It might be hard to believe because 2020 has been the year of ‘not-knowing-what-day-it-is’ – but the holiday season is upon us. It’s turkey time, the season of giving, and the time when you open your browser looking for a good sale and enter temptation island. 

If you’re like me, you might feel like shopping for others without any list can be overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you think they need? I find the best place to start on your shopping is to do a quick search into some hobbies or personality traits that suit the person you’re gifting and go from there. Most likely, if you’ve landed here, it’s because the person you’re hoping to spoil this Christmas is big into saving money, spending money, investing money, and just being an overall money nerd like yours truly. 

And if that’s the case, you’ve stumbled onto the perfect list. Let’s jump in.

#1. The perfect budget

If the person you’re shopping for is trying to get their financial life on track, one place you might not think is an option is by purchasing them the ideal spreadsheet to get them on the path to success. I love Jessica Moorhouse’s options and highly recommend them to anyone looking to combine finances with a partner.

#2. A ‘rich dad’ hat

If your pal is a money enthusiast, they probably love to talk about all things money but aren’t sure how to bring it up. Instead, why not go for it by causing a splash with this adorable stitched baseball cap that lets the world know you have your financial sh*t together. 

#3. A budgeting and debt repayment worksheet

Although this might not seem like an entertaining Christmas present, if you’re a parent to a teen or soon-to-be college grad, it might be a great stocking stuffer to sneak in the background. Although it can be awkward to talk about money, sometimes it offers support less aggressively. This four-product item is from a published author, Erin Lowry, and has a ton of essential financial literacy that most of us (badly) needs.

#4. A piggy bank, duh!

It’s an easy win to gift your loved one a cute place to park their extra cash, particularly for someone who works in the service industry and wants to lock down on spending their tips before bills come due. There are so many affordable and cute options, but we are madly in love with this donut bank linked below.

#5. Cute financial printables

Are you worried about staying accountable when repaying your debt? These adorable printables keep you excited and help you focus on any financial goal you can dream of accomplishing. The perfect stocking stuffer or affordable gift for a best friend you won’t regret in the slightest are these gorgeous designs by Millennial Money Honey.

#6. The 100 Day Financial Goal Journal

Ever thought about what it might be like to understand your money and spending habits on a deeper level? This financial goal journal is built to help you accomplish short term financial goals and create positive money habits. It features prompts to help you reach your most important personal finance-related goal, plus daily pages for recording your expenses, reflecting on your everyday spending and saving decisions, and tracking your progress. 

#7. A grocery store or gas gift card

People generally appreciate gift cards to places they are already frequent, and it shows you care enough to buy from somewhere specific. Bonus points if you already know which loyalty programs your giftee belongs to, and you can usually ask without arousing suspicion. 

#8. Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

If you want to get really wild, why not buy your loved one an investment to teach them the value of appreciation? After all, that’s what the holiday season is truly all about! I kid. But I’m not joking about how great of a gift option a GIC really is. Not only will the gift earn interest with minimal risk, but it is also a particularly great gift for someone who has children as a way to teach them more about money. You can also opt for a non-cashable/non-redeemable GIC, typically for a higher interest rate, and to ensure the funds remain untouched for some time. This option is better than a high-interest savings account because the rate is guaranteed for a certain length and won’t change. You can purchase a GIC from any major bank.

#9. A couples financial course

Did you and your partner just move in together? Or maybe your adult child just made the leap in a relationship and is looking for non-judgmental financial guidance. Check out the ‘Oh F*ck, Are We Ready to Talk About Money’ couples course that helps partners take a deep dive into their money and start to plan for their future as a team.

#10. Online investment course

If the person you plan to gift is new to money or ready to take a deeper dive into the world of investing, a great place to start is by learning all the ins and outs when it comes to what they can expect from the stock market and learning to build their own portfolio. 

#11. A graphic sweater that tells it how it is

I’m all about saying ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’ and this sweater is perfect for anyone who wants to get real about their curves (both in and out of their bank account). If you want your loved one to have a good laugh and a cozy sweater to rock as we continue to stay inside throughout this weird period in time, this is the perfect option! 

#12. A digital wallet

It might sound crazy, but with the increase in digital currency that is undoubtedly continuing to grow, it might be time to invest in a safe and secure place to store any money that can’t be swapped to cash. I’m talking about Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. My husband bought a Ledger Nano S last year and loves the apps’ simplicity and product design. 

No matter what you decide, my takeaway around this time of year is to always remind shoppers that you are not obligated to buy every single person in your life a Christmas gift. If you can’t afford gifts, there are always free options or more affordable ways to show each other you care – including a few things on my shop right here. Don’t be afraid to be transparent when setting your budget, because yes, Christmas is always about prioritizing our budgets. Happy Holidays!