Christmas Gift Guide and Inspiration 2018

At least once per week, you’ll find me scrolling through my favourite retailer websites, scoping out new products or taking mental notes of products I love or I know other people will love. It’s a helpful habit closer to the Christmas and holiday season because I somewhat map out what I can buy people on my list. I thought I’d share some Christmas Gift inspiration so you can scoop up the deals and supplies in advance of Christmas eve.

Everything I’ve included is pretty affordable, with most items $40.00 or less although there are some more expensive items, but there are also quite a few that are discounted between now and the end of the year. Just click on products you’re interested in and it’ll take you right to the page for more details and the prices!

*Please note, I have used affiliate links in this post. This website gets commissions from retailers like Amazon and Chapters when you click on the product links and complete a purchase. This is at no extra cost to you.* 

I’ve curated my choices by category, so hopefully, you can find something for everyone on your list!

Christmas Gifts For The Holiday Enthusiast (or for your own home!) 

If there’s someone on your Christmas list who just loves everything about the holiday season, help them indulge in the spirit. Whether its decor, a Christmas cook book, a festive mug, or books on Hygge throughout the season (the Scandinavian word for the feeling of coziness and happiness), they’ll appreciate the gift.

SNOW GLOBE HOUSE IN THE WOODS by Indigo

DEAR SANTA BARREL MUG by IndigoThe Hygge Holiday: The Warmest, Funniest, Cosiest Romantic Comedy Of The Year

Christmas Gifts For Your Bestie or For Her (your sister,  your mom, your coworker)

Your bestie or a wonderful female in your life will appreciate any of these picks. The top selling books this year include Educated, Becoming, and The Clockmaker’s Daughter. Their common thread? They’re all about women and their experiences. If your girl isn’t much of a reader, opt for things she can enjoy around the house, like a BFF candle or a pair of cozy reading socks.

Expressions Mini Tin Candle - Bae Bestie BFF by Indigo ScentsBecoming

FUR TRIMMED READING SOCKS MERLOT by IndigoThe Sun and Her Flowers Signed Edition

Christmas Gifts For Him (aka your Significant Other, Your Dad, Your Brother)

Shopping for him doesn’t have to be hard. Think practical like wallets, shoe cleaning sets and clothing items. But if he’s into reading or has certain hobbies, there are definite favourites for this holiday season, including George R.R. Martin’s new book that talks about the history of the Targaryens we love from A Game Of Thrones, or the latest Robert Green book that cleverly describes how humans work. And you can’t forget the super-popular Spider-Man for PS4 game (R.I.P. Stan l

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game Of Thrones (a Targaryen History)The Laws Of Human Nature

MENS FAMILY FAIRISLE READING SOCKS by Indigo

Christmas Gifts For Babies and Little Ones

I may have a little more experience in this category than previous years thanks to my little niece. Watching her grow up and learning what she’s interested in has helped me create this guide. When buying things for little ones, think high-contrast, lots of bright colours, fun shapes and sounds. Her current favourites include the Giraffe soother from Wubbanub–she holds her giraffe as she sleeps with the soother in her mouth. Also, don’t forget to buy them something they can wear!

Little Blue Truck's ChristmasWubbaNub Infant Pacifier - Baby Giraffe by wubbaNubHello, Animals!

Christmas Gifts For the Home Decorator and Design Lover

I am guilty of watching home decorating and design shows. So are most of my friends. Keep the home decorating spirit alive with your gifts. What most HGTV and Fixer Upper lovers will appreciate this year is Joanna Gaines’ new book and candle set–exclusive for the holidays. You can also find other books for home style, keeping organized, and living better. If your recipient isn’t into reading, get them something they can use around the home, like an aromatherapy diffuser, a plant hanging bracket, or a natural light alarm clock/sunset simulator.

Indigo Book Box: Homebody by Joanna GainesThe Life-changing Magic Of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organizing

Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a LifeUmbra Trigg Wall Vessel Copper - Small by UMBRA

Christmas Gifts For the Beauty and Fashion Guru

This may or may not be news to some, but you can now buy Benefit Cosmetics from the Chapters Indigo online store. You’ll be able to find the beauty lover or the fashionista on your list a benefit cosmetics kit that suits their needs, or a mini version of a cult favourite they’ve been meaning to try. You’ll also find a great selection of books about fashion greats like the late Alexander McQueen, and insider scoops from those in the industry. Or, you can treat your recipient to a brand new bag for the new year.

Confection Cuties by Benefit CosmeticsAlexander McQueen: Savage BeautyBENEFIT HOOLA MATTE BRONZER MINI ORNAMENT by Benefit Cosmetics

LOVE AND LORE HUNTER MINI CROSSBODY BAG BLACK COMBO by Love & LoreSkin Deep: Women On Skin Care, Makeup, And Looking Their Best

Christmas Gifts for the Journaler 

I cannot tell you how many people out there appreciate a good journal. There are thousands! Journals really help people to decompress at the end of a day, or start their day with the right intentions. Even if you’re not sure if the person journals, you can help them start with a journal that they can appreciate–like the Happiness Planner. No one says no to planning happiness! One of my personal favourites is the Day Designer (featured below and in this blog post). The 2019 version looks just like the 2018 version, which means I’m adding it to my own list!

THE 100-DAY HAPPINESS PLANNER LINEN MINT by BRANDMENTALISTCelestial One Line A Day Memory Bk by RaincoastNeil Pasricha Two Minute Mornings Journal by Raincoast

3000 Questions About Me Journal by Picadilly

Christmas Gifts For Kids (the young, the teens, and the young at heart)

Oh, to be a kid again! Kids toys and books have come a long way since my days. There are so many books and activities geared towards the STE(A)M sector–Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, which helps kids learn valuable thinking and problem solving skills while having fun. I personally love the idea of the Harry Potter Kano Coding Kit which gives kids experience in coding techniques (in a fun and light way) to create their own wand and magic. Speaking of Harry Potter, if you know your recipient is a bookworm and they don’t own the Harry Potter series, then please do everyone a favour, and buy it for them.

Harry Potter Box Set: The Complete Collection (children's Paperback)Stem Activity Book: Science Technology Engineering Math: Packed With Activities And FactsHarry Potter Kano Coding Kit by Kano

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World: Squirrel Meets World

What’s On Your Christmas Gift List?

I hope this post has made your Christmas and Holiday gift shopping a little bit easier. Let me know what your top picks are for the best Christmas and Holiday gifts to give, or what you hope ends up in your stocking.

If physical gifts aren’t your thing, don’t worry. I’m also working on a guide to Christmas Experiences and Affordable Things To Do instead of physical presents. Make sure to subscribe to get a notification when that post comes out.

Christmas Gift Guide and Inspiration 2018 Vanessa Kingson

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