I realized that the hardest people to buy for are those we don’t know as well. That’s why I thought that I would try to help out with a gift guide for acquaintances.
Quote of the day: “It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?” Henry David Thoreau
This holiday of gift-giving can be stressful because we have this expectation that we need to find the perfect gift for everyone. I have been lucky because my family decided a while back that we would rather spend time together for the holidays instead of giving gifts (because in all reality, we don’t NEED anything)
That’s one of the reasons, I don’t concentrate on gift guides. Yet it just hit me as I was going to get together with some women I had just met, that a gift guide for acquaintances would be helpful.
It makes my day if you sign up for the emails below. Besides the free eBook, my email family gets personal tidbits of what’s going on in my life along with other happenings, sales, information, giveaways, extra photos, and interesting articles.
What Is a Perfect Gift?
If you think about the perfect gift, it’s something that the receiver really wants. And one step beyond that is something they want but would never really buy for themselves.
Now that’s a lot of pressure to come up with those ideas.
As for a gift guide for acquaintances, these are people you don’t know as well. You might not realize they have an aversion to birds, or that their hobby is photography.
You know these people superficially, yet might feel the need to exchange gifts because you are getting together around the holidays.
SO here’s my idea. If you can’t actually find something they really like because you don’t know what they really like, then try this. When you give them your gift, include a short reason why you thought of them when you bought it.
For instance, “This book really made me feel good, so I thought it would work for you too.”
It goes along the line of “it’s the thought that counts”. It may not be what they wanted, but the fact that you made it personal makes it special.
Small Business Love
My other point would be to try to support the small, local businesses with your gift buying as much as possible.
The perfect gift is one that not only makes the receiver happy but also makes a difference using your purchasing power.
Insider tip: Buying from the big box stores can be supporting a small business if you go through my links. Getting a small commission from your sales is one way I keep this site going. I appreciate your support!
One of the reasons I like to promote small businesses is that I have been (and still am) a small business. It’s one of the hardest jobs around because everything lands on your shoulders.
So while I will give you some links to big box stores in this gift guide for acquaintances, I will also suggest some fabulous items from some of my favorite smaller shops.
In fact, last time around this year, I wrote an article about how to support small businesses and listed 9 shops on Etsy of people I personally know and love. I’ve updated them because a couple have gone out of business.
1-Frannie & Elinor– Minimalistic jewelry. The gift that fits every woman
2-Hena Tayeb Photography– Photographs from around the world
3-Joanne Katherine Jewelry– Statement Jewelry
4-Moonsilver Designs– Jewelry inspired by nature
5-Sand Dollar Girl– Gifts from the sea, as well as handmade totes
6-SGSparkle–Handmade jewelry plus Indian-inspired pieces.
7-Theresa Rose Designs– Personalized gifts and birthstone jewelry
8-Vintage by Suzanne– Vintage clothing including jewelry plus homewares
With today’s gift guide for acquaintances, I thought I’d break it into categories that are one-size-fits-all. Even if the examples aren’t ones that float your boat, maybe it will be an idea that you can find through another small business.
Books
Books are definitely a one-size-fits-all and would work as part of a gift guide for acquaintances whether they be male or female.
1-Like a Roaring Lion– My Husband’s Journey into Spiritual Warfare
2-Gratitude Journal– Remembering our blessings is a great recipe for a good day
3-Book Light– For book lovers, this is a perfect option for reading in bed.
Socks
Socks may seem weird as part of a gift guide for acquaintances, but there are such fun ones that I had to include them. It’s not a perfect one-size-fits-all, but usually, you can get it right.
1-Slipper socks – Warm socks are always a good idea.
2-Sheec socks– the fleece and wool ones are perfect for winter, use code JODIE for first-timers
3-Happy socks– Fun socks for every foot
Scarves/Outerwear
I remember the first time I celebrated Christmas with Rob’s family, and his nephew (who was only 25 at the time), bought me a matching scarf and beanie. It was such a fabulous gift and I think it works for many other women.
1-Neutral scarves-can be festive but still go with everything.
2-Love Your Melon-Not only does Love Your Melon have great hats but they donate to childhood cancer groups. Code JODIE15
3-Pashmina– Available in 40 different colors and inexpensive. I consider these essential items, especially for travel.
T-shirts
Graphic tees can be funny or seasonal and you can always get an oversized one for an acquaintance to wear around the house. What I like is how this works for men and women too.
1-Old Navy is even getting in on the holiday t-shirts.
2-Joyful Moose– Has funny t-shirts as well as mugs and tote bags.
3-Just Be Youtiful– Graphic tees including some faith-based ones. Use code Jtouch15
Jewelry
This idea may only be good for women acquaintances, but there are such universally fun ones that I couldn’t resist including them.
1-Just Be Youtiful is my favorite local boutique. Her online site has these available. Use code Jtouch15.
2-SG Sparkle-My friend, Gurmeet has started handmaking her own jewelry. This set is very inexpensive.
3-Faux fur earrings are perfect for winter. I wear mine every winter.
Skincare/Bath Sets
Even if you don’t know someone well, most people take showers and use some kind of skincare, so the idea of these sets as part of a gift guide for acquaintances had to be included.
1-Scrub Studios Soaps-all non-toxic soaps and scrubs, use code JODIE10
2-Simple Beauty Minerals-all non-toxic makeup and skincare use code Jtouchofstyle
3-Skincare sets-Having all different mini sized options can be good for even picky people.
Misc. Items for Gift Guide for Acquaintances
1-Julie’s Etsy site has a ton of Christmas pieces made with treasured jewelry.
2-Thermals are a functional gift for anyone
3-Back massager that is perfect for a chair massage.
Pets
Since our fur babies are a huge part of our lives, if you know an acquaintance has a pet, you could use one of these ideas.
1-StopnPaws has hand painted ornaments as well as many other hand made pet cuteness
2-Pet Bows are part of Keul Life that supports women over 50
3-Yak Chews are natural and mess free ways for your dog to chew–Piper loves hers.
Thank you
If you’ve enjoyed this, I hope you will look around the site and…
- find out more about the blog here. Including behind-the-scenes of our relationship here.
- you can see all the categories of past posts here
- feel free to use any discounts or deals that I share here.
- make sure to sign up for emails to enjoy fun features in every email PLUS get my recent eBook here.
- follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest.
- and if you ever want to reach out or have any requests, feel free to email me at JTouchofStyle@gmail.com
If you enjoyed any of this information, I would appreciate it if you would share, share and share wherever you can!! You can do this by saving an image to your Pinterest board or sharing this post on Facebook. Or send this post to your friend, and make sure they sign up for the emails.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
It’s not just about me on this blog, but also my mother and friend. We get to showcase not only different decades of life but also different body shapes and unique personal styles.
Find out more about all of us here. And make sure to join the email list where I include so much more.
