When it comes to finding gifts for your family, loved ones and people you’re trying to impress, it can be nothing short of stressful when you don’t know where to start. That’s why I prefer being handed gift wishlists because 1) I’m lazy 2) I once had a relative burst into tears when they opened a gift and it was not what they expected. It was not fun. But you live and you learn and what better way to share some of what I’ve learnt (tears and all ) over the years with a gift guide to spark some ideas, and cut down some of those hours you’re probably spending frantically wondering if it’s appropriate to give your mother ankara fabric for the third year in a row (It is. Different print maybe?). Personally, I feel like buying gifts should be fun and not an anxiety-riddled experience. To take some of that pressure off and to relax your nerves, keep on scrolling for some ideas. I can’t promise that these won’t induce tears but I can promise that they will be tears of joy!
The New Boss You’re Trying to Impress
So you’ve just landed a new job and Christmas is around the corner. You’ve had a long think (probably way too much time seeing as you still have deadlines to meet) about what to get your boss. You’re burnt out and need a quick, easy gift that sends the right message. Standing out amongst the numerous hampers stocked with teas and non-alcoholic wines that you expect your boss to receive is a plus. Say no more. The Déké Living Candle (my fav is the Pink Champagne) is a good way to show off your attention to detail. It’s a hand-poured soy wax candle with three wicks and crystals. According to the website, it smells amazing and has a burn time of approximately 50 hours which also shows that you’re here for both a long time and a good time. Perfect.
The Dad Who Recently Retired and Can Finally Read As Much As He Wants
Your dad loves books. LOVES THEM. But he hasn’t had enough time to read because he’s been working long hours at the office. Luckily for him, he’s just retired and has more free time than he’s ever had to catch up on all the books he’s been eyeing. What better Christmas gift to get than a book? You know just any book won’t cut it and need a real page-turner. Might we suggest Abdulrazak Gurnah’s latest book Afterlives? Set in German East Africa (modern-day Tanzania) the book spans the years preceding and during the first world war when East Africa was colonised by the Germans and British. Following the lives of several characters whose lives are intertwined, Gurnah showcases the hope, despair and lingering effects of colonialism.
The Best Friend Who Recently Ended a Relationship
Let’s face it: streets are cold. You know it, Instablog9ja knows it, your best friend knows it. We all know it. Going through a breakup during the holiday season can be tough. It’s a time for Mariah Carey Christmas songs, eating ‘til you can’t fit into your jeans again and joy! Lots and lots of joy. But joy do cometh in different forms and sure your best friend’s relationship ended but that shouldn’t mean her pleasure needs to go out of the window. Sometimes all you really want to do is sit at home with your fresh sheets, glass of wine on your nightstand and have a nice orgasm. Partner or not, the body wants what the body wants. So what better gift to your newly single best friend than a drama-free, charged up device to keep the body tingling and toes curling? I’m not going to lie, gifting vibrators can be tricky- we all have different tastes, needs and likes, but you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ magic wand. When gifting, please make sure to leave a little note on the wrapped box to be opened alone to avoid… um… awkward family stares around the Christmas tree.
The Younger Cousin Who’s Trying to Graduate From Using Body Soap to Wash Their Face
Skincare is one of those Christmas gifts that I feel can either go reallyyy well or reallyyy bad. No in-betweens. I think it’s because skincare is such a personal journey and involves a lot of testing and trying out. If I had to suggest a gift idea for that younger cousin that’s trying to upgrade her skincare routine from just soap and water, I would suggest the M Skin Glow Set. Hear me out. M Skin describes their products as ‘clean, concentrated and conscious’ and that’s exactly what they do. Perfect for any newbie into the skincare game. The M Skin Glow Set includes a Glow Cure Cleanser, Glow Surge Toner, Glow Forever Oil, Glow Bomb Body Oil and a Glow Beauty Bag to store up all your products! Each product is supercharged with nourishing ingredients that hydrate rather than strip away your skin barrier, leaving you looking supple and glowy af. Your future is bright with this set. Which is exactly the sort of messaging you want your younger cousin to take along with her.
The Mum Who’s Tired of Getting Ankara fabric and Likes Jewelry
Yea we know we said it was ok to get your mum ankara fabric the third year in a row (but in a different fabric) but she is tired. We would be too tbh. So why not switch it up a bit and surprise her with something she actually wants. RAENNA is a Nigerian jewellery brand that specialises in stylish pieces dripped in gold and bronze hues. Her jewellery is a contemporary take on classic pieces and mixes different materials and stones together to create a unique twist. The bangle is a standout piece, guaranteed to have your mum swooning. Please get this for your mum. Ditch the ankara this year dear.