Gift Guide: Anyone/Everyone

This installment of the gift guide is a bit different. Some years you may find that you're a bit short on time, money, or creativity when it comes to your gift list, but you still want to show your love. In this situation, I like to find one gift that I can give multiples of -- you're basically giving the same gift (or variations of it) to lots of people on your list. These gifts are all super affordable, too (because it's the thought that counts).

For example: I have a group of friends and we make a habit of this -- the four of us met a few years ago as part of a running club, and when we exchange gifts we always buy the same thing for each person. It makes gift giving a bit easier, and those gifts take on a bit of a special feeling because they remind us of our happy little group.

Am I making any sense? Let's take a look at some ideas and maybe things will seem clearer..

WHO I'M SHOPPING FOR: everyone!

WHO YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR: as many people as possible

One of my favorite "multiple" gifts is a batch of my homemade Christmas cookies in a pretty jar or plate. I always spend a Saturday in December baking up some tasty holiday treats, and they make a great gift for lots of people on my list. I ordered a few of these CB2 jars to put cookies in because they're just the cutest and I know my friends will love putting them to use after the cookies are gone.
For something at a lower price point, you could try these pretty tins. HomeGoods is also brilliant for this kind of thing, I've found some really fantastic plates and platters.

Ornaments are perfect if you want one gift for lots of people. Look for an ornament that has some meaning -- these sparkly snowflakes are perfect for that friend who invites you to go sledding every time it snows. She'll love something pretty for her tree and she'll think of you every year when she pulls it out. Anthropologie has great options, and I like a lot of the ornaments from Dot and Bo.

It's fun to give your BBFs the same piece of jewelry -- like this funky bracelet that has an old school friendship bracelet vibe -- because wearing it is a nice reminder that your squad is always with you. You probably have to get one for yourself, too.

A great book is a fantastic gift and a great way to tackle lots of names on your list. Rather than giving the latest best-seller-soon-to-be-a-major-motion-picture, think about giving copies of a book that is really meaningful to you (if you're a nerd like me, you could add a little note in the cover telling them why you think they'd like it or what makes the book special). I give A Dog's Life to every animal-lover in my life (it's hilarious, such a great little read). Everyone can learn something from The Alchemist. And I Was Told There'd Be Cake is perfect for any 20- or 30-something who's still trying to find herself.

One of my go-to gifts is these cashmere gloves from Uniqlo and a great scarf. They're practical, sure, but Uniqlo's affordable cashmere makes a basic feel a bit more luxe. When I lived in NYC I would add a pashmina (there's a vendor on every street corner and you can find some seriously pretty prints) -- today I'd probably go with a cozy blanket scarf.

I'm not super crafty, but I like to flex my inner Martha every so often. Handmade gifts are so special, and they can also help stretch a tight budget. Several years ago I made my own snow globes (using these instructions from Martha herself) and they were a big hit. I really loved this tutorial for festive ball ornaments on The Stripe (bookmarking for next year). Each year it seems like the people on my list have fewer and fewer needs, so I think next year I'm going to attempt some more homemade options.

If you're looking to give the same gift in multiples but still want to add a special touch, you can't go wrong with something personalized -- initials, monograms, and nicknames make a present unique. You could buy a handful of these delicate initial rings to daintily decorate the fingers of your friends (and these tiny boxes will make wrapping a breeze, too). Mark and Graham is a great source for personalized everything (luggage tags and passport covers are smart for just about everyone). And preppy J. Crew has been monogramming everything for years.

Photo calendars usually fall under the category of "great idea, kind of cheesy in reality". But I love this beautiful and modern little calendar, which will do your Instagram-worthy photos justice. You could make one with family photos for all of the extended relatives or throwback photos for all of your old college friends. And if you're a great photographer, you could make one with your best travel/nature/candid photos and give everyone on your list a bit of your artistic spirit.

Gift Guide: Secret Santa

I've done quite a bit of shopping, but I'm not done yet. Up next, some gift ideas for those secret santa type gifts that we inevitably need to get. My office does a gift exchange thing during our holiday lunch (which is always entertaining, since my co-workers are really quite different), and one of my girlfriends organized a big holiday dinner for the girls, complete with a white elephant gift swap.

WHO I'M BUYING FOR: co-workers and my group of girlfriends (though I won't necessarily be buying for someone specific)

I'm looking for fun gifts that are whimsical but still a bit useful. The kinds of things that the recipients never knew they needed but are totally excited to get.

WHO YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR: your secret santa...that one person on your list who you don't really know that well...your gift closet (always good to have a spare gift or two, just in case)

Diamond Flask, $20

A little bling to class up her day drinking. I might buy these in bulk and give them out to all of my coworkers, it's been a tough year.

The Taco Cleanse, $18

I mean, who doesn't need this? What a delicious way to kick off the new year! Add in a bottle of tequila if you're looking for a beefier gift.

Sparkle Bark, $28

A winner on name alone, this is like your classic peppermint on steroids. It's pink! And sparkly! There are pop rocks! Picking this up for a couple of people on my list (bonus: I don't like peppermint, so I don't have to worry that I'll eat it all before Christmas).

Sriracha2Go, $7

An ingenious little way to keep everyone's favorite spicy condiment at hand. Most of my friends and coworkers are sriracha-obsessed; some of them literally carry a bottle with them wherever they go, but this seems considerably easier.

Blugo INC Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $36

I can't attest for the quality, but the idea of a teeny little speaker that you can carry anywhere, including on your keychain, is pretty amazing. There are a couple of color options, but I like this pink sparkle version option that is clearly a party in your pocket.

Corkcicle, $12

Every home needs this clever little tool that helps quickly chill wine. Paired with a decent bottle of wine, this will be the white elephant gift everyone is fighting over.

Tarot Cards, $20

A deck of tarot cards is always fun -- aren't we all a bit curious about what the future holds?

Rifle Paper Company Weekly Calendar Mousepad, $12

A really pretty and useful gift, perfect for your cubicle-mate or favorite co-worker. This comes in lots of pretty prints, but I like the chic combo of pale pink and leopard.

Ban.do Passport Cover, $24

I love this cheery pattern, which will make a passport super easy to find in that enormous carry-on everyone seems to travel with these days. A nice gift for a road warrior colleague.

Carry-On Cocktail Kit, $25

Air travel is fairly barbaric these days, but this little kit adds a little Mad Men glamour back into business class. Also super handy for keeping at your desk, because we've all had those days.

Elephant Ring Holder, $10

Is an actual white elephant a little too on the nose? Sometimes I can't resist a bit of sass, but this is actually a great little gift -- a ring holder to add a little personality to her jewelry storage.

Gift Guide: The Newlyweds

My brother got married this year and now he and my new SIL are buying a house. It's nice that one of us has figured out how to do relatively normal adult stuff. A new house provides so many great gift giving opportunities...

WHO I'M SHOPPING FOR: my brother and sister-in-law

They're newlyweds who will have a nice new house to decorate soon. They're young and fun and like spending time at home entertaining or just relaxing.

WHO YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR: the homebody on your list...the friend who's obsessed with design blogs...your favorite foodie...someone who's just hard to shop for (food is always a hit!)

Laguna Basket, $64

There are a million uses for a basket like this, and it's so cute. If you're feeling generous, fill it up -- you could try something fun, like a few cozy blankets (I always find great ones at HomeGoods and TJMaxx), or even something practical (fresh cut firewood).

Love Letter Napkins, $40

A set of sweet napkins printed with the love letters of great writers -- perfect for bringing a little romance to weeknight dinners.

Mo's Chocolate Chip Bacon Pancake Mix ($15) and Noble Handcrafted Syrup Set ($40)

Ingredients for a tasty breakfast make a great gift -- this chocolate chip bacon pancake mix is amazing. I'd also include this set of fancy syrups and you'll give a gift that will add a touch of luxury to Christmas morning, an anniversary breakfast, or just a regular old Sunday.

Smartphone Projector, $31

I think slide projectors are the coolest thing and I don't know why they've fallen out of favor. I still have one from college -- art history major, what what -- but precious few slides to project. This is the next best thing and would be great for showing off honeymoon pics or doing an outdoor movie night.

Nickel Designs Doormat, $35 and up

These doormats are hilarious -- lots of great pre-printed options to choose from, or customize one with geographic coordinates, a silly hashtag, or favorite song lyrics. Guaranteed to make a new house feel like home.

Pineapple Ice Bucket, $70

Pineapples are a symbol of good luck and hospitality. So is a well-stocked bar cart -- this ice bucket is perfect for a new home, and gorgeous to boot.  

Mixed Cut Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, $70

Maybe you know someone whose glassware could use an upgrade -- these double old-fashioned glasses are so festive and are just begging to be displayed.

Custom Portrait Cookie Cutter, $50 and up

Fairly ridiculous, totally awesome -- this company will create a custom cookie cutter featuring a silhouette, portrait, or other image. You definitely know somebody who wants to bake cookies with their own face (or the face of their beloved). 3D printers, what can't they do?!

Bamboo Cutting Board with Laser Engraved Recipe, $60

I love taking a practical item that you use everyday and giving it a special twist -- handwritten recipes have gone the way of the dodo, but how amazing would it be to commemorate your grandmother's famous meatball recipe, or Dad's Sunday morning pancakes?

Peppers of Origin Gift Pack, $18

I've given this a few times and it's always been a big hit -- fancy peppers are fun for the adventurous chef.

Vintage Christmas Ornaments, $115

Ornaments are a thoughtful gift for newlyweds (especially if you're going to see them before they've trimmed their tree). I love this vintage set, although I realize as a single person I have the luxury of decorating with ridiculously girly ornaments -- this set of wooden ornaments is very charming and a bit more unisex.

A great gift for the armchair traveler or long weekend road-tripper. The 36 Hours series is super popular -- I like this gift set of global destinations, but there are also volumes that focus on specific areas, like regions in the US. This could be one of those bad generic gifts that goes unused if given to the wrong person, but lots of fun for an adventurous spirit.

Waring Popcorn Popper, $56

My popcorn popper is my favorite kitchen appliance ever. Microwave popcorn is foul, and most people won't take the time to pop fresh popcorn on the stove (though it isn't too hard). A popcorn popper is so easy and makes a damn tasty snack.

And if you need a few extras...

Salt and pepper shakers with attitude.

Everyone should have a zoodle-maker.

These chic toothbrushes are thoughtful, and they'll also look great when they're 'gramming pics of their new bathroom.

I kind of want to make a set of these customized keychains and put my brother and SIL's goofy pet names on them.

A mini tape measure is so, so handy when you're decorating a new place. You don't want to drag home that craigslist find and realize you can't get it through the door.