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Writer's pictureMaria Espinosa Ventura

The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Gifting Without Losing Your Sanity🎄

Alright, babes, it’s that time again. The halls are decked, Starbucks is shoving peppermint down our throats, and you are finally able to relax knowing you may have not passed finals but at least you are alive. But let’s talk about the real holiday headache: gifting.

Lucky for you, I’ve updated this guide with even better ideas, because you and your people deserve gifts that scream, “Ha, I am the best gift giver here!”

Of course the reason I am writing this is totally not because I am going shopping tomorrow for gifts!

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For Your Friends (aka the people who are always with you 24/7 even if it means studying for 7 hours straight)


0. The Maria Gift Basket (I mention this gift idea three more times) (it’s 1am)

Listen, I live for a good gift basket. Not one of those sad ones with stale crackers and a candle nobody asked for—my gift baskets are works of art. Here’s the vibe: grab a cute basket (Target, Michaels, or that random aisle at HomeGoods) and fill it with:

  • Their favorite snacks (yes, the fancy chocolate counts).

  • A cute bracelet or pair of earrings.

  • Nice little makeup kit

  • Fun little knick-knacks like stickers, mini journals, or fuzzy socks.

  • Any kind of clothing, underwear, tops, hoodies

Basically, make it look like you’ve been planning this for months—even if you threw it together the night before.


2. Matching clothes? Yes!

There is nothing cuter than matching with your bestie. Tops, pajamas, maybe even matching hats—the options are endless. Bonus points if it’s slightly cheesy, like matching Christmas sweaters that say “Santa’s Favorite” and “Elf Extraordinaire.” I’m kidding, bare with me I am writing this at 1am.

whatever fits your vibe. Plus, every time they wear it, they’ll think of you and smile…..


3. let’s get sentimental 

If you want to give a gift that says, “I’ve been thinking about us,” go the sentimental route. A scrapbook filled with pictures, inside jokes, and maybe a pressed flower or ticket stub? Iconic.

Or—plot twist—get a framed photo of the two of you and decorate it with stickers, glitter, and markers like you’re back in middle school. It’s heartfelt, it’s adorable, and they’ll probably cry a little.


 For Your Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Complicated Situationship!


0. Personalized Socks with Your Face on ThemI’m kidding

Because nothing says romance like them stepping on your face all day. Bonus points if you go for matching Christmas PJs too….you can never go wrong with something matching…trust me! Or….

Splurge on any kind of perfect hoodie—just be prepared for them to live in it 24/7 (and maybe steal yours too).


1. The “Inside Joke” Gift

Find that one weird thing you always laugh about and make it a gift. Do you call them a potato when they’re lazy? Get a potato plushie. Did you bond over a bad movie? Get matching *Shrek* slippers.


2. A Personalized Star Map or Coordinates Print

Mark the date and location of something important—your first date, your first kiss, or the time you accidentally got lost in IKEA. It’s sweet without being too cheesy.


3. An Upgrade to Their Hobby**

Do they love cooking? Get them a fancy chef’s knife. Into gaming? A cool retro controller. Obsessed with working out? Those ridiculous Bala Bangles everyone is into. Bonus points if it’s something they’ve been eyeing but won’t buy themselves.



4. Another Maria Gift basket 


…..You know the drill. Make it personal and cute, flll it with all their favorite things and bam it is another perfect gift for the perfect person!


For Your Family (The OGs)  

Ah, the people who raised you, fed you, and still ask why you don’t have a 401(k).…I don’t know what that is!


1. A Family Photo Calendar  

Gather embarrassing pics of everyone (especially your siblings) and turn it into a calendar. January can be Dad trying to put up christmas lights and December can be your mom yelling at your sibling!


2. *A laundry Basket full of love! 


Something about baskets…..they are just the perfect gift for anyone

Stuff it with their favorite snacks, a cozy blanket that you will end up using and don’t forget….


  1. Techy Gadgets

  • For Mom: A Dyson Airwrap if you’re feeling baller or a Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer for budget glam.

  • For Dad: Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones (so he can tune everyone out in peace).

  • For Siblings: A sleek Apple AirTag to keep track of their chaotic lives…if my brother is reading this he will understand.


3. Something they have been dying over……….just try to remember things that they will love because those are the best kinds of gifts!


And Finally, For That One Person You Forgot…  

Look, it happens. Whether it’s your coworker or your cousin’s boyfriend’s sister, here’s your quick fix:  


- A bougie candle. Always classy. Always smells like money.  

- A funny mug. Go with “World’s Okayest Human”—it’s universal.  

- A mini plant. It’s cute, it’s alive, and if they kill it, it’s not your problem.  


Pro Tips to Gift Like a Boss

- Always include a handwritten note. Even if the gift is mid, the sentiment saves it.

- Wrap it *cute* (no CVS bags, I beg you). Think kraft paper with a big ribbon or festive stickers.

- And when in doubt, candles, always candles!


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And there you have it, my people! Remember, Christmas isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how much you can make them laugh, cry, or cringe. Oh and a little tip, don’t forget to think of them when buying a gift, if you know they want something specific, go for it! Now go forth, gift like a boss, and don’t forget to save yourself a glass of eggnog. Or three.  

I love you guys! Merry Christmas! 


Bye Bye 

XoXo, Maria E.V

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