gift ideas

Where I Search for Gifts (+ a Question for YOU!)

Before we get into this post… I want to ask you guys: WHAT GIFT GUIDES DO YOU WANT TO SEE? I want to really focus my gift guides this year– focusing on quality over quantity and hitting different price points. I have a few ideas, but I want to hear from you guys and make sure I’m doing the most relevant and helpful guides.

This is the first ~unofficial~ gift guide of the year. My goal is to have most of my gifts purchased by December for my sanity… and well, we’re already a week into the month of November. I thought I’d share the places that I usually go to to find gifts. I mostly do my personal shopping online and, of course, when I’m answering reader questions about where to find gifts, it’s pretty much a guarantee it’ll be somewhere online.

I have a few go-to places where I start my search for gifts and thought I’d share them here as the first gift guide of the season. When I’m searching for gifts, I usually have one or two starting points. I either have a general idea of what I want and it’s just a matter of hunting it down… or I have no idea and I have to go through everything until I find something that will work!

My “process” (if you can call it that) is to open tons of tabs and to only select the price range that is in my budget (so I’m not tempted by something outside of my budget). Here are some of my favorite places to search for gifts. This isn’t an exhaustive list, of course, but it’s a pretty good starting point.

Gift Guide

J. Crew + J. Crew Factory // I rarely buy clothes for other people, so I leave the clothes for my own wishlists 😉I start by using their gift guides as the very first place I’ll look. J. Crew & J. Crew Factory have GREAT accessories though. For literally everyone.

I’m really loving the velvet bow hair tie and this wash & wear travel pouch.

Mark & Graham // This is my go-to for personalized gifts all year round. This is one of my first spots I go to for men’s gifts, too. (Always the hardest to shop for, right??) They also have so many unique items that I didn’t even know existed; it’s worth spending time poring through the different sections to discover gems.

This leather watch roll (for traveling) is brilliant and I already bought a couple of these tote + pouch sets for a few special girls in my life!

Waiting on Martha // This online shop is my SECRET WEAPON. No, honestly, it’s like the best curated e-commerce site ever. Basically, like popping into a local boutique… but all online. Everything is swoon-worthy. If you have a hostess gift to get, LOOK HERE FIRST. (Warning: you might end up buying a few things for yourself while you’re at it!)

How cute is this little wood glasses holder or this topiary ornament (expensive, but a lovely gift) or this bamboo picture frame?

Williams Sonoma // Williams Sonoma has become one of my favorite places for gifts. Of course, there are some big ticket items that are better on a registry than a gift for a friend, but there are great perfectly-priced items for so many recipients.

Their mixes make great gifts, especially when paired with something extra like maple syrup or dish towels. Also, just saying, they have a whole line of Harry Potter items right now– so fun.

Nordstrom // Nordstrom has everything for everyone. So many options that the only downside is that it can take forever to go through everything. (Don’t forget to sort by price so you narrow in on your search.) They launched a Gift Finder this year and it seems like a great tool to find the perfect gift.

The best holiday candle (ever) could work for bosses, hosts, and Secret Santas.

Backcountry // Backcountry always has great sales around the holidays. I’ll be sure to let you know when they launch it… it’s the best time to stock up on Patagonia. Which makes great gifts for men, women, kids, you name it.

The grey Better Sweater is a classic!

Anthropologie // I am obsessed with Anthropologie’s gift selection! If you have little ones on your list, this is where I’d make my first stop. So, so cute.

This croissant trinket box might be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen and these tiled mugs are definitely going to be an “It” gift of the year.

Tuckernuck // I love Tuckernuck for my personal shopping and it’s also a destination for gifts too.

This monogrammed garment bag or Dopp kit both are perfect for men and get every girl on your list this adorable, and affordable, monogrammed pouch (maybe even add a lipstick or nail polish or sheet mask inside!).

When in doubt… When all else fails and I have truly no idea what to get? I go the candy route! Sugarfina boxes are such a fun gift to give (and receive). You can’t go wrong!

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58 Comments

Claire

Hi Carly,
I’d love to know what you recommend for workplace colleagues, in the $25~ish range. And how about gifts for the book lover?
Thank you!

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Krista S.

I’d love to see a gift guide for men. Most of our gift giving is for our sons and it’s become quite challenging now that they’re in that 25+ young professionals stage.

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carly

It’s a prop from the photoshoot I did with gal meets glam… not sure where it’s from!

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Ariadne

I would love to see a gift guide for the person who has everything. My dad is impossible to buy for because he just gets everything he wants/needs for himself!

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KBG

Gifts for men that have nothing to do with drinking, fishing, or golf! All the men in my family/friend group are tech nerds who would rather discuss the latest OS than wrestle with golf clubs. Cool, affordable electronics would be a great gift guide.

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Chelsey

I honestly love gift guides because they give me ideas on what to ask for! My family always asks for a “list” and I have no idea what to put on there so gift guides are a great place for inspiration. Also, a gift guide for guys would be super helpful!

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Brianna Rooney

I think round up posts like this on where to shop versus gift guides is preferred for me. I know how much work goes into gift guides but I really miss regular content that happens over the holidays when the guides takeover!

More holiday decorating, hosting, ways to give back, etc is more my speed versus guides.

Hope that helps!

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carly

It will not be gift guide CENTRAL over here… But it will be mixed in with regular content. Maybe even like “second posts” of the day, so just bonus content if anything

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Jess

I am definitely interested in Mark and Graham luggage, but I need an honest opinion about it. All the reviews I see online are sponsored…

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carly

So I have two pieces that I purchased myself! If you’re going to get one, do the carry-on so you don’t have to check it and can handle it a little more gently. They are SO CUTE but not the highest quality of suitcase you can purchase. And at the end of the day, it’s a suitcase and luggage gets banged around! If scuffs and dings are going to bother you, don’t get the M&G!!!

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Jess

I feel like tech nerds are the hardest to buy for. Everything is expensive and then they have very strong opinions on it all!!

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Jen

This list is great! Waiting on Martha was just added to my bookmarks. I could always use some good suggestions for in laws 🙂

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Sydney Brodie

I would love to see a gift guide for boyfriends/girlfriends parents! My boyfriend and I have been dating for a few years so I like to get his parents something small. I’m so lost on ideas this year!

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Catherine

I would love to see a experience gift guide. My husband and I are trying to give each other and our friends experiences this year instead of stuff.

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Savannah

Anthropologie is definitely my #1 go to for gifts! But I prefer walking the store. My mom’s birthday was last month and I decided I’d try to find something for her there (thinking I’d go home with a candle) but after I took a lap, I found the cutest coffee table book called “Platters and Boards” and decided to get that, a set of their cheese knives, and one of their wooden cheese boards. Cutest gift!

I also LOVE walking through Homegoods to buy gifts! Unique stuff at a budget friendly price. I ended up getting my boyfriend a bar cart (and some things to go on it like a cocktail shaker, ice bucket, whiskey candle, etc.) for Hanukkah, and got my mom a wine rack table with a wine bottle candle!

I’m with you Carly, get the shopping done early! I only have my dad’s gift left to buy (and I’m waiting to see if Away luggage will do a Black Friday deal, crossing my fingers!)

Last thing, I suggest using Etsy for online shopping to benefit small businesses and regular old people like us! For my grandparents, I’m “commissioning” an Etsy artist to illustrate a photo of their dog… for $60. Doesn’t get better than that!

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Samantha

I second the coworker gift suggestions, but also for bosses/supervisors. Another great one would be tech gifts.

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Lucy

I’d love to hear about sentimental gifts, gifts that are experiences, or homemade gifts! I feel like I always come home from Christmas with a lot of things, when I really want to spend time with loved ones and tell them how much I love them ♥ Can’t wait to see what you have planned!

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Savannah

One more thought on gift guides – I know a lot of people probably forget that gifting an “experience” can sometimes be better than a tangible gift! Great for the “person who has everything.” Maybe a gift guide with different experience gift ideas and where to look for them? (Ie, Groupon and travelzoo are great resources for wine tastings, dinner for two, etc)

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Celeste

I’d love to see gifts for more specific types of people – like parents, boss/colleagues, significant other’s parents, etc.

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Lauren

I’m always interested in sentimental gifts for my mom and best friends/roommates! I saw mentioned that under $50 was a great limit usually and I completely agree. But then again- who doesn’t want to splurge a little on their moms for the holidays?

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Brett

I also want to get all my holiday shopping done by Dec 1. Helps keep me on budget. As a gift guide instead of ‘what’ to buy I would love one along the lines of ‘how’ to buy. Questions to ask yourself to keep the gifter in check so it’s something the recipient would like/appreciate. I’m trying to be more intentional with what I give my family/close friends. that it’s not something I want to get for them but something they actually want. Of course some gifts are just fun and cute!

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Alexan Bailey

I would love to see a “gift guide” for experiences! I am really trying to get away from so many material gifts as I feel like they are harder to pick/not necessary for certain people as they have what they need and want! A list of fun “giftable” experiences would be awesome.

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G

Definitely interested in gift guides for men! Shopping for my boyfriend can be quite a challenge! Love your content, as always!

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Maggie

Gift ideas for guys (under $50). Looking for brother/dad gifts NOT boyfriend.

Gift ideas for couples. It is SO hard giving a gift to a couple that appeals to both people. I can only ever think of tickets to things but that can get expensive fast since you need to buy two.

Gift ideas of experiences (not things) that are not outrageously expensive. For example things like broadway shows or most concert tickets would be out of my budget.

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Megan

I’d love to see a thoughtful gift guide or something that’s a little different from the norm (especially for guys). Between my dad, brothers, and boyfriend I’ve exausted the classic wallet, watch, patigonia, swell bottle, nice duffle etc. etc. and need some new ideas!

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Bailey Humphrey

I would love to see what YOU are asking for for Christmas! I never know what to ask for/ what is on trend so I pull my lists from other people’s!

Bailey
baileysbulletin.blogspot.com

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Christie

I’m not sure if you’ve done this in the past, but something like a Secret Santa under $15ish gift guide? My friends and I do a secret santa every year because there are 10 of us and it got crazy trying to do individual gifts but sometimes you draw someone you’re not as close with and it can be hard to find something great. Thanks for doing your gift guides every year. I really appreciate the hard work and thought you put into them!

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Sydney Paulsen

I’d love to see gift guides for NOT “manly men” and “girly girls”, haha! What things have you come across that are quirky and fun?

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Ellie

I need a gift guide for guys that’s not clothes/watches, not golf/sports related, and not grooming stuff. My husband likes clothes and shoes, so I don’t buy that for him and he’s not a golf guy, so that’s out too. I have the HARDEST time shopping for him and gift guides for guys are always full of stuff that’s not the right fit. I usually get experience based gifts, but it’s not the same as wrapping something up.

Also, I second the office Secret Santa idea…under the $20-$25 mark!

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Christina

Gifts for moms, boyfriends, and gifts under $50 and $100 would be really great! It’d also be cool to see a “gift guide” of what’s on your own list this year since I get so many great ideas for my own closet from your blog! 🙂

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Kait

Hey Carly! Here’s some of the gifts I need to buy that I always get stumped on:
– for coworkers (I usually like to spend $15 or under)
– a little trinket for friends (inexpensive, because we do a Secret Santa gift exchange as well)
– gifts for parents: I really like to give experiences over objects, but I’m starting to get stumped on ideas

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Abs

Gift guide of items made in the USA

You can find qulity items made in the USA (or another country with high standards for labor laws and work condition regulations) at every price point that are unique, beautiful, and support true craftsmanship.

I try my best to make thoughtful purchases. To me that means avoiding mass produced generic items made in sweat shops whenever possible.

Kaufmann Mercantile has a nice range of items and varies the inventory often.

I also agree Etsy is a great place to get gifts while supporting craftsman and small businesses. I’ve purchsed handmade natural fiber dolls as baby gifts, european linen napkin sets and tea towels as hostess gifts, hand-knitted cashmere hats for children, maple wood bowls or cutting boards as housewarming gifts. Lots of great choices at every price point on Etsy.

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Christen C Marshall

I’m stuck on stocking stuffers in the $20 or less (really ideally $10 or less so I can actually semi fill the stocking with more than one thing) range. My husband and I are trying to eat healthier, so our norm of buying candy is out.

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Julia

I would love gift guides in the $25-$75 range!! A book lovers guide would also be great (beyond just actual books). Good generic “girlfriends/sisters” gifts are always winners too, especially when not clothes-focused since guessing sizing is always risky!

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Kasey

I think a post of gifts that give back (support charities or independent businesses) would be awesome!

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alison

Hey Carly!
I would like to see a gift guide for $20 and under or DIY gifts that people would actually like.

I’m generally not a fan of gift guide posts. Partly because bloglovin buries me under them for 6 weeks every year and it’s annoying. Partly because the stuff is always way out of budget for someone who isn’t rolling in disposable income. And then there’s the whole consumerism//status quo//underpaid millennials going into debt on gifts to keep up -situation. It’s not good.

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Rachel

I think you always nail the clothing related gifts. I would love to see more creative/interesting for guys that aren’t just clothes/hats (all – dads, brothers, significant others). I have the hardest time shopping for the men in my life who don’t want clothes or a dopp kit… yet I don’t want to spend tons of money on an expensive tech gadget.

Gifts under $50 is a fabulous idea as well.

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Allison Dougherty

You’ve motivated me to start planning my holiday shopping! Thanks for the push 🙂 I’m also leaving for a trip to London and Paris in about a month and your Paris posts have helped tremendously!!

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Kerry

Hi Carly,
I’d love to see a co-worker gift guide. I always struggle to find a reasonably priced gift that I can get my 6 co-workers of different age ranges. So many coworker gift guides are kitschy office supplies. I don’t need it to be that literal, and would like to buy my colleagues something nice and thoughtful that doesn’t necessarily have to sit on their desk. I like to keep it somewhat uniform while keeping my limit around $100 tops for the entire group.

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Katie

Hi Carly! I would love for you to do a gift guide for sisters. My sister is a real puzzle, I never know what to get for her! Have a great day😊

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Sarah

I would love a guide to what to get in-laws or family members of your significant other! This is where I struggle the most with gift buying. I don’t know their interests as well as I do for my own family, and while I want my gifts to them to be very thoughtful, it can be hard to figure out!

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Kari Ann

I would love to see gift ideas in the $20 range. I know that’s hard, but that is usually the range we like to stay around for siblings, in-laws, and nieces and nephews. I also prefer graphics instead of just the links. Love your blog, Carly! It is the only one I read on a consistent basis.

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Celeste

I’ve hit the point, where I don’t want more “stuff” — and most of my friends and family have communicated the same! So… this year I’m aiming for experience gifts! A gift guide for that would be wonderful! (classes or museums or outings, etc.)

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Briana

Hi Carly! I would love to see a gift guide of experiences, instead of physical things. I’m always looking for fun new experiences to do with loved ones that create lasting memories. Thank you!

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