Such great advice. Something else to consider if you have a friend or family member that struggles with clutter or "has everything," give experiences. Tickets to a museum or an event, coupon to a restaurant they love, a class for something they enjoy or want to learn.
I agree! I once got tickets to a musical for a close friend of my partner and me. Since the tickets were digital, I got a pretty card and wrote a note telling him to save the date! I then made dinner reservations for the three of us as well. Now we have a beautiful memory that the three of us look back on fondly. 💕
I did that one year, meaning I asked only for experiences for my birthday. Following was the best year, because experiences with friends and family were kind of already planned for...from "brunch at my place" to "visit of the opera".
I agree. I started gifting my parents IOU’s for an experience. Something I either take them on or I send them to do an experience together. They love it. Im sure unwrapping a generic IOU slip is anti-climatic on Christmas morning, but they love redeeming the IOU later in the year.
Yes! And for people with children plan it all out in advance for them, not just 'here's tickets to a show' but 'here's tickets and I have arranged the babysitter with your partner.' Because we've definitely gotten the gift of a restaurant gift card or some such thing and then we take forever to use it because of the extra planning involved. As a person who has to plan and arrange everything, having every detail dealt with for me would be the greatest gift!
I would also add you can involve the person in the process as is appropriate One of the best gifts I've recieved was from my mom, who decided to get me new bedding, and then actually took me to the fabric store to pick out material for her to sew me a new duvet cover. It was beautiful and practical and a special memory as well
I’ve used this theory for decades! My example was always buy the Chanel nail polish- something you would never do for yourself, but not necessarily a super expensive gift. But a super bougie version of a nail polish. Such a treat. (Chanel- just an example.)
I’ll add that as someone who was on an extremely limited budget until recently, home-made gifts can be wonderful. It imparts the care of your time and energy more than any normal object could.
Yes, any year that money has been tight, I've had success with baking large batches of cookies, brownies, etc and dividing those up into gifts for many people. Put them into cellophane bags and tie with beautiful ribbons and a handmade tag/card. People love anything edible, lol
As someone who struggles with guilt over getting rid of objects I appreciate the idea you have going here. But I would also add that if you aren't 100% certain that it's an item the person will like, then go with something consumable (food, lotion, small candles, gift cards) because then you aren't meaning to give them a nice gift but unwittingly giving them an obligation.
Not even 4 minutes into the video and you have already helped me figure out the perfect gift. It's shocking how changing the question we ask ourselves completely changes our perspective and immediately answers our question. Thank you for such an amazing and much needed video!
You just put into words how I gift shop! I get compliments often about how thoughtful my gifts are, and it’s literally me just upgrading what I know people love and use.
Im not that great at gift shopping but it really made sense bc a lot of the gifts I loved receiving were exactly that and Ive never noticed!!! It was eye opening honestly
My mother had just downsized to all the things she actually wanted and needed. She always mention how much she loved those little corn on the cob that were featured at the salad bar but she could never find them in the store. Well I found them and presented them in a lovely gift box.
I was surprised you didn't mention food! This is definitely used, can be exquisite, and is easily scaled. I love giving nice coffee or tea, alcohol, chocolate, local syrup or jams, hot sauce etc depending what he person likes
"The beautiful potpourri of a wood nymph." I'm DEAD. Things that bring me joy...your videos...specifically this one. My favorite thing in the world is giving gifts and this video is EXQUISITE! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you!
Also: sometimes something exquisite means selfmade. Everybody uses socks and hats in the winter. So you can knit them that. And then the specialness comes from the work you put in it
I never want to watch gift guide videos. I thought I would turn this off in 5 min, but instead it is a vault of new and beautiful brands & ideas, in a well organized format with incredible price range.
I love this. I do believe that a gift can change someone's life though. Maybe if that person of financially sufficient and doing well it can't. But there have been many times where my mom was thoughtful and got me something that made my life 10000% better. When I got out of college but wasn't making much money, my new home was cluttered, and it was bc I needed organizational things, not less stuff. So she bought me organizational bins and tools and suddenly my home was always clean and organized. I couldn't have afforded to buy all those organizational tools at one time even if they were cheap, I just needed a lot of them. Fast forward and I have two fluffy dogs and live in the dustiest sandiest place. She buys me an expensive wireless Dyson vacuum that is able to quickly pick up the insane amount of fur, dust, sand that accumulates in my home daily. I had a normal vacuum and it was just not cutting it. The vacuum she got made things SOOOO much easier and cut down my cleaning time by a significant amount every day. I'm so grateful for her she's so thoughtful 😭 she always buys thing that make the biggest difference in my day to day life. Someday I'll probably make enough money that I won't need gifts like this, but I think gifts can change your life (like make your life way less stressful and cluttered) or a lot easier (give you extra time every single day to do other things)
The best thing I’ve ever done is to keep a huge master list and note things down during conversations. Trusting the list has led to some weird gifts people love but neither of us remember where the idea came from!
My boyfriend and I got a fancy vacuum from his parents and we love it! We are 30+ working people with not much time but we appreciate a clean and tidy flat 😂
Omg, lightbulb moment. I have always found choosing gifts stressful and fraught unless someone tells me explicitly what they want, but I can already tell this approach is gonna change the whole game for me. Thank you!
This is my 54th Christmas and for most of them I absolutely bought into the consumerism illusion you talk about. While I stopped blowing my budget on other people who don’t “need” anything I never felt good about my presents. I’m putting this on repeat in the final countdown to Christmas so I can add to this the important step of reconciling my present decisions with my own desire to be everyone’s hero and fill up the holes they might have if I could only figure them out and afford a thing. Sooooo wise and wonderful. Also another corker of a shopping guide. ❤
Any advice for when you just have way too many people to buy for? As a newlywed, my family just doubled in size and is growing by the day it seems. Even a $15-20 average gift budget per person really wiped us out. I know this is what Christmas cookies are for, but is there any middle ground? Something personalized but doesn’t cost much? Not everyone in the family would be into handmade gifts, and that takes time too. Not sure what to do Edit: before my family size got out of control, I had a really good handle on giving great gifts and the secret was literally asking people what they wanted 😂 I know it’s not very romantic, but it guarantees zero waste, and let’s face it most grown adults arent that attached to the surprise factor anymore. And people often have their eye on very specific things you NEVER could have guessed simply by knowing their hobbies, etc. It also saves them money if it’s something they planned to buy themselves in the future. if your family has the personality to be cool w this approach, I’d 10/10 recommend. (And if someone prefers the surprise element, you can ask their significant other, parent, etc instead!!)
What a brilliant approach, and I love how you make the connection to the unhealthy consumerist mindset. My favorite gift I've ever received is probably my fancy ladle... so basic but such a joy to use!
I easily purchased gifts for all the women in my life and my husband. My sons were easy too. Am having trouble with the other 2 men. Thanks for the new perspective! I happened upon your channel and could so identify with your problem. I am the same! I don't believe in coincidence. I found you exactly when I needed to. I'm doing my 2nd month no-buy. That just seemed more manageable for me. I take it one day at a time. So far so good. I need to decluttered my closet. I've been shopping my closet, but it is so jammed full it's hard to find stuff! I have beautiful things, just too much. Don't know why, but I'm procrastinating. You have been a big help and inspiration. I also have been watching The Minimalists. I am not a minimalist! Just the opposite! But it is slowly growing on me. Less is more! It's just stuff and I have too much! Thank you for your message. It is who I wish to be! Been watching videos on what goes into landfills and it is more than upsetting!
love this advice!! i used this on my dad who was notoriously hard to by for. he wore crocs at all times of year and his feet would always get went from snow or be otherwise cold so i got him winterized crocs and he loved them to death
You put into words what I've been unconsciously doing. 😆 Nice to have it in the clear! I had intentionally made a switch to useful and ideally consumable gifts. This usually meant candles, handmade soaps and food items. More recently, I've been focusing on the "exquisite" version of most of these things.
Best gift guide video I’ve ever seen on or in any video, blog, or magazine article. My life has gained a handful of meaningful and useful beautiful things thanks to you instead of a pile of unnecessary impulse items that are destined for the trash. Thank you!
I feel like I have a lot of people who do not like scaled up versions of things they like. They’re the types who are not into luxury things and to them, shower gel is shower gel, whether it’s Dove or some luxury brand.
I can 100% vouch for ANYTHING from Printfresh. The robes, pajama sets, and bedding are so fun, luxurious, and of amazing quality. They have bags and slippers too. The print options are so good. Thanks Hannah for turning me onto them in your gift guide from last year!!! ❤🔥
For those who celebrate holidays, I have found that a holiday ornament is an outstanding gift. Each year as they decorate for the holidays, they will think of you and appreciate it, and when the holidays are over it gets packed up for the next year so it won’t interfere with their actual decorating tastes. And there is a virtually limitless range of price and style, vintage, handmade, museum, gift store, Swarovski, Hallmark, Disney, all of them.
I was super excited to watch this and I love the concept of giving someone a better version of something they already use, but I would be disappointed to receive anything on this list that I’ve seen so far (12:16). I feel like the universal gifts are neat but they feel like they lack character and are pretty bland as a result. I think these would be good for someone who really loves minimalism but idk
coincidentally, I've previously gifted my sister a set from earlywood and am planning to get her the caraway set this year!! I also have a set from earlywood myself and can confirm, it's gorgeous and very functional!
This may be one of my favorite videos from you. It’s kinda your ethos in a nutshell. Thank you for always adding something thoughtful and *unique!* to this TH-cam space ✨
For people who like to cook : a great knife. Especially for people who are getting into cooking. Good quality knives can get veeeery expensive but they make so much difference. Just get a sense of their preference (for a vegetarian, get a santoku !). What’s great is that they come at about every price point. And yes to pans. A beautiful cast iron or ceramic pan will last one or two lifetimes and every cook has a favorite pan that’s like our best friend. Also, a pretty dutch oven is less for everyday use but a great gift too. In general : less gadgets that will or won’t work (and that possibly won’t ever be used past the novelty) more tried-and-true well designed staples.
Yes! Both of my sons are professional chefs and they love to gift knives. They know the best ones and how each person might use them. My younger son actually likes to find old knives with plenty of life in the blade and make them new handles. He sharpens and polishes the blade. Like new, but more special and recycling in the process. A couple years ago, a favorite tree of mine died after a terrible storm. He used the wood of my tree to make me a knife. It’s absolutely my favorite thing in the kitchen!
My first and only comment to any TH-cam video was, “This this is the best TH-cam video I’ve ever watched” and it was yours. I so appreciate your authenticity and practicality. Even as our cosmetic preferences differ, I love watching you apply makeup because it’s entertaining and teaches me about makeup, and I’ll watch almost any video you make because of your authenticity. I love your perspective. Hope you keep sharing.
To build on your idea of elevated utilitarian/useful gifts: target an area of shared interest between the recipient and yourself. For those you know more intimately, this can make the gift more personal and often easier to find as you will generally know something about the matter.
yes, I have always done this (but never really named it as a thing) and encouraged this when people request ideas for gifts for me! I have requested some beautiful scissors for my sewing that will bring me joy every time I use them!
Thank you for putting into words, my recent thoughts on gift giving and wanting to get better at it. I love giving people things but I struggle to find the right thing when there is an actual occasion, birthday, Christmas, etc.. but just this morning, I began putting a little list together and this is the exact direction I'm heading 😄 so it's nice to have these ideas solidified.
Thank you; that was a very useful video. I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping (my favorite gift by far was for my young friend who adores his cats-I found a lovely artist on Etsy who did a gorgeous portrait of them from photos), but it will come in very handy in the future.
I love this video! I've found that a surprisingly good gift is a nice umbrella. Almost everyone has one, almost every climate needs one, but people tend to have flimsy and ho-hum umbrellas that they misplace or forget to put in their bag or car. A few years ago I got my sister a sturdy, inverted umbrella with a gorgeous pattern, and it's her favorite gift I've ever given her!
I like giving Dream books planners to people. For techy folks, people in leadership roles that take notes during meetings, I recently got an electronic pen and notebook and it’s amazing. I can upload my notes to email, save as PDF or word docs, spreadsheets, whatever. Love it so much!
Hannah, you gave me the life-changing gift of eggy pancake this year! Currently eating some topped with agave syrup (I enjoy the mixture of sweet and savory)
I feel like this is just explaining your tools to that make you a great gift give. I feel like your old gift guides follow this principle. The box of meat, the gold jewelry, the wool sweater, pajamas, wool socks, gift of time or service all fit in this principle.
Such a great idea. I love the idea of buying something someone uses daily in a fancier way. I might have done something like that without noticing, but I never actually thought about it. Buying gifts might get easier from now on
This was all great advice. When I moved into my new place, a girlfriend bought me a very good cutting board. It makes such a difference for food prep. And I think if her when I use it! And just recently, I was looking at my van opener and realized I had not one, but two (why?) shitty, dollar store versions of this tool. And I’m going to splurge and get myself a really nice one. Oh! Just remembered that another friend of mine bought me a really nice coffee maker for my place as a warming gift. ❤ Before I had been using a thrift store, old machine and it was okay. But I feel so luxe now when I make my coffee. ……. Happy Gifting, everyone!
This is so similar to the gifting philosophy I’ve developed. Gift-giving used to be stressful for me. It actually made me dread christmas and birthdays. But a consumable, experiential, or practical gift is the best way to go! I like the idea of looking for something “exquisite” that they wouldn’t otherwise buy for themselves. ✨
Extremely relevant and helpful information here! I also appreciate the elevated video / editing touches in this one. Thank you endlessly for being my poetic parasocial bestie. PS more water + shimmer shadow content please!
I have that vacuum and it is worth every penny! The suction is far superior than any Dyson I’ve had, the battery life is fantastic and it’s so aesthetically pleasing.
I’ve been watching all your gift guide videos so I can plan ahead for Christmas (I have a big family so it helps to spread it out). I was looking for something for my brother and his family who love to cook, and I loved the idea of the meat sampler box from Stay Classy Meats (mentioned in the 2019 video). It’s out of my price range, but I realized I could give them some exotic spices from a local Canadian business: The Silk Road Spice Merchant. I think they will have a great time experimenting with the flavours. I’m so excited about it; thanks for the inspiration!
This was just a little late for me as I just realized it on my own this year it really takes the pressure of gift giving. Their happines does not depend on my gift was my mantra, but you put it more eloquent. 🤩
Cire Trudon for a truly exquisite version of a candle or a melt. If the candles are out of your price range their version of a smokeless candle snuffer are incredibly elegant.
I feel like you'd adore good neighbor! It's a local baltimore coffee shop but it also sells home goods and has a dc pop currently and the asethetics are off the charts and some feel very HLP!
I recently gifted a fine bottle of maple syrup to a friend. The person already enjoys pancakes but now this is putting it to a different level. Also, when my husband was 30, he was gifted a bottle of whiskey from the year he was born. So 30 year old whiskey. Amazing gift from a dear friend.
I wanted two new high end candles for our home this holiday season. So…even though I didn’t plan to shop the Sephora sale, I did, with a twist! I got two candle sampler sets, with 20% off. I chose a candle from the set for each of my recipients. I then used the two redemption certificates to get the two candles I already wanted. In our family, we all complain of dry hands this time of year. I grabbed the $46 FAB cream when it was on sale for $12. Now, each of my recipients gets a custom candle choice and a great conditioning cream. Pampering as high functioning 😊
Hannah this is exactly my approach, and has been for sometime. I still have a couple of things to say though if that’s ok? I found your example gifts very very helpful, especially as I am from the other side of the world and I doubt many on my gift list would have ever heard of such things. So may I add? For an already luxury loving Uncle I once got in touch with an actual bricks and mortar store in Paris and used my rudimentary French to order him the most exquisite pocket kerchief. It’s just a little square of silk fabric with the most outstanding design, that a man pops in his top chest pocket of his suit to give it that ultimate pizzazz! He loved it and it wasn’t as expensive as you’d think as it was only tiny. For an Aunt who never treats herself but I have observed always has beautiful nails, I have previously purchased her couture nail veneer, mostly from Chanel. She paints her nails beautifully but never treats herself to divine varnish. Now she does! Along those lines, I know someone who takes divine care if their hair so I purchased them a bottle of Chanel hair mist (I think it was an orange based scent). It’s not something even the most knowledgeable hair carers even think of so it always goes over well. In that same vein, for those on this side of the world, George Jensen makes divine everything from jewelry to homewares. I have purchased the most beautiful cutlery - just for one person (who lives alone) before. As you say, everybody eats. I commend their website to everyone. As the parent of a Taurean I am very familiar with those who love luxury! 😅 This is how I developed this habit for myself and now I apply it to all those on my gift list. I often peruse luxury magazines to find ideas. Most recently I purchased the most divine woolen throw rug from a company being promoted by a magazine. They were surprisingly affordable and yet exquisite and quite under the radar. I actually purchased the throw for myself! That leads me to my second point. During this my no buy (makeup) year, I have come to learn that I prefer the best of the best too. So rather than purchasing everything willy nilly, as previously, I have now learned what I like and that I’d rather have less but better. It’s been more of a revelation than perhaps it appears and has resulted in much purging on my behalf this year, ready to go freshly out of my no buy, confident I actually have what I need and that I will be much more careful going forward about what comes between me and my (precious 😊) wallet! Thank you Hannah for all that you have taught me 😊
my boyfriend often strikes a match to mask the scent of freshly visited litterbox that occupies his shared space, so the hibi incense stick seems like a no brainer! Beautiful gifts, especially the wooden spoons.
22 years ago, my husband bought me a vacuum for our anniversary. Most of my friends were appalled. They could not believe how terrible he was as a human for buying something like that as a gift. I, on the other hand, was positively elated. We had just moved into the house we had just built, and i really wanted a new vacuum. We had come a long way professionally and financially since meeting in college, and were finally to a point in our lives where we no longer had to buy the least expensive item in every category. I might be asking for the Samsung vacuum for this year's anniversary present. 🖤
The only question is...why is the vacuum a gift only for you? What I mean is that in my view it is a "household item" therefore belongs to both of the parties (and is hopefully used by both parties). Maybe you guys have a clear split of tasks in the household and that is totally ok but shouldn't tool to perform such tasks come from the household budget?
Also if you know someone who doesnt like scented candles i personally love giving Everlasting Candles because theyre gorgeous when theyre lit and when theyre not. Its an oil candle with metal rods for the flame so it just looks like a classy incense holder!
This is wonderful. You have such lovely taste matched with discernment and common sense. My mother in law is always tough. You have given me so much to work with!
I am a cronic migraine sufferer...I live and die by that eye mask. It has been a huge game changer for me. It blocks the light like NONE other. And if you cry while wearing it (cuz migraines HURT) the pads around your eyes soak up the tears.
Ah the hole in your life aka the “hungry ghosts” ☺️ I’m sure you know of these but if not it’s worth a google. I loved your gift guide last year, can’t wait to keep watching this one!
Such great advice. Something else to consider if you have a friend or family member that struggles with clutter or "has everything," give experiences. Tickets to a museum or an event, coupon to a restaurant they love, a class for something they enjoy or want to learn.
And even better - something you want to do with them! Gift them one ticket, plan the day, and go together 🥰
I agree! I once got tickets to a musical for a close friend of my partner and me. Since the tickets were digital, I got a pretty card and wrote a note telling him to save the date! I then made dinner reservations for the three of us as well. Now we have a beautiful memory that the three of us look back on fondly. 💕
I did that one year, meaning I asked only for experiences for my birthday. Following was the best year, because experiences with friends and family were kind of already planned for...from "brunch at my place" to "visit of the opera".
I agree. I started gifting my parents IOU’s for an experience. Something I either take them on or I send them to do an experience together. They love it. Im sure unwrapping a generic IOU slip is anti-climatic on Christmas morning, but they love redeeming the IOU later in the year.
Yes! And for people with children plan it all out in advance for them, not just 'here's tickets to a show' but 'here's tickets and I have arranged the babysitter with your partner.' Because we've definitely gotten the gift of a restaurant gift card or some such thing and then we take forever to use it because of the extra planning involved. As a person who has to plan and arrange everything, having every detail dealt with for me would be the greatest gift!
I would also add you can involve the person in the process as is appropriate
One of the best gifts I've recieved was from my mom, who decided to get me new bedding, and then actually took me to the fabric store to pick out material for her to sew me a new duvet cover. It was beautiful and practical and a special memory as well
I’ve used this theory for decades! My example was always buy the Chanel nail polish- something you would never do for yourself, but not necessarily a super expensive gift. But a super bougie version of a nail polish. Such a treat. (Chanel- just an example.)
I’ll add that as someone who was on an extremely limited budget until recently, home-made gifts can be wonderful. It imparts the care of your time and energy more than any normal object could.
Yes, any year that money has been tight, I've had success with baking large batches of cookies, brownies, etc and dividing those up into gifts for many people. Put them into cellophane bags and tie with beautiful ribbons and a handmade tag/card. People love anything edible, lol
As someone who struggles with guilt over getting rid of objects I appreciate the idea you have going here. But I would also add that if you aren't 100% certain that it's an item the person will like, then go with something consumable (food, lotion, small candles, gift cards) because then you aren't meaning to give them a nice gift but unwittingly giving them an obligation.
Not even 4 minutes into the video and you have already helped me figure out the perfect gift. It's shocking how changing the question we ask ourselves completely changes our perspective and immediately answers our question. Thank you for such an amazing and much needed video!
You just put into words how I gift shop! I get compliments often about how thoughtful my gifts are, and it’s literally me just upgrading what I know people love and use.
Im not that great at gift shopping but it really made sense bc a lot of the gifts I loved receiving were exactly that and Ive never noticed!!! It was eye opening honestly
Same!
My mother had just downsized to all the things she actually wanted and needed. She always mention how much she loved those little corn on the cob that were featured at the salad bar but she could never find them in the store. Well I found them and presented them in a lovely gift box.
I was surprised you didn't mention food! This is definitely used, can be exquisite, and is easily scaled. I love giving nice coffee or tea, alcohol, chocolate, local syrup or jams, hot sauce etc depending what he person likes
"The beautiful potpourri of a wood nymph." I'm DEAD. Things that bring me joy...your videos...specifically this one. My favorite thing in the world is giving gifts and this video is EXQUISITE! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you!
Also: sometimes something exquisite means selfmade. Everybody uses socks and hats in the winter. So you can knit them that. And then the specialness comes from the work you put in it
This was such a pleasurable watching experience-a special and exquisite version of a gift giving guide, one might say
I never want to watch gift guide videos. I thought I would turn this off in 5 min, but instead it is a vault of new and beautiful brands & ideas, in a well organized format with incredible price range.
For my loved ones who cook, I like to give high quality spices, oils and vinegars. Also, gift cards to local restaurants or spas are always great :)
I love this. I do believe that a gift can change someone's life though. Maybe if that person of financially sufficient and doing well it can't. But there have been many times where my mom was thoughtful and got me something that made my life 10000% better. When I got out of college but wasn't making much money, my new home was cluttered, and it was bc I needed organizational things, not less stuff. So she bought me organizational bins and tools and suddenly my home was always clean and organized. I couldn't have afforded to buy all those organizational tools at one time even if they were cheap, I just needed a lot of them. Fast forward and I have two fluffy dogs and live in the dustiest sandiest place. She buys me an expensive wireless Dyson vacuum that is able to quickly pick up the insane amount of fur, dust, sand that accumulates in my home daily. I had a normal vacuum and it was just not cutting it. The vacuum she got made things SOOOO much easier and cut down my cleaning time by a significant amount every day. I'm so grateful for her she's so thoughtful 😭 she always buys thing that make the biggest difference in my day to day life. Someday I'll probably make enough money that I won't need gifts like this, but I think gifts can change your life (like make your life way less stressful and cluttered) or a lot easier (give you extra time every single day to do other things)
The best thing I’ve ever done is to keep a huge master list and note things down during conversations. Trusting the list has led to some weird gifts people love but neither of us remember where the idea came from!
Yes! I’ve been saying this for a while. As an example, a baker will LOVE a deluxe rolling pin but might never get it for themselves.
My boyfriend and I got a fancy vacuum from his parents and we love it!
We are 30+ working people with not much time but we appreciate a clean and tidy flat 😂
Omg, lightbulb moment. I have always found choosing gifts stressful and fraught unless someone tells me explicitly what they want, but I can already tell this approach is gonna change the whole game for me. Thank you!
Can I just say that your editing, particularly your b-roll, have evolved into such a beautiful, luxurious video experience!
This is my 54th Christmas and for most of them I absolutely bought into the consumerism illusion you talk about. While I stopped blowing my budget on other people who don’t “need” anything I never felt good about my presents. I’m putting this on repeat in the final countdown to Christmas so I can add to this the important step of reconciling my present decisions with my own desire to be everyone’s hero and fill up the holes they might have if I could only figure them out and afford a thing. Sooooo wise and wonderful. Also another corker of a shopping guide. ❤
thank you Hannah for transforming many aspects of my life!!!! literally not exaggerating
Any advice for when you just have way too many people to buy for? As a newlywed, my family just doubled in size and is growing by the day it seems. Even a $15-20 average gift budget per person really wiped us out. I know this is what Christmas cookies are for, but is there any middle ground? Something personalized but doesn’t cost much? Not everyone in the family would be into handmade gifts, and that takes time too. Not sure what to do
Edit: before my family size got out of control, I had a really good handle on giving great gifts and the secret was literally asking people what they wanted 😂 I know it’s not very romantic, but it guarantees zero waste, and let’s face it most grown adults arent that attached to the surprise factor anymore. And people often have their eye on very specific things you NEVER could have guessed simply by knowing their hobbies, etc. It also saves them money if it’s something they planned to buy themselves in the future. if your family has the personality to be cool w this approach, I’d 10/10 recommend. (And if someone prefers the surprise element, you can ask their significant other, parent, etc instead!!)
gift giving is always stressful for me so i will definitely be taking notes!
I hope it is helpful!!
What a brilliant approach, and I love how you make the connection to the unhealthy consumerist mindset. My favorite gift I've ever received is probably my fancy ladle... so basic but such a joy to use!
I easily purchased gifts for all the women in my life and my husband. My sons were easy too. Am having trouble with the other 2 men. Thanks for the new perspective! I happened upon your channel and could so identify with your problem. I am the same! I don't believe in coincidence. I found you exactly when I needed to. I'm doing my 2nd month no-buy. That just seemed more manageable for me. I take it one day at a time. So far so good. I need to decluttered my closet. I've been shopping my closet, but it is so jammed full it's hard to find stuff! I have beautiful things, just too much. Don't know why, but I'm procrastinating. You have been a big help and inspiration. I also have been watching The Minimalists. I am not a minimalist! Just the opposite! But it is slowly growing on me. Less is more! It's just stuff and I have too much! Thank you for your message. It is who I wish to be! Been watching videos on what goes into landfills and it is more than upsetting!
Oh my gosh just finished an ethics lecture and I am READY for a HLP gift guide 🎊 🎉
I like to think of my gift guide as its own kind of ethics lecture LOL
@@HannahLouisePoston so do I!!
love this advice!! i used this on my dad who was notoriously hard to by for. he wore crocs at all times of year and his feet would always get went from snow or be otherwise cold so i got him winterized crocs and he loved them to death
HEY, WORLD, the 🎉best🎉 gifting advice on the internet is right here.
You put into words what I've been unconsciously doing. 😆 Nice to have it in the clear! I had intentionally made a switch to useful and ideally consumable gifts. This usually meant candles, handmade soaps and food items. More recently, I've been focusing on the "exquisite" version of most of these things.
I work with a group that work with their hands and winter can be brutal. I buy everyone their favorite hand cream.
Best gift guide video I’ve ever seen on or in any video, blog, or magazine article. My life has gained a handful of meaningful and useful beautiful things thanks to you instead of a pile of unnecessary impulse items that are destined for the trash. Thank you!
The giddy joy fizzing and effervescing out of you the whole way through this video is so contagious!
I feel like I have a lot of people who do not like scaled up versions of things they like. They’re the types who are not into luxury things and to them, shower gel is shower gel, whether it’s Dove or some luxury brand.
I can 100% vouch for ANYTHING from Printfresh. The robes, pajama sets, and bedding are so fun, luxurious, and of amazing quality. They have bags and slippers too. The print options are so good. Thanks Hannah for turning me onto them in your gift guide from last year!!! ❤🔥
For those who celebrate holidays, I have found that a holiday ornament is an outstanding gift. Each year as they decorate for the holidays, they will think of you and appreciate it, and when the holidays are over it gets packed up for the next year so it won’t interfere with their actual decorating tastes. And there is a virtually limitless range of price and style, vintage, handmade, museum, gift store, Swarovski, Hallmark, Disney, all of them.
I was super excited to watch this and I love the concept of giving someone a better version of something they already use, but I would be disappointed to receive anything on this list that I’ve seen so far (12:16). I feel like the universal gifts are neat but they feel like they lack character and are pretty bland as a result. I think these would be good for someone who really loves minimalism but idk
coincidentally, I've previously gifted my sister a set from earlywood and am planning to get her the caraway set this year!! I also have a set from earlywood myself and can confirm, it's gorgeous and very functional!
I could listen to you speak about anything 🥰
This may be one of my favorite videos from you. It’s kinda your ethos in a nutshell. Thank you for always adding something thoughtful and *unique!* to this TH-cam space ✨
For people who like to cook : a great knife. Especially for people who are getting into cooking. Good quality knives can get veeeery expensive but they make so much difference. Just get a sense of their preference (for a vegetarian, get a santoku !). What’s great is that they come at about every price point.
And yes to pans. A beautiful cast iron or ceramic pan will last one or two lifetimes and every cook has a favorite pan that’s like our best friend.
Also, a pretty dutch oven is less for everyday use but a great gift too.
In general : less gadgets that will or won’t work (and that possibly won’t ever be used past the novelty) more tried-and-true well designed staples.
Yes! Both of my sons are professional chefs and they love to gift knives. They know the best ones and how each person might use them. My younger son actually likes to find old knives with plenty of life in the blade and make them new handles. He sharpens and polishes the blade. Like new, but more special and recycling in the process. A couple years ago, a favorite tree of mine died after a terrible storm. He used the wood of my tree to make me a knife. It’s absolutely my favorite thing in the kitchen!
@@thedylangirl oh this is so lovely ! It would absolutely be my favourite tool.
Price points would have been amazing. Great video, thank you
My first and only comment to any TH-cam video was, “This this is the best TH-cam video I’ve ever watched” and it was yours. I so appreciate your authenticity and practicality. Even as our cosmetic preferences differ, I love watching you apply makeup because it’s entertaining and teaches me about makeup, and I’ll watch almost any video you make because of your authenticity. I love your perspective. Hope you keep sharing.
To build on your idea of elevated utilitarian/useful gifts: target an area of shared interest between the recipient and yourself. For those you know more intimately, this can make the gift more personal and often easier to find as you will generally know something about the matter.
yes, I have always done this (but never really named it as a thing) and encouraged this when people request ideas for gifts for me! I have requested some beautiful scissors for my sewing that will bring me joy every time I use them!
Thank you for putting into words, my recent thoughts on gift giving and wanting to get better at it. I love giving people things but I struggle to find the right thing when there is an actual occasion, birthday, Christmas, etc.. but just this morning, I began putting a little list together and this is the exact direction I'm heading 😄 so it's nice to have these ideas solidified.
Thank you; that was a very useful video. I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping (my favorite gift by far was for my young friend who adores his cats-I found a lovely artist on Etsy who did a gorgeous portrait of them from photos), but it will come in very handy in the future.
Rewatching this so I can take notes now! Gift giving is *not* my love language, so I really needed this lesson 😅
I love this video! I've found that a surprisingly good gift is a nice umbrella. Almost everyone has one, almost every climate needs one, but people tend to have flimsy and ho-hum umbrellas that they misplace or forget to put in their bag or car. A few years ago I got my sister a sturdy, inverted umbrella with a gorgeous pattern, and it's her favorite gift I've ever given her!
I like giving Dream books planners to people. For techy folks, people in leadership roles that take notes during meetings, I recently got an electronic pen and notebook and it’s amazing. I can upload my notes to email, save as PDF or word docs, spreadsheets, whatever. Love it so much!
Hannah, you gave me the life-changing gift of eggy pancake this year! Currently eating some topped with agave syrup (I enjoy the mixture of sweet and savory)
I feel like this is just explaining your tools to that make you a great gift give. I feel like your old gift guides follow this principle. The box of meat, the gold jewelry, the wool sweater, pajamas, wool socks, gift of time or service all fit in this principle.
Such a great idea. I love the idea of buying something someone uses daily in a fancier way. I might have done something like that without noticing, but I never actually thought about it. Buying gifts might get easier from now on
This was all great advice. When I moved into my new place, a girlfriend bought me a very good cutting board. It makes such a difference for food prep. And I think if her when I use it! And just recently, I was looking at my van opener and realized I had not one, but two (why?) shitty, dollar store versions of this tool. And I’m going to splurge and get myself a really nice one. Oh! Just remembered that another friend of mine bought me a really nice coffee maker for my place as a warming gift. ❤ Before I had been using a thrift store, old machine and it was okay. But I feel so luxe now when I make my coffee. ……. Happy Gifting, everyone!
This is so similar to the gifting philosophy I’ve developed. Gift-giving used to be stressful for me. It actually made me dread christmas and birthdays. But a consumable, experiential, or practical gift is the best way to go! I like the idea of looking for something “exquisite” that they wouldn’t otherwise buy for themselves. ✨
What a great idea for a video!
💖
I often come up blank in trying to think of a gift for those I love most in my life. This was a helpful lens. Thanks so much!
Extremely relevant and helpful information here! I also appreciate the elevated video / editing touches in this one. Thank you endlessly for being my poetic parasocial bestie. PS more water + shimmer shadow content please!
Love the vacuum 💖 I need cordless and something for pets because I tend to trip over the cord and have a long haired car. Thanks! Blessings!
Love your gift guide, it is thoughtful & helpful.
I have that vacuum and it is worth every penny! The suction is far superior than any Dyson I’ve had, the battery life is fantastic and it’s so aesthetically pleasing.
I’ve been watching all your gift guide videos so I can plan ahead for Christmas (I have a big family so it helps to spread it out). I was looking for something for my brother and his family who love to cook, and I loved the idea of the meat sampler box from Stay Classy Meats (mentioned in the 2019 video). It’s out of my price range, but I realized I could give them some exotic spices from a local Canadian business: The Silk Road Spice Merchant. I think they will have a great time experimenting with the flavours. I’m so excited about it; thanks for the inspiration!
Great ideas! I have always wished my family and friends would gift me amazing USABLE something 😊 instead of things I have no use for .
This is BRILLIANT! The most helpful gift guide I’ve ever watched. Thank you!!!
This was just a little late for me as I just realized it on my own this year it really takes the pressure of gift giving. Their happines does not depend on my gift was my mantra, but you put it more eloquent. 🤩
How HLP saved the holidays: incredible advice and the ~sexiest~ product shots.
Cire Trudon for a truly exquisite version of a candle or a melt. If the candles are out of your price range their version of a smokeless candle snuffer are incredibly elegant.
I feel like you'd adore good neighbor! It's a local baltimore coffee shop but it also sells home goods and has a dc pop currently and the asethetics are off the charts and some feel very HLP!
I recently gifted a fine bottle of maple syrup to a friend. The person already enjoys pancakes but now this is putting it to a different level.
Also, when my husband was 30, he was gifted a bottle of whiskey from the year he was born. So 30 year old whiskey. Amazing gift from a dear friend.
I wanted two new high end candles for our home this holiday season. So…even though I didn’t plan to shop the Sephora sale, I did, with a twist! I got two candle sampler sets, with 20% off. I chose a candle from the set for each of my recipients. I then used the two redemption certificates to get the two candles I already wanted. In our family, we all complain of dry hands this time of year. I grabbed the $46 FAB cream when it was on sale for $12. Now, each of my recipients gets a custom candle choice and a great conditioning cream. Pampering as high functioning 😊
Yay! This is helpful and it takes a lot of the pressure off. Thanks, Lady Hannah 🐿
Hannah this is exactly my approach, and has been for sometime. I still have a couple of things to say though if that’s ok? I found your example gifts very very helpful, especially as I am from the other side of the world and I doubt many on my gift list would have ever heard of such things. So may I add? For an already luxury loving Uncle I once got in touch with an actual bricks and mortar store in Paris and used my rudimentary French to order him the most exquisite pocket kerchief. It’s just a little square of silk fabric with the most outstanding design, that a man pops in his top chest pocket of his suit to give it that ultimate pizzazz! He loved it and it wasn’t as expensive as you’d think as it was only tiny. For an Aunt who never treats herself but I have observed always has beautiful nails, I have previously purchased her couture nail veneer, mostly from Chanel. She paints her nails beautifully but never treats herself to divine varnish. Now she does! Along those lines, I know someone who takes divine care if their hair so I purchased them a bottle of Chanel hair mist (I think it was an orange based scent). It’s not something even the most knowledgeable hair carers even think of so it always goes over well. In that same vein, for those on this side of the world, George Jensen makes divine everything from jewelry to homewares. I have purchased the most beautiful cutlery - just for one person (who lives alone) before. As you say, everybody eats. I commend their website to everyone. As the parent of a Taurean I am very familiar with those who love luxury! 😅 This is how I developed this habit for myself and now I apply it to all those on my gift list. I often peruse luxury magazines to find ideas. Most recently I purchased the most divine woolen throw rug from a company being promoted by a magazine. They were surprisingly affordable and yet exquisite and quite under the radar. I actually purchased the throw for myself! That leads me to my second point. During this my no buy (makeup) year, I have come to learn that I prefer the best of the best too. So rather than purchasing everything willy nilly, as previously, I have now learned what I like and that I’d rather have less but better. It’s been more of a revelation than perhaps it appears and has resulted in much purging on my behalf this year, ready to go freshly out of my no buy, confident I actually have what I need and that I will be much more careful going forward about what comes between me and my (precious 😊) wallet! Thank you Hannah for all that you have taught me 😊
my boyfriend often strikes a match to mask the scent of freshly visited litterbox that occupies his shared space, so the hibi incense stick seems like a no brainer! Beautiful gifts, especially the wooden spoons.
I love my manta mask. I have the silk with the cooling and warming options. Great for sleeping and great for migraines.
Giving video essay vibes ✨
As soon as you mentioned Hibi I knew we were soul sisters. I’m a Libra with Taurus rising so I’m obsessed with beautiful home goods
This is so true and such good advice! For example, my MIL is very hard to buy for but loves a good steak so Omaha Steaks subscription was a huge hit!
This is the best gift advice ever
The Candleberry Candle Co has some of my favorite candles. They have great scents and the throw is unbeatable.
22 years ago, my husband bought me a vacuum for our anniversary. Most of my friends were appalled. They could not believe how terrible he was as a human for buying something like that as a gift. I, on the other hand, was positively elated. We had just moved into the house we had just built, and i really wanted a new vacuum. We had come a long way professionally and financially since meeting in college, and were finally to a point in our lives where we no longer had to buy the least expensive item in every category. I might be asking for the Samsung vacuum for this year's anniversary present. 🖤
The only question is...why is the vacuum a gift only for you? What I mean is that in my view it is a "household item" therefore belongs to both of the parties (and is hopefully used by both parties). Maybe you guys have a clear split of tasks in the household and that is totally ok but shouldn't tool to perform such tasks come from the household budget?
Also if you know someone who doesnt like scented candles i personally love giving Everlasting Candles because theyre gorgeous when theyre lit and when theyre not. Its an oil candle with metal rods for the flame so it just looks like a classy incense holder!
I'm so glad to have discovered that Takamichi ships to UK. Such a beautiful recommendation.
Thanks for this wonderful piece of advice, I've always had trouble choosing gifts, probably because I was stuck in the mindset you described.
I'm definitely saving this video to rewatch when I'm shopping for gifts, this was exquisite! 🤩
If I could give everyone in my life a cordless vacuum I would. It’s been, and I mean this in a medium dramatic way, life changing.
Thank you for this!! I've now sorted out what to buy my friend who deserves the world.
This is wonderful. You have such lovely taste matched with discernment and common sense. My mother in law is always tough. You have given me so much to work with!
I am a cronic migraine sufferer...I live and die by that eye mask. It has been a huge game changer for me. It blocks the light like NONE other. And if you cry while wearing it (cuz migraines HURT) the pads around your eyes soak up the tears.
I love your voice and the way you talk, and your organized mind. This is so helpful and stress relieving.
HLP proving once again that she is BRILLIANT!!!!😊👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥂
I love this concept thank you! Last year's video was a huge help with holiday giving and I can see this year's will be as well. ❤️
Girl you give some of the most cultivated beautiful amazing gift and gift ideas I look forward to your Christmas suggestions every year
You are simply THE BEST! Love your videos! Your videos are always so thoughtful and thought-provoking!
Incredibly helpful!! This is now my mantra for gift finding and giving.
What a lovely video. I’ve started ruminating
This is the best gift giving guide I have ever read or watched!
I love this idea! Brilliant yet simple.
Ah the hole in your life aka the “hungry ghosts” ☺️ I’m sure you know of these but if not it’s worth a google. I loved your gift guide last year, can’t wait to keep watching this one!
Hmmm. I failed the assignment. I used your link to purchase the Necessaire gift bundle for myself! 🤣
I watch you regularly and enjoy your take on life. But this video? So, so, useful! I shared it far and wide.
I love how you light up when you transition to the meat. Its evident that you love gift giving and how much it means to you:)