The sparkling magic of the holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to hustle out to the stores and scour the depths of the internet in search of the perfect gift ideas for all your friends and loved ones. Whether you’re shopping for adults, kids, their teachers, your mail carrier, or anyone else who’s made a difference in your life this year, you’ll need some ideas to get started on your shopping quest. 

Luckily, we’re here to help! These inclusive gifts are things that your loved ones will treasure, so use them as a springboard for all your holiday shopping needs. 

For the Adults

Let’s be honest – adults can be tough to shop for since they most likely are able to buy everything that they want. In addition, most people don’t like to simply grab a slew of gift cards because some believe that signifies that you’ve given up on even trying to find something that they’d like. But there’s a trick to all this shopping madness! Instead of aimlessly sifting through the aisles, consider their hobbies and interests when picking out presents. For example:

• Crafters – Does your loved one like to knit or do cross stitch? Have they found their niche in diamond painting or quilting? Choosing fabric, yarn, craft kits, and more can show them how much you care about what they do in their spare time.
• Sports Enthusiasts – Whether they play sports or enjoy them from the comfort of their sofa, you can find gift inspiration in this hobby. Find some memorabilia from their favorite team or player or a piece of equipment that can serve as a backup for what they already have. 
• Movie or TV Lovers – Do your friends and family members like to surf Netflix or enjoy movie nights at home? If so, consider getting them a streaming membership, as well as some gourmet popcorn and a few fancy glass-bottled sodas.
• Life-Improvers – Everyone has a friend or two who are trying to make their lives better in one way or another. The ideal gifts for them range from yoga class gift certificates, baskets of fidget toys (yes, even adults love them), gratitude journals, colorful pens, and more. 

For Your Neighbors

There’s no better way to show your neighbors that you appreciate them than getting them a little holiday gift. Whether they helped you corral your escaped dog, watched your kids in a pinch, or took in your trash cans when you were on crutches, now is the perfect time to say “thank you” with one of the following:

• A Local Gift Basket – Put together a gift basket filled with goodies sold by local businesses. For those who like to cook, choose honey, jars of jams and jellies, and a few useful kitchen tools. For neighbors who love to entertain, get them an empty charcuterie board, some wine, and local cheeses. These are just examples – the sky’s the limit, so feel free to get creative!
• Gift Cards for Local Businesses – Yes, gift cards are the easy way out, but they can also entice your neighbors to shop at local stores. Head to your local boutiques, specialty stores, and more, and pick out gift certificates for your neighbors. This way, you’re helping the local community and economy as well.
• Homemade Gifts – (Note: this can work for friends and family as well.) If you enjoy making things, like scarves, blankets, quilts, homemade jams and jellies, candles, or anything else for that matter, then consider using them as gifts. There’s nothing quite like unwrapping something handmade and realizing it was created just for you. 

For the Kiddos in Your Life

Now for the best part! Kids are always fun to shop for because the pure joy on their faces when they open presents is sure to warm any heart. Whether they like toys that make a lot of noise, those that are quiet and old-fashioned, or something in between, there are plenty of options out there. Here are some suggestions:

• For the Doll Lover – There are some kids that just love dolls. Whether they prefer baby dolls or fashion dolls, there are tons of options. 
• For the Builder – Kids who like to build things will appreciate the many different types of blocks out there. From standard blocks to Legos to magnetic cubes, the options are endless – and so is the fun that comes with it!
• For the Tiny Chef – If you have any kids in your life who are obsessed with the kitchen or with cooking in general, then consider getting them a play kitchen. These kitchens come in several different sizes and usually are accompanied by fake fruits and vegetables that look remarkably similar to the real things. There are even pots, pans, plates, and more that you can add to make everything more fun. 
• For the Kids Who Can’t Tolerate Noise – Some kids have sensory processing issues that leave noisy toys with blinking lights off the list. Thankfully, there are plenty of fidget toys out there that don’t have lights or make noise, as well as traditional toys, like dominos, blocks, and more that will keep them happy and busy. 

For Your Neighborhood or Family Helpers

Who fits into this category? Everyone from your mail carrier to your house cleaners to your kid’s teachers, and more. Looking for the perfect small gift that they’d appreciate? Consider these ideas:

• Teachers – The one thing that teachers need, more than Starbucks gift cards, are supplies for their classrooms. Ask them what they need and take care of it as a holiday gift. They’ll truly appreciate this more than you’ll ever know!
• Gardeners, House Cleaners, and More – For the people who keep your home and yard looking awesome, there’s nothing better than a holiday bonus of cash. This way, they can purchase what they need when they need it. They can even treat themselves to something awesome.
• Mail Carriers and Trash Collectors – Yes, even your mail carriers and trash collectors appreciate a little holiday cheer. Keep in mind that portable presents, like those that fit into envelopes are best, so consider gifting them cash, a gift card to a local shop, or even a bunch of gourmet chocolate bars, if you know they have a sweet tooth. 

And the list goes on! These amazing, inclusive gifts are just a starting point for your holiday shopping spree, but hopefully, they give you a little boost of holiday inspiration for your next trip to the mall… or the computer! 

Happy holidays from all of us at Beacon Lake!