You Might Like: Never-Fail, Good-in-a-Pinch Gift Recommendations

This time of year, the pressure to shop and overspend comes from every corner of the internet. So if it feels like the last thing you need is another gift guide, we get it. But this isn’t like other gift guides. For starters, not a single recommendation comes from a billionaire-owned e-commerce site or a big box store.

Instead, we asked The Persistent’s contributors for their go-to "guaranteed-to-love-it" gift ideas that work for everyone. (Other than gifting The Persistent of course. 🎁) What we got was a delightful collection of suggestions including craft kits, hipster air fresheners, tins of lip balm, home-made food gifts, fancy chocolates and more.

Enjoy!

Skip the advent calendar (too much packaging) and Christmas-themed anything: Just go for good old-fashioned multicolor truffle boxes from Christopher Elbow chocolates. They're beautiful and tasty, and everyone oohs and ahs over them. 
— E.B. Boyd, contributing writer

My kids have enough toys, but no matter how much I push experience gifts, family members inevitably want to buy something tangible. That's when I suggest a kiwico crate. Each kit offers a creative science, engineering, art, and even a geography activity for all ages from babies to adults. The kits keep my kids busy and learning for at least an hour or two and I enjoy doing them, too. 
— Kathleen Davis, executive editor 

I make my own salad dressings and healthy dips and pack them in personalized bottles. 
— Rupam Jain, contributing writer

These days, going out to restaurants is such a pricey treat for most people. That's why I like to get the younger people in my life (nephews, step kids) gift cards to trendy eateries wherever they live, so they can eat and drink well without worrying about the bill. I find that the sites Eater and The Infatuation have great recommendations at all price points in most major cities.
— Paula Derrow, features editor

I can’t get enough of Emma Bridgewater’s whimsical, made-in-the-U.K. mugs. Personalize one of her hand-painted mugs for an utterly indulgent, utterly charming and utterly one-of-a-kind gift. If your intended recipient is the type of person who already has everything—including a giant collection of mugs—gift them an Emma Bridgewater mug in miniature: too small to drink tea from; perfect to hang on the tree.
— Francesca Donner, editor-in-chief

Everyone needs a good lip balm, especially in winter. The packaging on this one, from Labour and Wait is beautiful and neutral. I also love the Burt's Bees miracle balm. Let's face it: Anything that comes in a tiny tin is excellent. Even easier: Last year, a friend gave me a subscription to my favorite Substack, Maybe Baby, and it's been the greatest gift!
— Karolin Schnoor, illustrator 

Who wouldn't love a hipster car air freshener?
— Gabriella Griffith, contributing writer

Can I plug my own product?! My 'Independent Bookstores of Brooklyn' 2026 calendar has been a big hit for gifting so far! 
— Cat Willett, illustrator

I love giving things that I secretly want someone to buy for me but that feel too "gift-y" to actually buy for myself, like this reed diffuser. A local shop sells a full range of these and the scents are subtle and beautiful. I also love that they are more decorative than the "sticks in a jar" look of most diffusers. They look equally at home in an entryway, office, on a bedside table, or in a bathroom. How many gifts fit that category?
— Molly Dickens, contributing writer

Made with primarily recycled materials and available in a myriad of shapes and designs, Baggu bags are designed for everyone. Bonus points for finding a local small business that sells them!
– Han Goldstein, social media editor

What are you gifting this year? Send your recommendations to hello@persistent.com. We’ll be back with more recommendations next Friday!