These are the 6 holiday gift-giving rules to break immediately
Shopping for holiday gifts can be a slippery slope. On one hand, you want to put a lot of thought into the process, but busy schedules get in the way, and a last-minute gift is inevitable — and that’s OK.
This season, we say: Break the holiday gift-giving rules and hit the drugstore for a practical travel mug they’ll use every day, or better yet, regift that awesome body lotion set you know your sister would appreciate way more than you ever will. Whether it’s giving something that’s been laying around the house collecting dust for months or a quick-and-quirky find, gifting taboos are so passé. If you ask us, it takes a lot of creativity and thought to cleverly wrap that candle or find the perfect beauty device for your best friend. And after all, it’s the thought that really matters.
Below, the six holiday gift-giving rules you should break right now.
Candles
When it comes to candles, subtlety goes a long way. Don’t regift that aggressively tropical scent — instead, opt for universally appealing aromas that feel homey and seasonal. Think balsam for the Christmas lover who just loves that tree smell or something a little more personal, like one inspired by the aromas of the recipient’s home state. Either way, candles are A-OK in our book and can be wallet-friendly.
SHOP IT: $30, amazon.com
Bath & Body Works Fresh Balsam 3-Wick Candle
SHOP IT: $15, bathandbodyworks.com
Tchotchkes
We’ve all received that weird tchotchke that is really just, well, useless. We’re not endorsing buying junk; however, a tech tchotchke, such as a funky minirobot face that is actually a Bluetooth speaker, or a keychain that doubles as a phone charger, are actually practical gifts. Just because it’s small and kitschy doesn’t mean it has to be completely useless.
Qushini Robot Bluetooth Speaker
SHOP IT: $30, urbanoutffiters.com
Ban.do Monstera Retractable Charging Cord
Regifting gift sets
Regifting gets a bad rap because it’s actually an art form that not many can succeed at. Let’s say you won a cheesy gift basket at work that’s filled with coffee and tea, which you don’t drink. Store it for the holidays and voilà! — you’ve got an awesome gift for the college student in the family who could certainly use the fuel. Same goes for that beauty set you just aren’t really feeling. It takes a little bit of thought to master the art of regifting.
SHOP IT: $40, hayneedle.com
The Body Shop Body Butter Trio
Beauty devices
If you’re going to give your beauty-obsessed best friend a cool new device, make sure it doesn’t come off the wrong way. A beauty gift, unless it’s a set, can send a rude message, if you get what we mean. However, a close friend will surely appreciate a splurge from you, whether it’s the new device Victoria’s Secret models swear by or an upgrade from their old Clarisonic to the new and improved 3-in-1 version that is getting rave reviews.
Georgia Louise GloPulse Device
SHOP IT: $165, revolve.com
Clarisonic Mia Smart 3-in-1 Connected Beauty Device
Socks
Repeat after us: Socks are not a thoughtless gift. In fact, it takes a lot of thoughtfulness and creativity to find a pair (or three) that anyone on your list will love. Cases in point: A color trio of Beatles-inspired socks for the working guy who loves a pop of color or a pair of cheeky socks for every day of the week. Either way, socks can be a practical gift worth giving over and over again.
Happy Socks The Beatles Box Set
SHOP IT: $42, happysocks.com
Stance Days of the Week Socks Set
SHOP IT: $55, shopbop.com
Drugstore
Whether you’re a last-minute shopper (we’re not judging) or on a budget, the drugstore is a great place to hit for your holiday shopping. We’re fans of the two-for-one deal that can be split up into stocking stuffers or given to separate recipients. Another great drugstore find? The beauty sets that fill the shelves just for the holiday season and are curated with a brand’s bestsellers or classic makeup staples.
Contigo 2-Pack Travel Mugs Matte Black & Stainless Steel
SHOP IT: $20, walgreens.com
Maybelline Countdown Mini Mascara Holiday Kit
SHOP IT: $8, walgreens.com
The editors at Yahoo Lifestyle are committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. At times, we may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
