With Black Friday deals in full effect, the shopping season has officially started. I tend to struggle with gift ideas for my loved ones, especially the men in my family. This year I decided to create a gift guide for everyone out there who may struggle with the art of gift-giving, like me.

Gifts for her (price low to high)

• ($10-$20) Gift cards. Everyone loves gift cards. It’s free stuff from your favorite places. Who wouldn’t like that? Places like Starbucks, Pancheros, or Casey’s don’t require much money put into it, but if you have a little bit more to spend then Target, Ulta, or Bath and Body Works are great options.
• ($10-$20) For the readers in your life, books or a book journal are a great choice. My personal favorite author–along with every other teenage girl–is Colleen Hoover.
• ($20-$30) A girl will love any personalized gift. I found that Etsy is the best place to order from when wanting to add your own personal touch. It could be as little as a keychain or as big as a custom LED light.
• ($30-$40) Vera Bradley blankets are a staple piece in my house. They are the softest material in the cutest patterns. You can even find them for pretty cheap if you check out the Vera Bradley warehouse sales.
• ($40) A facial steamer is a must-have during the winter months, especially if the giftee is prone to dry skin as the air gets colder. I use mine every morning and absolutely love it. Plus, most of them have the option to use it as an air humidifier as well.
• ($30-$60) This price range seems pretty broad, but you have many different options within this idea. Buff City Soap in Waukee offers holiday gift sets of their most popular scents. The smaller boxes contain a few items within the scent family such as bath bombs or soap bars, while the bigger sets include stuff like shower oil, soap bars, body butter, and much more. The value of these boxes is more than the price, so if you’re looking for a good deal then you have found it.
• ($60-$70) The Glossier perfume is not just a want for the women in your life, it is a need. While a little on the pricey side for the amount you get, it is definitely the best perfume I can think of. Some other options that are a little cheaper could be the Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Crush 62. This one is more sweet-smelling and about $20 cheaper.
• ($70-$80) A Pandora bracelet is a perfect idea for someone who loves a bit of subtle flair. Or, Kendra Scott necklaces have also been popular recently.
• ($90-$100) A record player is perfect for an old soul who loves to listen to music. You can find some pretty well-priced ones at Best Buy, although I do not recommend the Crosley and Victrola suitcase turntables, as the needle tends to scratch and scuff your vinyl. Best Buy is having some pretty good Black Friday deals, so make sure to grab them before Cyber Monday hits.

Gifts for him (price low to high)

• ($10-$20) Duke Cannon soap has my brothers in a chokehold. The company has products such as beard oil, lip balm, bar soaps, after-shave, and hand lotion in scents such as Bourbon Whiskey, Pine, Buffalo Trace, Midnight Swim, and more.
• ($20-$30) A Gatorade Gx bottle and some Gatorade pods to go with it is a great idea for those involved in winter sports
• ($20) Carhart hats are a must-have accessory this winter.
• ($30-$40) A weighted blanket is perfect for those who tend to get a little stressed out. They have been proven to reduce anxiety and calm your body.
• ($30-$40) It’s flannel season for all the men out there. Add another one to their closet from Dick’s Sporting Goods or L.L. Bean.
• ($40-50) You can never go wrong with buying a guy a good pair of Nike sweatpants.
• ($50-60) Another fashion trend that has men in a choke-hold is Hey Dude shoes.
• ($50-$60) Gymshark is having its big 60% off sale for Black Friday. Perfect for the guys in your life who practically live in the gym.
• ($60-$70) Sauvage by Dior cologne is a top-tier fragrance that any man will love. Unfortunately, it’s a little pricey but you can get a 1-2 oz bottle for around $70.
• ($70-$80) Some guys have just never lost their juvenile love for putting together Lego sets. There are adult Lego sets that are pretty pricey, but also pretty cool. Bonus points if you gift him with quality time as well and help him put it together.
• ($80-$90) Beats Studio Buds are another option that has a noise-canceling quality similar to Airpods.
• ($90-$100) Tasman Uggs. That’s all I have to say for the guys in your life to be hooked on the comfiness they provide to your feet.

Gifts for Mom

• ($10-$20) Candles are an easy gift idea that will never fail. I find some of my favorites for my mom at Mainstream Boutique in Waukee.
• ($25-$30) Any mother would be ecstatic to receive an Alex & Ani bracelet this holiday season.
• ($35-$40) Yeti Ramblers are perfect for a mom who is constantly on the go.
• ($40-$50) A gift that means a lot could even be as simple a thought as a big bouquet of flowers. Add a handwritten card and you will surely win the “best gift giver” title this year.

Gifts for Dad 

• ($10-$20) It may seem lame, but socks are an affordable and thoughtful thing to gift your dad. You can personalize them or just find a fun pattern that he would love.
• ($25-$35) Again, Yeti gets an honorable mention. A Yeti coffee mug is a perfect gift for your father to open on Christmas morning.
• ($35-$40) If your dad is nifty with a hammer, gift him some other useful tools this year.
• ($40-$50) Run to Vineyard Vines to find a quarter-zip on sale that your dad would enjoy.

I hope this sparked some ideas and saved you from a headache during this stressful season.