So I’m not trying to stress anyone out but y’all did you realize it’s almost the end of 2019? I’ve personally been really busy the last few months trying to make sense of my confusing feelings on Shia LaBeouf in those same pair of grey pants he wears every single day so the fact that the holidays are here kind of hit me by surprise. I think something about a childhood of Even Stevens and the fact that Shia now looks like a cold-blooded yet creepily hot murderer has given me complicated feelings that need to be worked out.

This is a gift guide.

If you’re like me and just now making your vague gift ideas come to life—and also working on a budget—hello and welcome to the best place for you to get your shit together. Today we’re focusing specifically on “everybody” gifts, or gifts that can you kind of stock up on for close friends and extended family where you’re not even totally expected to give a gift but it’s still a really sweet gesture. These technically also just make great stocking stuffers and smaller accompanying gifts for anyone in your life.

If you think an “everybody gift” is tacky, well you’re wrong! Apartment Therapy has reinforced my feeling that as long as your everybody gift feels personally selected (say, interesting little ceramic planters or that incredible hand-poured candle from your favorite niche gay lifestyle blog), you’re totally fine. It’s like making a thoughtful recommendation—you give them something you love that they may never have gotten for themselves.

A starting point for your own ideas: think of something small that brings you daily joy, whether that’s a certain mug you love or an art print that still catches your eye even after years of owning it. While obviously not everyone is the same or likes the same stuff, this kind of personal recommendation aspect of “everybody gifting” is what helps to keep it feeling special.

Basically these are the boxes we’re trying to check in this blog post to make a great and effective everybody gift:

the price must be at or under $20 before shipping & tax
it can’t be something you’d find in the checkout aisle of a TJ Maxx (shoutout to all my Maxxinistas though!) — these are the cart stuffers of yesteryear that gave everybody gifting a bad name in the first place!
gift-cards are not allowed
you get bonus points if it’s something that can be a true utility (like, a candle that can be burned or a plant that can be nurtured or a tote that can be used for farmers market trips), as opposed to something that will just be decor or clutter

Our candle bundle giveaway is closed! Congratulations, Colin!! Thanks to all who entered!

1.) Non-profit donation

You’re maybe like “how is this different than getting a gift card which you literally said not to do?!” And I’m like woah ok chill out for a second and let’s talk. If you’re shopping for your friend group and also reading a gay lifestyle blog, odds are you’ve got quite a few friends either working in activism or who have causes they deeply care about. And for good reason! The earth is burning, our oceans are toxic sludgefests, and the border crisis is despicable—just to name a few. So, my suggestion is picking a cause that is near and dear to someone—and specific to their interest—and making a donation in their name. Many established non-profits will be able to email you a certificate that you can print and give to them. A few organizations we’ve got a ton of respect for: RAICES, The National Center for Transgender Equality, The Native American Rights Fund, and local LGBTQ Community Centers around the country doing community-specific work.

2.) Daddy Candle

Basically the best fall scent that has ever existed, our daddy candle is hand-poured in New Orleans and comes in an adorable amber glass jar. At a price of $14, it’s a great gift to stock up on for your friends (and everyone will be like “oh my god does this say Daddy Candle”) and then you can be like, “who’s your daddy!” and gesture to yourself and then everyone will get uncomfortable.

3.) Your Kitchen Secret Weapon

Is there a simple recipe (say, a peanut dressing) that you absolutely love and make all the time? Bundle up the non-perishable ingredients, and hand write the recipe on a note card. You’re sharing a part of yourself, and the gift of good food, and they’ll think of you every time they make the recipe! Another simpler way to do this is to just gift your favorite ingredient that folks may not always think to buy themselves, like truffle oil. Everybody loves truffle oil and you can never have enough, that’s just true.

4.) LGBT home lifestyle totes!

Got a bunch of gay friends who love NPR and farmers markets and hoarding plants and wine nights in? They’ll probably love these totes.

5.) 200 ml St. Germain Liqueur

St. Germain is an elderflower liqueur and one of our favorite ways to make a cocktail pop. It’s not too sweet, perfectly floral, and absolutely delicious. It’s got a gorgeous, luxury bottle at an affordable price, making it perfect for gifting to your favorite friends who always love grabbing a night cap. Also, like, everyone appreciates alcohol as a gift.

6.) Your Favorite Personal Care Item

If Instagram has taught me anything, it’s that people absolutely go ape shit over personal care and beauty products. I’m like shocked there is enough skin in the world to finance every skincare routine out there, which is a gross way of putting it. THE POINT IS, if there’s a product you love that could work on a variety of skin types and doesn’t imply anything negative (i.e. don’t gift your favorite zit spot remover), gift it! And if your favorite product is like $60, see if there is a sample size or travel size version. Everyone loves getting to try something new.

7.) Ceramic Mugs

Most folks have their favorite mug, but drinking out of a handmade ceramic mug is the ultimate level of cozy. There are so many talented makers on Etsy that create one of a kind pieces that feel super personal. Getting to support a small maker while giving a fantastic, affordable gift = win / win.

8.) Matt Crump’s 2020 Sunsets Calendar

Matt Crump is 1.) one of our favorite people 2.) gay 3.) an incredible photographer and 4.) the creator of a beautiful collection of planners and calendars and notebooks available at Office Depot. His entire line makes great gifts for any neurotic planner in your life with a penchant for bright, fun colors.

9.) The Best Book You’ve Read This Year

It’s kind of like forcing someone into your own personal book club! Share your favorite novel or memoir with your friend(s), and you’re not only giving them the gift of entertainment, but also the opportunity to discuss and connect over the book when they’ve finished.

10.) Tiny Planters

I know this is the second time we’ve posted about tiny planters in like one week which is kind of a lot, but they’re a great example of something that can feel personal (especially if they’re handmade) while not being super expensive. And everybody loves a nice tiny plant. There are so many options to choose from here so get to browsing!

We hope this helped out in your holiday gifting! Thanks for stopping by the blog ;)

xoxo Beau & Matt

Ten Cute & Personal "Everybody" Gifts At or Under $20