Holiday Gifts: Best Christmas Gift Ideas and Shopping Guide by Category

In this post: Looking for Christmas gift ideas in a range of categories? This shopping guide is chock full of holiday gifts for most everyone on your list. ⇒

I love shopping for gifts.

Yep, I’m one of those people who enjoys spending an inordinate amount of time finding what I believe will be the exact right gift, taking into account each person’s unique qualities, idiosyncrasies and quirks.

Of course, this is based on my own perception, so whether I hit the mark or not is up to the recipient, but I do enjoy the process and try my best to hit the target.

I think putting in the effort when searching for gifts is a worthwhile endeavor and shopping online has made it so much easier to cover more ground and explore all the options.

But with that convenience and breadth of choice comes a lot of confusion that can be overwhelming and lead to indecision. This is why I’m a big fan of gift guides curated by people who’s opinions and aesthetics I respect.

Christmas Gift Ideas

I’ve compiled my own list of recommended gift options for the people on your list that are segmented two different ways. Last week’s Gift Guide focused on gifts by category, including Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for the Home, Gifts for the Littles, Self-care and Beauty, and Stocking Stuffers. In today’s post, I’m back with 6 new categories broken down by interest, including For the Cook, For the Traveler, For the Spa Lover, For the Host, For the Pet Lover, and my personal fave, For the Francophile.

Among my selections you will find a range of price points, from inexpensive stocking stuffers and those appropriate for secret Santa, through a good bit of mid-range options, and on up to some special gifts that are reserved for the people you’re most close to.

For the Cook

Could there be an easier person to buy gifts for than the person who loves to cook? One can always use new gadgets for the kitchen to make the task easier, more fun and the outcome better. From small appliances to better quality pans and old favorites that come in a new color. In this year’s curated selection I’ve included gorgeous pepper mills, curly edged casseroles, a leather collectible cookbook classic, a chic linen apron, lovely copper measuring spoons and so much more. There are golden baking pans, a chic spice set and oils, and wonderful wooden cutting boards. These are certainly utilitarian, but each has an element that makes it holiday special.

For the Traveler

We all know people who just love to travel and they can’t get enough of the jet-setting life. If this person is on your list, you can’t beat a gift of ‘of-the-moment’ luggage. Other options include a cozy cashmere wrap for chilly airplanes, weekender bags with convenient pockets, a set of packing cubes, along with a jewelry case or cosmetic bag for the perfect storage opportunities. Leather baggage tags, a passport holder, the quintessential travel mirror, and a neck pillow round out the offering. The name of the game is luxe comfort and convenience for this group. Yet for the more practical consider a converter set or air tags.

For the Spa Lover

Everyone loves to be pampered and if you want to spoil your loved ones, go for a spa gift. Think of anything that will help them feel relaxed and tranquil. From cozy slippers to aromatic candles, bath salts with a lovely wooden scoop, calming teas and essential oils, plus a lush robe to wrap up in when you’re done. There’s a pretty nail care set and a cool loofah, as well as crisp and pure white towels. This is a great category to put a basket of a few items together, or go for the luxury skin cream that’s worth it’s weight in gold.

For the Host

Have a friend or a family member who loves entertaining? This category is perfect for them. There are no shortage of options to make hosting a pleasure, from tableware to serving pieces and barware, as well. Try a copper drink tub, a lovely set of plates, a gilded pitcher or a charming butter server. There are embroidered cocktail napkins, an elegant wine opener, cheese spreaders, monogrammed coasters, and a fondue set. And to top it off, the wireless bluetooth speaker can set a festive mood for any party.

For the Pet Lover

There’s hardly a more passionate group than pet lovers! For the animal lover in your life, consider these gifts. There a rattan basket for cat toys (comes in the dog version, as well), animal motif socks, wall art, and pajamas, too. Try a very special biscuit jar, a chic and modern pet-treat bowl, a personalized stuffed bone, and state of the art leash. For the pet-owner’s home, there’s a welcome mat, snow globe, and throw pillow, and for the pooch himself, a wonderful tartan plaid bed. Hang a bone stocking on the mantel and toast with hot chocolate from an artisan mug.

For the Francophile

This final category is for my long-time readers and those who share my love of all things French. Most of these items are from actual French companies, but a few just capture the feeling of French style. There are vintage pieces like the brass candlesticks and ice tongs, as well as more current items including the canisters, bowls and copper canelé molds. There’s a wine map of the Champagne region, a jacquard kitchen hand towel and a book with recipes from Paris. There are croissants, macarons and French tea, and of course a market basket to keep it all together. Compile a few of these items for your favorite francophile and be sure to wish them a Joyeux Noël!