Scrambling to find gifts for Christmas?

I know — it seems like the holidays have snuck up on us this year.

Whether it’s because Thanksgiving was so late or because I’m now in California and the weather never really changes (unlike Boston, where it’s currently cold AF from the looks of my friends’ IG stories), I can’t say.

But either way — this guide is here to help if you’re like, “OH SHIT!” and need gift ideas ASAP.

Here we go!

Books

I love physical books as gifts because people don’t buy them for themselves often. Plus, you can write a personalized intro on the first few pages, making it a present people will cherish for awhile.

“If you think about buying a book, just buy it.” — Ramit Sethi

You can get these on Amazon (FREE Prime Delivery by 12/24 and books seem to be up to 50% off right now) or at a physical bookstore (if you have an Amazon bookstore near you, I recommend that!)

For the type A person:

The Daily Stoic: 365 Meditations on Wisdom by Ryan Holiday: I discovered this book after listening to The Skinny Confidential’s podcast with Ryan Holiday promoting his new book, Stillness is the Key (which I haven’t read yet, but it’s loaded on my Kindle!).
- But I was more interested in how Lauren used The Daily Stoic every morning: It gives you a quote from a stoic every day (example: a philosopher like Marcus Aurelius) and the author’s blurb about how it relates to today’s world. There’s space at the bottom, so I highlight any quotes and do a short journaling piece.
Deep Work by Cal Newport: Cal just came out with Digital Minimalism this year, but tbh I think Deep Work was more useful and more interesting to read. For anyone who wants to 10x their effectiveness in all areas of life.
Atomic Habits by James Clear: Habits are one of my favorite things to read about (I know), but this book is helpful for anyone who wants to make lasting changes to their life.

For someone who loves to cozy up to a good page-turner:

Circe by Madeline Miller: Hands down one of the best books I read in 2019. I love Greek mythology, and this presents a far different view of female characters in Homer’s Odyssey.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo: Set in colonial Malaysia, this book is especially touching for anyone of East or Southeast Asian heritage, but will be enjoyed by all. A little bit of mysticism, mystery, and romance.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn: From the author of Gone Girl comes a mystery that’s equally as suspenseful. It’s currently an HBO series with Amy Adams, so you know it’s good ;)
- Bonus: Make it a bundle with Gone Girl and Dark Places.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: Another 2019 best-seller. It’s set in rural North Carolina, but the themes of coming-of-age, isolation of people who are different, and familial issues will resonate with all audiences.

For the digital lover / traveler / public transportation commuter:

A Kindle pre-loaded with books: I used to be a hardcore proponent of real books, but my company gifted us with Kindles so we could read more, and it’s actually quite convenient. Especially if you travel a lot or use public transportation — it’s lightweight.
- Right now, Amazon has the Kindle for $20 off with 3 months of FREE Kindle Unlimited.
- You can also pre-load some books you think they’d like on there — Kindle books are cheaper than regular books.

Food & Drinks

Because everyone loves to eat.

Homemade Gifts:

My friend made me homemade chili paste and it was one of the best presents I’ve ever gotten. All it takes is a little time on your part and a trip to the grocery story!

Here are some ideas for ones you can make:

ButcherBox: Quality you can taste.

If you have the $ get a loved one a whole ButcherBox subscription, they’ll love you forever (unless they’re a vegan, in which case…. awkward).

ButcherBox delivers high-quality grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and heritage breed pork right to your door.

It arrives frozen at the peak of freshness, so all you have to do is put it in the freezer until you’re ready to eat.

Get FREE 100% grass-fed ground beef and Whole 30-approved bacon on your first subscription box with this link.

Or you can get a single holiday box here.

Both boxes will ship in January, making it a perfect gift for your peeps to come home to.

SmoothieBox: Give the gift of good health in 2020.

Sign your loved one up for a SmoothieBox subscription — get $10 off with this link — if you want them to enjoy healthy and delicious ready-to-blend smoothies all year, or get them a gift card.

Alcohol Subscription Box or Membership:

Alcohol can be expensive. Wine subscriptions that allow people to choose (like Dry Farm Wines) or a spirits membership (like Flaviar) gives people the gift that just keeps givin’.

Fitness

The good thing about this is that you can go directly into the studio or gym and purchase these. Most studios are having a sale right now just for that reason.

Boxing Bundle:

Boxing Gloves (I like Hayabusa, Fighting Sports, Fairtex; if you can’t find any of those, just get really any pair to start off with)
Boxing Handwraps (get these at the gym)
Boxing Gym Class Package