Gifting with Intention | My 2025 Holiday Gift Guide Collection
If you’re anything like me, the holidays have a sneaky way of going from festive to frenzied in the blink of an eye. Over the years, I’ve found myself rushing through gift shopping, panic buying at the last minute, grabbing whatever’s left on the shelves, and feeling more stressed than spirited.
But not this year.
This year, I’m approaching the season with more intention. I want gift-giving to feel like what it’s meant to be: thoughtful, joyful, and centered around the people we love most.
That’s the goal behind this year’s gift guides.
I have had so much fun putting these together. They aren’t just filled with pretty links, they’re filled with ideas. Real, meaningful gifts. Cozy things we love. Items I’ve personally used, swooned over, or bookmarked with intention. Whether you’re shopping for your bestie, your daughter, your favorite teacher, or the hostess with the mostess, your hubby, yourself (its okay, I do too), I hope you find something in here that will help you gift with intention.
Here are a few of my go-to tips when it comes to giving gifts with intention:
Make a List, Check it Often
Start early and jot down names as you think of them: family, friends, teachers, neighbors, hosts and write a few thoughtful ideas next to each name. It helps avoid the frantic scroll-and-purchase cycle, and makes each gift feel a little more personal.
Gift something they’d never buy for themselves
Think little luxuries: a beautiful candle, a plush robe, a fancy olive oil. Those indulgent, elevated everyday items are always a hit.
Stick with a theme
Not everything needs to match, but it’s fun when a gift feels like a set or a bundle of items that pair well together. Think: a wellness lover’s dream (mug, bath soak, cozy socks), or a hostess trio (dish towel, pretty matches, serving tray).
Take Notes
Throughout the year jot down notes of things, items, or places that your special people comment on. It will really help when selecting a gift and they will be so touched you remembered something they mentioned months ago.
Include a handwritten tag or card or photo
It sounds simple, but a heartfelt note adds that personal touch money can’t buy. Bonus points for a little humor, an inside joke, or a memory. I also love to gift framed photos. With phone photos getting lost in your photo gallery, its such a nice treat to actually print out and frame a favorite photo!
Support small or local when you can
Savannah is full of charm and talented makers, and I love incorporating those into my gifting. It’s so important to support your local shops!
Don’t Sleep on the Experience Gifts
Tickets to a concert, a museum membership, a cooking class, or a self-care day (think: a curated basket of bath salts, tea, and a face mask) — these kinds of gifts create lasting memories. And sometimes, the best gift is simply time together. These are also great gift card ideas.
Don’t be afraid to Ask for a Wishlist
I don’t think there is anything wrong with asking for a wishlist of ideas. I’m a believer that there are certain people on your list that it is important to ask about things they are eyeing. It will ensure that they get things they really want/need and that you are not getting them something that they won’t reach for often.
Remember: It Doesn’t Have to Cost a Thing
A thoughtful gesture goes a long way. Offer to babysit for a tired mom friend, plan a picnic, write a heartfelt letter, or create a playlist of songs that remind you of someone. Some of the most meaningful gifts I’ve received didn’t come in a box. I also love gifting coupons. Whether it’s a cozy night in, breakfast in bed, an afternoon of help tackling that dreaded task, or even a “no-questions-asked coffee date,” gift coupons are a sweet way to give your time, love, and intention.
These are especially great for kids (Addison loves giving and receiving them!), teachers, close friends, or your partner. You can print them out or handwrite a few thoughtful promises that are meaningful, personal, and always intentional.
I also love giving handmade gifts or baked goods. Sharing your secret recipes on a recipe card is always a special gift too!
What are some of your favorite handmade or homemade gifts to give?? Drop a comment below and share with me!
The 2025 Suite Society Gift Guide Collection
For Her – Thoughtful, stylish, and joy-sparking gifts she’ll actually use (and love).
For Him – Sleek, useful, and a little unexpected. Perfect for the guy who’s hard to shop for, but filled with items he will reach for daily.
For the Wellness Girlies – For the friend who never misses a Pilates class or the sister who’s always one step ahead on the clean beauty game, this guide is filled with cozy, calming, and wellness inspired finds.
For Tween Girls – Shopping for a tween girl can feel like walking a tightrope between glitter and grown-up. One minute they’re into squishmallows and the next they’re stealing your skincare and shoes. So, I’ve rounded up a list of gifts that are cute, cool, and tween-approved and vetted by the one and only Addie Mae.
For the Hostess – Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weekend getaway at a friend’s, showing up with something thoughtful in hand never goes out of style. These hostess gifts are equal parts practical and pretty and perfect for saying “thank you” in a way that feels elevated but effortless.
For Teachers – I rounded up a full list of gifts that are more than just thoughtful, they’re practical, personal, and a small way to say thank you to the ones who give so much all year long.
For Pet Lovers – Tail-wagging picks for the humans obsessed with their furry sidekicks that are paws-itively perfect.
Wicked-Themed Gifts – One short day in the Emerald City… and a whole list of Elphaba & Glinda-approved favorites.
For the Savannah Obsessed- This gift guide is for everyone who’s fallen a little in love with Savannah (or never stopped). The locals, the visitors, the ones who already booking their next trip!
*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.
Bonus Guides:
Whether you’re embracing the art of slowing down like me, or just hoping to stay ahead of the holiday chaos, I hope these guides bring you a little clarity, inspiration, and delight as you check off your list.
No matter what you’re wrapping up this season, remember it’s not about the price tag, it’s about the love behind it. So whether you’re gifting from my curated guides or creating something with your own two hands, the goal is to give (and receive) with joy, presence, and a little more intention.
Here’s to thoughtful gifts, cozy nights, and a season full of joy. I truly hope they help your holiday season feel just a little bit more suite!
