Every year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded last-minute gift panic. Finding a present that hits all the right notes can be surprisingly stressful, even when it comes to people you’ve known for years.
But have no fear! We’ve lined up a list of unique gifts for every “type” on your list. And since we work in real estate, they’re all centered around home life. From the coffee snob to the sports enthusiast, these presents are the perfect way to bring beauty, function or a touch of whimsy to your loved one’s home this holiday season. And if you prefer to shop local, we even included some alternatives located in the South-east valley, with a slight bias in favor of the smaller “mom-and-pop” stores!
FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALWAYS IN THE KITCHEN
We all know someone whose kitchen is their happy place—but once all the basics are covered, it can be hard to find the perfect present. These gifts will be a treat for the chef, baker, or food lover on your list, no matter how well equipped they are.
1. The Coffee Snob
Glass Pour-Over Coffeemaker – $36
Have a java lover on your list who just can’t get their brew right at home? This high-end pour-over system makes a smooth brew that can even be refrigerated and reheated so your recipient can enjoy a perfect cup at any time.
Easy alternative: A gift card from any one of the local coffee shops in the Queen Creek area…
- QC Junction Cafe
- San Tan Cafe
- Rocky Point Coffee
- Infusion Coffee & Tea
- Top Cup Coffeehouse
- Third Place Cup
- Black Rock Coffee
For more read “Best Coffee Spots in Queen Creek and San Tan Valley.”
2. The Foodie
Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit – $30
Help your favorite gourmand create restaurant-quality meals with this kit that allows them to grow delicious mushrooms right in their cupboard. All they’ll need to do is soak the wood and put it in a cool place, then wait a few weeks, and voila—mushrooms! Best of all, they can keep growing mushrooms on the same log for years.
Local alternative: See “Phoenix’s ‘Mushroom Mike’ Grows Gourmet and Medicinal Shrooms” or visit his website at SouthWestMushrooms.com
3. The Baker
Vintage Etched Cake Stand – $60
If you’re lucky enough to have a fabulous home baker on your list, give a gift that reflects the joy their treats bring to others. This lovely glass cake stand is the platform that a beautifully decorated dessert deserves.
Local alternative: Consider a gift from one of these mom-and-pop shops in the South-East Valley:
- East Valley Cake Decorating Supply
- Always With Cake
- Come Together Sweets
- Kneaders Bakery
- Wickedly Good Bakery
- Sweet Louise
- East Valley Cakes
4. The Tea Aficionado
Flowering Tea Set – $25
Your favorite tea lover may have tried all of the herbal blends out there, but we bet they haven’t seen tea like this. This set contains two “blossoms” of tea leaves hand-sewn around flowers that bloom when you place them in the included glass teapot and add hot water.
Alternative: A gift from local tea purveyors Tea Royalty of Queen Creek – whose products can be found at the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Hayden Flour Mills, and Agritopia Farm Store in Gilbert, AZ.
FOR THOSE WHO WOULD RATHER BE IN THE BACKYARD
For many of us, time outdoors is the ultimate source of rejuvenation. The nature-lover on your list is sure to appreciate these presents that help them maximize that joy in their daily lives.
5. The Gardener
Striped Garden Tote Bag – $37
Dedicated gardeners all need a great bag to carry their gear. This tote is attractive and sturdy and will help them keep their home’s exterior beautiful and welcoming.
Local alternative: Consider gifting an admission or membership to the Queen Creek Botanical Gardens.
6. The Flower Lover
Monthly Flower Subscription – starting at $40/month
If your loved one prefers to enjoy their flora without all the work, a delivery of farm-fresh flowers is sure to surprise and delight. And you can keep the joy blossoming year-round with a monthly or bi-monthly subscription.
Local alternative: The Cottage Flowers and Gifts located in Queen Creek.
7. The Environmentalist
Collapsible Metal Straw – $20
Know someone who is trying to bring less plastic into their home? This reusable metal straw means they’ll never have to buy a box of plastic straws again. And since it collapses into a tiny carrying case, they can use it at home or on the go.
8. The Outdoor Adventurer
Solar Phone Charger – $29
Have a camper or adventurer on your list? This solar-powered phone charger, which comes with a built-in flashlight and compass, is a must-have. It will also make a great addition to their home emergency kit.
Local alternative: Pick up something from the Queen Creek Running Company.
FOR THOSE WITH THEIR NOSE TO GRINDSTONE
Like it or not, most of us spend a good chunk of our lives working—whether at a job or on projects and chores around the house. These gifts are designed to make that work a bit easier and more enjoyable.
9. The Remote Worker
Home Office Lap Desk – $35
Working at home can be great—in part because you can work from anywhere in the house. The remote worker on your list will appreciate this lap desk with a built-in mouse pad and phone slot, which will allow them to work comfortably from the couch or the bed without overheating their computer.
10. The Back-to-The-Office Worker
Bento Lunch Box – $27
If your loved one is heading back to the office, it doesn’t mean they have to give up the healthy habit of a home-cooked meal. Send them to work with this stylish lunch box packed full of nutritious food.
11. The Do-It-Yourselfer
65ft Laser Distance Measure – $50
The handy person on your list can say goodbye to unwieldy tape measures with this nifty device. It’s perfect for DIY projects up to 65 feet.
Alternative: Visit a local Ace Hardware, Harbor Freight or Tractor Supply Co. in Queen Creek.
12. The Clean Freak
Portable Sanitizing Travel Wand – $60
In the COVID-19 era, we’ve all become a little germaphobic. This UV wand kills viruses and bacteria in seconds without any wiping or washing required. It’s perfect for disinfecting shoes, computer keyboards, and more!
FOR THOSE MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR HOBBIES
Of course, there’s a lot more to life than work. If you’re gifting a friend or family member who really lights up when they talk about their hobbies, we’ve got you covered.
13. The Sports Enthusiast
Hockey Stick BBQ Set – $45
Looking for a gift for the sports enthusiast in your life that isn’t another jersey? These BBQ tools made from repurposed hockey sticks are a great pick. Perfect for cooking up food to watch with the game!
14. The Bookworm
The Book Lover’s Journal – $13
Know someone who loves to curl up on the couch with a good book? This journal will help the book-lover on your list keep track of what they’ve read, as well as their ever-growing “to-read” list.
Alternative: Find a second-hand book at Bookmans in Mesa or some pre-owned treasure at RePurposed Thrift Boutique in Queen Creek.
15. The Runner
Marathon Map Hydration Bottles – $36
Help the runner you love to stay hydrated (and motivated) with a water bottle inscribed with their favorite race route. It’s perfect for runs around the neighborhood or just toting around the house.
Alternative: Shop locally at the Queen Creek Running Company.
16. The Tourist
Travel Backpack – $100
Make it easy for the travel lover on your list to bring back souvenirs. This lightweight backpack folds flat so it’s easy to pack but sturdy enough to carry their new treasures all the way home.
FOR THOSE WHO PUT FAMILY FIRST
For many of us, the greatest joy in life comes from our relationship with our family. Help your recipient strengthen and celebrate those all-important connections with these thoughtful gifts.
17. The New Parent
4-in-1 Baby Food Maker – $155
It’s hard to know what to buy for new parents once their registry is cleared out, but if they’re interested in making baby food at home, this tool is a must-have. It makes the process, from steaming to mixing, fast and easy.
18. The Genealogy Fan
DNA Kit – $99
Know someone interested in reconnecting with their ancestral home? This DNA kit can help them trace their geographical heritage and uncover their family history.
19. The Pet Person
Custom Printed Socks – $25
Is your friend’s pet their favorite family member? These adorable socks are sure to put a smile on their face as they cozy up on the couch with their fur baby. And since you can feature up to four pets on each pair of socks, no one needs to feel left out.
Alternative: Shop locally at the Pet Planet in Queen Creek.
20. The Documentarian
Mini Link Printer – $100
We all have that relative who snaps a million photos at every family event. Help them capture each precious moment with this unique gadget that essentially transforms a smartphone into a Polaroid camera. It makes it easy to customize and print out snapshots to display around the house or insert into a scrapbook for posterity.
Alternative: If you want to make a festive day of it, walking and window shopping with holiday music wafting through the air, visit the lovely San Tan Village. It’s an open-air mall with small shops, national retailers, big-box stores, sit-down restaurants & fast food!
READY TO GIVE YOURSELF THE ULTIMATE GIFT?
We want to be your real estate consultants through every season of life. So please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to ask for recommendations or referrals any time of year. And when you’re ready to give yourself the gift of a new home, contact us to talk about your options in the South-East valley of Phoenix. From finding the right neighborhood to identifying the amenities that will make the biggest difference to your quality of life, we’re eager to help.
