Coworker? Neighbour? Distant Cousin? Perfect Gifts for When You Don’t Know Them Very Well
December 10 | 4 minute read
Words by Izzy Wight
There’s a certain set of charming, albeit socially awkward events that come with the holidays – like meeting your brother’s girlfriend for the first time, making small talk with a distant interstate cousin or trying to find a Kris Kringle gift for the coworker you’ve never formally met.
In the season of giving, it’s important to have a tried-and-trusted reserve of gifts that are both delightful and vague – crowd-pleasing presents for strangers and hard-to-buy-for friends. Read on for a curated list of ideas everyone will love (and no, it doesn’t include socks).
A Selection of Stocking-Fillers
If you don’t know a person very well, it’s best to go non-committal (this applies to relationships and holiday gifts!). Rather than banking on one big present, a curated bundle of little luxuries gives you more chances to nail it, while still feeling thoughtful. For instance, we can assume almost everyone enjoys having hydrated lips, soft hands and glowing skin. Fill a gift box (or MECCA bag) with beauty essentials you know they’ll use: like a pair of Glossier’s beloved Balm Dotcoms, a small-but-mighty skincare set from Glow Recipe and a nourishing kit: hand cream, all wrapped up for the holidays.
The Makeup Greats
Do they wear makeup, or express a desire to? If the answer is yes (even a tentative one), start with a set of minis, curated to suit their beauty bag. If you’ve only ever seen them wear minimal makeup, the MECCA MAX Pinch-Me Moment Off Duty Blush Stick Duo is a safe bet – they can swipe each shade on solo or blend them together with their fingers for a just-back-from-the-beach flush.
If they’re partial to sparkles (or shimmer – there’s a difference!), the Max Moments 12-Piece Beauty Advent Calendar is every makeup lover’s dream. After unboxing each of the 12 mini surprises, they’ll be left with everything they need for an effortless holiday-party look.
Scents for Their Space
A Little Indulgence
Foot care is having a moment, and not just because it’s sandal season. Mesh ballet flats are everywhere, toe shoes are on the rise, and celebrities are opting to go sans heels entirely on the carpet. So, while you may not consider a foot file and lotion to be a fun, festive gift, this set from Soap & Glory is very much on trend. For a satisfying at-home pedicure experience, all they need is a small amount of the rose-and-peach scented cream and a quick scrub with the accompanying pink buffer. Combined, the pair will leave them with soft, hydrated heels and toes – and there’s a matching hand cream to go with.
If you know a stressed-out mum or a desk-mate on a deadline, indulgent shower products are always a kind gesture. Aptly named the Smooth & Glow Bum Bum Body Routine, this set of Sol de Janeiro icons will leave them radiant, hydrated and smelling like everyone’s favourite pistachio-caramel scent.
