Christmas present ideas for when you have none of your own

When it comes to Christmas present ideas, we can all us a little help. Personally, my father has the lovable, irritating habit of calling me at the beginning of December to tell me what he bought on his latest shopping spree - all of which would have looked great under the tree. Yes, Dad, I'm talking about you!

In case you are really stuck for ideas for family, friends, or colleagues at the office, check out these selections and mix and match to your heart's - and budget's - content! They range from relatively inexpensive to higher cost. Stick with one or put together a gift basket. You may find some of these suggests come in pairs or sets of 3, which means you can split them up to cover more people on your Nice list.

I either own and love all these things, or they have been recommended by friends and they are on my Christmas list to buy for other people (or myself) this year. 

These links go to Amazon, and I am part of their affiliate program, so if you end up buying them, I will get a tiny referral fee.

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For HOSTS AND HOSTESSES

Flavoured oils and vinegars (Especially if you are not sure if the person drinks. They still conveniently fit great in wine bags.)

Holiday-patterned tea towels or hot pads/trivets

For GARDENERS. I own all these items, although not necessarily these brands, and would be thrilled to get any of them even as a duplicate. As a personal preference, I don't like rubber gardening gloves, so I'm not putting them on the list. Given a choice, I'd take leather over cloth. When it comes to tools, I prefer ones that don't have black handles--because I'm forever looking for them in the dirt after I've set them down to do something!

Gloves (women's) https://amzn.to/3DZNnwn or in Canada https://amzn.to/2ZcOM3l

Gloves (men's) https://amzn.to/3B4cpbV or in Canada https://amzn.to/3aZ2HNe

Herb clipper https://amzn.to/3vxlt7Z or in Canada https://amzn.to/3Gc1Ers

Trowel https://amzn.to/3C3yDfr or in Canada https://amzn.to/3b1eURr

3.5 gallon bucket (Sturdy with a strong handle) 

Kneeling mat 

Gardening notebook 

Gift cards to a nursery or seed store


For BAKERS.  I use all of these things regularly, although I never would have bought them for myself.

Small digital kitchen scale https://amzn.to/3pqL1Ti or in Canada https://amzn.to/3pk7hy2

Measuring colander https://amzn.to/3Gc1xfL This is a ridiculous $60 on Amazon Canada so check it out on the US link and contact your local Pampered Chef representative.

Mortar and pestle https://amzn.to/3jr5K5E or in Canada https://amzn.to/3m47Yt6

Parchment paper https://amzn.to/3jrDgsk or in Canada https://amzn.to/2ZiSSaI

Cooling rack (you can never have too many)

Squeeze bottles for sauce or icing (Dollar store ones work just fine) 

Funnel (make sure it fits in the squeeze bottle opening.)

For DOG OWNERS.  Food and treats and toys can be hard because owners are picky about what they feed their pets. But check out these ideas.

Reflective vest for owners when walking in the dark  or in Canada https://amzn.to/3m0t7Vd

Dog poop bags for leash https://amzn.to/3nk0y4i or in Canada https://amzn.to/3vyxD0g

Or refills https://amzn.to/3m62fTL or in Canada https://amzn.to/3E8exky

LED collar light https://amzn.to/3bh5rpa or in Canada https://amzn.to/3nvnkGH - a friend recommended these to me. She says they are amazing because 1) people can see you and your pet when you clip them to your zipper and your dog's collar. and 2) if you dog runs away or is in a park at night, you can still see them. Ensure that you get one that either stays on, or has the option to blink or stay on, because dogs tend not to like a blinking light that is attached to them. Dad, don't you read this. And if you already have, act surprised on Christmas morning!

Stocking Stuffers

Yahtzee score pad - https://amzn.to/2XAT58i or in Canada https://amzn.to/3Gcfjih

Dice https://amzn.to/3GmGCXw or in Canada https://amzn.to/3pqKtfU

Cake in a mug (3 pack) https://amzn.to/3m4BwHm or in Canada https://amzn.to/2XFczc2

Deck of cards – highly unappreciated in this day and age. 

Book of card games (do you remember the rules to Crazy 8s?) 

Uno cards (original or get a specialty set) https://amzn.to/3jP2Fwr or in Canada https://amzn.to/3C8h65C

Paperbacks 

Funky socks 

Deodorants 

Toothbrushes 

Lip balms 

Puzzle magazines (crossword, Suduko, search-a-word)

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