2022 Holiday Gift Guide

Five great ideas for gifts to give or receive this holiday season!

Photo by Hanna Zabski '25

As the holiday season quickly approaches, many people are beginning to tackle their Christmas wish lists while searching for the perfect gifts for family and friends. With this holiday season being the first relatively “normal” holiday season since the Covid-19 pandemic, many people might be even more stressed than usual about buying the perfect gift for that special someone. Or, like many, they may be bombarded with questions by their loved ones as to what they want for Christmas. 

Here are five affordable gifts that are great for either giving or getting this year. 

Etsy

Etsy is an amazing website where anyone can buy customizable and personalized gifts, such as jewelry, kitchenware, keychains and even the iconic pet pillows. Purchasing from Etsy is also a great way to support an array of local businesses and companies. Etsy is the perfect spot for something with a more personal touch. 

Squishmallows

At Marist Bingo Nights, the first prizes to go are always the Squishmallows. Squishmallows are arguably the softest stuffed animal you will ever feel. They come in many different characters, colors and sizes, which are reflected in the price. These toys are a great gift for any and all ages, providing an adorable sense of comfort.

Polaroid Digital Photo Frame

The Polaroid Digital Photo Frame is a digital frame that plays a slideshow of photos that can be uploaded via flash drive or SD Card. Customers can customize the slideshow by adding transitions and color adjustments. This is a lovely gift to display in a living room, kitchen, office or anywhere else for that matter, and it’s an excellent gift for sentimental family members.

Subscription Services 

This may seem like a simple gift, but for the right person, this gift would mean a lot. If you know someone who has been saying, ‘I wish I could try this service, but I don’t want to pay for it,” this is the perfect gift for them. Giving someone a gift card for a one-month subscription to services such as Spotify, HBO Max, Hulu or others is a great way for people to test out new subscription services without feeling too committed to them. While most services have free trials available, this is still a thoughtful gift that your loved ones will actually use. 

Holiday Gift Sets

Around the holidays, many companies will make holiday gift sets that have a combination of their best-selling products retailed at a lower price. Brands such as Glossier, Ulta and Bath and Body Works have great holiday sets that allow customers to get way more for their buck. Holiday sets are also great because they allow the recipient to try out mini versions of products, so if they like it, they can invest in a full-size version. 

Whether giving or receiving, present hunting can be overwhelming, but hopefully, this gift guide inspires you to get in touch with your inner Santa Claus.