The best gift ideas create a story.
Think about it… What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? What about it made it memorable? There’s a story there.
Here at All Gifts Considered, we don’t know your story, but we do have some gift stories of our own.
Plus we’ve been thinking about gift ideas and gift guides for more than a decade, and in that time, we’ve come across quite a few great gift ideas. We’ve given and received some memorable and thoughtful gifts, too!
So we’ve put it all together for you right here.
Below we’re going to show you our very favorite gift ideas for any special occasion or just because! We’re also going to tell you about our favorite gift-giving and gift-receiving experiences.
Between the stories and the curated selections, we think you’ll find something just right for the person on your list.
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JUMP AHEAD
- Editor’s Picks: What We Love
- Best Gifts for 2023
- Gift Ideas by Recipient: Men, Women, & Kids
- Best Romantic Gifts
- Best Gifts for Photos & Memories
- Favorite Gifts: Your Picks
Considering: Daniel’s Best Gift Ideas
We asked our founder, Daniel Szczesniak, about his favorite gifts, both received and given.
What is the best gift anyone has given you?
I love old books. As a student of theology, I also love the Psalms, and Charles Spurgeon, the old 17th century Baptist preacher. And I love my wife.
So the best gift I ever received was a combination of all these things: An old-fashioned copy of Spurgeon’s commentary on the Psalms, called The Treasury of David, given to me by my then-fiancée (now wife!) as an engagement gift.
Here’s a photo of it on my shelf.
- Old-fashioned reproduction of Spurgeon's most beloved work
- Two volume set commenting on all 150 Psalms
- Includes thousands of curated quotations from the Puritans
- The perfect gift for a theology nerd
Some of my other favorite gifts include:
A coffee mug and book set from a niche book publisher I really appreciate. The mug fits in my hand just right so I use it every day, and the books are terrific.
Board games, especially the ones that we play a lot because I love a good strategy game, and board games are a great way to spend time together as a family.
We particularly enjoy:
- Agricola, from my wife about 12 years ago. This is a farming strategy game that we’ve played countless times (first, after our toddler children went to bed, and now with them as they are teenagers).
- Dune: Imperium, from my mom the Christmas it came out. Our family of four played it nearly every day for a solid two months. Amazing game.
- Dutch Blitz, a quick-play card game kinda like Solitaire and Speed combined. This was from my wife to the family last Christmas, and it’s a great little game for families and gatherings when you don’t want to do an in-depth 2-hour board game.
Experience gifts. My favorite is our tradition of going to the local Triple-A baseball game every Father’s Day. Other great experiences I’ve received include an escape room, axe throwing, and the theater.
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What are some of the most memorable gifts you’ve given?
Thrift store Christmas. When I was younger and still living at home, my family decided to do only used gifts one year. My older sister and I could drive, so we spent most of December hauling our three younger siblings around town, going to thrift stores, antique malls, and estate sales looking for good junk to give to one another as unique gifts. This was before thrift stores became “vintage” so you really could find great bargains. The idea was to spend less, but we all spent the same amount as usual so Christmas morning the entire living room was covered with presents, including several furniture items. Of course none of us really remember what we gave or got, but the experience of spending a month hunting down gifts and watching people’s eyes light up with surprise on Christmas was amazing.
Vacuum sealer. I wrote about why a vacuum sealer might be the greatest gift of all time in November of 2018. Knowing my wife doesn’t read any of my work (lol), I promptly tested that theory by giving her one that same Christmas. She unwrapped it and was like, “Ok, uh, neat.” But since then we have used it so much that now, as I’m asking her for her list of favorite gifts ever, guess what gift she remembers?!?
Box of books. Both of our kids love to read, and can read insanely fast. So they go through books like crazy. A few Christmases ago we began giving them a big cardboard box filled with books for the both of them – some boy stuff, some girl stuff, and a bunch of books that anyone and everyone enjoys. It’s a joy to see them reading and talking about those books even months later.
Considering: Christin’s Best Gift Ideas
Christin Szczesniak loves to give gifts, and is an advocate for early Christmas/birthday present opening (her husband vehemently opposes this). We asked Christin about the best gifts she’s given and received.
What is your all-time favorite gift?
My all-time favorite gift is my antique set of mini Shakespeare books. I love old books. The way I can never resist shoving my nose in the second I open one, and inhaling the smell that only an old book can carry! I like to think of the different hands that have loved this book before me.
My set of mini Shakespeares is also special to me since it was given to me by my husband before we were married, and reminds me of walking the little old town, where it was purchased, on some of our very first dates.
Here they are:
Some of my other favorite gifts include:
- Going on a trail ride for my birthday. I love horses!
- A Bible journal set that has each book of the Bible in its own little journal, complete with pretty illustrations.
- The bubble projection photo necklace that my friend got for me after my Papa died with his photo in it.
- A vacuum sealer. I remember opening it and thinking “uhh, interesting?” But it ended up being so useful!
Christin’s Picks
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Best Gifts for 2023
Does anyone remember the gifts they received at a white elephant gift exchange? Of course not. Most of the time the gift is a bust. But what is it that makes these things so popular?
I’ll tell you: It’s the experience.
It’s the thrill of the unexpected, the twists and turns of gifts getting “stolen,” the laughter of a big group of people who are caught up in the moment.
As you browse these gift ideas, look for ways to create an experience with your gift. We’ll have more suggestions below, but first, here are some of our favorite gifts for 2023 and beyond.
High-quality earbuds are a true game changer, and these wireless, noise-cancelling buds from Beats are among the best of the best. Frequently mentioned as a favorite gift, you won't go wrong with the Beats Studio Buds.
Keeping organized on the go is all the more important because people need to travel with an armada of devices, chargers, and connecting cords. This leather cable organizer is the perfect solution, and - bonus! - you can even have it personalized. This will be a meaningful gift idea because it meets a real need in a creative way.
Everyone wants to cook at home more. Having the right tools makes cooking a dream - and looks great, too! This 11-piece set of nonstick pots and pans from Carote features removeable handles for easy storage and comes in a stunning Cream White color.
Do you know someone with a vinyl record collection? This solid pine wood display stand is handmade and designed to hold a record player on top with vinyl albums below.
The book lover in your life will simply adore this little accessory. They can rest their book on top of the triangle to mark their page, hide their phone away from view inside the triangular opening, and have a coaster at the ready for a mug of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
We put a lot of thought into meaningful gifts for grownups. Here are our favorites for your adult children, including:
- Dyson vacuum
- Personalized whiskey glasses
- Bonsai tree starter kit
- Solo stove
- Tree planting
- Swivel bath shelf
- ... and more!
Tip: Keep a running list of gift ideas for each person throughout the year. Every time they mention something that they want, like, need, or could use, jot it down as a personalized wish list.
This will make your Christmas, birthday, or anniversary shopping incredibly easy!
Considering: Cassie’s Best Gift Ideas
Cassie Reynoso cherishes gifts that reflect genuine thoughtfulness, both in receiving and giving. She loves to know her hobbies and personality are considered in the gifts she receives, so she does what she can to give that thoughtfulness right back! Here is her list of favorite gifts she has received and given.
What’s the Best Gift You’ve Ever Received?
One year my sister, Brooke, made it her goal to make sure each of us siblings had a copy of our extensive family recipe book. I’m talking about hundreds of recipes, how-to’s, and substitutes you didn’t even know were possible. The original recipe book originates from my father’s side, put together by my grandmother in the 1950s, with recipes that date back to the 1800s from her and my grandfather’s parents. It is filled with American classics, Scottish recipes, German recipes, and even some Spanish dishes they borrowed from their neighbors before moving to America!
Along with these delicious recipes, like the German Chocolate Pie or Texas Lasagna, this book also features some fun facts on how to take care of one’s self, feed 50 people, and much more.
Some of my favorite (but weird) facts included in this recipe book by my grandmother are:
- “Garden Hints: If you have bought a $1.00 plant, make a $5.00 hole for it. (Big)”
- “Backache — You may need shoes that have at least a 1 ½ inch heel.”
- “Poisonous Snake Bite: (along with other details that are too long to type) In case of collapse, give the victim strong coffee.”
Aside from the sillies listed above, since I have been married, I have been including traditional Mexican recipes from my husband’s side along with some new favorites we find along the way. As our relatives gifted us these thoughtful recipes and tips, we are hoping to pass those along in our family tree.
If you’re inspired to gift a similar idea, here’s my favorite recipe book:
This custom recipe book is everything you could want and more to hold all of those countless, precious family recipes and secrets.
As hard as it is to beat a backache remedy like my Grandma’s, the following list of gifts are the competitors for the “Best Gift Award” that I have received from loved ones:
- Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer: Every human with long hair knows how long it takes for it to dry. My sweet husband knew how challenging this was for me, so he gifted me this amazing hair dryer for Valentine’s Day a few years ago. For those with long hair, I can not begin to tell you how much of a game-changer this hair dryer has been!
- Pinafore Apron: Sure, I gifted it to myself — what’s wrong with that? I love it! This apron is handmade and helps keep the flour off of me perfectly as I bake out of my recipe book.
- Calendars: Every year, my Christmas gift from sister Aubrey (who you may have seen write a few of these articles) gives me a new calendar for the upcoming year. It’s a special gift that I look forward to each year, and as I use it throughout the new year I can’t help but think of her!
What are some of the most memorable gifts you’ve given?
Exotic Car Experience: Back when my husband and I were young and dating, his dream was to be a race car driver! I believed in him 100% of course. So, for a sweet Christmas stocking stuffer, I decided to purchase him a driving experience at a motorsport ranch here in Texas. He LOVED it. He was able to drive his favorite sports cars around a race track – that’s pretty cool for a 19-year-old! Since then, he has sadly boxed up his dream of driving around race tracks, but I still haven’t been able to top this gift in 10 years.
G-Shock Watch: My father is your typical rugged, outdoor man. If he is somewhere, it’s either in the woods or in the backyard. And I may be exaggerating a little bit when I tell you he had the same G-Shock watch for 10 years. It may have not been exactly 10 years, but it was close! So finally, I decided last Christmas that it was time to put his old watch to rest and update him with a new one. I think it’s safe to say that it is appreciated just as much since he hasn’t taken it off! If you’re looking for a reputable watch brand, G-Shock watches will last a lifetime.
Cassie’s Picks
This gift idea is perfect for literally anyone and it lets them know just how important their life is to you! Each album is handmade from leather from a well-reviewed source, so you know you are giving a high-quality gift.
Whether it’s for your sweetheart, a dog mom, or a newly married couple, filling this album keychain with their favorite photos will for sure be a winner and is number one in my book.
I’ll admit it… I am a little bit boujee. It’s hard to not like pretty things!
Take this wine chiller set by Vinglace, for example. It comes in a beautiful copper finish with glass-lined inserts which are machine washable. So it’s gorgeous and easy to clean — a boujee girl’s dream! And as an avid wine drinker, I desperately want one.
Broombi All-Surface Broom
Okay, this is a unique gift idea — but hear me out! Broombi brooms pick up every little piece of dust, hair, and crumbs that you can’t even see around your floors. Plus, as someone with long hair falling around everywhere, there is nothing for it to get tangled on as you sweep!
Its amazing features make sweeping and tossing out the grime a mess-free, non-gross, easy-to-do chore. How can someone with long hair, dog hair, and crumbs not need it?
The Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier has been a lifesaver for me! As someone who deals with allergies and constant sore throats from the heaters in the winter — I can not live without it!
I have tried other humidifiers in the past, but this one is the best. It features an optional section for replaceable filters and an easy-to-clean design. This is huge if you do not want to deal with overly clunky, hard-to-clean humidifiers that easily gather bacteria.
The only downside is that you can’t use essential oils, but if you do not care about having that feature then this humidifier is for you!
Considering: McKenna’s Best Gift Ideas
McKenna Hinton’s favorite gifts, both to give and receive, are spontaneous, just-because gifts. The, “Hey, I saw this and thought of you, and I knew it would make you happy!” gifts. Here’s what she had to say about her favorite ideas and experiences.
What is the best gift anyone has given you?
The very best gift I’ve ever received was actually a ticket to see the Paris Opera Ballet perform Giselle live on stage. I studied classical ballet for many years, and the dancers at the Opera National de Paris were my biggest role models and sources of inspiration. Growing up in rural Northeastern Washington, though, I never had the opportunity to see them perform live.
Fast forward ten years as I was preparing for my first overseas trip. My parents caught wind of a special performance that the Paris Opera Ballet would be giving in my destination city, and they bought me a ticket as a surprise. I was so touched by their thoughtfulness that I cried halfway through the third act just thinking about it. It was a magical experience I’ll never forget, and an absolutely perfect gift.
Some of my other favorite gifts include:
- An 1816 leather-bound copy of Robert Burns’ poems. Knowing my love of poetry and penchant for collecting old books, a dear friend of mine picked up this special gift for me on her travels through Scotland. Just holding it makes me happy.
- My Nespresso coffee machine. I admittedly have a bit of a coffee addiction (maybe more than a bit), and being able to make café-quality coffee in seconds? Can’t beat it.
- In 2011, vinyl hadn’t quite made the comeback it has now, but I got a record player for my birthday along with what still remains the favorite album in my collection, Simon & Garfunkel’s LP Bridge Over Troubled Water.
To me, experiences are some of the very best gifts to give or receive. Enabling someone to see or do something they’ve always had their heart set on (without them having to foot the bill) is top notch gift giving if you ask me.
Giftory makes that simple: Just purchase a voucher for a fun experience, and the recipient can redeem it anytime they want. Thoughtful, easy, and memorable!
-McKenna
What are some of the most memorable gifts you’ve given?
Antique Jewelry. To know my mother is to know she loves beautiful, feminine things. Clothes, shoes, interior design, you name it. But she has a particular fondness for jewelry. One year for Christmas I decided to hunt down the prettiest piece of antique jewelry for her that I could afford. That wasn’t a whole lot at the time (I was in high school), but I managed to win an eBay auction for a silver pendant that I thought she would love. And she did! She still wears it for special occasions, keeps it lovingly polished, and frets anytime she fears she may have misplaced it.
Slippers. Slippers may not sound like an “out-of-this-world” gift that someone would talk about for years, but if you’re as serious about slippers as my dad is, they definitely are. I swear my father has razor blades for feet, because he can wear out any shoe faster than you can shake a stick at. It’s one of life’s great mysteries to me. But one holiday season my siblings and I saw an ad for Old Friend slippers and thought they looked more durable than the standard slipper fare. It turned out to be an accurate assumption, because they lasted him years instead of months! And even at that, they were replaced not because they were worn out, but because my mom wasn’t fond of the smell they had acquired. To this day, they are the only slipper brand he’ll wear.
Concert tickets. I have a best friend that likes to joke that we’re actually twin sisters who were separated at birth, despite the fact that we look nothing alike. But we are so incredibly similar in so many ways, she makes a convincing case. We share the same love of books, history, art, antiques, cuisine, fashion, movies… One of the first things we bonded over in college, though, was music. In particular, we’re both diehard Mumford & Sons fans. For an early 10 year “friendiversary” gift last year, I managed to score tickets to a small-venue concert in North Carolina where she lives, and flew up to surprise her and join her for the concert experience of a lifetime.
McKenna’s Picks
I love, love, love candles. I also hate, hate, hate how quickly my favorite scents melt away. When I saw these little beauties make their way onto the trending market, my first thought was “why didn’t we come up with these ages ago?” But they’re here now, and guess what the first item on my Christmas list is?
-McKenna
Oh, these cat beds! Listen, a gift for my fur child is a gift for me, okay? And I know there are thousands upon thousands of pet owners that feel the same way.
The CatsMode store makes all sorts of super cool, wall-mounted cat beds and hideaways that can be customized to suit your space and your feline friend’s tastes.
- McKenna
The ability to cause coffee-shop-quality espresso to appear in seconds from the comfort of your own home is truly priceless. Small size yet packs a powerful (and highly caffeinated) punch, this espresso machine can fit in any kitchen, making it ideal for the coffee lover on your list.
Gifts for Men
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Description: A classic timepiece like this will be cherished for a lifetime, and maybe even passed down to the next generation. |
Description: Built to last, an awesome, waxed leather dopp kit like this one is can accompany him on all life's journeys. |
Description: Beauty. Quality. Functionality. Craftsmanship. What more could you ask of a wallet? |
A classic timepiece like this will be cherished for a lifetime, and maybe even passed down to the next generation.
Built to last, an awesome, waxed leather dopp kit like this one is can accompany him on all life's journeys.
Beauty. Quality. Functionality. Craftsmanship. What more could you ask of a wallet?
If you’re dead set on giving him a gift card to Cabella’s, we won’t stop you. Especially if that’s his favorite place to be! You know him best.
But if you’re looking for something a little more meaningful, a little more lasting, then we have some great gift ideas from our favorite dudes (aka our dads, brothers, friends, brother-in-laws, etc. whom we polled) for you. There are all sorts of practical gifts to consider, as well as sentimental, so we’re sure he’ll love one of these ideas.
Replace a meaningful (but worn out) item. One individual described a beloved wallet that was falling apart, accruing duct tape to hold it together. The gift giver found the exact same wallet and gave it for Christmas. It’s that type of gift that shows you are really thinking about that person and considering what they might need, want, or appreciate.
Something that will last (potentially a lifetime). This can be any number of items in a wide variety of categories. A really high quality dopp kit, a watch with his name engraved, a nice leather watch box or jewelry box… The list goes on! The idea is something useful that will stand the test of time, and go with him throughout the course of his life.
Feed the hobbies. To quote William Osler, “No man is really happy or safe without a hobby.” Men often have at least one hobby that they’re really devoted to, so tap into that! Does he love collecting Pokémon cards? Going to the driving range with his buddies on Saturdays? Woodworking? Find that niche thing he loves and support him in his leisurely endeavors.
Gift Ideas for Dad
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Description: You can't go wrong with a classic flannel to keep him warm. Noted for their comfort and durability, Legendary Whitetails makes one heck of a shirt. |
Description: If dad is a sentimental sort, then a sweet, custom engraved wallet card wouldn't be amiss. You may even spot a manly tear rolling down the cheek. |
Description: If Dad is also master of the grill, he'd appreciate this awesome steak crate full of delicious rubs, sauces, marinades and more. |
You can't go wrong with a classic flannel to keep him warm. Noted for their comfort and durability, Legendary Whitetails makes one heck of a shirt.
If dad is a sentimental sort, then a sweet, custom engraved wallet card wouldn't be amiss. You may even spot a manly tear rolling down the cheek.
If Dad is also master of the grill, he'd appreciate this awesome steak crate full of delicious rubs, sauces, marinades and more.
Similar to moms, dads rarely voice their wants or needs. My own father is a tough one to shop for, and I regularly receive the “Oh honey, I don’t need anything!” response when I inquire about gifts. I know for a fact I’m not alone. This is where your powers of observation can come into play. Watch for favorite items that need replacing, the absence of helpful tools that could make his life easier, and just tune into who he is and what he loves as a person!
Outdoor gear. Lots of guys love the great outdoors in some capacity. If your dad is no exception, how about getting something to outfit him for his next trek into the wild? We love a good camp stove, like the Überleben Stöker Twig Stove below, but you could also opt for fishing or hunting gear, water sports equipment, hiking gear…whatever floats his boat! There are some really cool gifts in this category to choose from.
Practical yet stylish. Men don’t usually get overly excited about clothes, but get him some comfy, durable, wash-n-wear pieces for his wardrobe and he’ll be super appreciative. Take his lifestyle into consideration, too. Does he work in an office 40+ hours a week and need some truly comfortable business casual pieces? Does he work outdoors in the elements where he needs to stay warm and dry? Take note and help a fella out.
You can’t go wrong with something sentimental. Many dads have a soft, squishy center that they like to keep hidden at all times. A thoughtful, handwritten letter telling him how much you love and appreciate him, a framed picture of the two of you, a small memento that he can carry with him to remind him of you…the sky is the proverbial limit. Make it sweet, just like him.
This is the outdoorsman's new best friend. Sturdy, convenient, lightweight, and made with superior quality it boasts the tactical functionality needed for the toughest jobs.
Gifts for Women
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Description: Give her the gift of a pampering spa day to soothe away her stress and troubles. |
Description: This enchanting copy of Jane Austen's classic is sure to please! If she's not an Austen fan, the Penguin Clothbound Classics Collection has tons of authors to choose from. |
Description: Full of all the coziest gifts like a warm blanket, tea, a delightfully scented candle and more, she'll be delighted with this Hygge box. |
Give her the gift of a pampering spa day to soothe away her stress and troubles.
This enchanting copy of Jane Austen's classic is sure to please! If she's not an Austen fan, the Penguin Clothbound Classics Collection has tons of authors to choose from.
Full of all the coziest gifts like a warm blanket, tea, a delightfully scented candle and more, she'll be delighted with this Hygge box.
Lovely, lovely ladies! Before you reach for that Target gift card, take the woman of the hour into consideration for a moment and think of something fabulous to surprise her with.
This year has seen a big spike in personal care gifts and a focus on well being, so maybe start there? Show her just how well you know her and wow her like never before with the perfect present.
Spell her name. Give her a gift basket filled with “gifts that start with [letter].” For instance, if her name is Emily, give her a whole bunch of gift ideas that start with E, or five gifts that spell her name:
- Eucalyptus shower bundle
- Matcha tea starter set
- Infinity scarf
- Lip balm set
- Yarn bowl (if she’s a knitter)
Spa resort. Treat her to a full weekend, or if your budget is limited, a day pass to a local spa to make her day.
Her Favorite Classics. Most women, if not avid readers, have at least one or two classic books that they read time and time again. Book lovers even more! There are some awesome publishing companies out there that have spared no expense in reproducing gorgeous, hardback editions of classic books that any girl would swoon over.
A little whimsy, a little wonder. She'll get so much enjoyment out of puting together one of these fun 3-D puzzles and displaying it in her bookcase.
Gift Ideas for Mom
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Description: So sweet and special, these personalized puzzles are a perfect mix of entertaining and sentimental. |
Description: Every bakers dream come true. Life in the kitchen just got so much easier with this beautiful stand mixer. |
Description: Elegant, sophisticated, and versatile, this classic tennis bracelet is just the thing to spoil her. |
So sweet and special, these personalized puzzles are a perfect mix of entertaining and sentimental.
Every bakers dream come true. Life in the kitchen just got so much easier with this beautiful stand mixer.
Elegant, sophisticated, and versatile, this classic tennis bracelet is just the thing to spoil her.
Moms can be really hard to shop for sometimes. They give, give, give of themselves, but when it’s finally time for us to give back…what would they even want?
They rarely voice their own needs, so some careful thought and a good pair of listening ears will come in handy! Pay attention to what she says and pick up on any clues she may drop unknowingly. Next time Mother’s Day or her birthday rolls around, you’ll be set.
Something to make her feel appreciated. Did you know that in a recent survey of more than 3,600 moms, 95% said they feel unappreciated, unacknowledged, or unseen? Why is that? Well, for starters, a lot of what moms do day-in and day-out is behind the scenes. They keep the home running like a well-oiled machine, regardless of whether we stop long enough to notice it. Quiet perseverance is often what sets mom apart. A gift to make her feel appreciated could look like anything from a trip to the spa, to a handmade coupon book full of household tasks that you can relieve her of. Get creative, but let her know, “Hey Mom, I see what you do, and appreciate you for it.”
Something practical. Make it something functional that she can utilize regularly! Does she love to bake and cook? Get her a gift that will make her time in the kitchen more efficient. Does she love gardening? Get her useful new tools that will take the strain off of her body. You get the idea!
Spoil her. Another ailment that many mothers suffer from is what I like to call the “what’s leftover” sickness. Moms are always putting the needs of their family before their own, and if there’s any leftover (be it money, food, time, etc.) that’s what they allot for themselves. Make her enjoyment the priority and spoil her with a gift that’s beyond anything she would ever purchase for herself.
Wrap her in pure luxury with a spa robe like no other. Quality craftsmanship and the finest fabrics combine to make a house coat worth coveting.
Gift Ideas for Kids
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Description: Move over, Bob the Builder. This tool set with real, forged tools (just sized for little hands) will have your favorite shop assistant outfitted to help on the next big project. |
Description: You may just have the next great illusionist on your hands, and this set from National Geographic is all you need to find out. |
Description: The quintessential kids tent with a delightful night sky design. Set up? A breeze. Memories? They'll last a lifetime. |
Move over, Bob the Builder. This tool set with real, forged tools (just sized for little hands) will have your favorite shop assistant outfitted to help on the next big project.
You may just have the next great illusionist on your hands, and this set from National Geographic is all you need to find out.
The quintessential kids tent with a delightful night sky design. Set up? A breeze. Memories? They'll last a lifetime.
What do we, the team here at AGC, consider to be the greatest gifts for kids? With so many different toys and neat tech gadgets on the market, it can be hard to know what to shoot for, and — in the long run — what’s really best for your kids. Well, we’ve settled on the ones that fuel ingenuity and the imagination. In this digital age, we don’t need to add to what will already be a lifetime of screen time, so we love the hands-on, real-life fun these gifts provide.
Real tools. Kids play best when they’re emulating the grown ups around them. That’s why so many kids play teacher or doctor or fireman. It’s why young girls play house and young boys love Minecraft. It’s why Legos are so popular. Kids want to create and do, take steps to make their imaginations come to life in real ways. They want to be grown up, capable, responsible. So what better gift than to get your kids tools! Real tools they can actually use to build, garden, cook, craft, sew, and study.
Magic sets. There’s something about magic that expresses the wonder of childhood. And a child likes nothing better than to figure out how the trick is done, in order to turn around and trick everyone (a million times).
Tents. Kids and tents go together like peanut butter and jelly. There are so many great kids tents on the market today that are easy to set up, affordable, and are indoor/outdoor friendly. From imaginary outposts on the frontier to summer sleepovers in the backyard, a tent is practically an essential part of childhood.
Best Gifts for Boys
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Description: Drones are such great gifts for kids and adults alike. Plus, anything that gets them out in the fresh air, right? |
Description: Building his own cyborg hand? Totally sweet. Next step: rule the galaxy. Move aside Star Lord. |
Description: These are so cool, we kind of want one, too. Classic ingenuity meets the digital world in this endlessly entertaining gizmo. |
Drones are such great gifts for kids and adults alike. Plus, anything that gets them out in the fresh air, right?
Building his own cyborg hand? Totally sweet. Next step: rule the galaxy. Move aside Star Lord.
These are so cool, we kind of want one, too. Classic ingenuity meets the digital world in this endlessly entertaining gizmo.
Boys and their toys, are we right? Keep those minds busy, hands occupied, and curiosity satisfied and you won’t have too much to worry about. That’s certainly not too tall of an order! *cough* These great options may help your endeavors, though.
More great gifts for boys:
Best Gifts for Girls
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Description: This beautiful two-toned claddagh ring will be a new favorite in her collection. The claddagh has long represented love, loyalty, and friendship in Irish custom, making it the perfect gift. |
Description: These little embroidered bookmarks are so sweet and will be cherished by any avid reader. Choose her favorite season as the theme and add her initials for the perfect gift. |
Description: Take her beauty routine to the next level with this fabulous, retro lighted mirror. As aesthetically pleasing as it is practical, it's just too perfect to pass up. |
This beautiful two-toned claddagh ring will be a new favorite in her collection. The claddagh has long represented love, loyalty, and friendship in Irish custom, making it the perfect gift.
These little embroidered bookmarks are so sweet and will be cherished by any avid reader. Choose her favorite season as the theme and add her initials for the perfect gift.
Take her beauty routine to the next level with this fabulous, retro lighted mirror. As aesthetically pleasing as it is practical, it's just too perfect to pass up.
Girls and their interests are as diverse as the shells on the shore, so likewise the gifts they find enjoyment in will also be beautifully diverse! Is she a girly-girl that enjoys nothing more than primping and polishing?
Or is she a more bookish sort that would rather be rummaging through piles of old, dusty books in an attic somewhere? Or does she fall somewhere in between? Start with her favorite things and interests and go from there, and you’re sure to find something that will make an ideal gift.
We love these ideas and think she will too!
Best Romantic Gifts
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Description: Never again do you have to have waste date night tossing the question "what should we do?" back and forth. The Adventure Challenge is designed to build stronger, happier couples and meaningful memories. |
Description: Oh the places you'll go! Map all of your adventures in wedded bliss with this beautiful keepsake. Personalized with your names and anniversary date, this vintage-inspired world map is framed and mounted and ready to gift to the adventurous couple. |
Description: It doesn't get much sweeter than this! Now when you walk hand in hand, your two hearts can become one with the help of these cute bracelets. Not that you needed any help... |
Never again do you have to have waste date night tossing the question "what should we do?" back and forth. The Adventure Challenge is designed to build stronger, happier couples and meaningful memories.
Oh the places you'll go! Map all of your adventures in wedded bliss with this beautiful keepsake. Personalized with your names and anniversary date, this vintage-inspired world map is framed and mounted and ready to gift to the adventurous couple.
It doesn't get much sweeter than this! Now when you walk hand in hand, your two hearts can become one with the help of these cute bracelets. Not that you needed any help...
Finding just the right gift for your person — be that your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or fiancée — can be an exercise in “just how well do you know your lover?” Whether you’ve been together for thirty days or thirty years, the desire to get them something special doesn’t really change. There are lots of sweet, romantic couple themed gifts out there, and these are a few of our favorites.
- Canvas Vows
- Personalized First Dance Retro Art
- Reasons I Love You Puzzle
- Beautiful Champagne Glasses
If your love is one for the stars, then what better way to celebrate it than with these gorgeous couple rings? Made from sandblasted tungsten and inlaid with genuine meteorite, each ring comes in its own beautiful, walnut wood ring box.
Best Gifts for Photos & Memories
Family photo session. Hire a professional portrait photographer to take family pics at a gorgeous location. Go all out and have everyone in the family dressed their best.
Print a custom calendar, filled with family photos. Have each family member choose a few specific days throughout the year where they will do something: cook dinner, do yard work or housework, clean the garage, play their favorite game (Scrabble, anyone?), scrapbook, go through old family photos, take them out to eat, watch a movie together… the possibilities are endless!
Find creative ways to share memories. This could be a jar filled with notes, a box filled with 3×5 cards, a series of sealed envelopes, personalized fortune cookies, scrapbooks, journals, and more. Here’s one great idea for a journal gift:
The most precious thing I own:
"For my 21st birthday my Mom went through all her old diaries and copied every entry having to do with me since the day she found out she was pregnant. It turned out to be 5 volumes and they're the most precious thing I own. She did the same for my three younger siblings. It took her about a year to do that for each one of us."
- Reddit user mandiefavor
We recommend:
This popular leather journal comes in several colors and includes personalization of the recipient's name. It's an affordable way to spruce up your diary entries and make the gift all the more meaningful.
What’s the Best Gift You’ve Ever Received? Here’s what you had to say!
We do a lot of research on what sort of things people are into. This helps us get a good idea about what makes a good gift for a sports coach, for example, or for someone who is retiring, or for a nurse practitioner. You get the idea.
Here’s a roundup from conversations we’ve had with you, our viewers, along with information gleaned from product reviews, forums, chat groups, and message boards.
- Cast iron teapot
- Handmade wooden rack for a specialized collection of tools
- Custom vinyl album, complete with personalized cover and playlist
- Hand-drawn portrait
- A good pocket knife
- Kimono bath robe
- $100 gift card to Home Depot
- Three-hour drive in a Porsche 911 GT3
- Hori Hori gardening knife
- Pressure cooker
- Weighted blanket
- Grandma sends homemade biscuits in the mail every year
- A basket filled with different beers
- Darn Tough running socks
- Red light therapy panel
- Fancy candles
- Fun flavors of specialty popcorn
- A friend paid to have my house cleaned during a difficult time
What is the most meaningful gift you've received?
"This is silly, but I got a set of Lego roses from one of my best friends for us to build together and for me to keep. He knows how much I like flowers and I didn't know Lego flowers existed at that point (I've seen all the sets now). It was also on a day where we happened to go to a botanical garden, but that part wasn't planned out. I cried tears of joy for days. I still get weepy if I think about it."
- Reddit user full_moon_butt
- Book of the month club subscription
- Roomba (for grandparents)
- National Parks annual pass
- Gift cards related to their hobbies and interests
- A little pouch filled with gift cards (in small amounts) to all their favorite places
- Machine that scans old film rolls into the computer
- Painting of a cat that passed away
- Kitchen Aid mixer
- Fancy steak dinner at a nice restaurant
- 10″ phone charger (so you can roll over in bed and still charge!)
- Anything that is an extra-fancy or high-end version of a practical item
- Cookbook with handwritten family recipes
- Digital picture frame that family members can email photos to
- Heated toilet seat
- Custom whiskey glasses
- Nice kitchen items I wouldn’t have purchased for myself
What's the best gift you've ever received?
"A really nice towel. Seriously. I once got a quite expensive, fluffy, pretty towel. Just one. And you bet I use it for every single bath. We have a ton of towels but its nice having one that's fancy and all mine. If you know someone that likes baths there is also a nice fluffy housecoat (pajamas are always a great Christmas present), bath bombs, and candles."
- Reddit user dirtyslamminshan
We recommend:
The luxury collection of Premium Plush Bath Towels from Cozy Earth. Made from a blend of viscose from bamboo and cotton, these come in a pack of two. (We wondered what the commenter used when washing the one towel! Two is perhaps better.)
- Signed copy of a favorite book
- Cold brew coffee maker
- Heating pad or electric blanket
- Custom prints of our childhood dogs (from a sibling)
- Jar filled with notes of things they love and appreciate about me
- A little library for the front yard
- Food tour of downtown
- Blanket made from Dad’s old ties after he passed away
- Take small weekend trips with friends and family as a gift idea
- Cutting board with engraved family heirloom recipe
- Teen granddaughters wrote me a song and played it for me on my birthday
- A custom wand handmade from different woods
- Book weight that holds a book open
- Handmade cards
- Air fryer (we use ours several times a week, you can even roast coffee in it!)
- Bike resistance trainer mount (for indoor exercise on your bicycle)
- Funding of college tuition