Holiday gift-giving giving you stress? This 2019 Holiday Buying Guide will hopefully ease some of your shopping woes and make the season merrier for all.
The holidays can be stressful for anyone, and while presents are only a small part of what makes this time of year wonderful, finding the right ones can take up more time than we can spare.
I put together this holiday buying guide after culling through many, many lists online, as well as asking my favorite people (young and not so young) what they’d like to see under the tree or at a gift exchange.
I divided them into basic categories to help you skip to the list that best meets your needs. But if you have a minute, scan through the whole holiday buying guide. You never know, your industrious six-year-old might love something that was originally marketed for hobby-loving teenagers.
You’ll notice this holiday buying guide is heavy on toys that teach and books that encourage thoughtful reading. When it comes to Christmas, there’s no reason why fun can’t further education. 🙂
Ok, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I hope this Holiday Buying Guide saves you time, money, and stress this season and you can focus on the important stuff… no, not the cookies. The other important stuff.
2019 Holiday Buying Guide
[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]
Holiday Buying Guide for… Men
Magnetic Wristband for Holding Screws
$26.99
If the guy in your life loves to tinker and fix things, but maybe has trouble keeping track of those pesky screws, this is the perfect gift for him.
Caséta Wireless Smart Dimmer Switch Kit
$99.95
For the gadget lover in your house, these smart plugs connect him to everything from the lights to his Amazon Alexa. A great gift for someone who likes to have things at the touch of a button.
i-Fly Indoor Skydiving Lessons
$89.95 (price varies by location)
Sometimes the best presents can’t fit under the Christmas tree. This is a great gift for someone who prefers experiences to gifts and wants to feed their inner adrenaline junkie.
Cooling Pint Glasses
$17.97
Putting glasses in the freezer works, but this is better. These double-walled, insulated pint glasses keep your drinks at optimal temperature from start to finish. Great for the drink connoisseur in your family. Pack of 2.
MasterClass Course
$90 and up (price varies by class)
I love the idea of gifting the perfect experience, and these masterclasses will give your guy a chance to learn from the pros. There’s even an all-access pass for $180.
Weber Portable Charcoal Grill
$54.99
Grilling on the go. Perfect for anyone who wants to take their cooking with them, whether it’s camping or tailgating. Compact, lightweight, easy to clean, and can easily retain and control heat. The family grillmaster will love it.
The Good Hurt Fuego: Hot Sauce Sampler
$34.99
Does your guy like heat? These seven eye-watering hot sauces, from mild Garlic Herb to five-alarm-fire Ghost Pepper, will give him plenty of spice to experiment with.
Tile Pro Finder Combo
$36.00
Perfect for your forgetful other half. These little squares can be placed on his valuables, so if they get misplaced, he can track them with his smartphone. Pack of 2.
USB Charger Station
$17.99
Perfect for your gadget guy. He can take it to the office or leave it in the bedroom, but this charging station can handle six devices at once.
Smartphone Camera Lens Set
$13.99
Why not up his camera photography game? These lenses clip on easily to any phone brand or model, and include a super-wide angle lens, a fisheye lens, and a macro lens.
Morse Code Bracelet
$33.99
If he’s not into jewelry, but you want to get him something nice, this Morse code-engraved bracelet will be a subtle compromise. Choose a personalized message—just between the two of you.
Wireless Bluetooth Hat
$18.99
This is a great gift for anyone who liked to run, work, or do anything to music. This beanie has built-in speakers to stream music and phone calls. It’s also washable (speakers can be removed)!
Holiday Buying Guide for… Women
One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler
$36.99
Perfect for the busy woman in your life. This Revlon hair tool will dry and style, giving her salon-worthy hair, in a fraction of the time it usually takes.
Out to Lunch Tote
$30.00
This super cute Kate Spade tote is a great gift for any lady looking to eat out less (hello, New Year’s Resolutions) and who needs an insulated bag to carry her meals.
Deep Cleaning Session
$95.00 (prices vary by location)
As a busy mom, all I want is for someone else to do the cleaning. Amazon will send cleaners to your house and make it sparkle. Great gift for anyone who needs a day off from housework!
Bath Bomb Gift Set
$26.80
While she’s taking a break from cleaning, maybe she can enjoy these bath bombs. Handmade with delicious scents like black raspberry vanilla and lemongrass green tea, this is a great gift for anyone who needs to relax and unplug for a while.
Coffee Mug and Warmer Set
$39.99
I know, it’s a little pricey for a mug, but this little guy will keep her drink at the perfect temperature as it sits on its matching digital warmer plate. As someone who spends way too much time microwaving forgotten coffee, this is a life saver.
Essential Oil Diffuser
$25.99
It’s cold season, so break out the diffuser. Whether she’s adding essential oils to boost the immune system or to relax and sleep, this adorable diffuser with night lamp (in 7 colors) will do the trick.
Q&A for Moms: A 5-Year Journal
$13.00
This is a great mom gift because let’s face it, journaling is hard when we’re barely finding time to shower. So, grab this journal that will help her capture the moments with easy prompts. She’ll thank you for it.
YnM Weighted Blanket
$71.00
I honestly couldn’t sleep without mine. This one is well-rated and perfect for anyone who deals with anxiety or sensory issues, and needs a good night’s sleep.
Birthstone Necklace
$35.90
Whether you’re getting this for your wife or your mom, she’ll love wearing this beautiful reminder of her children. Just choose the birthstones and the initials to be engraved.
Variety Pack of Mini Succulents
$39.99
Indulge her green thumb with this collection of 20 different live succulents. Perfect for the woman who likes to decorate with nature.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Tweens & Teens
Stick-On Phone Pocket
$6.98
This quick and easy phone pocket sticks right on your teen’s phone so they won’t forget the important stuff, you know, like their ID, cash, and keys. Pack of 2.
20-Piece Barrette Set
$13.89
These throwbacks are trendy again, so grab this awesome assortment for the teen in your life.
Roku Express+ HD Streaming Media Player
$37.00
This streaming device is a great gift for any teen, allowing them to watch all their favorites at a reasonable price. Roku is also known for easy setup and fast loading times.
Customized Drinking Tumblers
$20.95
Teach your teen to skip the disposable water bottles by gifting this personalized tumbler. Great for those on the go, with lots of colors and styles to choose from.
100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster
$15.97
This is the perfect gift for the movie buff in your life. Gift them this poster and challenge them to see 100 of the top movies of all time.
PowerCore External Battery Power Bank
$27.99
This power bank makes a great gift since teens certainly know how to drain a cell phone battery. This will keep them in touch and powered up even on the go.
DIY Lip Balm Kit
$35.95
These kits make great gifts. Including recipes, cocoa butter, beeswax, and essential oils, your teen will love making her own personal lip balm.
Makeup Brush Cleaner Pad
$10.99
Makeup brushes can get dirty and cleaning them can be a pain. But this silicone mat makes the job nice and easy. Your teen, and her skin, will thank you. Set of 2.
Wireless In-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter
$16.99
This gift is perfect for the teen whose car doesn’t have the latest and greatest technology. Update their stereo system with this Bluetooth adapter so they can listen to their favorites right off their phone.
Powercore+ Mobile Charger
$21.99
Keeping a teen’s phone charged is no easy task, but this stylish portable charger is up to the job. Lipstick-sized makes it easy to carry on the go.
Rainbow Hurricane Candleholder
$29.95
This glass lamp makes a fun gift for any teen. They’ll love how it reflects rainbow light with a burning candle throughout their room.
Night Light Bluetooth Speaker
$19.99
Your teen may think they’re too old for night lights, but not this one. Touch-activated with voice prompts, it also flashes five different colors.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Bigger Kids (upper elementary)
Compliment Pencil Set
$10.65
This is such a cute gift. Each of the ten pencils in this pack is engraved with an inspirational message to brighten their day and boost their confidence. 10 pack.
Moon Lamp
$18.95
Perfect for the bedtime reader in the family. This light can sit on a nightstand or dresser, but casts a glow that will light up the room. Lights up in 16 different colors.
Custom Journal
$19.95
This gift will make her feel special every time she opens it. A customizable journal with multiple colors, you can have her nickname or a special message printed on it. 80 lined pages.
How to Code: A Step-By-Step Guide to Computer Coding
$9.13
If your child is interested in coding, this step-by-step guide will introduce HTML, Python, and JavaScript. School might be on vacation, but that doesn’t mean learning is.
Mermaid Tail Blanket
$17.99
This plush mermaid tail blanket will win the heart of any little girl. She can cozy up on the couch with it or bring it to bed on those cold winter nights—and dream of swimming in the deep.
Smiley Face Pancake Pan
$23.95
For the aspiring cook in the family. This smiley skillet is the perfect thing to get your child downstairs and making breakfast for the whole family. Has 7 different emoji faces.
Fidget Toys Variety Pack
$12.99
This is a great gift if you have kids that get overstimulated. These nine calming sensory toys include water beads, putty, and fidget rings. My son loves them.
Creative Construction Building Toy Set
$24.97
Kids love building and this set has over 160 pieces and booklets to use as examples. Or just let them create! Great for the future engineer in your home.
Smart Sand Set
$19.97
It’s not the season for the beach, but kids can get in the spirit with this moldable smart sand. Great for creative kids that enjoy creating freely. Comes with molds, tools, and 5 pounds of sand.
Magnetic Tiles Building Set
$33.99
Perfect gift for any age. These magnetic tiles can mix and match with other sets and can be used to build whatever their heart desires. 133 pieces of fun.
Weighted Blanket for Kids
$50.19
You didn’t think these were just for adults, did you? Two of my children have them and find them so relaxing. Comes in various sizes, colors, and weights (rule of thumb: blanket should be 10% of the child’s weight).
TheraPutty Set
$14.89
This makes a great gift for any child, but especially those who need to constantly move. With different strengths, they can pick the one they like and squish it, mold it, and stretch it when they need to sit still. My kids (and I) highly recommend this stuff.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Younger Kids (lower elementary) & Toddlers
Camping Playset
$25.49
Kids love to pretend, and this camping set is great for letting them enjoy the great outdoors, even it’s only from your living room.
VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set
$14.49
Perfect for little ones who are always banging on your pots and pans. This drum set will give them a fun outlet for their musical aspirations.
Kids Rechargeable Camera
$38.99
If you have a child that is always trying to use your camera and loves their own pictures, this will make a great gift (and free up your cell phone). It comes in two colors and is shockproof (unlike your cell phone).
Stretchy Strings
$8.78
My son loves these! He is constantly stretching, pulling, tying, and flinging them about. They are a simple and fun toy that lets your child choose what they will be used for.
Dinosaur Figurines
$23.99
These realistic dinosaur figurines will be a hit with any dino-loving kids in the house. There are 12 different kinds, 7 inches each, and they come with a corresponding book that pronounces their names.
Princess Pop-Up Ball Pit
$21.99
Perfect for the little girl in your life who loves princesses and ball pits. This is tons of fun and sturdy enough for two kids. It’s recommended to get at least 400 balls for maximum effect.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Babies
White Noise Sound Machine
$26.30
Consider this as much a gift for the baby as for you. This portable plush white noise maker and night light will make it a little easier for your little one to fall asleep and stay asleep. And you, too. Super cute owl design.
Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse
$12.79
This musical glowing toy is also a great nighttime companion for your baby. Great for car trips, too. My kids loved theirs.
Activity Cube with Bead Maze
$24.99
Your baby will love playing with the various bead mazes and activities on all sides of this toy cube. It’s also small enough to pack for car rides.
Electronic Piano Playmat
$15.98
This piano mat is just adorable, and will be tons of fun for any infant. They can use hands and feet to make music and animal sounds, and there are even light effects. Easily folded, portable, and with adjustable volume (you’re welcome, parents).
VTech Sit-to-Stand Walker
$33.03
This walker is great for little babies, all the way up to toddlerhood. The front is detachable and can lay in front of a baby during tummy time, then the walker can help them in their early steps. All my kids adored this toy.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Books
Baby:
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
This classic bedtime read with its calming pictures and rhymes will be a favorite.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin, Jr.
I read this for so long that I memorized it and can still recite it today. Needless to say, a perfect baby board book.
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Animals, trucks, and a little help from your friends—this book is a fun read for any little one.
Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
This mischievous tale of escaping zoo animals with have your child giggling and asking for more.
I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak
This is a great gift for any baby who likes a cuddle and a kiss at reading time (so, all of them).
Toddler/preschooler:
Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems
These fun and silly books are simple to read and the repetition will be welcome at this age. You might find yourself laughing as well. (This one is my favorite, but there are a lot of titles in the series.)
Water in the Park by Emily Jenkins
I admit it, I love this book! It’s a sweet portrayal of a full day at the park, from the groundskeepers to the pets to the toddlers to the evening walkers. And the illustrations are lovely.
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
My son especially loved this gloomy fish and his ocean-dwelling friends. If it becomes a favorite, there are a handful of sequels you can pick up, too.
Dr. Seuss books by Dr. Seuss
These board books are a great introduction to the venerable Dr. Seuss and his creative rhymes. And when they’re ready, you can move them on to the longer classics.
Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry
This is a great book for your little learner who always asks, “What’s that?” I love Richard Scarry’s books and characters and so do my kids. I also suggest: The Funniest Storybook Ever and Busy, Busy Town.
Lit for Little Hands: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen & Brooke Jorden
I just couldn’t resist. It’s never too early for the classics. This book is full of pull-tabs and interactive wheels to keep your little one interested in Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy.
Elementary:
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones
This book includes 101 short essays on faith and gorgeous accompanying illustrations (done by Jago) that really do make your heart sing. I love how the author has boiled down great spiritual truths to thoughts any child can understand, without losing an ounce of potency.
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is a collection of letters Tolkien wrote over the years to his children, sent by Father Christmas himself. A mix of artful illustrations, meticulous calligraphy, and detailed world building (you’ve never seen the North Pole like this), this book is fun and silly and perfect for kids or to be read as a family.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This is the first book in the Little House series and a great place to start. We read these as a family, but they are also age-appropriate for most elementary school kids to read. Join Laura and her family in the big woods of Wisconsin as they go about life as early pioneers. You might also consider the whole set.
Geronimo Stilton books by Geronimo Stilton
These books about a mouse and his friends are entertaining and fun, with plenty of illustrations and cartoon-like fonts to appeal to younger readers. Adventures abound in this collection of 10 books. If your kids really like these, there are also other similar series by this author.
Chester by Mélanie Watt
This is the first in a series of books about a wise-cracking cat named Chester who wants to be the star of the show—even the author of his own book! Lots of fun for kids of all ages.
Teens/tweens:
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
This is the second-most published book in the world (the Bible won) and follows the conversion of the author in 17th-century England. It includes scripture references, commentary, and illustrations. Not a light read, but a thoughtful one as your kids edge closer to adulthood and mature faith.
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
This autobiography is a great gift for any girl who is curious about how her life compares to girls in other countries, and who loves an inspirational story about standing up for girls’ right to learn.
The God Smuggler by Brother Andrew
Your child will not want to put this book down as Brother Andrew recounts his harrowing years of smuggling Bibles into the dangerous parts of the world. A riveting, inspirational adventure.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
These classic fantasy stories set in the land of Narnia make a great gift for any teen or tween. Full of epic battles, bravery, and symbolism, they can be enjoyed at face value or delved into for the author’s own thoughts on Christianity. Includes all seven books in one volume.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
This epic trilogy will keep any book lover riveted. The amazing world of Middle Earth and the fantastic characters that inhabit it make this series a wonderful gift for your tween or teen. And don’t forget the prequel, The Hobbit, included in this box set.
The Lightkeepers Box Sets by Irene Howat
These box sets include 10 stories of boys and girls who have changed the world through their talents, bravery, and strength. Five books are included in each and they are written in a very inviting and inspiring way.
For more suggestions on books for kids, check out these suggested reading lists:
The Best Books for Your Beginning Reader
10 Best Book Series for 2nd Grade Boys
Best Book Series for 2nd Grade Girls
10 Best Books for 3rd Grade Boys
The Best Books for 4th Grade Girls
Adults Fiction:
Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok
Charlie has always been a good Chinese daughter. But when she discovers her love and talent for ballroom dancing, her life turns upside down. Great characters and a touch of romance.
Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey
For the lover of rom-coms. Annie is an aspiring screenwriter in Ohio who dreams of having her own meet-cute. Only when it happens, she doesn’t even realize it. Laugh-out-loud funny.
(For my review of this book, click here)
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Annie and her tenant, Dean, start a friendship under certain ground rules: no talking about her late husband or his slumping baseball career. Except, you guessed it, things get complicated. The friends in this story really shine, and it’s also hilarious.
Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
Hailed as a modern-day Muslim Pride & Prejudice, you have to love this complicated story about Ayesha and Khalid as they navigate proposals, bad bosses, and mistaken identity. Sneakily funny and clever.
Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum
So, here are three things: 1. Jessie is a girl transplanted to a LA prep school where she doesn’t fit in. 2. Someone has appointed himself her guide, though she doesn’t know who. 3. This is a great read that will keep you guessing and smiling throughout.
Resistance Women by Jennifer Chiaverini
This historical fiction follows three women as they live, struggle, and resist in Nazi Germany. Not a warm, fuzzy read, but excellent, and a great gift for history lovers and anyone who loves to root for the underdog.
The Widows of Malabar Hills by Sujata Massey
Set in 1920s Bombay, this mystery features Perveen Mistry, the city’s only female lawyer. This allows her to reach clients that men can’t and solve the case of a dead man who lived with his three wives. Fascinating first in the series.
The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Mystery with a twist. Aiden Bishop will inhabit the bodies of eight witnesses and have eight days to figure out who killed Evelyn Hardcastle—or he’ll have to do it all over again from scratch until he does. Complicated and twisty, this will enrapture any mystery fan.
(For my review of this book, click here)
Adult Non-fiction:
I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel
For the love of reading. This book is the perfect gift for the bibliophile in your life. They’ll be nodding and smiling the entire time as they see themselves in every page.
Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
Doing it all isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Niequist really touches on how living a busy life can leave us feeling empty, and how to get off the hamster wheel and enjoy what truly matters.
(For my review of this book, click here)
North by Scott Jurek
Scott Jurek ran the entire 2189 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 46 days and this book chronicles it. Even if you’re not into ultramarathons, this first-hand account of the mental and physical endurance needed for such a trek will amaze you.
(For my review of this book, click here)
Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
This book makes a great gift for any parent, new or veteran. Thomas takes a biblical look at parenthood that encourages, convicts, and guides us closer to the ideal we all strive for. Very applicable and easy to read.
(For my review of this book, click here)
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl
Half memoir, half recipe book, Reichl catalogs her years as The New York Times restaurant critic and the lengths she went to in order to give an honest review. Funny and poignant and hunger-inducing.
(For my review of this book, click here)
Cut in Half: The Hidden World Inside Everyday Objects by Mike Warren
If you have a tool lover in the house, this book will fascinate them. Famous for his YouTube videos, this book shows the effects of a high-pressure waterjet cutter on everything from computers to toys. Lots of photos that will make them go “wow.”
Becoming by Michelle Obama
As one of the most well-loved First Ladies, Obama writes a fascinating recounting of her childhood, early career, marriage, family, and years in the White House. This is an autobiography, but feels like much more. An inspirational read.
The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker
Known for his minimalism blog, Becoming Minimalist, Becker writes about his own journey and gives a room-by-room guide to decluttering your home. Makes a great gift for someone who wants to declutter, but doesn’t know where to start.
(For my review of this book, click here)
The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
The perfect gift for anyone who is obsessed with personality tests. Rubin’s four tendencies aren’t based in science, but are fun and interesting to explore, especially in how they pertain to our relationships and work.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
A fascinating look at therapy and how our minds work. Part memoir, part insider look at the profession, this book touches on many subjects, but especially on how imperfectly human and in need of connection we are.
Contentment by Richard Swenson
A book about finding peace, joy, and contentment in today’s world from a faith perspective. Lots of thought-provoking material, but presented in a conversational way.
Different by Sally and Nathan Clarkson
An encouraging read for anyone raising a “different” child. Written from both the perspective of the child and mother, the Clarksons offer insight and understanding about the struggles of parenting and living as an outside-the-box child.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Secret Santa
Essential Oil Diffuser
$25.99
Both a diffuser and a humidifier, this Secret Santa gift should make anyone happy. The design is intricate and could work for guys or girls.
Wine Lip Tint
$9.90
A cute novelty gift for any woman who likes her lipstick and her wine. Cute wine bottle packaging that will have her smiling.
Scratch off Map of the World
$11.97
If your Secret Santa gift is going to a traveler, then this scratch off map will be the perfect way for them to commemorate their past destinations. Beautiful colors underneath. Gift box included.
Premium Colored Pencils
$21.99
This 72-count of artist pencils will create vivid colors for whatever project they are working on. Great for detailed adult coloring books. Also comes with a beautiful handmade wrap to hold them.
Homesick Scented Candle
$29.95
This gift will evoke some serious memories for anyone missing their hometown. This one is for New York City, but others include Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and more.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Stocking Stuffers
Stack Up Cups
$3.99
These stacking cups will fit right into your baby’s stocking. Great for tummy time and while in the highchair.
Cable Bites
$6.99
These six little cord protectors are super adorable. Grab some for your teen’s stocking and keep her cords strong and safe.
Gear Ties
$2.98
This 4-pack of rubber twist ties will help keep out-of-control cords tangle-free.
Monogrammed Cufflinks
$9.99
Classic initial cufflinks will make a great addition to any guy’s stocking. Good for everyday wear or just special occasions.
Custom Coordinates Necklace
$19.99
This gorgeous necklace comes with a North Star center and can be engraved with coordinates on the outside disc. The perfect personal gift.
Pop Bubble Wrap Phone Case
$9.41
For anyone who tends to fidget, this fun poppable phone case will keep them busy for a while.
Velvet Hair Scrunchies
$8.99
They’re back! This 50-pack will bring back memories of the 90s, but for today’s teen, they’re just the newest trend.
I hope this Holiday Buying Guide gifts you with some great ideas and makes your 2019 holidays simpler and more fun. To print or download a PDF copy, click here.
Happy Holidays!
~Rebecca
Still looking for more suggestions? Try these posts:
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I don’t love.]
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