Brainstorming gift ideas by specific holiday, specific size, or specific relationship is fine and dandy, but another fun way to land on a great present is by pondering what personal news the people you love would be (or already are) posting about. Whether they spontaneously quit their job, miraculously quit coffee, put down a down payment, or created a whole new human, here are some holiday gift ideas based on super-specific life phases that at least one person on your list is probably going through right now.
For the couple who just got married
Wish the happy couple an eternity of the most comfortable sleep with this linen sheet set that will change their lives.
For the 40-something friend
This pocket-sized massager melts away all those mysterious muscle aches and weird hip pains that were never there before.
For the friend who got into a new relationship
These candles not only set the mood but warm up a silky, skin-softening massage oil that can be poured directly onto skin, “Livin’ La Vida Loca” style.
For the friend who is going to get engaged soon
Keep their hands ring-selfie-ready with this all-in-one kit that features an oil to nourish cuticles, a glass file to shape nails, and a quick-dry clear top coat for long-lasting polish and shine.
For the friend who is newly sober
This biting, botanic-filled aperitif makes seltzer feel special and is a beautiful addition to a budding alcohol-free home bar.
For your sibling going through their Saturn return
While they’re questioning their existence and purpose in life, the wax from each candle will gradually melt, revealing tarot readings that will hopefully shed some light on it all.
For the friend who just signed a new lease
Give their new sink bougie-hotel vibes with this fancy hand wash that smells so good, visitors will actually want to wash for the full 40 to 60 seconds like they’re supposed to.
For the friend going through a breakup
Help them clear their head by breathing in good vibes and snuffing out the bad ones with these smoke-free incense sticks.
For the friend embarking on her natural-hair journey
Set them up for success with this stylish satin-lined cap they can wear to bed, on Zoom, and out and about to keep strands soft and safe.
For the friend who just made a drastic hair-color change
This kit is made for all hair types and features a detoxing shampoo that cleanses without stripping and a post-shower leave-in conditioner to help reverse damage from heat, bleach, and dyes — meaning it will help your friend not regret their new do.
For the friend who finally quit coffee
Save them from excruciating headaches with matcha from Japan and a handheld, rechargeable whisk that will froth their less-caffeinated lattes to satisfaction.
For the friend who is cutting out caffeine altogether
This incredibly chic kettle has the charm of old school teapot — just without the ear-splitting scream, so they can pour a cup of jitter-free tea in peace.
For the cousin who just graduated from college
This multitasker takes the place of eight different pieces of cookware, which makes it ideal for small spaces and chefs who are just starting out.
For the sister-in-law who is very pregnant
This silky, skin-loving set is not only a thoughtful splurge, but can easily travel to the hospital, where it’s hard to get quality shut-eye.
For the sister who just had a baby
Keep her as comfy as possible with this super-plush robe that comes in colors other than bright white, which is begging for stains.
For the sibling making a big cross-country move
Never let them forget where they came from with a scented candle that smells a hundred times better than your actual hometown probably does in real life.
For the sibling who just became a pet parent
Jen Atkin’s newest shampoo ensures furry first-borns smell as good as an A-lister’s pet and show off hair as shiny as a Kardashian.
For the sibling who just became a plant parent
A stylish watering can should ensure they keep their new herbage alive.
For the sibling who is openly smoking plants now
These adorable pipes double as decor they’ll feel fine leaving strewn about.
For the sibling who just landed their dream job
Help them look not only bright-eyed but pretty cool for their first day of full-time Zoom.
For the sibling who is going back to office in 2023
These lunch boxes come in a rainbow of colors cheery enough to cancel out the commute dread.
For the friend who needs to hyper-fixate on a new snack
How many Honey Mama’s bars are too many Honey Mama’s bars? The limit does not exist because once your friend tries any flavor of this multipack they will be hooked.
For the friend making a big career change
Nothing is more suitable for their new job than a fancy leather agenda. They can plan out their weeks and jot down all those Zoom-meeting notes in this pocket agenda. We recommend gifting their favorite colors and customizing with their initials.
For the friend who just quit their job to Eat-Pray-Love
These compact, colorful, and travel-friendly binoculars are a nice accessory for whatever adventure they’re going on next, be it camping, stargazing, or posing for personal photo ops.
For the friend going all in on their pour-over
This design-first burr grinder will blitz their beans quietly, while leave virtually zero debris on their countertop.
For your 20-something sibling
Surprise! These Insta-friendly pimple patches make the unexpected breakouts a little more bearable.
For the cousin heading to college
This season’s hottest accessory is over-the-ear headphones. Bonus points if they are noise-cancelling ones. Gift this to the future co-ed to dedicate quiet time to their studies or watching TikTok without waking up their roommate.
For the parents who are retiring
Help them hit every destination on their bucket list in style with the brand’s best-selling carry-on, leveled up with a striking aluminum shell.
For the friend who just bought a house
Vitruvi’s collab with jewelry brand Mejuri is probably the chicest way to scent their home. The gold diffuser is cordless so they can effortlessly move it from room to room.
For the sibling who is working remotely, forever
The best WFH desk accessory is piping-hot coffee that doesn’t require repeat trips to the microwave.
For the couple who recently renovated the home
Put the finishing touch on an updated bathroom with these aromatherapy mists that make regular shower steam feel spa-worthy.
For your friend who just got into wellness
This 15-pound beam looks like a sculpture but is actually a strength-training bar that won’t blister their hands, thanks to its soft silicone wrapping.
For the friend who’s working on their fitness
Perfect for stress, sleep, and pain, this mat is a go-to for anyone looking to up their wellness routine.
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