Fact: This holiday season will be filled with get-togethers and festive soirees. And since gift giving is a common theme this time of year, you might want to scope out the options. What do you bring to a holiday gift exchange or White Elephant party? It has to be something generic but not useless. Ideally, it’s something cool that the recipient will be pleased to bring back home. Read: No knick-knacks, clutter, or things they pass to the next poor soul. Luckily, we're here to help. Perhaps you go the edible route with a gourmet meat and cheese basket? Or maybe a pampering beauty gift set is more your style? Both are solid choices.
We’ve got more genius ideas where that came from. Click on!
MORE GIFT GUIDES:
Holiday Gift Guide 2019: Something for Everyone on Your List
Best Holiday Gift Ideas From Amazon — Because, Prime
Don't have Honey yet? Download it for free to make sure you get the best price on holiday gifts! Things you purchase through our links may earn Honey a commission. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Your friends like their wine. Who doesn't? Class up the joint a bit with this sure-to-please marble cooler. It’s an elevated kitchen staple that most don’t own, but should. Trust: this home accessory goes with any decor style and is great to whip out when company is over.
Shop: French Kitchen Marble Wine Cooler, $29.95, available at Crate and Barrel
Pretty much anyone that wears makeup is very well aware of the effectiveness of Urban Decay’s setting spray. It’s a night-out staple and something one just might need a refill on when they’re hitting the party circuit this season. Besides, we enjoy how it comes in an ornament-friendly package.
Shop: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Ornament in Honey, $15, available at Macy’s
Cheese is a party favorite — that's a fact. Make sure your pals are ready for success and slip this fancy but practical swivel board under their tree. Just your way of showing you care, you know?
Shop: Compact Swivel Cheese Board with Knives, $64, available at Uncommon Goods
A yummy holiday-scented candle is always a safe bet when it comes to gift giving. We say the more unique the better. Your pals have probably been inundated with scents of pumpkin and cinnamon all season long, but how do you feel about a spiced apple toddy scent?
Shop: Spiced Apple Toddy 3-Wick Candle, $14.50, available at Bath and Body Works
Glowing skin is always in, no matter the season. Particularly during the party-season circuit, this three-piece luxury skin-care set is an easy way to spread the love. It comes with a cleanser, a face mask, and a face mist.
Shop: Caudalie Power Glow Essentials, $49, available at Sephora
This chilly weather makes us all want to get cozy, doesn’t it? So give the gift of warm tidings with ultra-festive pack of December-approved socks. They’re perfect to slip on at night or during lazy weekends in. Something tells us that whomever receives these warm fuzzies won’t be hatin’.
Shop: Happy Socks Colorful Gift Box, $36, Bloomingdale’s
If you’re gifting someone who likes to eat (read: everyone), this basket is a solid option. It’s filled with gourmet ready-to-eat snacks that will please most palates. It’s basic enough to be universally delicious, but elevated enough to feel like a real treat.
Shop: Meat And Cheese Gourmet Gift Basket, $59.99, available at Cost Plus World Market
Think about it: Around end of year, people are going out and putting extra effort into styling their hair. A present that reinvigorates tired locks is probably a smart idea. And, this one from Briogeo comes with all the essentials, including a deep-conditioning mask, exfoliating shampoo and heat-protectant creme.
Shop: Briogeo Healthy Hair Game Kit, $39, at Revolve
You know what’s a fabulous way to say I love you? With a warm cozy scarf that wraps your pal in metaphorical love. Okay, that’s cheesy, but our point is a fresh new goes-with-everything scarf is a great one-size-fits-all gift for all your friends this season.
Shop: Ribbed Scarf in Supersoft Yarn, $69.50, available at J.Crew
One obvious way to celebrate is with Champagne. Who isn't a fan of toasting to the occasion whenever the occasion strikes? Make it an extra-special gift with these dressed-up glasses that will certainly add some flair to their shelves at home.
Shop: Volcania Flutes, Set of 4, $48, available at Anthropologie
Chapped skin is an unfortunate theme of the winter season. That’s why equipping anyone on your list with a luxury lip balm and moisturizer is key. This is a brand we personally use on the regular and we can vouch: It’s worth the 20 bucks. Thank us later.
Shop: Malin + Goetz Full Size Lip Moisturizer & Balm Set, $20, available at Nordstrom
Hot cocoa is the drink of the season. Now that the weather has cooled, we can’t think of a better gift for your next party. Up the ante with a gourmet Godiva selection, and you’ll be the most popular person in the room.
Shop: Godiva Chocolatier Hot Cocoa Gift Set, $18.71, available at Neiman Marcus
In our book, a snuggly, plush robe is always a crowd-favorite. This gifting season, upgrade the usual by subbing in a bold red flannel print. This one’s also lined with sherpa, so you know it’s warm. Oh, did we mention it comes in a his and hers?
Shop: Flannel Sherpa Lined Long Robe, $53.97, available at Land’s End
Did someone say seasonal bath set? We’re here for it, especially when it comes in a delectable vanilla cranberry variety. We like this one for giving because it’s no nonsense, including body wash and a lotion. And can’t forget that cute coffee mug that’s sure to go to good use.
Shop: Tri-Coastal Design Adventure Plaid 5-pc. Gift Set, $14.99, available at JCPenney
It's the digital age — you seemingly always need to charge your phone. Instead of being tied to an outlet, let this subtle-but-also-incredibly handy wireless dock work its magic while you — or your giftee — sleep. Did we mention it’s super lightweight and ideal for travel?
Shop: Mophie 10W Wireless Charging Pad iPhone/Android, $49.95, available at Best Buy
Now this a gift that’s on the pricier side, but it's worth every penny when it comes to comfort delivered. It’s the softest thing your pal will ever wrap up in. The leopard print is not for the faint of heart — you can always play it safe with a solid iteration. At the very least, this gift will be used.
Shop: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Barefoot In The Wild Throw, $180, available at Amazon
Let’s say that you and your pals overindulged this holiday season — hypothetically, of course. Hey, it happens to the best of us. So to make sure your friends are well taken care of the day after, might we suggest this excellent hangover skin-care kit to nurse them back to health. The kit, which includes fine-line-reducing face gels, eye gels, and daily lotion, claims to help overstressed skin.
Shop: Skyn Iceland Online Only Skin Hangover Kit 2.0, $28, available at Ulta Beauty