Grocery Store Gift Guide

At this point in the holiday season influencers and bloggers alike are creating gift guilds for every person and price point imageable. While I can appreciate the effort put into those guides, inevitably, I will find myself standing in a grocery store scrambling to find a last-minute gift. If someone was forgotten on your gift list, I’ve created some gift ideas that can easily be found in your local grocery store.

Gift Cards

I know what you’re thinking, “Wow Karissa, you really put thought into this idea“. Hear me out. I am a big fan of gift cards, especially if it’s for a store I shop at often. Last year I received a gift card for J. Crew from Aaron’s mom. This removed the stress of hunting down the perfect gift and allowed me to find something I truly loved! I waited for the “after Christmas sales” to start, I picked out items I liked and was able to stretch my gift card dollar so much further.

A gift card everyone would love to receive (and definitely use) is a grocery store gift card. For many of us this year, the grocery store was our only place of normalcy. Sourdough starters, banana bread, and exploring how to cooking from home was (and is) my favorite pastime from this year. Gifting a meal or covering a week’s worth of groceries would be a welcomed and thoughtful gift for anyone this holiday season.

Lastly, gift cards are easy to mail. Many people will not be traveling this holiday season to see friends and family, choosing instead to have socially distance celebrations. A great way to wish those you love happy holidays is by sending a card letting them know you are thinking about them. If you’re a DIYer, break out the craft paper and glitter and spend an evening making handmade cards. If crafting isn’t your thing or time isn’t on your side, head to the grocery store and spend some time picking out a funny hallmark card to sandwich around the gift card of your choosing. Whether received by mail or in-person a thoughtful card is sure to bring a smile to the face of your friend or loved one.

The Gift of Food

We all have favorite foods and drinks that seem indulgent. This could be triple chocolate ice cream, a bottle of wine, or a perfectly marbled stake. A collection of favorite foods nicely presented in a basket is a great gift idea.

• For the Coffee Lover – Buy their favorite type of coffee: espresso, dark roast, blond, etc. For an added touch, add a coffee cup or travel mug to round out the gift.
• For the Wine Lover – Pick a nice bottle of wine; red, white, or champagne. You can find some really excellent bottles of wine for $20 or less, and while you’re at it, toss in a wine stopper for a nice touch. If the person on your list isn’t in to wine, substitute this idea for their ideal drink of choice. I personally love the holiday gift sets liquor brands come up with during this time of year. Not only do you get the alcohol, but also branded glassware or an additional accessory to use year round.
• Charcuterie Board – Warning, some assembly required! But the hard work pays off. If done right, the end result will look and taste awesome! Building the charcuterie board starts with the serving board. In this case, the board is more than just a vessel, it’s a part of the gift that’s will be functional for years to come. So a nice cutting board or serving plate is the way to go. Be creative with the assortment of snack foods to place on top. The basic pairings are usually a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruit (like grapes or strawberries), crackers, and pretzels. Instead of a traditional charcuterie board, an alternate idea could be centered around candy; mixing gummies, chocolates, sour candy, and seasonal favorites all on one board.
• For our Furry Friends – This year many people adopted pets for companionship during quarantine. A new squeaker toy to annoy their human is the gift that keeps on giving and tasty treats will keep tails wagging into the new year.

Small Gifts

The great thing about small gifts is they don’t have to cost a lot to make an impression. My go to small gift for this year would be a pack of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and soap (so on brand for 2020). If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, here are a few ideas you may be able to find at your local grocery store.

• Flowers & Plants – If the person on your list has a green thumb, consider gifting a plant. Grocery stores are stocked with rosemary shaped Christmas trees, Christmas cactus, poinsettias, and succulents.
• Oil Diffuser – Give the gift of a fresh smelling house; the new trendy way to freshen a home is with a oil diffuser. Add a relaxing lavender or zesty orange oil to start their diffusing collection.
• Handmade Soaps/ Bath Bombs – Handcraft soaps always add a nice touch to any wash basin. Encourage those you love to wash their hands with a unique soap. Some grocery stores have a small section of specialty soaps, maybe even made locally; purchase a few bars of soap and a drying trivet for a complete sanitation station.
• Print & Frame Pictures – If you love taking pictures as much as I do, I’m sure their are pictures on your phone worth printing. Find a picture frame and print a photo of you both. Every time they look at the photo they will be remined of the fun experience you shared together.

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Remember, it’s not the gifts that matter. If 2020 has taught us anything, quality time with those we love and our health are the things that really matter. Gift giving can be overwhelming during this time of year, the simple and more practical gifts are truly the best.

What’s on your Holiday Wishlist this year?

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