8 Lazy Genius Gift-Giving Formulas
Every year, the gift-giving season shows up with all its glitter and pressure, and it’s easy to go from “I want to be thoughtful” to “I’m impulse buying a bonsai tree on my phone in the Walgreens parking lot.”
If you’re trying to give gifts that feel good…gifts that feel thoughtful and kind but don’t cost a fortune or burn you out…this guide is for you.
Instead of shopping lists and specific product recommendations, we’re keeping things simple: eight easy gift-giving formulas that work for all kinds of people and price points.
Don’t mistake these for rigid rules or obligations. They’re options. Frameworks you can choose from to build a gift that’s full of joy for both you and the recipient.
Thoughtful Gifts Made Easy
1. A Game and A Snack
Something to do and something to eat. That’s it.
This combination is playful, easy to personalize, and surprisingly delightful to receive. It works for all ages and relationships, from your nephew to your neighbor to your coworker you drew for Secret Santa.
Here’s what it could look like:
A themed deck of cards and dark chocolate peanut butter cups
A puzzle book and beef jerky
Bananagrams and a bag of trail mix
Flip 7 and chocolate-covered pretzels
A Rubik's Cube and a pouch of sour gummies
You can go silly or cozy or classic, depending on the person. But you’ll never go wrong giving someone a little fun and a little fuel.
2. PJs and Popcorn
Comfort on purpose.
This gift works for almost anyone. Your sister who needs a break, your niece who loves movie night, and even your own kids who would wear pajamas all day if you let them.
It’s cozy, simple, and full of instant joy.
Here’s what it could look like:
A pair of holiday plaid pajama pants and a bag of kettle corn
Fuzzy slippers, microwave popcorn, and a holiday movie from the $5 bin (yes, we still have a DVD player)
A thrifted oversized T-shirt of their favorite team and homemade caramel corn
Flannel sleep shorts and a box of Sour Patch Kids
Matching pajamas for your kids and a big bowl of popcorn for the family
Dress it up or keep it simple. Either way, you’re giving comfort, a snack, and a reason to slow down, even just for one night.
3. One of Each
The same but different.
This gift is simply a collection of one kind of thing in many forms. It’s playful, abundant, and a little unexpected. Choose something small and get a bunch of variations. It’s a low-cost and high-delight option, especially for kids, teens, snack lovers, or anyone who enjoys trying All The Options.
Here’s what it could look like:
One of every flavor of gum
A lineup of hot sauces
A rainbow of lip balms
Several kinds of potato chips
A sampling of novelty sodas
An assortment of Trader Joe’s chocolate bars
There’s joy in getting not just one thing, but many tiny versions of the same thing. It’s a fun surprise that feels bigger than it is. And it always gets a smile.
4. A Tea Towel and Something Baked
Thoughtful, homemade, and wrapped up in a way that feels like a hug.
This gift says, “I made this for you” in the most grounded, no-fuss way. It works well for teachers, neighbors, hosts, or anyone who appreciates a personal touch but doesn’t need more stuff.
Here’s what it could look like:
A loaf of banana bread wrapped in a holiday tea towel
A stack of cinnamon rolls tied with ribbon
Homemade cookies in a thrifted tin and a seasonal towel tucked inside
Biscotti and a tea towel printed with vintage recipes
Mini pies in foil tins, wrapped up like a tiny bakery box
If you love baking, this one’s easy. If you don’t, grab something from a local bakery and pair it with a towel that feels special. Either way, you’re giving something beautiful and edible—two of the best things.
5. Cozy Socks and a Mug
Warm feet. Warm drink. Done.
This one’s a classic for a reason. It’s small, useful, and says exactly what you want it to say: “Take five minutes and rest.”
It works for just about anyone. Teachers, coworkers, college students, your sister-in-law you don’t know that well but still want to treat.
Here’s what it could look like:
Fuzzy socks and a big ceramic mug
Wool socks and a handmade thrifted mug
Holiday slipper socks and a peppermint hot cocoa mix
Striped ankle socks and a mug with a favorite quote
A bright pair of socks and a clear glass mug for tea lovers
Add coffee or cocoa if you want, or keep it simple. It’s a small gesture with a big invitation to slow down and get warm.
6. A Journal and Tea
Simple tools for slowing down.
This gift is for anyone who could use a moment to themselves, whether they write their thoughts, make lists, or just like having a notebook in their bag. It’s personal without being precious and easy to put together.
Here’s what it could look like:
A softcover notebook and a few sachets of Earl Grey
A guided journal and a tin of herbal tea
A one-line-a-day journal and a sampler of loose-leaf blends
A composition book with a favorite pen and a tea bag tucked inside
A pocket-sized notebook and a box of spiced chai
This gift formula offers a quiet moment and something warm to hold.
7. The Colorful One
A fun twist on something functional.
Pick something useful and find the brightest, silliest, or most joyful version of it. It’s the kind of gift that makes someone smile every time they use it, which is kind of the whole point.
Here’s what it could look like:
The “all colors” pack of Post-It notes
Rainbow measuring spoons
A funky plant pot for a little succulent
A neon water bottle
A bike bell in the shape of a flower
A bright reusable grocery bag
A colorful fidget toy for a desk or backpack
This formula works especially well for practical folks who wouldn’t buy the colorful version for themselves but would love using it all the same.
8. A Pretty Version of a Favorite Book
A well-loved story, dressed up.
This gift is wonderful for readers but also for anyone who connects with a certain story, even if they’re not reading much right now. It’s a familiar comfort, made special.
Here’s what it could look like:
A clothbound edition of a classic they’ve always loved
A sprayed-edge version of a recent favorite
A beautiful reprint from The Folio Society or a similar publisher
A hardcover with cover art that fits their style
A picture book they loved as a kid, now passed on to their own child
A novel you both love, with a note tucked inside the cover
This gift works because it layers meaning on top of something already good. It’s not just a book. It’s that book, chosen on purpose and wrapped in beauty.
Gift-giving doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s layered with relationships, budgets, feelings, and expectations. Here are a few extra tools to help you navigate all that with a little more ease.
Decide Once for Sanity’s Sake
Choose one formula and use it for a whole group: teachers, coworkers, cousins, neighbors. “Everyone gets socks and a mug.” Done. This is not boring; it’s brilliant.
Use the Magic Question
Ask: What can I do now to make December easier? Maybe it’s shopping this weekend. Maybe it’s having one conversation that sets expectations early. Maybe it’s choosing to give fewer gifts this year and letting that be enough. Here are some examples of the Magic Question that gave me quick wins in the past.
Set Clear Expectations (With Kindness)
If your family has different budgets or values around giving, suggest a theme that puts everyone on the same page.
Try:
“What if this year we only give thrifted or homemade gifts?”
“Would it help to keep gifts under $15 or stick to a theme like food or books?”
“Would a Secret Santa work better this year?”
How to Ask for What You Actually Want
If you want to kindly guide gift-givers in your life (for yourself or your kids), here are a few scripts:
“Hey! I’ve got a little list if that’s helpful.”
“We’re keeping toys simple this year—happy to share a few ideas.”
“I’d love a gift card for books or coffee, if you’re looking for ideas!”
It’s not demanding. It’s kind clarity.
And Finally, Some Gentle Reminders
There’s no such thing as the perfect gift.
Give joyfully, not impressively.
Give in your season.
Treat giving like a project if that helps.
Want more Lazy Genius wisdom about gift giving?
If you want a little more help thinking through your list, your budget, or how to feel good about what you're giving this year, these podcast episodes might be just what you need.
Give what you can with what you have. That’s more than enough. We’re so glad you’re here.
