The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: 100+ Ideas for Everyone on Your List

November 18th, 2014

I’m a December baby. Fellow December babies know this means one thing: BIRTHDAYMAS! Birthdaymas is the combination of my birthday and Christmas. The holidays are a time for giving, but Birthdaymas is an excellent time for receiving, too. ;) Is it any wonder December is my favourite month of the year?

Since everyone starts scrambling for gift ideas right about now, I thought I’d compile a HUGE holiday gift guide to help you out. I’ve scoured every corner of the internet for unique, beautiful, or interesting things, and I hope you’ll find it useful when you go shopping for presents for everyone on your list, whether they are beauty lovers, homebodies, style icons, fangirls/fanboys, readers, hosts or hostesses, tech lovers, or men’s men.

I’ve included items at a wide variety of price ranges to fit any budget. Since I’m posting this many weeks ahead of Christmas, you should have plenty of time to order online and have everything arrive in time. (Any items from Indigo will ship internationally!)

In this list, I’ve included some items I would love to unwrap on my birthday or Christmas morning, too. Hint, hint – to friends and family who may be reading this – I promise to pretend to be surprised and amazed at how well you know my taste! The items on my wish list are marked with three asterisks. (***)

Whether you’re looking for gift ideas for your best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, mother, father, sister, brother, boss, coworker, grandma, daughter, or the love of your life – I hope you find something perfect for them on this holiday gift guide.

Or if you just want to treat yo’ self this holiday season, that works too. Want even more holiday gift ideas? Check out last year’s Holiday Gift Guide!

Okay, let’s get this party started. I hope you’re sitting comfortably, because this will take a while.

GIFTS FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER

1. NARS Lip Pencil Coffret (Set of 5 – $56) – I adore NARS Velvet Matte lip pencils, and this is a great opportunity to sample a few.

2. Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Palette ($59) – Too Faced makes fantastic quality products, and this set looks and smells delicious, since it’s made with real chocolate.

3. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Travel Duo ($35) – This is my absolute favourite perfume. It smells of vanilla and heaven.

4. NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette ($75) – Get bronzed and glowing in any season with this gorgeous NARS cheek set.

5. GHD Classic 1″ Styler ($225) – This is basically the only thing I use to style my hair, and it gives me sleek, shiny waves that last for days! Totally worth the price tag, it’s great quality and lasts for years.

6. Sephora Favorites – Superstars ($90) – Try all the bestselling products, from skin care to makeup to hair to nails.

GIFTS FOR THE HOMEBODY

Have someone on your list who likes nothing more than to stay warmly wrapped up at home, with a good book, a candle, and mug of tea? Treat them to a cozy night in with these gift ideas.

7. Diptyque Figuier Candle*** ($71) – Treat someone special to the ultimate in luxury candles.

8. Cozy Cable Knit Reading Socks*** ($29.50) Ivory / Striped / Grey*** – I definitely relate to Dumbledore’s desire for a nice pair of woollen socks. These look toasty!

9. Luxe Cozy Faux Fur Throw – Castlerock ($80) – Also in Chocolate / Ivory / Stone

10. Rifle Paper Company Les Femmes 2015 Wall Calendar*** ($26)

11. Lush Bath Bombs*** ($5-$7 each)

12. Super Soft Cozy Robe – Ivory ($45)

13. Festive Scented Candles from Bath and Body Works*** ($22.50) – Merry Cookie / Pumpkin Gingerbread

14. Ralph Lauren Flannel Plaid Pajamas*** ($81)

15. Reiko Kaneko Drip Tease Teacup and Saucer in Gold *** ($28) – Matching Teapot

16. Harney & Sons Holiday Tea Gift Set ($22) Winter White Earl Grey + Holiday Black Tea

17. Cable Knit Hot Water Bottle ($29.50) – Stay toasty in bed this winter with a hot water bottle in Heather Grey / Ivory / Rose.

18. Fresh Sugar Dream Gift Set ($61) – Have a pampered night in with this set of sugar face polish, body polish, and lip treatment.

19. Gentle Reminders Pencils – Set of 6 ($12)

20. Cursive Monogram Gold Mug*** ($12)

21. Laura Mercier Honey Bath*** ($54) – Fresh Fig / Almond Coconut Milk / Crème Brûlée / Crème de Pistache

GIFTS FOR THE STYLE ICON

22. Kate Spade Hanover Street Sable Wristlet ($212)

23. Faux Fur Neck Warmer ($70)

24. Monogrammed Faux Leather Clutch ($25) – What better way is there to make someone feel special than by giving them custom monogrammed items made especially for them? Personalize it by choosing the envelope clutch’s colour and the monogram style.

25. Red Plaid Infinity Scarf*** ($45) – stay stylish AND warm this winter with this gorgeous infinity scarf made from a super-soft wool blend.

26. Heather Tote – Bone ($55) – This throw-everything-in beauty also comes in black.

27. Rifle Paper Co. Clear Rosa iPhone 6 Case ($36)

28. Rifle Paper Co. Temporary Gold Tattoos ($5)

29. Twist Scarf*** ($20) – available in a variety of colours and styles

30. Crystal Swirl Bobby Pin*** ($130) – Add a touch of Art Deco glamour to your hairstyle.

31. Kate Spade Monogram Business Card Holder ($29)

32. Winter Wonderland Glove – Black/Brown Fur ($19.50)

GIFTS FOR THE READER

There are tons of fun, book-related gifts you can give the bibliophile on your list apart from actual books. Though those aren’t a bad idea either!

33. Ask Me What I’m Reading Canvas Tote*** ($20) – I love this. It’s the perfect bag for schlepping new book buys or running a few errands.

34. Invisible Bookshelf ($13) – These bookshelves are seriously cool. Especially when whole walls are covered in floating books!

35. Get your or their favourite book turned into a Book Scarf ($42) – click through to see all the available options.

36. Booksi iPhone and Android Dock ($52) – I have this in the Pride and Prejudice edition, it’s just the coolest.

37. Mr. Darcy Literary Men’s Cologne ($42) – Also available in Mr. Rochester, Dorian Grey, Heathcliff, and scents for her, all with gorgeous vintage-style packaging.

38. Penguin Book Covers iPhone Cases ($27) – Gift these Sherlock Holmes Penguin editions, or create a custom case with a title and author of your choice.

39. The Great Gatsby Throw Pillow ($40)

40. I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie Canvas Tote ($20) – God, I love a good pun. I also love big books! And small books. Size doesn’t matter, kids. ;)

41. Oscar Wilde Paddywax Candle ($21) – The Library Collection also includes Jane Austen, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and more.

42. Not That Kind of Girl, by Lena Dunham*** ($19)

43. Rifle Paper Co. In Bloom Book Collection ($64)

44. The Complete Gillian Flynn Collection – Gone Girl, Dark Places, and Sharp Objects ($32)

45. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain*** ($9)

GIFTS FOR THE TECH LOVER

46. Frends Taylor Gold + White On Ear Headphones*** ($199) – I’m drooling over these in a major way. They look deliciously soft and comfortable, in addition to being stylish. Or get it in Black and Gold.

47. Giant Pink Gem Speaker ($40)

48. Frends Ella B Earbuds – Gold & White*** ($99) – Want dainty, delicate earbuds instead of big on-ear headphones? These whimsical earbuds from Frends are just the ticket.

49. Mik Amplifying Phone Case ($34)

50. Smartphone Projector ($35) – Also sold here.

51. Bluetooth Tracking Tag ($55) – Never lose your keys, wallet, or remote again!

52. Mist Screen Cleaners ($18) – spritz and wipe your devices with one nifty tool!

53. Back Me Up Mobile Charger ($30) – also available in red hearts

GIFTS FOR THE HOST OR HOSTESS

Know someone who loves entertaining? Help them throw the ultimate party, with some of these unique host or hostess gift ideas.

54. Gold Rim Vintage Coupe Glasses (Set of 4 – $38) – Three words: Gatsby theme party.

55. Chalkboard Slate Serving Tray*** ($50) – This is such a wonderful, versatile serving idea. You can use it to identify all kinds of things, from cheeses to canapés!

56. Conundrum Aerator Wine Decanters – Set of 2 ($49)

57. Dinner Party Guest Book*** ($13) – I wish I had one of these before I started hosting dinner parties and cocktail parties at my apartment. It would be lovely to keep a log of them all, with who attended and what was served.

58. Marble and Wood Appetizer Platter*** ($60) – I can’t get enough of pretty things for the home and for entertaining. This serving tray with glass lid is perfect for a wine and cheese party.

59. Kate Spade Tidbit Plates (Set of 4 – $36)

60. Corkcicle ($25) – Keep your bottle of wine perfectly chilled with this fun artificial icicle.

61. ‘Eat Dessert First’ Quote Serving Tray*** ($24.50) – I love quotes, and have them all around my house, on mugs, pillows, and framed on the walls. This one is especially great!

62. Perfect Pour Cocktail Shaker ($29.50)

GIFTS FOR THE FANGIRL OR FANBOY

Do you know a loveable geek? May them squeeee when they unwrap one of these gifts.

63. Doctor Who Journal of Impossible Things + Sonic Screwdriver Pen ($45) – It’s the Tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver and journal from when he was John Smith! Aaaaahhhhhh!

64. Doctor Who TARDIS Ceramic Mug ($30) – If only mugs were bigger on the inside, too. Think of all the tea and coffee they’d hold!

65. Doctor Who Doctor & Companion Couples Pillowcase Set ($28+) – Be the first female Doctor! In bed, at least.

66. Doctor Who TARDIS Print ($12+) – This is one of my favourite quotes from Doctor Who, and this graphic print so beautifully displays it.

67. Game of Thrones House Stark Cookie Stamp (other houses also available) ($12) – If I baked, I’d be all over these. Choose your House (I’m Stark) and proclaim your allegiance WITH COOKIES!

68. Game of Thrones Ceramic Westeros Map Beer Stein ($25) – If you know a mega Game of Thrones fan, this old fashioned beer stein with a detailed map of Westeros is going to make their day.

69. A Feast of Ice and Fire – the Official Game of Thrones Companion Cookbook ($24) – What a cool idea: fandom plus cooking! If you have a chef AND geek in your life, or just someone who likes playing in the kitchen, this is the cookbook for them.

70. Harry Potter Espresso Patronum Mug ($13)

71. Hogwarts Alumni Sweatshirt ($30)

72. I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good Shot Glass ($10)

73. Mischief Managed Aluminum Wrap Around Ring ($10)

74. Harry Potter Polyjuice Potion Flask ($20)

75. BBC Sherlock Limited Edition Gift Set ($136)

76. Sherlock Replica Union Jack Pillow ($22) – I have this, and love it!

77. Sherlock 221B Phone Case (from my Redbubble shop!) ($23)

78. Sherlock Quote Pencil Set ($8)

79. Sherlock 221B Key Necklace ($18)

80. William Shakespeare’s Star Wars ($15) – “Verily, a new hope.” It’s in freaking iambic pentameter, too. The coolest.

GIFTS FOR THE FOODIE

Because gifts you can eat are the best kinds of gifts. I don’t think anyone has ever received chocolate and felt disappointed!

81. Charbonnel et Walker Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles*** ($39) – These were on my list last year, too – and I’m still dying to try them!

82. Box of Chocolate Soap ($38) – Just fyi: this is actual soap, despite being in the “foodie” category.

83. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Mix Tin*** ($16) – also in Peppermint Hot Chocolate / Dark Hot Chocolate

84. Sea Salted Caramels in Dark Chocolate*** ($12.50) – I had these last year, and they were to die for.

85. Peppermint Bark ($20) – a divine holiday classic.

86. Pretzel Log Bundle ($20)

87. Box of 36 Godiva Chocolates, Classic Gold Ribbon ($54)

GIFTS FOR THE COUPLE

88. Matching Mugs ($10 each) Good Morning Beautiful / Good Morning Handsome

89. Good Morning Gorgeous & Hello There Handsome Pillow Cover Set ($38)

90. Our Q&A a Day – a Three Year Daily Journal for Two People ($19)

91. Kate Spade Yours & Mine Glasses ($60) – also available in “Mr.” and “Mrs.”

GIFTS FOR THE FITNESS JUNKIE

92. Fitbit Flex ($99) – Set daily goals, track your activity, and see how you compare to your friends! Tangerine / Black / Lime / Slate

93. Pink 5lb Dumbbells*** ($15 each) – Tone up without leaving the house with these pretty in pink dumbbells.

94. Kiku Reversible Yoga Mat ($40)

GIFTS FOR THE MAN’S MAN

95. On the Rock Glass and Ice Ball Gift Set ($39) – a kit for making the classiest drink ever.

96. The Man Can – All Natural Bath and Body Gift Set ($57) – entice your man into smelling delicious with these not-to-be-confused-with-feminine bath and body products.

97. Homemade Gin Kit ($50)

98. Men’s Leather Satchel ($60)

99. Wild & Wolf Shoe Polishing Kit ($28) – Keep the dapper man in your life looking his best with this set of shoe polishing essentials all packed away in a neat case.