It’s the holiday season, and with that brings the stress of buying your family presents. More specifically, the stress of figuring out what to buy for your parents. We all know the scenario: Christmas time comes around, your family hands out presents, and it dawns on you that you forgot to get your parents gifts. You become plagued with guilt and make up some flimsy excuse as to why you don’t have anything for them. However, you know they see right through it. This year, we will not let this happen! 

Look, if you have some brilliant idea for a deep, meaningful gift that you can pull off, by all means, go for it. Get that thoughtful, profound gift for your parents. But let’s be honest, for most people, thoughtful gifts can’t just be pulled out of thin air. A lot of times, the pressure of coming up with some profound, thoughtful, deep, or meaningful present for each parent is too much. This causes people end up waiting until the last minute, or not getting anything at all. The truth is, presents don’t need to be so profound. A nice, simple, and even helpful present will make any parent have a wonderful Christmas.  

If you have the type of parent that loves when the house is clean, consider buying them a holiday pack of soaps. Most grocery stores have three packs of a hand soap, lotion, and dish soap that are Christmas themed. Some parents who enjoy cooking would love a new, simple appliance. Think of something that needs to be replaced, or something that you think they’d like a newer model of. New dishes, glasses, mugs, tea kettles, etc.  

Sometimes it’s difficult to think up things that your parents like at the last minute. Trust me, its happened to me more times than you’d think. (I’m a good daughter you guys…) When this is the case, go with something new for the house. Candles are packed in every store right now: grocery stores, Bath and Body Works, etc. Think about the things they complain about and buy something to combat that. If they are constantly cold, buy them a fuzzy blanket. Simple things like that will show them you care and pay careful attention to their needs.  

Money can be tight during the holidays. If this is the case, you can always go with making a gift yourself. Hand-made gifts can end up being more meaningful than a store-bought gift. Write a nice card to your parents, tell them how much they mean to you and thank them for all they do for you. (This is also a good way to get your parents to cry on Christmas.)  

If you want something that’ll really blow them away, buy the Dwight Shrute Sequin pillow from Memeskins on Etsy!

Gift giving for family can be tough. Just remember, when in doubt, you can’t go wrong with food. Get your parent their favorite food or drink, and they’ll be grateful. (This tip really works on everyone.) Seeing that someone paid attention enough to know your favorite snack or drink will never cease to put a smile on their face. Happy holidays!