By: Rhiannon Cook 

     It is the most wonderful time of the year… and the most stressful, some might say! The beloved holiday of Christmas is fast approaching, and, along with the cozy enjoyment that most feel around this time of year, is the concern about finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. This stress can take some of the pleasure out of the season, so The Squire took it upon ourselves to help find the most popular gifts this holiday season of 2023, and to provide some gift finding and giving tips. 

     We will start by listing some of the gifts that have been most popular this year, including some general and some more specific. In general, items such as tote bags, slippers, candles, earbuds, and beauty products, such as hair care and lip masks, have been quite trendy in the world of gift-giving this year. According to RollingStone.com, here are some of the hottest gifts that have been most loved by the internet, celebrities, and normal people alike: 

1. Carhartt Tonal Patch Beanie 

Carhartt has been a popular brand for quite some time, including beanies and jackets with their signature symbol being well loved and a variety of outdoor gear produced by Carhartt as well. This year, people have been loving the new line of colourful beanies that are said to be very cozy and soft, and are nice and stretchy for a comfortable fit on anyone’s head. They are available on Carhartt’s online store for $24.99, or on Amazon for $32.00. 

2. UGG Tazz Slippers 

UGG is also a well-known brand that has carried boots and shoes adored by many in recent years. UGG Tazz Slippers seem to be taking the spotlight this year, and are a perfect option for a gift this cold holiday season. The slippers can be found on the UGG’s online store starting at $130.00, or on Amazon for $199.95. 

3. I am Kenough Hoodie 

The Barbie Movie was all the rage over the summer, so of course the iconic I am Kenough Hoodie is a popular item to buy, for yourself or to gift to someone else. The hoodie can be purchased on MattelCreations.com for a price starting at $60.00, or a very similar product that honors the original design can be found on Amazon for around $17.99. 

4. Checkered Throw Knit Blanket 

Being cozy seems to be a common theme in gifts this season, and understandably so, you can always get more comfortable for the holidays. So, following this theme, is the classic gift of a blanket. Featuring a checkerboard design, these blankets have been quite popular among influencers and anyone looking to stay warm in cute fashion. A blanket like such can be bought on Amazon for $39.99. 

5. Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler 

This may not come as a surprise that the viral Stanley cup is of course on this list as one of the most popular gifts of 2023. Specially shaped to fit in awkward cup holders and big enough to carry all the water you could want during the day; this drink carrier has many features that have earned it its fame. Amazon has these tumblers in a variety of colours for $35.00. 

     To impart some experienced gifting knowledge, The Squire interviewed Mrs. Criswell, Eisenhower Middle High School’s lovely Family Consumer Science teacher, as she shared information about her habits and tactics when it comes to planning, shopping for, and presenting gifts, and she delivered with plenty of helpful insight. 

     When it comes to our friends and family, as close as we are to them, it can still feel hard to find the perfect gift or the one we think they will like the most. If this dilemma occurs, and you are already out of time to find or think of something, its okay to go with something simple that you know they’ll enjoy. “I find that most people enjoy gifts that are cozy,” explains Criswell. “Think nice blankets, candles, lotions, etc… Food is also fun! Things like coffees, teas, cookies, or even a variety of hot sauces!” There are always general gifts that work for everyone.  

     Of course, you will want to avoid the concern of not having enough time to find gifts, so there are ways to be an active gift-buyer, and make sure you have everything ready when the holidays come around. Criswell says she likes to start by at least Thanksgiving, although most of the shopping usually gets done throughout the entire month of December. It is important to consider the relevancy of something that a person wants, though. “I prefer to not start shopping much before the middle of November, so that I make sure I get the things they actually want. My children, especially, change their mind a lot before settling on what they really want,” Criswell shares as an important point. It is still a clever idea to collect ideas throughout the entire year, so you have options to work with. Try keeping a list in your Notes app, or in a personal notebook, of things you hear your loved ones talking about. 

     Sometimes there is a debate on whether it is better to wrap or bag a gift. When it comes down to it, it really depends on the person. Criswell shares her opinion on the matter, saying, “I prefer to wrap – and I think it is fun to unwrap a gift! … I suppose that wrapping is also cheaper than bagging gifts. That being said, wrapping definitely takes longer,” Criswell states. Wrapped gifts are iconic, and bags can be just a pretty and festive. In all honesty, it shouldn’t matter which way a gift is presented, as long as it is given with love.  

     You probably do not want the gifts to be too cheap, but you also likely do not have endless amounts of money to spend on gift buying. You can consider budgeting for gifts, specifically. Criswell says she has big family to buy presents for, so she sets aside a certain amount of money throughout the year to use during the season – that way you aren’t scrambling to get money together to pay for everything all at once, if you have some in reserve for this particular purpose. But, keep in mind, it is really the thought that counts. “Thoughtful gifts are the absolute best,” reminds Criswell. “Try not to focus too much on the amount of money you spend as much as you focus on the thought you put into it! The best gifts are the ones that make you feel special and loved!” 

     If gifting has been a struggle this season, The Squire hopes that this article helped you figure some things out or gave you some promising ideas. Remember that a gift does not always have to be something big or even physical – just enjoy the holidays and spend time with your loved ones. That is sure to feel like a gift to you and to them. The Squire wishes everyone a Happy Holidays!