Christmas Gift Ideas for Adults

I hope that by now you would have already bought gifts for the special adults in your life like your spouse, close family members and best friends. If you haven’t figured out by now that they really want that new Coach purse, a pair of Ugg boots or an iPhone, you are in big trouble and there’s no hope for you anyway.

But usually the special people in our life aren’t the ones that we have trouble buying gifts for–it’s the other ones like our in-laws, co-workers, exercise buddy or “Secret Santa” person. Those people are the ones who have us aimlessly walking around the mall without any direction or purpose and cause us to make bad gift choices from those kiosk carts in the middle of the mall. Well, no more!–Funkidiviagirl is always trying to save the world from mediocrity. So step away from the kiosk and pay attention.

Of course shopping online is the easiest way to avoid the mall crowds and stay focused. A cup of hot cocoa, some Christmas music and the fireplace roaring makes for a very pleasant shopping experience. Most mall stores have online stores as well and many offer free shipping or other discounts, so if you already have a gift idea in mind, this is the way to go. However when I shop online, I take advantage of quirky websites that do not have the normal mall-fare; I can find unique gifts, often with a sense of humor. Here are a few of my favorite sites:

Perpetual Kid: With categories like “Things That Shoot” or “Cool Car Crap”, most of the gifts on this website are fun and perfect for the person who has everything (and who doesn’t take themselves too seriously). I like the toys and gadgets because I am a big kid, but for more mainstream gifts the gameboard house necklace is perfect for a serious Monopoly champion (or real estate agent) and the USB blanket would be appreciated by anyone who is always freezing at work.

Uncommon Goods: Uncommon Goods says that you can “find anything but ordinary” on their website and I do agree! Not as irreverent as Perpetual Kid, there are many creative gifts for both men and women. What guy doesn’t need cuff links? Okay, he has the standard Tiffany cuff links, great, but how about giving him a fun pair? There are many to choose from on Uncommon Goods; here’s a sample:

Knock Knock: I’m sure that you have seen Knock Knock’s products in your local hip and happening gift store. I just love their stuff! Their tag line is “We Put the ‘Fun’ in Functional” and I have to agree. I actually use their To Do Pad on a daily basis, but many of their products are perfect to give to co-workers or acquaintances as gifts. One of my favorite Knock Knock products are the Slang Cards; I think that they are hilarious! But if you have someone who just wouldn’t “get” the Slang Cards, then choose the Plan-a-Meal Bundle instead; everyone could appreciate these meal organizing tools.

As I am writing this post I see that the Slang Post-it notes are on sale for $1.50 a pack; I am going to buy myself some right now! I love buying things for my desk that not only help me stay organized, but bring laughter into my day as well.

Although I do the majority of my shopping online, I do like getting out into the crowd once or twice during the holiday season; I find it festive and fun. Here are my favorite places to buy gifts at the mall:

Williams-Sonoma: My kids are trained to not walk by a Williams-Sonoma store without going in for a treat. They always have yummy samples to try; right now the treats have been hot chocolate, hot apple cider made with their special mulling spices and the Peppermint Bark. All are delicious and would make excellent gifts for anyone.

Sephora: It’s just not fair for me to go into Sephora to buy a gift for someone and not get something for myself as well! So, I do! Most of the women that I know would love some great-smelling bath soap or body lotion. It’s hard to choose a lip gloss for someone alse, but during this time of year there are great deals on lip gloss sets that make perfect gifts. Here are two great sets by Stila and Tarte:

Anthropologie: Yes, again with Anthropologie! I know, what can I say; it is my favorite store! More than a clothing store, it’s a terrific place to buy gifts like fascinating travel books, beautiful photo frames, high-end candles and unique household goods. Isn’t this teacup with my initial on it beautiful that my son gave me last Christmas? I love it and it was perfect for his modest budget.

Of course all the major department stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus are great for holiday shopping as well, but do you know about Macy’s Path to Peace Project? A woman named Janet Nkubana has partnered with Macy’s to sell the beautiful baskets woven by Rwandan women. The basket program has proven vital to providing Rwandan women with much needed income (they get a full third of the cost of the basket) and therefore is instrumental in the fight against ending hunger in Rwanda. I was in Macy’s the other day and saw these beautiful baskets:

Buying one of these baskets would not only make a lovely gift for anyone, but also make a difference in a Rwandan life. As an added bonus, if you live in one of these cities, you can go meet Janet Nkubana from Rwanda. She will be at Macy’s to describe her work, demonstrate weaving and sign baskets.

Philadelphia: Macy’s Center City, Wed, December 10 – 5:30pm (Main Floor)

Washington DC: Macy’s Metro Center, Fri, December 12 – 5:30pm (lower Level)

Atlanta: Macy’s Lennox Square, Sat, December 13 – 2:00pm (3rd Floor)

New York City: Macy’s Herald Square, Tues, December 16 – 5:30pm (6th Floor)

I hope that I have given you some funki Christmas gift ideas and caused you to re-think that South Park tie or Old Spice gift set–you know, that gift that is being re-gifted over and over again. This is the year to break the cycle and give something good!