I'm reading all of your comments and there are SO many thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gifts here! Love that this comments section is another resource for anyone who needs more unique gift ideas ♥️. Don't forget to comment to enter the giveaway
I've been fortunate enough to have received many great gifts over the years, but a few of my favorites are a purple bike with purple tires and cans of purple paint for my teen bedroom. The bike has since been stolen and I've moved into my own apartment, but those gifts were so thoughtful and long-lasting! 🙂
The best present I’ve ever received was the Christmas card I got from my dad the last Christmas before he passed away. He had Alzheimer’s, but somehow was still able to write “love dad” in the card. I got a girl on Etsy to engrave it on a bracelet that I take with me wherever I go now.
aww! and the bracelet is such a lovely idea! I think it's so cute when people take someone's handwriting who they love and may have passed away and have it engraved on something or even tattooed on them so you can keep them close to you
My Grandma passed away earlier this year. She also had Alzheimer’s. Its such a bizarre disease, and we struggled, but it was so beautiful how in her last month she pulled more energy together than I’d seen in a few years and was holding my hand and smiling at me and telling me how special my son is. Such an amazing memory I’m so thankful for. So glad you have that card. Merry Xmas. 😭💜
The best gift I received was when my mom assisted me in paying off my credit card debt. I was diligent in making payments to clear it and she contributed enough to cover the small outstanding balance....I CRIED ! Thanks MOM!!!!
So, it may sound silly but the best gift I ever got was from my boyfriend, and it was a set of Lush goodies. Now, it's not the products themselves that are the best gift, but he told me how he went there on his own and had to talk to the shop assistants, who asked them how my hair was like and he literally said brown (lol). I just found it so sweet and endearing that he made the effort to go somewhere like that out of his comfort zone because he knows I love it!
When I was twelve, I started writing as a hobby. My dad took notice, and on Christmas day he gave me a file folder to help me organize all of my stories. An outsider might think that a file folder is a really odd gift to give to a kid, but even then I realized that the gift was representative of my dad's support in me and my interests. Now, fifteen years later, I still have that file folder and it still holds my earliest writings. It's something I'll always cherish, and it's something that will always remind me of my dad.
The best gift I ever received was a pin that says "math" on it from my best friend about a month ago. I've been having a lot of stress and anxiety about becoming a math teacher because although it's my passion and what I've always wanted to do, I've been having doubts about whether I'm good enough to take on this responsibility. After weeks of my freaking out, he gave me this pin that his former math teacher in high school had given to him and told me it's backstory and I cried and every worry I had momentarily disappeared. I'm still stressing out a little bit knowing how much he trusts me and seeing this pin on my desk every day has meant the world to me.
What a sweet story! It’s nice that someone has such confidence in you. You will do great- your desire to do well will fuel you! Good luck - your students are lucky to have someone who cares so much.
The best gift I’ve ever received was from a bf . He had just moved to San Francisco and he went around the city and took pictures of himself in different places with a sign saying “this is my favorite park” or “wish you were here” he even had strangers in the photos holding signs as well. He put all the pictures into a book and wrote a story to go along with the pics :)
Best gift I received: earrings from my estranged sister I hadn't seen in years. She remembered the type of earrings of hers I mentioned that I liked years ago, and got me the exact pair years later...now she is my closest friend
I know this sounds cheesy, but my dad’s birthday is Christmas Day; so he is the best present I ever got. He was my first best friend and we have such a close relationship to this day. So even though he was born 25 years before I came along, every Christmas I’m so thankful for the gift of my Daddy. 💕 Really liked your gift guide. I got some really great ideas! 💕
When I was 11, my mom surprised me with the Queen: Greatest Hits I & II albums. It's one of the most memorable and fondest gifts I've ever received because my family sang, danced, and laughed all night long. It was seriously one of the happiest times of my life. A few months ago, I surprised my mom with concert tickets to see Queen + Adam Lambert. She looked like she was 12 years old again. It was a dream come true for both of us. ❤️
My favorite gift was from my boyfriend, over the first 7 months we were dating he took note of every song i mentioned i liked and downloaded /made a playlist of them and put it on one of his old ipod nanos for me. Music is very important to me, and i listen to it all the time. The gift took time and effort and its amazing because it means more to me than anything money could buy. Love of my life!
The best gift I ever received was last year. Ever since I was a teenager I always wanted Doc Martens but my family could never afford them. Last year before we left to our family’s Christmas Eve party my mom insisted that I open one specific gift bc she swore it would match with my outfit. I gave in and went ahead and opened the gift. I was so surprised to see that she bought be the docs I had been asking for years. She was really happy that I loved them and that’s something I’ll never forget. Moms just know!!
The best gift I ever received was a compilation of home videos of my dad. My mom put it together and gifted it to me, a long with a heartfelt letter, the year after my dad passed away. It was so thoughtful and means a lot to me to have visual memories of my dad all in one place.
I live in Germany, my boyfriend lives in Australia. This year I was able to visit him and he gave me a ring when we met. Visiting him (my parents supported me and paid some of the costs I had) and getting this ring were the best gifts ♥️
My best gift was my teddy bear. I got him when I was 5 and here at 29 he's still around. Whenever I'm having a rough day he's still one of the things I grab for.
The best gift I have ever received were the books "Bedtime Stories for Rebel Girls" (I think that's how it's called in English). Those books just covered stories of actual women who have changed the world, but it narrates it like a child's princess bedtime story. They were so special to me because it brought up a different mindset to my life, which brought up a different, better way of living my life. It made me feel powerful and like I could do whatever I wish to. Plus, it reminded me once again why I am and should keep fighting as a feminist. All those women also fought and bettered something along their way. Why wouldn't I? ❤ Also, this video was very helpful. I was about to have a mental breakdown because I ran out of gift ideas so, thanks! ❤❤
the best gift I need to give myself this year and its courage. courage to move to another country and start over and be alone and scared but fight to do what I always wanted to do, wish me luck :)
My mom once gave me a personalized cookbook. She had sampled all of our family’s favorite recipes and written them down in this very nice notebook. I use it daily and it is made with so much love, I don’t think anyone can top that for me ever. ❤️
The best gift I have ever received is something my boyfriend bought for me as an early Christmas present this year: a gorgeous Kate Spade purse. We had gone to the outlets over the summer and I fell in love with a particular purse and had to tear myself away from it. I told him that when I got my securities license and had transitioned into a job that I enjoyed, unlike the position I was in at the time, I would go back and buy the purse. Fast forward to this month: I decided to forego getting my license and resign from my job because I was so unhappy and my health was taking a toll from it. My boyfriend surprised me with the bag and told me how proud he was of making such a hard decision to leave a secure job and for putting my health and happiness first.
The best gift I ever received was from my Grandma before she passed. She gave me the only original wedding photo of my grandparents along with a stack of handwritten love letters my grandpa sent her while they were dating. I cherish those more than anything! Out of 9 children and 15 grandchildren she picked me to pass them on to. 💕 I miss her Soo much!!
The best gift I’ve ever gotten has been from my grandmother. On two occasions she’s helped pay for a weekend getaway, one in Portland ME and the other in Miami. She knows I never get to take long vacations like everyone else because of work and, well, just life. but she’s always happy to financially support me in relaxing weekend which helps in the crazy food industry I work in. She’ll just say “there! That’s your Christmas gift!” And I’m forever greatful that she helps me maintain my sanity. Love you Oma 😘
when my sloth obsessed dork of a brother came along to help unpack my stuff in my freshman year dorm he left without too many theatrics. Just as I finished putting everything away and the homesickness really started to set in, I noticed he left behind a little stuffed animal sloth and immediately started crying lol. I still have it.
The best gift ever was a wooden, carved music box from my dad that plays ‘you are my sunshine’, and has a carved message about how important i am to him. It was while i was looking for a job and made me feel so loved and special, it brought me to tears! Definitely one of the most special gifts I’ve received
The best gift I’ve ever received was my grandpa’s Polaroid camera. It’s the one he used to use to take photos of us as kids and I always think of him when I use it now.
The best gift I have ever received were a mismatched pair of drinking glasses with a humming bird and a grizzly bear etched into them from my mother. She loves going to local craft fairs this time of year. My boyfriend knows how much I love them, so we use them every night during dinner and wash them in the sink afterwards. Every night I get reminded to appreciate the two most special people in my life :)
The best gift I’ve received is a gratitude journal!!! I love writing in my journal each day and it asks you questions so it’s easier for me collect my thoughts! It’s helped me so much that it’s my go to gift now!
The best gift I ever received was from my friend I had when I was in high school like four years ago as a birthday present. I used to be really into the band Muse. My good friend who is literally just a ball of sunshine asked me what I’m doing for my birthday and I said oh not much. But then in the hallway at school she passed me by and gave me the present and said happy birthday!! It was so memorable and I also got her a journal like she wanted that year. It was the friendship that made gifts awesome!!
The best gift I received was my ukulele! I never used a gift that much! It became my escape and I learned to play with youtube. I had zero musical knowledge, and as today I enjoy playing by myself, it's such a nice relaxing activity!
The best gift i ever received was a necklace with my boyfriend’s initial. It was the first piece of jewelry that an so bought me and it is dear to my heart. I love that i get to bring him with me everywhere that i go. ❤️
The best gift I ever received was just last year - my brother's girlfriend paints as a hobby, and she did an acrylic on canvas portrait of my Dungeons and Dragons character fighting a dragon and I CRIED because it was SO COOL. She's listened to me go on and on for years about my D&D campaign, and it was such an incredible moment of her being like, "Here is this thing that I barely understand but I know YOU love it and I want to create a wonderful memento of all your adventures". She is the sweetest
the best present I ever had was a pair of earrings( that I always wanted) from my mom ...it was a surprise to me because my dad just died and I didn't think she remembered...she told me in very sad moment there's always something to be grateful for and that was each other .... I cried so hard that day and am truly lucky I still have her..my mom is my rock!!!! love u mom xxx
the greatest gift i ever received was from my mom and dad. they paid for me and my husband's wedding last year and it could not have been more special. it was something they had been saving up for since i was a baby, knowing that one day their little girl would get married, and being the traditional folks they were, they wanted to gift us our wedding. i know that's not necessarily as common today, but i will be forever grateful to them for gifting us the most beautiful day we've ever had.
I'm incredibly lucky to have a best friend who knows me through and through and places just as much value in experiences as I do- one year she planned a cross country road trip for the two of us. Quality time and snacks galore; it brought us so much closer!
the best gift i’ve ever received was a japanese kawaii stationery set in elementary school from a friend - it’s what kickstarted my love for penmanship and all things stationery!
I've received many special gifts over the years. My favorite was my first rescue dog. My sister and I had pooled our funds to rescue her just as I was coming out of an abusive relationship and working on recovery from eating disorder. The dog bonded to me from day one, and for my gift my sister gave me the other half of her ownership. I learned so much from that dear dog about recovery from trauma and being unapologetically myself. We needed each other! Thanks for the helpful gift guide!
Every year me and my best friend exchange Christmas gifts but we made a tradition of writing each other a card. Essentially we write about how thankful we are for each other and reminisce about our year together. This Christmas will be the 5th year that we do this and it’s honestly the best. I love going back and reading her cards when I’m feeling down.
The best gift I ever received was a little metal sign that says "What would you do if you knew you could not fail." I got it from a very close family friend who is like a second mom to me. She's been there through all my ups and downs with an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety. She gave it to me for my 20th birthday and it's been with me in a dorm room and two apartments. It's one of the first things I see when I wake up and it reminds me to be brave and that I can tackle anything without fear of failure - also of all the really amazing people I have on my support team, who are constantly cheering me on.
The best gift guide I ever got was a corgi puppy from my husband on Christmas day. He dressed him up in a cute elf costume and let him run through the house we were renting to me. 5 years later, and this now no longer small puppy still brings me the most joy in life.
The best gift for me had to have been Christmas 2017, my daughters first Christmas in this world. It was perfect, having her with me experiencing all of the little things Christmas had to offer. I am so grateful to share this special time of the year with her!! 💕🎄
The best gift I’ve received so far is from one of my close friends from college. She lives 7,000+ miles away and she sent me mix cds with all of the songs we used to sing/were obsessed with during our college years. Very nostalgic and touching
The best gift I’ve received was a proper flute when I was in middle school! For some reason I was obsessed with learning music and playing songs on a proper instrument! Not just a recorder... 😂 I cried when I opened it!
The Christmas after my grandfather passed away, my grandmother gave me a framed picture of me and him from close to 20 years ago. The picture perfectly shows off his personality and the relationship we had, and it's one of my favourites of us! I find it hard to decide what my favourite gift is because to me, all the gifts I've received have been reminders of the love I'm surrounded by, but that picture and frame has followed me around in all the apartments I've lived in ever since. As I write this it's sitting on my dresser, right in my line of vision, and it makes me so happy every day. So, if I had to pick one that would probably be it!
The best gift I ever received was when I was a little girl. My grandma waited around all different stores in 2 different states so she could get my siblings & I the Wii game console the year it first came out. So generous of her to go to all those extra stops just to make our Christmas special.
The best gift I ever received was this care package from my boyfriend. It was filled with miscellaneous things that he knew I loved such as journals and certain tech accessories. I loved it. I loved it because of the thought I knew he put into it. He took the time out of his day to hand pick all these little things that he knew I wanted, and to send in a care package to me. We are currently in a long distance relationship (until January) and I’ve enjoyed all his gifts but this specific one from our first Christmas apart meant a lot ❤️
The best gift I have ever received was a series of prints that my uncle took. I received them 5 years after he passed away and I was really enjoying film photography. My cousin gave me 3 of his prints that he did in college as a photography student and the camera that he used. The whole family had a little cry session and the laughs to follow remembering how amazing he was. Those prints follow me to every new home I have, and it doesn’t feel like home until they are displayed proudly.
I got the softest, fuzziest blanket one year for Christmas from my step-mom. Not the most exciting gift, but it was my first Christmas after being away at college for a few months and that blanket just really made things feel like home for me and became such a source of comfort. Three years later and I still have it!
My boyfriend last Christmas got me a love book- from a website that makes your love story into a small picture book. It was the most thoughtful, sweetest gift I've ever gotten.
Back in the days the family was always apart, it was a struggle to get them in one place for Christmas. My dad bearly arrived for dinner and he felt so bad he didn’t have time to get us gifts. And I just stood there with tears in my eyes like thank you God for bringing him home.
Honestly, one of my favorite gifts is a ring and a letter my nephew gave me last year. I only get to see him and spend time with him this time of the year and he is only 6, so the fact that he thinks of me even though we don't get the chance to spend time together the rest of the year means a lot to me. He is the most wonderful kid in the world.
The best gift I ever received was a scrapbook from my best friend with pictures of us and pages dedicated to all of our inside jokes, memorable quotes, etc. I could tell she put so much time and thought into it and I still cherish it to this day, despite her giving it to me almost 10 years ago.
Last year I received a handmade journal from my dad. I journal every day, and it was so touching to know that he poured his love into making this personalized item just for me
My family is very practical when it comes to gift giving. We send out our lists to each other, and we pretty much stick to them. I feel like this comes out of our very middle class mindset of don't buy someone something if it'll just sit on a shelf. My favorite gift I ever received was definitely practical, but also super unexpected. My sister got me a makeup/toiletry organizer that was a larger version of her own that I had mentioned I thought was really cool (I love organization). It just really showed me that she remembered little things like that, and she was also thoughtful enough to get a larger one since she knows I wear and travel with more makeup and skincare. But the best thing about this gift, by far, was that I have a little reminder of my sister and how much she listens and cares every time I travel. In high school she would give me a "pocket Sheila", which was just a scrap of paper with an encouraging message, when I had tests or presentations or anything I was anxious about. This bag has sort of become my permanent pocket Sheila. I was at my first ever work conference and I was so so nervous about seeming professional and not looking like some kid who doesn't know what she's doing, but taking my makeup and getting ready with that bag, I thought of what she would tell me- that everyone feels like they don't know what they're doing, and whatever happens that day, I'll be fine, and I'll grow from it.
The best gift I've ever received is a jewelry box my Mom had engraved for me for my 18th birthday. The message on it is so sweet and I see it everyday when I'm getting ready.
The best gift I got was a cooking class. I took my Mum along with me and we had the best time learning to cook Italian food, and then enjoying it together over a couple of glasses of wine. Even better, we got to take the recipes home, and now whenever I cook gnocchi or pasta from scratch I always reminisce about the lovely day we had!
My older sister often makes super cute homemade graphic books for my, normally filled with advice before big mile stones. I got one when I turned thirteen, when I first entered high school and just this past year when I started college. I look at them all the time and they mean so much to me.
The best gift I ever got was tickets to see Harry Styles. He’s really my idol and I’ve been following his career since I was 15 (I’m 23 now) I live in Canada and I remember watching him on the X Factor thinking to myself I’ll never get to see him in person, he’ll never come to Canada. Fast forward to One Direction being one of the biggest boy bands in history haha. It was just a great experience I got to share with my sister and it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
The best gift I've ever received was from my brother. It was a plane ticket for Vegas to see Aerosmith this past summer. It was a "boys trip" with my dad and brother and honestly it was an amazing time. They're two of my favorite people on this earth, and I'm so thankful we were able to spend some quality time listening to some awesome music together!
Puppy in the background soo cute. This was fantastic. Got great ideas thankyou. ☆☆☆ The best gift I received at Christmas was my puppy Ebony. I was 13yrs old. Mum had mentioned someone at her work was selling puppies that their dog had had. Mum and Dad had divorced & when I ask mum now what made her decide to buy him, she says she thought that he would help us kids ( my brother and I) through the tough parts of a divorce. He came on Christmas Eve, he was tiny and dark brown and had that beautiful puppy smell. He wasnt just a dog to me. He sat with me when I studied, when Id cry and he was funny. My brother and I laughed at his funny traits for years. He saw me through high school, dating, my first job and my wedding. Finally saying goodbye when I turned 25. He was and always will be a love of my life and my most precious gift. Xx
Best gift I’ve ever received was from my best friend for Christmas two years ago. At the time I was dealing with a lot of loss and she had told me that my gift was “very practical”. I was expecting socks or something but no- she got me tiaras and sparkly hair pins to make me feel like a princess. It was the mixture of it being so unexpected and also just really fun in kind of a shitty time that made that gift so special. I love my best friend so much!!
My favorite Christmas gift I’ve ever received was my first guinea pig when I was 10. I felt so happy and glad to be able to care for a little fluff ball 😍
Best gift I've ever received which I don't particularly like to reference as a gift is my dog. His adoption, which the payment if adoption was a gift by a family member has been the best thing to have happened. He's brought so much happiness to my life over the past four years. He was rescued from a puppy mill when he was three months old in the south and brought to NY where we adopted him. He's the happiest, goofy, fun loving dog and I'm incredibly greatful he came into our lives four Christmases ago.
My husband commissioned an artist to paint a portrait of our precious Frenchie. I was completely surprised and every time I walk by it I feel so much joy! It’s truly my most treasured gift to date.
The best gift I ever received was actually a child’s picture book but the effort behind the giving was wild. When I was 18, I was having a conversation with a friend on how my views on death + the afterlife were formed and told them about this book that a librarian read to my class in the 3rd grade. I remembered the plot but not the title or author. This friend spent six months calling book stores and libraries, telling them the plot of this book until someone finally recognized it. He got it for me as my high school graduation gift to guide me into the next chapter of my life. I was floored!
A really close friend of mine hand-made a hammock for me! Literally, he got materials and sewed together a hammock, and it was such an amazing surprise. It’s extra long, my favorite color, and super durable. I love that there is no other hammock like it out there!
On my 30th birthday, my husband gave me a locket necklace with photos of our babies inside. I’ve always suffered from anxiety and panic attacks but ever since I got the locket, holding on to it every time I was feeling on the edge and thinking that my husband who gave it and our kids are always with me has made me felt so much better. I held on to it during flights, dental surgeries, and even a roller coaster ride which I thought I would never ever do but I did. It’s the best gift ever!
The best gift I ever received was from my dad. Usually my mom shops for all the gifts, and it's pretty obvious, but one year in high school he got me one himself, without even telling my mom about it first. At the time I wanted to be a film director, and I was really passionate about watching good movies and coming up with ideas for my own, and I really wanted to start a CZcams channel. My parents were skeptical, since it isn't exactly a practical job with reliable income and a clear path to success, but my dad surprised me that Christmas with a really nice video camera that is recommended for film students. It was beautiful- and I could tell just from one look that he had spent a lot on it, and that sort of meant he took me seriously since he'd clearly saved up for it. I usually don't know how to act when opening presents because I feel awkward with people watching for my reaction, but when I opened the camera I was so overwhelmed that I cried of gratitude, because it meant my dad was supporting my dream- not only that but also that he'd support any dream of mine, no matter how unrealistic. Before that I always thought he'd rather me be a lawyer (my parents always give me little hints to go be a lawyer) but the camera meant that at the end of the day he just wanted me to be happy and would help me get to my point B.
I actually received the best gift early this year. My boyfriend bought me a live Christmas tree. I know most people wouldn’t think that is a special gift. But it is very special to me. Numerous years I have had an artificial Christmas tree because I have had the fear of burning down my house and never could afford a live tree. I have lived in my house for 11 years and never had a live tree. My boyfriend surprised me on the way home from Friendsgiving and stopped by a Christmas tree lot. I thought we were just going to look at them until I found one I liked and he told the sales person to wrap it up and put it in the car. I was shocked! He eased my worries that he would ensure it was watered and that it would not burn down the house. I haven’t been this excited about Christmas in ages! I even cried a few happy tears. 😍
The best gift I ever received is a very simple braided silver ring. When I was younger my mom gave me a ring that used to be hers. It wasn't anything special or fancy and it was really tiny for some reason so for years I wore it on my knuckle and it reminded me of her when I was stressed or anxious. When I was a junior in college I lost the ring and had a full breakdown because it had been kind of like a security blanket for a long time and I had found it comforting to wear. That year for Christmas my parents gave me a replacement ring exactly like it (but a little bigger so I could actually wear it on my finger lol) and it meant so much to me that they went out of their way to find something to replace it and understood that it was important to me. I still wear it every day and it reminds me of my parents when I'm having a hard time.
I am in a long distance releationship & for my birthday my boyfriend wrote me a handwritten letter & sprayed his cologne on the paper so when I opened it it smelled like him. Hands down the best gift I have ever gotten! The smallest most thoughtful gifts are what mean the most. 🥰
The best gift I’ve ever gotten was a surprise trip to Florida to see my Grandma. I was very young and when my brother and I came downstairs on Christmas morning a large suitcase was one of the presents under the tree. Our parents made us open it last. It was a fully packed suitcase of clothes and 2 plane tickets to Florida for later that same day! It was so much fun and such a surprise. It also started a tradition of going to Florida to see my grandma right after Christmas every year since then.
The best gift I've ever received was a very realistic David Bowie doll made out of felt. My little sister designed the pattern, cut, stuffed, sewed, and painted it for me. ✂️❤️🤩 She gave it to me a month before he passed away. Of the things I own, it's the one I cherish the most.
The best gift I ever received was a necklace with a bee charm on it. My friend's mom gave it to me after my friend passed away. Hannah was always busy in the garden or other outdoor stuff, so every time I wear the necklace I feel like I'm taking Hannah with me. I always wear it to special occasions. Love the video Ingrid 💕
One of the best gifts I ever received was an electric blanket! I love coming home after a long work day getting into the blanket and watching garbage Christmas movies during the holidays.
One of my best friends had a star ⭐️named after me once as a gift!! Most definitely the coolest gift I have ever received. My childhood dream was to be an astronaut, and she had the star named after our favorite show (BBC's Merlin, which was honestly what helped us become friends in the first place) and my name ! So it was just very personal and special, and a really cool surprise! I don't know that any gift will ever be able to top that one. Haha ❤️ happy holidays, Ingrid!
I remember when I was in elementary school, I lost one of my favorite toys on the playground and was so upset about it. When my mom later came to pick me up from school that day she had a rose colored bracelet to give me as a gift. It was a total surprise not only that she got me a gift but that she thought about me when she saw that bracelet in a shop. Made my bad day turn into a really good day. :) I love my mom.
All these other ones are so sweet & sentimental! I've gotten so many lovely decorative things over the years - I keep everything around to remember the gifters.
The best christmas present I ever got was a tradition that my grandma did for all the grandkids each year until she passed away, she used to give us these incredibly beautiful silver (mine was silver, each child had a different color) spoons, forks, knives (one piece each year from collections she had bought before our oldest cousin was born) that we are supposed to save until we move out on our own and give us a little collection of fancier silverware to have on special events and so on..it was so special cause you felt so special being a part of this little tradition with her and my cousins, definetly the most meaningful and rememberable gift I´ve ever gotten :)
The best present was to have my parents come and spend Christmas with us a couple years ago. We live far away from each other so it was so appreciated and made great souvenirs
When I was little, my parents gifted my sister and I a turquoise trunk with gold hardware. Inside the trunk were dresses my mom purchased at second hand shops, and nestled on top of the dresses were two floral headbands my mom hand made for each of us. I love that we were able to repurpose items that seemingly lost their value. For years after, my sister and I used those dresses whenever we wanted to play pretend that we were princesses, or daring maidens, or whenever we invited our girlfriends over for birthday parties. Playing dress up helped to expand both of our imaginations, and to see worlds beyond the one we lived in, stretching the scope of possibility, which has been a valuable tool in my writing career. I'll always cherish that gift the most.
The best gift I ever received was my high school color guard instructors surprising me in person to see me perform at WGI World Championships. It was my dream to perform with this group I was in but never had friends or family in the audience bc I was living across the country from my whole family. My instructors told me they were watching my prelims performance online but after we finished I was sitting in the stands, they told me to turn around and they were standing a few rows behind me. I will never forget running up the stairs bursting into tears to hug them. It was the most incredible gesture and just wonderful to share my dream with people I love.
The best gift I ever received was a dinner party with my closest friends cooked by my partner. It was so thoughtful, from the dishes he cooked, to the cake he purchased (and designed), to the friends invited 💗 I felt so loved.
Loved all these gift ideas! Okay- the best gift I ever received was a Tiffany necklace with my first initial on it. My little sister gave it to me as a graduation gift 2 years ago. I was going through a rough time nearing graduation and my sister gifted it to me. She works as a barista so i know she worked a lot to get the money to gift me my necklace. I wear it every day and I swear it reminds of how thankful I am to have such a wonderful sister who went above and beyond to make me feel special during a very important time in my life ❤️❤️
The best present I ever received was a mother-daughter trip to Las Vegas. My mom and I have the same birthday, and I happened to turn 21 the same day she turned 50! It was so great to celebrate our milestone birthdays together and have the one-on-one quality time that can sometimes be missed in daily life.
One of my favorite holiday gifts I have received is an electric milk frother. A friend of mine gave it to me while I was in grad school because I love warm milk with my coffee and every morning I get so much pleasure and joy from frothing my milk ☕️ It truly is the gift that keeps giving 💓 Yay for small pleasures.
One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received was a tea kettle and a watch from my boyfriend. It was our first Christmas as a couple and I still look back so fondly at that Christmas. He put both the gifts in a fun reusable bag that had a French Bulldog riding a bike on it because he knew that I love Frenchies!
The top gifts I have ever received are all moreso symbols of love and friendship. The best one I've ever gotten was prayer beads my friend's uncle made when he was a POW from olive pits and a shoelace. It really reminds me of how grateful I am to be able to live comfortable and free and reminds me to value people so much more.
The best Christmas gift I've ever received was my mom visiting me on study abroad in Budapest for Christmas. This was the first Christmas I ever spent away from home, so I was so happy that she was able to visit and we were able to experience a new place and culture together during the holidays. :)
My fave gift I've ever received is a poem written by a friend. We've been online friends for over two years now and have become as close as sisters, but sadly we live very far away from each other and many other factors keep us from meeting any time soon. She loves poetry and she wrote me a poem on what it would feel like to finally meet in person and it warms my heart every time I read it ❤
A really close friend of mine hand-made a hammock for me! Literally, he got materials and sewed together a hammock, and it was such an amazing surprise. It was extra long (11 feet) and I love that there is no other hammock like it out there!
The best gift I have received was my aunt's vintage clutch. It is navy blue, very structured with a gold chain. It was her favorite from when she was a teenager and she took such care of it that even today it looks brand new. I love it so much, it is beautiful and I love having something that my aunt loved so much.
hard to narrow down but one of the best gifts i've ever received was my parents paying for my college tuition. people may think it is normal to have things like this given to them but it is a blessing not having to graduate with any student loans/debt! & love you Ingrid !!!
I'm reading all of your comments and there are SO many thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gifts here! Love that this comments section is another resource for anyone who needs more unique gift ideas ♥️. Don't forget to comment to enter the giveaway
Ingrid Nilsen hi Ingrid. Have you tried Glossier future dew? What did you think?
How come the journal is good for lefties? 🤔
Ingrid Nilsen I still can’t get over how pretty you are
Ingrid Nilsen How do we know who wins the giveaway?
I've been fortunate enough to have received many great gifts over the years, but a few of my favorites are a purple bike with purple tires and cans of purple paint for my teen bedroom. The bike has since been stolen and I've moved into my own apartment, but those gifts were so thoughtful and long-lasting! 🙂
The best present I’ve ever received was the Christmas card I got from my dad the last Christmas before he passed away. He had Alzheimer’s, but somehow was still able to write “love dad” in the card. I got a girl on Etsy to engrave it on a bracelet that I take with me wherever I go now.
Natasha J well i give up lol such precious momento & a beautiful story
aww! and the bracelet is such a lovely idea! I think it's so cute when people take someone's handwriting who they love and may have passed away and have it engraved on something or even tattooed on them so you can keep them close to you
Thanks everyone! He never forgot who I was in the end, which was more than enough :)
My Grandma passed away earlier this year. She also had Alzheimer’s. Its such a bizarre disease, and we struggled, but it was so beautiful how in her last month she pulled more energy together than I’d seen in a few years and was holding my hand and smiling at me and telling me how special my son is. Such an amazing memory I’m so thankful for. So glad you have that card. Merry Xmas. 😭💜
that's so beautiful...
The best gift I received was when my mom assisted me in paying off my credit card debt. I was diligent in making payments to clear it and she contributed enough to cover the small outstanding balance....I CRIED ! Thanks MOM!!!!
So, it may sound silly but the best gift I ever got was from my boyfriend, and it was a set of Lush goodies. Now, it's not the products themselves that are the best gift, but he told me how he went there on his own and had to talk to the shop assistants, who asked them how my hair was like and he literally said brown (lol). I just found it so sweet and endearing that he made the effort to go somewhere like that out of his comfort zone because he knows I love it!
When I was twelve, I started writing as a hobby. My dad took notice, and on Christmas day he gave me a file folder to help me organize all of my stories. An outsider might think that a file folder is a really odd gift to give to a kid, but even then I realized that the gift was representative of my dad's support in me and my interests. Now, fifteen years later, I still have that file folder and it still holds my earliest writings. It's something I'll always cherish, and it's something that will always remind me of my dad.
i dont know why i teared up reading this but that's so sweet
The best gift I ever received was a pin that says "math" on it from my best friend about a month ago. I've been having a lot of stress and anxiety about becoming a math teacher because although it's my passion and what I've always wanted to do, I've been having doubts about whether I'm good enough to take on this responsibility. After weeks of my freaking out, he gave me this pin that his former math teacher in high school had given to him and told me it's backstory and I cried and every worry I had momentarily disappeared. I'm still stressing out a little bit knowing how much he trusts me and seeing this pin on my desk every day has meant the world to me.
What a sweet story! It’s nice that someone has such confidence in you. You will do great- your desire to do well will fuel you! Good luck - your students are lucky to have someone who cares so much.
Michelle E. That is so sweet!! Teaching and teachers are such a gift too!
@@MaryK-iw9xo aww thank you so much, that's really sweet
That's amazing! 😍 I am sure you will be a great math teacher, only because you care about being good so much, you will be good.
The best gift I’ve ever received was from a bf . He had just moved to San Francisco and he went around the city and took pictures of himself in different places with a sign saying “this is my favorite park” or “wish you were here” he even had strangers in the photos holding signs as well. He put all the pictures into a book and wrote a story to go along with the pics :)
Best gift I received: earrings from my estranged sister I hadn't seen in years. She remembered the type of earrings of hers I mentioned that I liked years ago, and got me the exact pair years later...now she is my closest friend
A bracelet that had “I love you” in my grandmother’s handwriting. ❤️
I know this sounds cheesy, but my dad’s birthday is Christmas Day; so he is the best present I ever got. He was my first best friend and we have such a close relationship to this day. So even though he was born 25 years before I came along, every Christmas I’m so thankful for the gift of my Daddy. 💕
Really liked your gift guide. I got some really great ideas! 💕
When I was 11, my mom surprised me with the Queen: Greatest Hits I & II albums. It's one of the most memorable and fondest gifts I've ever received because my family sang, danced, and laughed all night long. It was seriously one of the happiest times of my life. A few months ago, I surprised my mom with concert tickets to see Queen + Adam Lambert. She looked like she was 12 years old again. It was a dream come true for both of us. ❤️
My favorite gift was from my boyfriend, over the first 7 months we were dating he took note of every song i mentioned i liked and downloaded /made a playlist of them and put it on one of his old ipod nanos for me. Music is very important to me, and i listen to it all the time. The gift took time and effort and its amazing because it means more to me than anything money could buy. Love of my life!
The best gift I ever received was last year. Ever since I was a teenager I always wanted Doc Martens but my family could never afford them. Last year before we left to our family’s Christmas Eve party my mom insisted that I open one specific gift bc she swore it would match with my outfit. I gave in and went ahead and opened the gift. I was so surprised to see that she bought be the docs I had been asking for years. She was really happy that I loved them and that’s something I’ll never forget. Moms just know!!
The best gift I ever received was a compilation of home videos of my dad. My mom put it together and gifted it to me, a long with a heartfelt letter, the year after my dad passed away. It was so thoughtful and means a lot to me to have visual memories of my dad all in one place.
I live in Germany, my boyfriend lives in Australia. This year I was able to visit him and he gave me a ring when we met. Visiting him (my parents supported me and paid some of the costs I had) and getting this ring were the best gifts ♥️
My best gift was my teddy bear. I got him when I was 5 and here at 29 he's still around. Whenever I'm having a rough day he's still one of the things I grab for.
The best gift I have ever received were the books "Bedtime Stories for Rebel Girls" (I think that's how it's called in English). Those books just covered stories of actual women who have changed the world, but it narrates it like a child's princess bedtime story. They were so special to me because it brought up a different mindset to my life, which brought up a different, better way of living my life. It made me feel powerful and like I could do whatever I wish to. Plus, it reminded me once again why I am and should keep fighting as a feminist. All those women also fought and bettered something along their way. Why wouldn't I? ❤
Also, this video was very helpful. I was about to have a mental breakdown because I ran out of gift ideas so, thanks! ❤❤
J M that is a great book I have it!
the best gift I need to give myself this year and its courage. courage to move to another country and start over and be alone and scared but fight to do what I always wanted to do, wish me luck :)
My mom once gave me a personalized cookbook. She had sampled all of our family’s favorite recipes and written them down in this very nice notebook. I use it daily and it is made with so much love, I don’t think anyone can top that for me ever. ❤️
The best gift I have ever received is something my boyfriend bought for me as an early Christmas present this year: a gorgeous Kate Spade purse. We had gone to the outlets over the summer and I fell in love with a particular purse and had to tear myself away from it. I told him that when I got my securities license and had transitioned into a job that I enjoyed, unlike the position I was in at the time, I would go back and buy the purse. Fast forward to this month: I decided to forego getting my license and resign from my job because I was so unhappy and my health was taking a toll from it. My boyfriend surprised me with the bag and told me how proud he was of making such a hard decision to leave a secure job and for putting my health and happiness first.
Best gift I ever received was celebrating and being together with my family after I was away for my semester abroad ❤️
The best gift I ever received was from my Grandma before she passed. She gave me the only original wedding photo of my grandparents along with a stack of handwritten love letters my grandpa sent her while they were dating. I cherish those more than anything! Out of 9 children and 15 grandchildren she picked me to pass them on to. 💕 I miss her Soo much!!
The best gift I’ve ever gotten has been from my grandmother. On two occasions she’s helped pay for a weekend getaway, one in Portland ME and the other in Miami. She knows I never get to take long vacations like everyone else because of work and, well, just life. but she’s always happy to financially support me in relaxing weekend which helps in the crazy food industry I work in. She’ll just say “there! That’s your Christmas gift!” And I’m forever greatful that she helps me maintain my sanity. Love you Oma 😘
when my sloth obsessed dork of a brother came along to help unpack my stuff in my freshman year dorm he left without too many theatrics. Just as I finished putting everything away and the homesickness really started to set in, I noticed he left behind a little stuffed animal sloth and immediately started crying lol. I still have it.
That's beautiful and not cheesy AT ALL IM CRYING
The best gift ever was a wooden, carved music box from my dad that plays ‘you are my sunshine’, and has a carved message about how important i am to him. It was while i was looking for a job and made me feel so loved and special, it brought me to tears! Definitely one of the most special gifts I’ve received
The best gift I’ve ever received was my grandpa’s Polaroid camera. It’s the one he used to use to take photos of us as kids and I always think of him when I use it now.
The best gift I have ever received were a mismatched pair of drinking glasses with a humming bird and a grizzly bear etched into them from my mother. She loves going to local craft fairs this time of year. My boyfriend knows how much I love them, so we use them every night during dinner and wash them in the sink afterwards. Every night I get reminded to appreciate the two most special people in my life :)
The best gift I’ve ever received was a necklace from my grandfather, I love it so much and it always reminds me of him when I wear it 💖
The best gift I’ve received is a gratitude journal!!! I love writing in my journal each day and it asks you questions so it’s easier for me collect my thoughts! It’s helped me so much that it’s my go to gift now!
The best gifts I ever received were my two children, Meg and Alex. They taught me so much about love, commitment, perseverance and perspective.
The best gift I ever received was from my friend I had when I was in high school like four years ago as a birthday present. I used to be really into the band Muse. My good friend who is literally just a ball of sunshine asked me what I’m doing for my birthday and I said oh not much. But then in the hallway at school she passed me by and gave me the present and said happy birthday!! It was so memorable and I also got her a journal like she wanted that year. It was the friendship that made gifts awesome!!
The best gift I received was my ukulele! I never used a gift that much! It became my escape and I learned to play with youtube. I had zero musical knowledge, and as today I enjoy playing by myself, it's such a nice relaxing activity!
The best gift i ever received was a necklace with my boyfriend’s initial. It was the first piece of jewelry that an so bought me and it is dear to my heart. I love that i get to bring him with me everywhere that i go. ❤️
The best gift I ever received was just last year - my brother's girlfriend paints as a hobby, and she did an acrylic on canvas portrait of my Dungeons and Dragons character fighting a dragon and I CRIED because it was SO COOL. She's listened to me go on and on for years about my D&D campaign, and it was such an incredible moment of her being like, "Here is this thing that I barely understand but I know YOU love it and I want to create a wonderful memento of all your adventures". She is the sweetest
the best present I ever had was a pair of earrings( that I always wanted) from my mom ...it was a surprise to me because my dad just died and I didn't think she remembered...she told me in very sad moment there's always something to be grateful for and that was each other .... I cried so hard that day and am truly lucky I still have her..my mom is my rock!!!! love u mom xxx
the greatest gift i ever received was from my mom and dad. they paid for me and my husband's wedding last year and it could not have been more special. it was something they had been saving up for since i was a baby, knowing that one day their little girl would get married, and being the traditional folks they were, they wanted to gift us our wedding. i know that's not necessarily as common today, but i will be forever grateful to them for gifting us the most beautiful day we've ever had.
Okay, am I the only one who died laughing at the sound Tayto made?!
same 😂😂
I'm incredibly lucky to have a best friend who knows me through and through and places just as much value in experiences as I do- one year she planned a cross country road trip for the two of us. Quality time and snacks galore; it brought us so much closer!
the best gift i’ve ever received was a japanese kawaii stationery set in elementary school from a friend - it’s what kickstarted my love for penmanship and all things stationery!
I've received many special gifts over the years. My favorite was my first rescue dog. My sister and I had pooled our funds to rescue her just as I was coming out of an abusive relationship and working on recovery from eating disorder. The dog bonded to me from day one, and for my gift my sister gave me the other half of her ownership. I learned so much from that dear dog about recovery from trauma and being unapologetically myself. We needed each other! Thanks for the helpful gift guide!
Every year me and my best friend exchange Christmas gifts but we made a tradition of writing each other a card. Essentially we write about how thankful we are for each other and reminisce about our year together. This Christmas will be the 5th year that we do this and it’s honestly the best. I love going back and reading her cards when I’m feeling down.
The best gift I ever received was a little metal sign that says "What would you do if you knew you could not fail." I got it from a very close family friend who is like a second mom to me. She's been there through all my ups and downs with an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety. She gave it to me for my 20th birthday and it's been with me in a dorm room and two apartments. It's one of the first things I see when I wake up and it reminds me to be brave and that I can tackle anything without fear of failure - also of all the really amazing people I have on my support team, who are constantly cheering me on.
The best gift guide I ever got was a corgi puppy from my husband on Christmas day. He dressed him up in a cute elf costume and let him run through the house we were renting to me. 5 years later, and this now no longer small puppy still brings me the most joy in life.
The best gift for me had to have been Christmas 2017, my daughters first Christmas in this world. It was perfect, having her with me experiencing all of the little things Christmas had to offer. I am so grateful to share this special time of the year with her!! 💕🎄
The best gift I’ve received so far is from one of my close friends from college. She lives 7,000+ miles away and she sent me mix cds with all of the songs we used to sing/were obsessed with during our college years. Very nostalgic and touching
The best gift I’ve received was a proper flute when I was in middle school! For some reason I was obsessed with learning music and playing songs on a proper instrument! Not just a recorder... 😂 I cried when I opened it!
The Christmas after my grandfather passed away, my grandmother gave me a framed picture of me and him from close to 20 years ago. The picture perfectly shows off his personality and the relationship we had, and it's one of my favourites of us! I find it hard to decide what my favourite gift is because to me, all the gifts I've received have been reminders of the love I'm surrounded by, but that picture and frame has followed me around in all the apartments I've lived in ever since. As I write this it's sitting on my dresser, right in my line of vision, and it makes me so happy every day. So, if I had to pick one that would probably be it!
The best gift I ever received was when I was a little girl. My grandma waited around all different stores in 2 different states so she could get my siblings & I the Wii game console the year it first came out. So generous of her to go to all those extra stops just to make our Christmas special.
The best gift I ever received was this care package from my boyfriend. It was filled with miscellaneous things that he knew I loved such as journals and certain tech accessories. I loved it. I loved it because of the thought I knew he put into it. He took the time out of his day to hand pick all these little things that he knew I wanted, and to send in a care package to me. We are currently in a long distance relationship (until January) and I’ve enjoyed all his gifts but this specific one from our first Christmas apart meant a lot ❤️
The best gift I have ever received was a series of prints that my uncle took. I received them 5 years after he passed away and I was really enjoying film photography. My cousin gave me 3 of his prints that he did in college as a photography student and the camera that he used. The whole family had a little cry session and the laughs to follow remembering how amazing he was. Those prints follow me to every new home I have, and it doesn’t feel like home until they are displayed proudly.
I got the softest, fuzziest blanket one year for Christmas from my step-mom. Not the most exciting gift, but it was my first Christmas after being away at college for a few months and that blanket just really made things feel like home for me and became such a source of comfort. Three years later and I still have it!
My boyfriend last Christmas got me a love book- from a website that makes your love story into a small picture book. It was the most thoughtful, sweetest gift I've ever gotten.
Back in the days the family was always apart, it was a struggle to get them in one place for Christmas. My dad bearly arrived for dinner and he felt so bad he didn’t have time to get us gifts. And I just stood there with tears in my eyes like thank you God for bringing him home.
Honestly, one of my favorite gifts is a ring and a letter my nephew gave me last year. I only get to see him and spend time with him this time of the year and he is only 6, so the fact that he thinks of me even though we don't get the chance to spend time together the rest of the year means a lot to me. He is the most wonderful kid in the world.
The best gift I ever received was a scrapbook from my best friend with pictures of us and pages dedicated to all of our inside jokes, memorable quotes, etc. I could tell she put so much time and thought into it and I still cherish it to this day, despite her giving it to me almost 10 years ago.
Last year I received a handmade journal from my dad. I journal every day, and it was so touching to know that he poured his love into making this personalized item just for me
My family is very practical when it comes to gift giving. We send out our lists to each other, and we pretty much stick to them. I feel like this comes out of our very middle class mindset of don't buy someone something if it'll just sit on a shelf. My favorite gift I ever received was definitely practical, but also super unexpected. My sister got me a makeup/toiletry organizer that was a larger version of her own that I had mentioned I thought was really cool (I love organization). It just really showed me that she remembered little things like that, and she was also thoughtful enough to get a larger one since she knows I wear and travel with more makeup and skincare. But the best thing about this gift, by far, was that I have a little reminder of my sister and how much she listens and cares every time I travel. In high school she would give me a "pocket Sheila", which was just a scrap of paper with an encouraging message, when I had tests or presentations or anything I was anxious about. This bag has sort of become my permanent pocket Sheila. I was at my first ever work conference and I was so so nervous about seeming professional and not looking like some kid who doesn't know what she's doing, but taking my makeup and getting ready with that bag, I thought of what she would tell me- that everyone feels like they don't know what they're doing, and whatever happens that day, I'll be fine, and I'll grow from it.
The best gift I've ever received is a jewelry box my Mom had engraved for me for my 18th birthday. The message on it is so sweet and I see it everyday when I'm getting ready.
The best gift I got was a cooking class. I took my Mum along with me and we had the best time learning to cook Italian food, and then enjoying it together over a couple of glasses of wine. Even better, we got to take the recipes home, and now whenever I cook gnocchi or pasta from scratch I always reminisce about the lovely day we had!
My older sister often makes super cute homemade graphic books for my, normally filled with advice before big mile stones. I got one when I turned thirteen, when I first entered high school and just this past year when I started college. I look at them all the time and they mean so much to me.
The best gift I ever got was tickets to see Harry Styles. He’s really my idol and I’ve been following his career since I was 15 (I’m 23 now) I live in Canada and I remember watching him on the X Factor thinking to myself I’ll never get to see him in person, he’ll never come to Canada. Fast forward to One Direction being one of the biggest boy bands in history haha. It was just a great experience I got to share with my sister and it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
The best gift I've ever received was from my brother. It was a plane ticket for Vegas to see Aerosmith this past summer. It was a "boys trip" with my dad and brother and honestly it was an amazing time. They're two of my favorite people on this earth, and I'm so thankful we were able to spend some quality time listening to some awesome music together!
Puppy in the background soo cute. This was fantastic. Got great ideas thankyou.
☆☆☆ The best gift I received at Christmas was my puppy Ebony. I was 13yrs old. Mum had mentioned someone at her work was selling puppies that their dog had had. Mum and Dad had divorced & when I ask mum now what made her decide to buy him, she says she thought that he would help us kids ( my brother and I) through the tough parts of a divorce.
He came on Christmas Eve, he was tiny and dark brown and had that beautiful puppy smell. He wasnt just a dog to me. He sat with me when I studied, when Id cry and he was funny. My brother and I laughed at his funny traits for years. He saw me through high school, dating, my first job and my wedding. Finally saying goodbye when I turned 25. He was and always will be a love of my life and my most precious gift. Xx
Best gift I’ve ever received was from my best friend for Christmas two years ago. At the time I was dealing with a lot of loss and she had told me that my gift was “very practical”. I was expecting socks or something but no- she got me tiaras and sparkly hair pins to make me feel like a princess. It was the mixture of it being so unexpected and also just really fun in kind of a shitty time that made that gift so special. I love my best friend so much!!
My favorite Christmas gift I’ve ever received was my first guinea pig when I was 10. I felt so happy and glad to be able to care for a little fluff ball 😍
The best gift i’ve received was a painting that my aunt made for me 🙌
The best gift I’ve received was my cat, he’s so sweet.
Best gift I've ever received which I don't particularly like to reference as a gift is my dog. His adoption, which the payment if adoption was a gift by a family member has been the best thing to have happened. He's brought so much happiness to my life over the past four years. He was rescued from a puppy mill when he was three months old in the south and brought to NY where we adopted him. He's the happiest, goofy, fun loving dog and I'm incredibly greatful he came into our lives four Christmases ago.
My husband commissioned an artist to paint a portrait of our precious Frenchie. I was completely surprised and every time I walk by it I feel so much joy! It’s truly my most treasured gift to date.
The best gift I ever received was actually a child’s picture book but the effort behind the giving was wild. When I was 18, I was having a conversation with a friend on how my views on death + the afterlife were formed and told them about this book that a librarian read to my class in the 3rd grade. I remembered the plot but not the title or author. This friend spent six months calling book stores and libraries, telling them the plot of this book until someone finally recognized it. He got it for me as my high school graduation gift to guide me into the next chapter of my life. I was floored!
A really close friend of mine hand-made a hammock for me! Literally, he got materials and sewed together a hammock, and it was such an amazing surprise. It’s extra long, my favorite color, and super durable. I love that there is no other hammock like it out there!
On my 30th birthday, my husband gave me a locket necklace with photos of our babies inside. I’ve always suffered from anxiety and panic attacks but ever since I got the locket, holding on to it every time I was feeling on the edge and thinking that my husband who gave it and our kids are always with me has made me felt so much better. I held on to it during flights, dental surgeries, and even a roller coaster ride which I thought I would never ever do but I did. It’s the best gift ever!
The best gift I ever received was from my dad.
Usually my mom shops for all the gifts, and it's pretty obvious, but one year in high school he got me one himself, without even telling my mom about it first.
At the time I wanted to be a film director, and I was really passionate about watching good movies and coming up with ideas for my own, and I really wanted to start a CZcams channel. My parents were skeptical, since it isn't exactly a practical job with reliable income and a clear path to success, but my dad surprised me that Christmas with a really nice video camera that is recommended for film students. It was beautiful- and I could tell just from one look that he had spent a lot on it, and that sort of meant he took me seriously since he'd clearly saved up for it.
I usually don't know how to act when opening presents because I feel awkward with people watching for my reaction, but when I opened the camera I was so overwhelmed that I cried of gratitude, because it meant my dad was supporting my dream- not only that but also that he'd support any dream of mine, no matter how unrealistic.
Before that I always thought he'd rather me be a lawyer (my parents always give me little hints to go be a lawyer) but the camera meant that at the end of the day he just wanted me to be happy and would help me get to my point B.
I actually received the best gift early this year. My boyfriend bought me a live Christmas tree. I know most people wouldn’t think that is a special gift. But it is very special to me. Numerous years I have had an artificial Christmas tree because I have had the fear of burning down my house and never could afford a live tree. I have lived in my house for 11 years and never had a live tree. My boyfriend surprised me on the way home from Friendsgiving and stopped by a Christmas tree lot. I thought we were just going to look at them until I found one I liked and he told the sales person to wrap it up and put it in the car. I was shocked! He eased my worries that he would ensure it was watered and that it would not burn down the house. I haven’t been this excited about Christmas in ages! I even cried a few happy tears. 😍
The best gift I ever received is a very simple braided silver ring. When I was younger my mom gave me a ring that used to be hers. It wasn't anything special or fancy and it was really tiny for some reason so for years I wore it on my knuckle and it reminded me of her when I was stressed or anxious. When I was a junior in college I lost the ring and had a full breakdown because it had been kind of like a security blanket for a long time and I had found it comforting to wear. That year for Christmas my parents gave me a replacement ring exactly like it (but a little bigger so I could actually wear it on my finger lol) and it meant so much to me that they went out of their way to find something to replace it and understood that it was important to me. I still wear it every day and it reminds me of my parents when I'm having a hard time.
I am in a long distance releationship & for my birthday my boyfriend wrote me a handwritten letter & sprayed his cologne on the paper so when I opened it it smelled like him. Hands down the best gift I have ever gotten! The smallest most thoughtful gifts are what mean the most. 🥰
The best gift I’ve ever gotten was a surprise trip to Florida to see my Grandma. I was very young and when my brother and I came downstairs on Christmas morning a large suitcase was one of the presents under the tree. Our parents made us open it last. It was a fully packed suitcase of clothes and 2 plane tickets to Florida for later that same day! It was so much fun and such a surprise. It also started a tradition of going to Florida to see my grandma right after Christmas every year since then.
The best gift I've ever received was a very realistic David Bowie doll made out of felt. My little sister designed the pattern, cut, stuffed, sewed, and painted it for me. ✂️❤️🤩 She gave it to me a month before he passed away. Of the things I own, it's the one I cherish the most.
The best gift I ever received was a necklace with a bee charm on it. My friend's mom gave it to me after my friend passed away. Hannah was always busy in the garden or other outdoor stuff, so every time I wear the necklace I feel like I'm taking Hannah with me. I always wear it to special occasions. Love the video Ingrid 💕
One of the best gifts I ever received was an electric blanket! I love coming home after a long work day getting into the blanket and watching garbage Christmas movies during the holidays.
One of my best friends had a star ⭐️named after me once as a gift!! Most definitely the coolest gift I have ever received. My childhood dream was to be an astronaut, and she had the star named after our favorite show (BBC's Merlin, which was honestly what helped us become friends in the first place) and my name ! So it was just very personal and special, and a really cool surprise! I don't know that any gift will ever be able to top that one. Haha ❤️ happy holidays, Ingrid!
How do you name a star?
I remember when I was in elementary school, I lost one of my favorite toys on the playground and was so upset about it. When my mom later came to pick me up from school that day she had a rose colored bracelet to give me as a gift. It was a total surprise not only that she got me a gift but that she thought about me when she saw that bracelet in a shop. Made my bad day turn into a really good day. :) I love my mom.
the best gift i’ve ever received is a necklace from my boyfriend, i’m not much of a jewelry person, but it was totally unexpected and meant a lot :-)
All these other ones are so sweet & sentimental! I've gotten so many lovely decorative things over the years - I keep everything around to remember the gifters.
The best christmas present I ever got was a tradition that my grandma did for all the grandkids each year until she passed away, she used to give us these incredibly beautiful silver (mine was silver, each child had a different color) spoons, forks, knives (one piece each year from collections she had bought before our oldest cousin was born) that we are supposed to save until we move out on our own and give us a little collection of fancier silverware to have on special events and so on..it was so special cause you felt so special being a part of this little tradition with her and my cousins, definetly the most meaningful and rememberable gift I´ve ever gotten :)
The best present was to have my parents come and spend Christmas with us a couple years ago. We live far away from each other so it was so appreciated and made great souvenirs
When I was little, my parents gifted my sister and I a turquoise trunk with gold hardware. Inside the trunk were dresses my mom purchased at second hand shops, and nestled on top of the dresses were two floral headbands my mom hand made for each of us. I love that we were able to repurpose items that seemingly lost their value. For years after, my sister and I used those dresses whenever we wanted to play pretend that we were princesses, or daring maidens, or whenever we invited our girlfriends over for birthday parties. Playing dress up helped to expand both of our imaginations, and to see worlds beyond the one we lived in, stretching the scope of possibility, which has been a valuable tool in my writing career. I'll always cherish that gift the most.
The best gift I ever received was my high school color guard instructors surprising me in person to see me perform at WGI World Championships. It was my dream to perform with this group I was in but never had friends or family in the audience bc I was living across the country from my whole family. My instructors told me they were watching my prelims performance online but after we finished I was sitting in the stands, they told me to turn around and they were standing a few rows behind me. I will never forget running up the stairs bursting into tears to hug them. It was the most incredible gesture and just wonderful to share my dream with people I love.
The best gift I ever received was a dinner party with my closest friends cooked by my partner. It was so thoughtful, from the dishes he cooked, to the cake he purchased (and designed), to the friends invited 💗 I felt so loved.
Loved all these gift ideas! Okay- the best gift I ever received was a Tiffany necklace with my first initial on it. My little sister gave it to me as a graduation gift 2 years ago. I was going through a rough time nearing graduation and my sister gifted it to me. She works as a barista so i know she worked a lot to get the money to gift me my necklace. I wear it every day and I swear it reminds of how thankful I am to have such a wonderful sister who went above and beyond to make me feel special during a very important time in my life ❤️❤️
The best present I ever received was a mother-daughter trip to Las Vegas. My mom and I have the same birthday, and I happened to turn 21 the same day she turned 50! It was so great to celebrate our milestone birthdays together and have the one-on-one quality time that can sometimes be missed in daily life.
One of my favorite holiday gifts I have received is an electric milk frother. A friend of mine gave it to me while I was in grad school because I love warm milk with my coffee and every morning I get so much pleasure and joy from frothing my milk ☕️ It truly is the gift that keeps giving 💓 Yay for small pleasures.
One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received was a tea kettle and a watch from my boyfriend. It was our first Christmas as a couple and I still look back so fondly at that Christmas. He put both the gifts in a fun reusable bag that had a French Bulldog riding a bike on it because he knew that I love Frenchies!
The top gifts I have ever received are all moreso symbols of love and friendship. The best one I've ever gotten was prayer beads my friend's uncle made when he was a POW from olive pits and a shoelace. It really reminds me of how grateful I am to be able to live comfortable and free and reminds me to value people so much more.
The best Christmas gift I've ever received was my mom visiting me on study abroad in Budapest for Christmas. This was the first Christmas I ever spent away from home, so I was so happy that she was able to visit and we were able to experience a new place and culture together during the holidays. :)
My fave gift I've ever received is a poem written by a friend. We've been online friends for over two years now and have become as close as sisters, but sadly we live very far away from each other and many other factors keep us from meeting any time soon. She loves poetry and she wrote me a poem on what it would feel like to finally meet in person and it warms my heart every time I read it ❤
A really close friend of mine hand-made a hammock for me! Literally, he got materials and sewed together a hammock, and it was such an amazing surprise. It was extra long (11 feet) and I love that there is no other hammock like it out there!
The best gift I have received was my aunt's vintage clutch. It is navy blue, very structured with a gold chain. It was her favorite from when she was a teenager and she took such care of it that even today it looks brand new. I love it so much, it is beautiful and I love having something that my aunt loved so much.
I’m about to have my first baby and I feel like this Christmas is going to be the best one yet because he is going to be here 🤰
Aww congratulations! That is so so exciting
hard to narrow down but one of the best gifts i've ever received was my parents paying for my college tuition. people may think it is normal to have things like this given to them but it is a blessing not having to graduate with any student loans/debt! & love you Ingrid !!!