I have this recurring nightmare: I’m celebrating Christmas with my family and I hand someone the gift I thoughtfully purchased. I’m so excited to see what they think of it because I know I will make their whole Christmas! They unwrap it, take one look at it, and pretend to like it; they do the thing where they force an expression of surprise and fake smile like they have never seen something greater. But it’s too late. I can see their poorly masked disappointment and I know they don’t like it and I am officially the world’s WORST gift giver. And then I cry my eyes out because I am officially the Grinch who ruined Christmas.
Okay, I’ve never had that nightmare before, but it is one of my worst fears. The thought of messing up someone’s gift so horribly makes me want to cry and never show my face again. I love to give people gifts. I love seeing the happiness on their faces when I give them the perfect gift. I love the feeling of self-satisfaction when I nail someone’s present. Never felt this way? Look no further. Below, I have curated a Christmas gift guide for parents, siblings/friends, and couples that is sure to satisfy all. I have even asked around so that you have a wide range of gift ideas! After each category, there is an interview with students to give you an even better idea of the best gifts to give!
Parents:
Let’s be honest, one of the hardest people to get gifts for are parents. Whether your own or someone else’s, it can be a stressful and often fruitless endeavor. If you try to ask them what they want, they say something along the lines of “Don’t worry about me” or “I don’t need anything.” Deep down, however, you know that they want a gift just as much as the next person. If you are planning on getting your parents something for Christmas, but don’t know what, I have devised a list of gifts for parents. I have attempted to fit a wide range of budgets, including good basics for when you don’t have something hyperspecific that you know they want.
Personalized gift (ex. pillow)
$17.99 from Amazon
Dutch Oven (or a kitchen appliance in general)
$49.99 from Target
*I know nothing about car detailing, grilling, or hardware. If there are better brands, I would recommend those. If you are balling on a budget, as many high school students are, then I recommend these purely for price.*
Car Detailing Stuff
$15.55 from Walmart
Drill Bits
$29.97 from Home Depot
Any kind of home decor; whether from Pottery Barn or Five Below,
this is a versatile option.
Stainless Steel Grill Set
$96.40 from Home Depot
Mr. Kamer
What is the best material gift you have ever given Andersen?
“If Andersen were afraid of something, say Gremlins, I would draw her fighting them. She also received a 6-foot-tall stuffed giraffe because she said it would enable her to sleep in her own bed (It didn’t work).”
What is the best gift that you have ever received from her?
“A bracelet that came with a case with a ‘Daddy’s girl’ paragraph, a ‘Best Dad’ Oscar, and some coupons that were never cashed in which are still in my desk at home.”
How much should a father spend on his daughter for Christmas?
“Money is not so important. Sometimes the best gifts are made as time spent.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Never grow up at Christmas. Always give and receive something fun, even if you feel like you’ve outgrown it.”
His daughter, sophomore Andersen Kamer
What is the best material gift you have ever given your Dad?
“I got my dad a Game of Thrones ornament.”
What is the best gift that you have ever received from him?
“A large stuffed giraffe.”
How much should a daughter spend on her dad for Christmas?
“$20-$40.”
Friends/Siblings:
I would like to preface this by saying that if you get gifts for your siblings, you are automatically a better person than me. I don’t think I’ve ever bought any of my five siblings a gift..like ever…Anyway, back to the list!
As a girl, if I don’t know what to get my friend for her birthday or Christmas, what do I get her? Probably a candle, mug, candy, and fuzzy socks. What does someone who doesn’t know what to get me, get me? Probably a candle, mug, candy, and fuzzy socks. You see, this cycle has to stop. Of course, I am grateful for all the gifts I receive. However, BORING. (My apologies to those who desire to receive these things or have given me these things, I’m sure I loved them.) This Christmas, I challenge you to step up your game. If you are taking the time and money to buy someone a gift, get them something they will actually appreciate and use. You can start with the items on this list!
P.S. If you are one of my sisters and you are reading this, any of these will do for my gift. Thanks!
Necklace (personalized or not)
$14.99 from Amazon
Hair accessories
Wax stick
$18.99 from Target
Claw clips
$10.59 from Walmart
Hair ribbons
6pc. set for $5 from Target
Scalp massager
(Trust me on this one)
$7.99 from Ulta
Hair Texture Spray
$15.00 from Amazon
Pimple patches
$8.98 from Walmart
Sports gear
Example: Wrist tape
$8.99 from Dick’s
Legos
Lego Vespa
$9.99 from Lego
Lego Sunflowers
$14.99 from Lego
Technology
Mini Microphones
$21.99 from Amazon
Powerbank
$19.99 from Walmart
Senior Wyatt Foster
What is the best gift you have ever received from a sibling?
“My little sister got me a real replica of The Master Sword from Legend of Zelda.”
How much is a reasonable amount to spend on a sibling for Christmas?
“The maximum should be $100 and minimum $20.”
If you could receive any gift from someone, what would it be?
“A debit card with endless money.”
Me too, Wyatt.
His sister, sophomore Livie Foster
What is the best gift you have ever received from a sibling?
“A waterproof speaker.”
What is the best gift you have ever given a sibling?
“A Legend of Zelda sword.”
How much is a reasonable amount to spend on a sibling for Christmas?
“$10-$100.”
If you could receive any gift from someone, what would it be?
“A million dollars.”
Why did they say almost exactly the same thing?? Not-actually-twin telepathy.
Couples:
While many of the items listed under the “Friend/Sibling” category and this one are interchangeable, there are some things that you would get your significant other that you wouldn’t get your friend, let alone your sibling. For this category, your budget is up to you. Whether you spend a lot or a little, (I would assume) a relationship requires you to know more about your partner than a friendship, so I encourage you to display your knowledge of them through their gift! Show them that you actually pay attention to what they are saying while you play Block Blast (for a concerning amount of time). Although I am quite an amateur myself, I think that holidays are important, especially for a couple. Get them something they will remember, love, and regret having to throw out when you break up in four months (just kidding).
Vinyl
Cologne/Perfume
*For this one, you could go expensive or cheaper, up to you.
Gucci Flora
From Gucci
50ml for $135
Into the Night
From Bath & Body Works
236 ml for $18.95
Myslf
From YSL
60ml for $125
Men’s H
From Hollister
50 ml for $29.95
Sports Gear/Memorabilia
TJ Watt Jersey
$129.95 from Steelers Pro Shop
Sidney Crosby Jersey
$179.99 from NHL Shop
Gaming stuff
*I know nothing about gaming stuff, these are all just examples. I apologize if my lack of knowledge offends you.*
Gaming Controller
$44.49 from Amazon
Gaming Headset
$149.99 from Best Buy
Games
Example: College Football 25
$67.99 from Amazon
Clothes
6 pairs for $28
*This was highly recommended by numerous Knoch students!*
$11.96 per pair
Sweatshirt
Owala
24 oz. Citrus Crush
$27.99 from Owala
Lego Set
$47.99 from Amazon
Amuseables Peanut
$20
Bashful Cream Bunny
$28
More expensive sports gear
Football gloves
$50.00 from Dick’s
Baseball/Softball Bat
Jewelry
*These are both just recommendations. Any necklace will do, whether from Kendra Scott or Amazon. And I am the last person to ask where dudes get their chains or for how much, so this is just an example. Personally, I am an expert in Shein jewelry, so you can ask me about that!!*
Kendra Scott Necklace
$55 from Kendra Scott
3mm Chain
$99 from Jaxxon
Hunting/Truck Stuff
*I am categorizing these things together because I think they fit the same general demographic. If the recipient of your gift likes hunting or trucks, good luck. I have absolutely zero knowledge of either of these things.*
Cup holder coasters
$6.99 from Amazon
Interior car lights
$15.99 from Amazon
Hunting Rangefinder
$69.99 from Amazon
Hand Warmers Camo
$8 from Amazon
Camo Face Paint Stick
$6.49 from Amazon
Juniors Hannah Butler and Carter Worsley have been dating for about nineteen months, so this will be their second year exchanging gifts.
Hannah
Do you have a budget for how much you spend on each other?
“The budget varies, but for Christmas, it’s usually $200.”
What is the best gift you have ever received from Carter?
“Last year, he got me the Kendra Scott necklace that I wear every day. It’s my favorite because I mentioned that I wanted it once and he listened to me months after.”
What is the best gift you have ever given Carter?
“Last year I made him a blanket. His favorite color is green, so I used green chunky yarn. When he’d go to football practice, I’d spend my afternoons working on the blanket. It’s like the embodiment of our time apart; hopefully, it shows him that I think of him when he’s gone.”
Oh okay, Hannah, just go ahead and show up every single gift that I have ever given someone, that’s fine.
How much do you think is a reasonable amount to spend on your significant other?
“I think you can take your situation’s factors into account…do you work? Who else are you buying for? How long have you been together? I think anywhere from $100-$500 can be justifiable.”
If you could receive any gift from someone, what would it be?
“I would really like noise-cancelling earbuds. I want the Bose QuietComfort Ultra in purple so I don’t have to listen to the morons in my English class when I’m trying to read and write.”
You’re welcome, Carter. I just did half of the work for you.
Carter
Do you have a budget for how much you spend on each other?
“Yes, $200 for Christmas, $100 for birthdays, and $50 for other events.”
What is the best gift you have ever received from Hannah?
“Bearpaw slippers or Steelers crewneck.”
What is the best gift you have ever given Hannah?
“A Kendra Scott necklace.”
How much do you think is a reasonable amount to spend on your significant other?
“As much as you can afford.”
If you could receive any gift from someone, what would it be?
“Black Honda Civic Type R or good Steelers tickets, like on the sideline and meet people.”
Sophomore Savannah Hoculock and junior Tye West have been together for two years and will be celebrating their third Christmas together this year!
Savannah
Do you have a budget for how much you spend on each other?
“We don’t really have one that we actually stick to. Last year’s was $150 but neither of us stuck to it. This year’s is $300, but we will see.”
What is the best gift you have ever received from Tye?
“I got a Tiffany & Co. necklace for my birthday in 2023 and matching earrings in 2024.”
What is the best gift you have ever given Tye?
“Tye really likes shoes, so for Christmas last year I got him two pairs of shoes he wanted and two shirts to match them.”
How much do you think is a reasonable amount to spend on your significant other?
“I think it depends on how long you’ve been together. If you’ve known each other for less than 6 months, $150 is a good budget. I think your budget should go up the longer you’re together.”
If you could receive any gift from someone, what would it be?
“A shopping spree. People say that gift cards are lazy gifts, but anything relating to shopping is a safe bet.”
Yes! So true.
Tye
Do you have a budget for how much you spend on each other?
“Christmas this year is $300. Last year’s was more but I’m broke. $200 for birthday and then money for whatever else she needs.”
What is the best gift you have ever received from Savannah?
“Air Jordan 1’s! I love shoes and they were really nice.”
What is the best gift you have ever given Savannah?
“Tiffany & Co. earrings and necklace! A little pricey and thoughtful. The necklace has her initials engraved on it.”
How much do you think is a reasonable amount to spend on your significant other?
“As much as you can afford. They deserve it.”
If you could receive any gift from someone, what would it be?
“Superbowl tickets, Mazda 3 Hatchback Carbon Turbo, Pokemon cards, and sushi.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“I LOVE my girlfriend.”
As I am sure you have noticed by now, the best kind of gift is one that is thought-out and considered. Whether you spend $5 or $500, people value things that others choose for them. Now that I have endowed you with my wisdom, get out there and gift. I would love to hear what you buy and receive this Christmas, so if you require someone to send a haul, send it my way!! Good luck and happy Christmas shopping!
