November is here which means I’m feeling the holiday spirit! I’m kicking off the season (it’s here, right?!) with 10 crowd-pleasing gift ideas! If your list is full of hard-to-buy-for loved ones, this list is for you!
My family hosts a white elephant exchange for the holidays which is what inspired this post. I was searching for gift ideas that anyone in our “circle” might appreciate. I always have so much fun thinking of gifts that could be appreciated by more than one specific person (it’s such a fun challenge!).
So, without further adieu – here are my top 10 recommendations!
Sustainable Gift Ideas
1. KeepCup*
Everyone could use a sleek, chic reusable mug! I have this one* and I get complimented on it all the time so clearly it’d be a popular gift choice. 😉
My mother-in-law gifted mine to me last Christmas and it has been in regular use. In fact, I use it at work daily with my desktop mug warmer* (which would be a great gift pair with the mug!).
PS: The cork band is made from wine cork manufacturing waste! So sustainable.
2. Reusable Sandwich Bags
Aren’t we all searching for a just-as-convenient plastic bag alternative? This set of silicone slider-top bags* might be the answer.
If the bags sound boring on their own (they kinda do), pair them with your favorite snack items for a basket of bag-worthy goodies.
3. Dryer Balls
Not only are fabric softener sheets wasteful, but they can actually damage your clothes. Help your recipient go au naturel with a fancy set of wool dryer balls*.
Turn it into a gift basket with your favorite essential oil (mine’s lavender*!) and laundry detergent*.
4. A Plant
I love gifting plants! If you aren’t sure about the recipient’s plant care expertise, succulents* are a safe choice. I like to propagate mine into thrift store teacups.
Here’s a neat guide with plant symbolism and another guide on how to gift a plant.
If you don’t have any tea cups to part with, these flowing glaze ceramic pots* are lovely!
Fun Gifts
5. Games
This 80s & 90s Trivia Game* looks like it would be A LOT of fun!
6. A Moon Lamp*
I can’t be the only one who thinks having your very own moon lamp at your bedside as you drift off to sleep sounds delightful.

7. A Wireless Speaker
This vintage-inspired wireless speaker* is adorable! In addition to playing music, the speaker can sync with your device for hands-free calls.
If pink isn’t your recipient’s thing (I can’t imagine!), there are other colors available.
8. An Instant Camera
Who doesn’t miss the instant-gratification of Polaroid pictures?! This set* includes everything your recipient could need!
If you know they’ll love it (or need a future gift idea for the recipient), pair the set with this desktop calendar* to hold some of their favorite prints.
Practical Gifts
9. A First Aid Kit
Part of being an adult is having a proper first aid kit. This set* has everything a home could need in case someone trips over your clutter while visiting 😉
10. Light Alarm Clock
Wake-up light alarm clocks simulate the sunrise (with gradual light increases) for a more natural transition from sleep to wake. They sound fabulous.
This one* includes an FM radio, this one* includes 5 natural sounds and color changing modes, and this one* includes a clinically proven light therapy lamp.
Read more about how sunrise alarm clocks make waking up easier.
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Do you have any cool crowd-pleasing gift recommendations to add? I’d love to hear them!
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