well. This would definitely impress the design-minded or hard-to-please members of your family.
Executive Notebook. If you’re not sure about your recipient’s aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with a gift that is modern but timeless. And a notebook is one of those practical gifts that they’ll always use. The Kunisawa Executive notebook would make the perfect gift for a loved one or someone you’re still getting to know.
Written by JiJi Lee