In terms of gift-giving, what is important this holiday season is giving your beloved family something they’ll love and that will last. The best gifts have a personal, perhaps even hidden, meaning that take the art of giving to inspired levels. And we’ve got a few thoughtful gift ideas that will leave those on your list feeling merry and bright!
For: Your mom who is always cold
Gift: Merino wool sweater
Stocking stuffer accompaniment for longevity: Nikwax Wool Wash
Brownie Points: 10 of 10
Wool hasn’t experienced this level of popularity since the Shackleton era. It’s not the cycles of fashion. It’s because wool is nature’s star performer and top of the line Merino wool apparel companies are sticklers for quality. The soft hand, the sleek silhouette and the incomparable warmth will earn you an extra slice of pie, if not a larger slice of the inheritance.
For: Your dad who complains about the thermostat being too high
Gift: A lightweight, stretch fleece
Stocking stuffer accompaniment for longevity: Nikwax Polar Proof
Brownie Points: 8 of 10 from Dad and 10 of 10 from Mom
Let’s face it. As a gross generalization, dads don’t get overly excited about clothes. Just explain that this comfy piece of Americana will go directly from his morning jog, to watching football on the couch, to working on his pet project in the backyard. One-stop dressing=brilliant! Bonus: Mom’s Merino wool get-up is bound to be warmer than Dad’s lightweight fleece, thereby solving the age-old argument of where to keep the indoor temperature. You’ve saved Christmas and a marriage. Well done, you!
For: Your recent college graduate sister who is moving to a resort town for “just one year” while she finds herself
Gift: A down puffy jacket
Stocking stuffer accompaniment: Nikwax Down Wash and Down Proof
Brownie Points: 10 of 10… eventually
She doesn’t know this yet, but no one escapes the siren song of a resort town in “just one year.” She also doesn’t realize that her rent and heating bills will be exorbitant, even after splitting them evenly among her five roommates. Nor has it settled in that her down jacket will be her go-to layer every day this winter. It may take her some time to accept these realities, but she’ll thank you eventually.
For: The annoying uncle who snorts with laughter over the humiliating stories of you as an awkward pre-teen
Gift: Nikwax Rug Proof
Stocking stuffer accompaniment: Nothing! He’s lucky you kept him on your list in the first place.
Brownie Points: Depends how earnestly you can deliver the present
You’ll say it’s for protecting the horse blankets at the thoroughbred stables he bought for your bratty, spoiled cousin. But we all know it’s for that rat-tastic toupee he sports with no sense of irony or dignity.
Editor’s Note: Nikwax neither recommends nor condones use of Rug Proof as a toupee cleaner.