The Most Favorite Gifts

I love giving gifts.  I think I definitely inherited the habit from my Mom, who's a big giver in general.  When she can't give objects, she gives her love in the form of her time, home-cooked food, and heart.  Giving gifts is definitely one of her dominant love languages.  I don't think receiving gifts is one of mine, but I definitely enjoy giving gifts.  There's something about dwelling on the person you're trying to find the perfect gift for, and trying to think about what is something that they need or appreciate in their lives that they wouldn't buy for themselves.  To me, it goes beyond just the act of buying and giving the gift.  I enjoy reminiscing about all the good times I've spent with that person because I'm thinking back on what we've done together to try to discern what a perfect gift might be.  As I peruse through about a dozen gift guides from blogs or youtube, I get excited when I find something that reminds me of someone.  Then, I imagine that person using or enjoying the gift, and if I think it's a winner, I'll buy it in hopes of spreading some festive cheer.  It's a most enjoyable experience.

This year, I started to think about the fact that there are probably a category of gifts for everyone that they would be happy to have multiple versions of because they collect them or just generally enjoy them.  So, I've started to try to figure out what those are for each VIP in my life.  I might even try to slyly slip it into conversation randomly if I want to get some added clarity.  So, if you're reading this, please let me know what your favorites are.  I'm sure they change with each life season, but there must be some category of things that stay constant.  I'll share what some of mine are as examples.

I'm a big fan of bedding.  I realize this may be difficult to gift since you don't know what someone really needs in terms of sizing or preference in decor/colors, so I think the easiest way to go would be throw blankets or decorative throw pillows.  They come in all sorts of colors and fabrics, and they're something that you don't really need, but really enjoy when snuggling on the couch.  Target always has throws and pillows that I wish I would buy, but don't because, you know, I have plenty of perfectly capable ones at home already.  This year, for Christmas, I gifted myself a luxurious faux fur throw from Restoration Hardware.  It's sooo soft, and Ethan loves rolling around on it (like a dog).

Luxe Faux Fur Throw in Wolf

Books...I don't know if I'm just a romantic about the idea of gifting knowledge or entertainment, but it seems like it would be a practical and fun gift.  Although, I also realize this may be difficult to do as well if you don't really know what I follow or am into on a daily basis - or already have.  There have been a few books though that I've been thinking about getting, but just haven't because, 

1. It's difficult to make time to read books these days

2. I'd rather spend money on books or items for Ethan

3. I'm not really sure I'd be a fan of the book and would want to have a physical copy that I would have to store/box/move

So, an easier way to go would probably be an iTunes or Amazon gift card.  Personally, I do detest giving gift cards because it seems so impersonal, but you can't argue that it's definitely useful.  These are a few of the books I've been wondering about lately:

Aarti's cookbook because I had followed her on her rise on the Food Network Star show a while ago, and still keep tabs on her via social media.  She's the only person that made me want to attempt to cook Indian food, and I have, and it was yummy!

Mr. Kate's DIY book because ever since becoming a homeowner, all things home design and DIY have been at the top of my interests.  I've only recently started following her channel on youtube, but she's so quirky and cute that I can't help but want to stalk all her things.

Emily's book because I can't stop hearing her being referenced from every blog I follow.  But, I didn't follow her on her season of Design Star, so I'm not that close to her as a personality.  I am definitely intrigued though, and the book is ranked #1 on amazon for interior decorating!  Genevieve Gorder is actually my favorite designer, I love all of her work, but she hasn't come out with a book yet.  She does have an online magazine app that I've already downloaded and follow though.

Please don't go and buy me these right now.  I really am interested in what you guys find are great go-to gifts for yourself or for "types" of people.

For Lucas, he's pretty much a minimalist, so I've always taken the road of finding items that would "upgrade" his basics/necessities.  He's also a fan of saving money instead of spending, so I usually try to stick to somewhat of a budget with his gifts.

For my Mom, she always loves a good tumbler - the kind that holds coffee/tea and purses/bags/totes.

For my MIL, I take a page out of Lucas' book and try to follow the same suite of upgraded basics/necessities.  Because she's also Ethan's A-ma, I know any grandma-type gifts would be well-received as well.

For my Sister-in-law, we've sort of developed a Christmas tradition of giving each other snuggly/warm things - especially warm slippers/socks.  I also know that anything Hello Kitty or Disney are good too.  I've had a lot of fun assembling gifts for her that have certain themes every year.

Ethan is probably the funnest to buy for because I know him the best and his interests change so often that there's always something new to buy him.  My mom always says he's such a lucky child because I get him everything he could possibly want or need before he even thinks of it.  I've tried to rein it in a bit because I know Lucas believes less is more in all aspects of life.  Hehe, but honestly, I do know that the best gift you can ever give a child is your time and attention in caring for and playing with him.  Ethan's most favorite "toy" is the stack of packing papers and cardboard boxes that we've put in a corner as a makeshift slide.  In reality, the best gift of all is family (the one you are born with & the one that you make with friends), and the chances to make memories together.  This is why, although we're far apart from our own, at least I can say that I've tried to encourage visiting each other whether in person or virtually through FaceTime throughout the year.  This is also why I'm willing to brave our first international flight with a toddler to Taiwan on New Year's Eve so that Ethan can meet some more family that he's actually never met before.  Wish us luck!