How to Choose the Best Gifts This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, which means plenty of retailers, both of the storefront and online variety, will be marking the occasion with loads of discounts and sales. But with so many gift options for women over 50 to choose from, finding the best gifts for everyone on your list can feel a bit overwhelming.

Do you save time and effort by sticking to the old classics, like tins of popcorn, Christmas decorations or fuzzy blankets? Or, do you show your loved ones just how much you care by choosing gifts they’ll love to open and use? Make your decision wisely: Among the season’s least popular gifts to receive are scented candles, socks, and coffee mugs, so don’t fall into the trap of gifting these and other unpopular staples.

Finding gifts that are both practical and fun or stylish doesn’t have to be a challenge. Keep reading to learn a few simple tips to help you choose the best gifts this holiday season.

Know Warm Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

If you’ve ever tried to convince a few excited kids to put on their winter coats, you know just how difficult it can be. But slipping a few gifts their way that are equal parts warm and fun under the tree this holiday season is sure to bring a smile to their faces and make your life easier when it’s time to head out the door.

Winter hats topped with pom-poms or fur, vibrant colored coats and snow pants in your little one’s favorite hue can make dressing for the weather just a bit more fun. And with little ones and teens seemingly growing out of their winter wardrobes every year, be sure to shop Black Friday sales to make your holiday budget stretch further.

Blend Style with Function

Gifts that blend practicality with style aren’t just for kids. For your working friends who head to the office every day in a polished, professional outfit, gift them something that’s sure to keep them warm on their morning commute without detracting from their personal style.

A down coat or jacket makes the perfect outer layer for any outfit. Stick to either a neutral or trendy tone and you’ll give them a gift that’s stylish to wear to the office and functional enough for a weekend on the trails. Not to mention, gloves with fingers designed for texting make excellent stocking stuffers for your friends who ride the bus or subway to work.

Opt for Gifts that Last Beyond the Holidays

We’ve all received our fair share of holiday-themed gifts over the years. But once the Christmas tree and decorations come down, you’ll also be putting away those ornaments, coffee mugs and other holiday-themed gifts you received.

But before you give gifts that your friends and family will only be able to use for a couple of weeks before boxing them up for next year, look for ones they’ll be able to enjoy all year or at least for the next few months. Indeed, your loved ones will appreciate warm staples and trendy additions to their wardrobe far more than yet another candy-striped travel mug.

Choosing the Perfect Holiday Gifts for Everyone on Your List

More than half of all Americans admit to receiving at least one unwanted gift each holiday season. But choosing the right gifts for your friends and loved ones doesn’t have to be a challenge. By finding ways to make everyday musts fun for kids, choosing staples that are both stylish and practical, and skipping holiday-themed items in favor of those your recipients can enjoy for months to come, you can give gifts that everyone will be happy to receive. And, with a little smart sales shopping, you can buy them without breaking your Christmas budget.

There’s not much Lucy doesn’t know about her two passions: fashion & interior design! Having worked in the fashion industry for six years, she has a keen eye for all things on-trend, with a focus on new developments in both the interior design world and on the world’s catwalks.