Girlfriend’s Gifting Guide

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Happiest Holidays! If you’re anything like me, it feels like we wait around all year until it’s finally time to put up Christmas decorations, make cookies for no reason, and blast Christmas music.

I LOVE the holidays. One of the main reasons why I love them so much, is because I think gift giving is my love language. While opening a present or a gift for myself might make me break out in hives, finding the perfect gift for someone I love brings me so much joy. Brainstorming new ideas for friends and family can be challenging, especially when you are trying your best to find something that someone will really use or enjoy! I’m here to tell you that no matter what you gift someone, I can promise you they will love it. It truly is the thought that counts! If you feel stuck, and don’t know what to get a friend or family member, hopefully these ideas will help.

Or honestly, if your friend is a new momma like me, the gift of a cup of warm coffee, a glass of wine, and a good night’s sleep would be my favorite gift of the year!

Your Momma Friend

MAMA Sweatshirt

Cozy and comfortable is the name of the game for any mom! This sweatshirt from Etsy is one of my favorites. Plus, you can go the extra mile and personalize it for your loved one! Shop Here

-Picture Frame with a picture of her kids

Grab a cute frame from Target and scroll through your friend’s social media pages to find a favorite picture of her little ones! I know I could stare at my little man all day. So bring on all the pictures!

-Mini Photoshoot with her kiddos

We are lucky to have some amazing photographers in the Toledo Area. Many photographers are offering mini sessions, or gifting options for their sessions. A few of my personal favorites are Jenna Knott Photo, Viridian Ivy Images, and Amanda Rahe Photography. Make sure to check out the NW Ohio Mom’s Guide to photographers for some other local suggestions.

Your Homebody Friend

-A new cozy blanket

Ohio can be CHILLY. Blankets are always a welcomed gift! You can splurge and go for the barefoot dreams blankets or roll up a cute Target throw. Think- the softer the better!

-House Slippers

While I am not really a sock girl, house slippers are my jam. Here are my favorites! Plus, they are on sale!

-Candles & Facemasks

Gift a friend a spa night IN! A warm candle (wood wick cracking ones are my favorite!), a facemask, a good hand lotion, lip scrub, and other spa goodies all thrown in a basket creates an intentional and relaxing gift. I usually find all of the above at Target, but I pick up local finds whenever I can!

Your Coffee Lover Friend

-A New Coffee Mug

You can never have too many mugs! Local Toledo shops always have great coffee mug options. I have found a few of my favorites at Bartz Viviano or Rifle Paper Co. mugs can be found at Angel 101 or Nothing Bundt Cakes!

-Coffee Spoon Stirrers

For your coffee lover friend that has it all, these little spoons can up your friend’s coffee game. They are packaged super cute and are definitely unique! Shop Here

-Gift Card and Fresh Coffee Beans from a Local Shop

Allow your friend to try out a new local coffee shop! It is always an easy gift to pair a gift card with a locally roasted bag of coffee beans. Some of my favorite coffee shops are Maddie & Bella (Downtown & Perrysburg), SIP Coffee (West Toledo), and The Flying Joe (Perrysburg).

Your Planner Friend

-Personalized Stationary/Notepad

This is probably my #1 go-to gift for everyone! I have found the best woman-owned business of Etsy. The designs are the cutest and the delivery is fast! I typically pair a lined notepad, with a stationary set. If you want to go above and beyond, you can also add a self-inking address stamp to the gift. This is useful, unique, and personalized!

Shop Here    Shop Here

-Stoney Clover Pouch

Okay this one is a major splurge, but so worth it! I am obsessed with being organized. Stoney Clover has anything from duffle bags to large and small pouches. I know many who use these for travel, but they also help me keep organized at home! The patch options are adorable, and the quality of the bags are top notch.

-2023 Planner

Grab a cute 2023 planner, a set of pens, and tie it with a ribbon! You can’t go wrong setting your loved one up for a great (and organized) year ahead!

Your Wino Friend

-Cute Wine Glass Set

HomeGoods, Target, and Anthropologie are all options of places to find cute wine glasses! Try to find something that would either match their home, or maybe the shape or color is unique! Here is a set from Anthropologie that I love.

-Bottle of their favorite Wine

You can never go wrong gifting a bottle of wine! The Bottle Shop (Sylvania) carries an amazing assortment of great wines. They also will be able to help you find one that may fit you or your loved one’s taste! They are very knowledgeable and it’s great to learn and buy from their local company!

-A Girls Night Out

Whether you meet up at a local bar, or host a night at your house, a girls night is always appreciated by a wine lover! Maybe plan a wine tasting night at your home where everyone rates their favorite wines! How fun!

Your Active Friend

-The Stanley Cup

This brand is all the rage with social media influencers! I fell into the trap and bought one…. And ugh I actually love it. It keeps things super cold, doesn’t leak,fits in a cup holder, has a handle, and the colors are crazy cute! When I gift this, I love to fill it with Dove Dark Chocolates and tie a bow on the handle! Get One Here

-A Workout Date

Toledo has some amazing fitness studios that would be great for a little workout date with your friend! From strength training options like Renegade Fitness (Sylvania), to Barre classes at Pure Barre (West Toledo & Perrysburg), the options are endless. Anyone who loves to workout would love the opportunity to do one of their favorite workouts with a loved one! NW Ohio Moms Fitness Guide

-A New Workout Top

Alo Yoga, Lululemon, Free People and Amazon All are great options when it comes to shirts, tanks, and bras to work out in! My personal favorite is the Align tank at Lululemon.

Your Foodie Friend

-Homemade Vanilla Extract

I did this last year for family members and it was such a hit! Follow these instructions to make yours. It was such an easy handmade gift. I got the idea from a influencer online, and copied her instructions to a T! I am still using my jar of vanilla a year later and its way better than the stuff bought at a store!

-Gift Card to a local Favorite Restaurant

A gift card to a local restaurant and plans to go out for a night! This is a great gift for a friend that loves experiences and quality time. My go-to restaurant for a night out is either Benchmark (Perrysburg), Inside the Five (Sylvania & Perrysburg), Rosaria’s on Third (Perrysburg), Ciao (Sylvania), or the Village Idiot (Maumee).

-Personalized Charcuterie Board

There are some awesome local wood workers here in the Toledo area that can make personalized charcuterie boards for your food lover friends! These are great to display in their home, as well as use when hosting. If you’re struggling to find a local option, crate & barrel has one I love!

Just Remember. No matter what you choose, it is the thought behind it that counts. Your  mom friends especially will know that in the midst of the holiday hustle, if you took the time to gift them something, that you truly care about them.

Author Bio: Taylor Carter (along with her husband Jonah) welcomed their first born Brooks in September 2022. Taylor and her mother are a true mother/daughter team, owning two local Nothing Bundt Cakes located in Sylvania and Perrysburg. Graduate of Sylvania Southview, Taylor has remained in the Sylvania area where she stays involved in the local chamber and community events. Before she was leading a team in her business, she was leading the Ottawa Hills Dance squad. @tayrcarter

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