Does gift-buying for your in-laws or a choosy-but-cherished friend wig you out? Are you running out of time to find the perfect gift? Holiday shopping can be stressful enough without the added pressure to please the picky. Here’s how to buy for even the fussiest of friends or family members.
Emily Davidson Nemoy is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tenn. When she’s not at her computer or on her yoga mat, she can be found at live music venues happily spending her excess cash on concert tickets.
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Art Lovers
A gift pick like the iconic Dali melting clock ornament is an ideal present for any art-themed holiday soirée.
Photo by The Dali Museum
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The Beauty Obsessed
When you choose polishes in colors like Bless Your Heart and No Panty Wednesday, you can feel good about gifting AILA Cosmetics. The company was created to provide beautiful nail colors that don't compromise nail health.
Photo by AILA
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Bibliophiles
Parnassus Books, owned by celebrated author Ann Patchett, offers a First Editions Club. Each month, the store chooses and mails a new author-signed edition to the recipient, making these pre-paid gift memberships a book lover's dream.
Photo by Parnassus Books
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Bosses
'Tis the season for gifting just about everyone, including your boss (if that's the norm in your office). MoMA's The Complete Traveler's Kit is a great gift choice for leaders who are on-the-go.
Photo by MoMA
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Crazy Cat Fanatics
Leah Goren's cat print silk scarf and cloisonné cat pin are purrfect picks for all the feline-lovers on your Christmas radar.
Photo by Leah Goren
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Drinking Buddies
Toast your pals with pint glasses that celebrate the reason we brunch, by attorney-turned-artist Alyson Thomas.
Photo by Alyson Thomas for Uncommon Goods
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Designers
Be sure to get the design-savvy folks in your life something stylish and unique like Meat and 3 Printing Company's two-for-one Tattoo Man and Lady prints. Right now, all proceeds from the Etsy store, go directly to the NAACP.
Photo by Meat and 3 Printing Co.
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Cinephiles
Breck Armstrong's Film Reel lamp is extravagant but it's also a foolproof present for the hardcore cinephile in your life. Featuring three vintage film reels on a steel base, this lamp sheds new light on an old object.
Photo by Breck Armstrong for Uncommon Goods
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First-Time Homeowners
Hand-turned salad servers from Italian architect Matteo Thun, will look good in any new space, and they'll earn you a VIP spot at future parties.
Photo by Matteo Thun
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Grandparents
A framed picture is a classic, from-the-heart idea that's guaranteed to receive an approving nod from grandparents. Made by disadvantaged artisans in India, The Little Market's modern chevron picture frame is a present infused with good karma.
Photo by The Little Market