Holiday Gift Guide: For Acquaintances and People You Don’t Know Well

Knowing what to buy for someone you don’t know very well can be a tough task – you want the recipient to love the gift you give, but you don’t really know their style or preferences or what they’re into! Whether you don’t want to show up empty-handed to a friend of a friend’s holiday party or are meeting your boyfriend’s family for the first time this holiday season, these gift ideas are a great starting point for something to bring along with you! They would also work great for a gift exchange or secret Santa type situation where you don’t know who will end up with your gift!

1. Set of Gloves – These would be cute paired with a little candle or a matching hat!
2. Glass Jar with Lid – If you want to get a little creative, you can buy a simple jar like this and fill it with homemade sweets, your favorite store-bought treats, or all the ingredients the recipient would need to make something themselves (don’t forget to include a recipe card, if you go this route)!
3. Anthropologie Bistro Measuring Cup Set – A cute kitchen item like this is great because it’s both functional and decorative – she can choose how she wants to use it!
4. Target Monogram Mug – Wrap it up with your favorite coffee beans or hot cocoa mix for a festive and seasonally-appropriate gift.
5. Silicone Wine Glasses – If you know the recipient enjoys a glass of wine or cocktail, this is a fun gift!  They’re unbreakable and can easily be packed in a backpack or picnic bag.
6. Small Popcorn Bowl – Another DIY gift, you can create a little “at-home movie night” kit! Throw in some popcorn, a couple sweet treats, and even a few personal movie recommendations for a fun and thoughtful gift.
7. Sony Portable Bluetooth Speaker – For the father-in-law that you don’t know what to buy for, or a gift exchange with a $50 “buy-in”, this portable speaker is a great gift!
8. Yeti Rambler Mug – This is one of those gifts that keeps on giving! I’ve gifted these to a lot of people in my life – they keep your drink hot for at least an hour and are virtually indestructible. Pair it with a Starbucks gift card for an even bigger gift!
9. Mini Waffle Maker – It’s oh so cute and totally functional! Great for kids or for making up a batch of Belgian waffles that can be frozen and reheated in the toaster. Grab a box of your favorite Belgian waffle mix to wrap it up with and you’ve got a unique and thoughtful gift.
10. J.Crew Reusable Tote Bag – This is great to keep in your car or bag, so you always have an extra tote to stash things in.
11. Hot Chocolate + Marshmallow Set – A gift that will appeal to anyone! Pair it with a cute mug or give it on its own – it’s something the recipient can enjoy on a cozy evening at home or during holiday entertaining.
12. Marble Serving Platter – A pretty serving piece is an easy gift to bring to the hostess of a party! You can fill it with some homemade treats, for an added touch, too!
13. EA Holiday Candle Set – I feel like candles are the universally-accepted, “I don’t really know you that well, but I do know that you’ll love this” gift. I also love that it’s not a single-use gift!
14. Set of Journals – If you’re really lost on what to give, paper products are always a good idea.
15. Plush Throw Blanket – Another good idea for anybody – it’s always nice to have a soft and warm blanket around.