The holidays are here and you want to get something special for those special someones. Read on for great gift ideas in this 2021 Holiday Buying Guide…
Holiday gift-giving giving you stress? This 2021 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.
In past years, I’ve cast a wide net and offered gift suggestions in multiple categories. From newborns to teens, men and women, home and hobbies and stocking stuffers. This year is going to be a little different.
Since I embarked on a Year of Simple, I have not been buying as much as I once did. And I am finding that being more intentional with my purchases has made me a better gifter and a happier receiver.
So this holiday buying guide is going to focus on categories like family fun, hobbies, subscription services, and of course, books. And the gifts listed will be ones I or someone I trust has personally loved.
(Feel free to check out my holiday buying guides from 2018, 2019, and 2020 for awesome suggestions broken down by age for easier searching!)
Everything is divided into categories, but if you have a minute, scan through the whole holiday buying guide. You never know when you’ll find just the right thing in an unexpected place.
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.
2021 Holiday Buying Guide
[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]
Holiday Buying Guide for… Family Fun
Great gifts that can be enjoyed by the whole family…
Charlie Brown Christmas Jigsaw Puzzle
This Christmas classic in 1000-piece puzzle form is a great way to relax with the family this holiday season.
Connect 4
Despite being a simple game, it can get seriously strategic. Sure to bring out the competitive spirit in both children and adults.
Would You Rather? game
This game will have them all laughing and groaning as they choose between two undesirable possibilities. Not overly gross, and sometimes very thought-provoking.
Giant Inflatable Bowling Set
Great for backyard play when the snow melts. This huge bowling set will delight kids for hours.
Sunflora Picnic Backpack
Forget baskets, this insulated backpack is easy to carry and has dishware as well as a blanket. Perfect for picnicking any time of year.
Catan board game
This game is perfect for long winter days when they’re stuck at home. Multiplayer, strategic, and really fun, this provides hours of family entertainment.
Custom Matte Photo Puzzle 
If they love puzzles, why not make one just for them? Personalize a puzzle with their own photo of their favorite people and places to make puzzling even more enjoyable.
Baseball Board Game
If your family loves baseball like mine does, then they’ll love this game. They can play with 2-8 players and it’s self-contained enough that it’s good for travel, too.
Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Keep the Christmas tunes going in every room, including during bath time. This waterproof speaker can go anywhere for their listening enjoyment.
Sushi Go! card game
If your family loves sushi, then this fun and fast card game will delight them. The goal is to make combinations of sushi dishes for the best score. Lots of fun at home or on the road.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Hobbies
Gifts for the hobbyist in your home…
Wireless Karaoke Microphone
Missing those nights at the karaoke bar? Try this wireless microphone that lets them connect to an app and sing all their favorite songs at home.
Miniature Building Kits
My daughter loves doing these detailed build kits, and when they’re done, they look gorgeous. So many designs are available, including holiday themed ones.
KAZOO 4-Person Waterproof Camping Tent
It might be too cold to camp right now, but in a few months this tent will be a lifesaver. Waterproof, easy to set up, and comfortably fitting four people, they’ll want to pack this on their next overnight hike.
Craftsy subscription
For those who love crafting in all its many forms, this site is for them. Quilting, crocheting, baking, and more, the premium membership gives access to tons of classes.
Thames & Kosmos Remote-Control Machines
My son can spend days building these machines. Great for detail-oriented kids who love building and remote controlled anything.
Candle Making Kit
Know someone who has always wanted to make their own candles? This kit will get them started with all the necessary accessories.
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
I live for ear buds when I’m running. These do an amazing job of staying in ears and keeping out ambient noise. Gift these to anyone in need of some wireless listening.
Finders Keepers mystery subscription box
This is the subscription box for the mystery lover. Every month is a new mystery or puzzle in a new place. Super fun when you want to stretch your Sherlock skills.
Hand Lettering Set
This gift will teach your loved one how to create beautiful hand lettering. Includes all the supplies they’ll need to fill a journal with beautiful script.
Cast-iron Smoker Box
This is the gift that keeps on giving – as in the receiver will hopefully be gifting you with some delicious smoked meats from this sturdy smoker. Flavored wood chips are available separately.
Bullet Journal Kit
This kit will get someone started on the delightful road to bullet journaling. Pens, stencils, stickers, washi tape, a journal – it’s all in this great kit.
Adults & Crafts subscription box
For the arts and crafts lover who wants projects they can use. This subscription has tons of monthly crafts like wine holders, clocks, and decor you’d actually want to display.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Subscription Services
These gifts are the ones that keep on giving all year long…
Libro.fm Audiobook Subscription
If you want an alternative to Amazon Audible, this well-priced audiobook service not only gives access to 200k+ books, but it allows you to buy from local booksellers. Support small local businesses this season with this gift.
Amazon Prime Membership
For the person who wants things quick, minus the shipping costs. This membership also comes with lots of extras like discounts at Whole Foods and access to videos, music, and books.
Sips by
This is one of my favorite subscriptions. Curated teas in flavors I’d never seen before, both in bag form and loose tea. Great for the tea drinker in your life. This makes my Holiday Buying Guide year after year.
New York Times Crossword Puzzle gift subscription
Great gift for the puzzler in your family. Not only is this for the NYT Crossword, but also other puzzles and games. There’s also access to the archive, so they’ll be busy for quite a while.
Atlas Coffee Club
This coffee of the month club sends exotic coffees from around the world to the doorstep of the person you love. Great for those getting tired of the same old options at home.
Ipsy
This subscription has five beauty products delivered each month. They’re chosen based on style preference and needs for a personalized glam bag that they’re going to love.
Epic!
If your kids love reading and you want to expand their e-book and audiobook options, this is a great gift to give. It also lets you track their reading and goals so you can see how they’re improving.
KiwiCo
These crates come with a variety of focuses, from geography to engineering, but each one is informative, exciting, and tons of fun. My kids squeal with glee when they see the signature crates on our porch.
Kindle Unlimited
This is a great gift for the voracious reader in your family. Access to millions of e-books, magazines, and audiobooks, including the just-released, this will bring them joy on a daily basis.
FabFitFun
This subscription sends a box of fashion, beauty, and wellness products to the person of your choice. Some are chosen, some a surprise, but all are high-quality and a great value compared to buying them elsewhere.
Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club
Nothing has improved my reading life as much as a membership to this book club. From reading lists to classes, to book chats, this membership is something any reader will love.
Calm
This app is great for kids and adults, with meditations, sleep stories, and more to help someone you love relax and rest. I am personally obsessed with the train stories read by Eric Braa.
Universal Yums
For the foodie in your life. Get snacks from around the world delivered. This subscription is a great way to find out what other people are munching on and to actually try it, too. Whoever gets this might just find a new favorite.
MEL Science
If you’ve got a little scientist at home (or a grown-up one), these hands-on experiments and projects will delight them. Each month, a choice of Chemistry, Physics, or STEM kits arrive. Great for homeschoolers.
Coffee and a Classic
I am a firm believer in the coffee and book combo. This subscription box pairs a classic in the genre of your choice with a drink and other bookish items that fit the box theme. I love this!
Holiday Buying Guide for… Bookish gifts for Kids
For the young bookworm in your life…
Personal Library Kit
Super cute and fun gift for kids. The book plates, date stamp, and ink pad can be used for their own book collection or to play library make-believe.
Puffin Hardcover Classics Box Set
Start your kids’ personal libraries with a beautiful set of classics. Includes Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and The Wind in the Willows, among others. Comes in a gorgeously illustrated box.
Literati subscription
This is a great choice if you want to give the gift of great books, but aren’t sure what to send. The subscription includes five teacher-approved books each month, so you know they’re getting excellent, age-appropriate reads.
Rechargeable Book Light
Using this device is way easier than the flashlight under the blankets method of our youths. Gift this to the late-night reader in the family (even if you have to pretend not to know about those late-night reading sessions).
3D bookmarks
These adorable dinosaur and shark bookmarks are sure to be a hit. They make a great gift for a young reader just getting started on chapter books or for anyone who likes a cool bookmark to hold their place.
Anatomy of a Bookwork poster
My daughter and I agree that this poster says it all. Funny but true, give this to the bookworms in your life. They will relate.
Personalized library tote
How else will they get all those books home? This sturdy tote can handle their library or book store hauls, and it can be personalized to make it an extra special gift.
Book Plate Stickers 
As a mom of five, I can tell you that these stickers make keeping the kids’ various collections separate so much easier. These adorable book plates are perfect for anyone with a burgeoning personal library.
Dixit board game
This storytelling game is tons of fun for kids and families. It comes with illustrated cards that are open-ended for maximum possibilities. Great for stretching kids’ imaginations and narration skills.
I Read Past My Bedtime T-shirt
This t-shirt is too cute. If you have a child that can’t stop until the book is finished, this shirt would make a great gift for them.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Bookish gifts for Adults
Great for readers and booklovers of all types…
Library Due Date Card Coffee Mug
This mug brings lots of nostalgia and makes a fun gift. They can fill it with their favorite tea or coffee the next time they crack open a library loan.
I Closed My Book to Be Here T-shirt
I love this shirt! Perfect for anyone who laments having to leave their book to do some adulting, especially of the social or work kind.
Ravensburger 1000-piece Bizarre Bookshop jigsaw puzzle 
Where booklovers and puzzlers meet. This epic bookstore puzzle is quirky and colorful. Delight your family’s book nerd with this gift.
Penguin Classics: In Search of the Best Books Ever Written
You can’t go wrong with a book about books. This book covers 1,200 books and 500 authors over 4,000 years. A dream read for the seriously bookish person in your life.
Cover Art Hangable Prints
If you know someone who really loves cover art, this gift will give them a chance to display some of their favorites. 20 different classics that fit nicely into 8×10 frames.
The Book Seat
These are great for anyone who reads a lot of hardcovers. This book seat holds books and e-readers on their lap so their hands can be free, and it doubles as a seat cushion.
Book Darts
These little metal clips are the best way for them to hold their spot in a book or mark the perfect quote. This pack of 125 comes in a cute little tin.
100 Must Read Books Scratch Off Poster
As someone who loves checking things off, this poster is so much fun. If you know someone who’s like this, then this will delight them and give them a challenge, too.
Kindle Paperwhite
This new kindle has a big screen, warm light, quick page turns, 10 weeks of battery life, and can be read in the sunlight. A great gift if you know someone looking to upgrade their older model.
First Lines Literature Mug
They can spend their morning coffee time playing Guess the Book with this mug covered in the first lines of various classics. Also makes a nice stocking stuffer or office Secret Santa gift.
My Reading Life: A Book Journal
For avid readers who want to document their favorite books, quotes, and authors. There’s space to log up to 100 books.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Household items
These gifts are as practical as they are indulgent…
Weighted blanket
Half my family has one of these so I can say with assurance that it makes a great gift. This gift is good for adults and kids (weight varies) and will help them sleep better, longer.
Tile Pro Bluetooth Trackers
For the person always losing their keys, iPad, garage clicker, etc. This gift will help them track their misplaced items with an app on their phone so they can avoid the frenzied searching.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Snow Cone Maker
This gift is a fun and delicious way to make your own shaved ice at home. Ours gets a work out the minute the weather starts getting warm.
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
For the person who hates vacuuming, or has kids and pets that make it a full-time job. This robot vacuum can work for hours keeping the floors clean without a recharge. Especially great for those with dust allergies.
Succulent Ceramic Owl Pot Set
Easy to care for and adorable, these succulents add color and life to living spaces. This gift works even for those black thumbs out there who can’t keep a houseplant alive (ahem, like me).
Cheese Board Set
As we get back into the groove of entertaining, this cheese board set makes a really cool gift. With separate compartments and utensils, all they need to do is add the cheese and other yummies.
Mini Projector with Tripod
Make family movie night epic with a mini projector that gives everyone that movie theatre feeling. Connect it to your phone and streaming service for easy playing. Great for movie buffs.
Aromatherapy Diffuser and Essential Oil Set
Bring some calm to someone’s house with this gift set. Comes with the diffuser and 10 essential oils to choose from. They’ll love the simple design of the diffuser, sure to go with any decoration scheme.
Bamboo Charging Station
This charging station works for multiple devices, which makes it great to gift to the person who wants to dock everything together. Also good for families.
LeJoy Garden Seed Sprouter
For the novice gardener or anyone wanting to grow during the winter months. This simple sprouter works with string beans, peas, black beans, buckwheat, and more.
Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin
This book is all about making a home a haven by getting rid of the clutter and chaos. If you know someone in need of some calm, this gift will inspire and motivate them.
Book Club Candle
This candle will fill their space with warm notes of orange, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Great for lighting on cold winter nights.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Clothes
Because everyone needs something that makes them feel cute, cozy, or both…
Loose Turtleneck Pullover Sweater Dress
This oversized sweater can be worn as a dress or with leggings. It’s warm and cozy for a comfortable winter outfit that can be dressed up or down.
Long Sleeve Lounger Pajama Set
These lightweight lounger pajamas are soft and elegant. They make a great gift for anyone looking for a nice outfit to wear Christmas morning or throughout the colder months.
Mini Backpack
Functional and attractive, this little backpack is a great gift for anyone who wants an alternative to the big purse. I loved this for hauling around snacks and water at my kids’ Little League games.
Cinderella Wearable Blanket
So cute, this pretty wearable blanket will make your little girl feel like a princess. Soft and cozy, it’s the perfect gift for the season.
Waterproof Rain Hat
Rain and humidity can really mess with hair, so if you know someone who wants to keep their ‘do safe from the elements, this is the gift for them.
Cable Stitch Sweater
This attractive sweater comes in tons of colors and would make a good guy gift. Textured knit and soft, he’ll love the feel of it and how versatile it can be.
Literati Club Pride and Prejudice Scarf
This elegant scarf can dress up an outfit and show off literary preferences. Gift this to the classics lover in your life, or wrap up this Hamlet version for the family thespian.
Fluffy Shoulder Bag
This pretty, fluffy bag works great for teens and adults alike. With a simple design and enough room for the basics, this makes a great gift.
Lightweight Waffle Robe
I love the texture of these waffle design robes. They’re warm and comfy and come in full-length or knee-length options.
Convertible Fingerless Gloves
The gift for anyone who wants warm fingers, even when they need to shoot off a quick text. This gift offers the best of both worlds.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Books for Kids
These are some much loved favorites and some great holiday reads for the whole family…
Nory Ryan’s Song by Patricia Reilly Giff
This story of an Irish village struggling to survive through the Potato Famine and reach America will have your kids on the edge of their seats.
The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup
An adorable and funny story about gingerbread pirates who are trying to escape the cookie-eating Santa Claus.
Water in the Park by Emily Jenkins
This story watches the people and goings-on at a city park from sun up to sun down, in an endearing look at time and neighborhoods.
Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano
For a hilarious holiday classic, this one is a good pick. Turkey has to meet Santa Claus to ask for his one gift – not to be eaten!
Quake! by Gail Langer Karwoski
Action-packed, this follows young Jacob as he makes friends, crosses boundaries, and tries to survive as he searches for his family after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long
This gorgeously illustrated picture book of the 12 days of Christmas is a favorite in my house. Be sure to look for pictures from the previous days mixed in as you work your way through the book.
The Babysitter’s Club Retro Box Set by Ann M. Martin
Introduce the girls (and boys) in your family to this classic. With original illustrations and lots of fun among friends, they’ll fall in love with the series just like other generations have.
I Survived book set by Lauren Tarshis
This complete series set is an amazing way to pump up the excitement in social studies. My son loves how action-packed these are and how events come to life.
Santa’s Underwear by Marty Rhodes Figley
Another funny favorite. Santa can’t find his long johns, so he works his way through his closet in hopes of finding a replacement before his Christmas Eve ride.
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner
This book follows snowmen as they have their own Christmas celebration while the humans aren’t looking.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Books for Adults
From cozy mysteries to family dramas, from suspense to memoir, this list includes some of the best books I’ve read this year…
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
You’ll never look at Shakespeare the same again. This book about drama students who struggle with a secret and start to forget where their characters end and they begin makes a great holiday gift for the Shakespeare lover in your life.
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
This meandering novel about a citizen of a small town in Kentucky and how it changed over the course of a century is dotted with thought-provoking ideas. Perfect for the contemplative reader in your home.
The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams
Gift this to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery with some literary references thrown in. Set in a small town, four woman come together to solve a murder and find healing from their pasts.
Awaking Wonder by Sally Clarkson
Part memoir, part guide, this book will be a balm to anyone raising and/or homeschooling special children. Inspiring and encouraging, this is a great gift for parents in the thick of it.
Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson
Another great cozy mystery series. This first installment introduces a catering company owner who needs to solve the murder of her tenant’s friend. Lots of food references as a bonus. Perfect gift for the cozy series lover.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Four septuagenarians break out skills from their past professions and their sharp wits to solve a series of murders in their retirement community. The sequel just came out so you can pair them for an awesome gift.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This family drama running from the 1950s to 80s in Malibu, California is gripping against the backdrop of a coming wildfire. Perfect for anyone who loves inter-generational drama.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Set in a bookstore with numerous literary references, the titular character is dragged from his grief by the abandoned baby found in his store. I absolutely loved this dryly witty and heartfelt novel.
Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Ibi Zoboi
This contemporary Pride and Prejudice is set in Brooklyn with characters Zuri and Darius. Pride, judgement, gentrification, and class bias are all here in this powerful novel.
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
I don’t know that I’ve ever rooted so hard for a character. But you will, too, in this suspenseful novel about sisters and the ties that bind and break them. Perfect for the fan of psychological thrillers.
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
This book alternates between humor and poignancy as the characters in a small community intertwine their lives in both good and bad ways.
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Taking place during one end of the year evening stroll across New York City, the main character explores her city and her life with wit and honesty. Perfect for any city girl who never wants to leave.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
This book makes a great gift for any introvert. Nine prefers books to people, which is a problem when the father she never knew dies, leaving her with assets as well as a huge new family.
Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel
Funny and a little zany, depressed Kate lands a job in admissions at a New York City prep school and learns just how crazy the world of elite parenting really is. Perfect for anyone who wants to laugh out loud while they read.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
This book is family drama at its best. Told over five decades by Danny, it centers on his parents, Maeve (who is more mother than sister), and the Dutch House – their childhood home and albatross. Level up this gift with the excellent audiobook version narrated by Tom Hanks.
Holiday Buying Guide for… Stocking stuffers and Secret Santas
These under $25 gifts make wonderful add-ins to family stockings or can be used for the office Secret Santa exchange…
Heat Changing Constellation Mug
This mug goes from starry night to showing 11 constellations when you add hot tea or coffee.
Bibliophilia 100 Literary Postcards
These gorgeous postcards can be functional or decorative for the person who loves books and classics.
Knot Pillow Ball
This pillow looks like a ball of seriously thick yarn, but it also makes a really soft and comfy pillow.
Push Pop Its Bubble Toy
These colorful toys aren’t just for kids. Popping these reduces stress and gives a fidgeter something to do with their hands.
The Book Lover’s Cookbook
For the person who loves books and food, this gift will have them making Turkish Delight in no time!
Cute Fruit Cable Protectors
Super cute little fruits slide on to protect wear and tear on charging cables. Great for kids and teens who are always yanking their cords out.
Personalized Drink Tumblers
These 20 oz. tumblers make a great gift. Add names, dates, or quotes they love to personalize them.
Bath Bomb Set
This set of bath bombs makes a perfect gift for anyone who likes their baths long and relaxing after a hard week. Contains 4 boxes with 6 variations on color and fragrance.
Puzzle Cubes
If they’ve mastered the 9×9 Rubik’s cube, this gift of four different puzzle cubes will keep them busy until New Year’s and beyond.
Hair Barrettes
These durable barrettes come in neutral colors with beautiful accents so they go with any outfit. Pack of 12.
I hope this Holiday Buying Guide gifts you with some great ideas and makes your 2021 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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