Thanksgiving brought us food, comfort, peace, and family. A few hours later Christmas season is in full swing and we dive straight into the Black Friday chaos. Let’s be honest, we weren’t prepared for the holiday season and now we’re scrounging for ideas. What does Grandpa want? What was it that cousin Lilly said she needed a month ago? Should I just get Uncle Joey a gift card? That’s good enough, right? Figuring out what to give to whom can be the greatest holiday headache, but don’t worry I have some pain reliever handy.

  The expert homemakers of Pinterest say that if you’re not sure what to gift someone, get them an assortment of different small gifts. My advice is to look for a serious gift, a gag gift, and a homemade gift. This way, you hit all the bases no matter the mood.

  The serious gift. What kinds of things does this person use all the time? What could they use every day? A serious gift could be as small as a package of chapstick you know they like or a water bottle for when they go to soccer practice next fall. Next time they put it to use, you’re the person that will pop up in their minds.

  “I got my dad a pen one year,” senior and Parnassus editor Hannah Irelan said. “It was one of those multi-use pens. It had a level, a screwdriver, and a ruler. He loved it!”

  The DIY gift. A gift that someone buys can be special, but if you’re the least bit crafty try making something. Honestly, nothing is more meaningful than getting something someone put their own time and effort into creating. Maybe it’s a picture collage or a handmade ornament.

  Emily Hudson said, “I made my friend, Sarah, a collage of all the pictures of us. It was really cute!”

  The gag gift. I always enjoy coming up with these kinds of gifts. Of course, you need the right audience for it. (Not everyone’s grandma is going to enjoy those sexy underpants you gifted the newlyweds in the family.) Gifting to serve someone’s humor is always a treat. Although, you will need to come up with a serious gift to pair it with, but it’s always worth the thought when everyone gets a laugh out of it.

  “One year the teachers did a white elephant exchange,” said Mrs. Tonsoni, “and I gifted an 8 X 10 school photo of Mr. T., and let’s just say it wasn’t his best photo.” This is the same photo that still haunts the halls of DCHS. “We bestow it upon unsuspecting new teachers.  Mr. M. received it last year.  Mr. Painter had it this year, and now I think it is in Mrs. Cotton’s room.”

  In the end, don’t fret over what to get someone for Christmas. Anything is appreciated when you put some thought into it. Christmas is the time for thinking of others and as long as you have that in mind, it’ll be perfect.