The Ultimate Catch-all Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday gift guide ideas for all the people who helped you out this past year.
Nov 29, 2022
When we flip on the TV, we see endless commercials for holiday sales. When we go to big box stores and local boutiques, we walk down aisles decorated with the colors and in the style of the season.
No doubt about it: Gift-giving season is here.
And you know what? That's pretty great, because you know a lot of people who made your life easier this past year at home, at school, and in the office. This is the time to show your gratitude to those who are essential to your life with a thoughtful end-of-year present.
We know how tempting it is to just get them a gift card, but take a moment or two to think about how you can personalize your thanks. Figuring out what is meaningful will show how much you appreciate them. And make sure that whatever you choose from this holiday gift guide, you accompany it with a thoughtful handwritten note that will touch their heart.
Holiday gift guide for work colleagues
These are the co-workers, bosses, and clients who add a little light to your nine-to-five. Was there someone who helped ease you into a new job this year? A client who championed you for a promotion? A co-worker who lent their invaluable assistance on a project? Recognize them for their support with one of these classic yet thoughtful gift ideas.
Holiday gift guide for childcare providers
You couldn't get out the door without some hand holding — literally, for the little ones — from babysitters, nannies, and au pairs. Leaving our children in the care of just anyone won't do. Whether it's a neighbor, your mother, or a caregiver you hired at the recommendation of a friend, childcare helpers deserve one of the biggest thank yous we can offer. Write them a note of appreciation, and give them a present that lets them know just how important they are to your family.
Holiday gift guide for household help
In a world where we have a job (or, in some cases, more than one), volunteer commitments, and family obligations, sometimes we have to outsource housecleaning, gardening, lawn mowing, and the like. And the special home improvement project (new front door, anyone?) can require expertise beyond our capabilities. Let these imperative workers know that you couldn't live without them by offering a gift of thanks (and maybe a cash bonus as well).
Holiday gift guide for educators and leaders
Teaching is hard. Anyone with a school-aged child will tell you that. Keeping kids focused and on task — not to mention enthusiastic about learning — is incredibly challenging. The school teachers, coaches, tutors, music instructors: To you we say, "You've touched our lives."
Holiday gift guide for just because recipients
For the people who have gone above and beyond for you this year — such as a nurse or doctor if you've been sick, friend who helped you through a crisis, or realtor who guided you through the buying or selling process — now is the time to recognize their efforts. These folks might not be in your life year after year, so stretch your wallet with a special one-time gift that reflects your thanks.
AUTHOR
Elizabeth Craig Wells is a former senior editor at Real Simple magazine, where she focused on the life, style, and simple solutions sections. Wells holds a B.A. in French and B.M. in flute performance from Northwestern University. She lives with her three children in Connecticut, where she coaches soccer and tennis and is working on a series of contemporary novels.