With the holiday season rolling around, it’s time to start thinking about buying gifts for our loved ones. Gift shopping can be a difficult task, and with everything going on in the world, the last thing we need is added stress and anxiety. Although this is the case, it doesn’t mean that we should opt for the easy route and buy meaningless gifts. Now more than ever it’s important to show our friends and family that we appreciate them by giving them unique and unexpected gifts that will put a smile on their face and give them that warm, fuzzy feeling we all love. Here are five affordable and quirky gift ideas to give the special people in your life this holiday season.  

1. Personalized Blanket 

Blankets are cozy and warm, but they offer an even greater feeling of comfort when they have a special meaning attached to them. Personalizing blankets with pictures can turn a simple gift into something fun and memorable. Whether it’s a picture of you and your loved one or multiface images of their favorite animal, a personalized blanket is a thoughtful gift that can be put to good use during the cold winter months.  

1. Adult Coloring Book 

Many people are dealing with higher stress and anxiety levels due to COVID-19. Coloring books are great for releasing tension because they are proven to lower stress and anxiety levels. Coloring offers an opportunity to unwind and place your focus elsewhere. Coloring is also a great way to detach from the internet and social media, which can be overwhelming and exhausting at times.  

1. Work From Home Survival Kit  

Many people are currently working from home and will most likely continue to in the coming months. This has been a difficult adjustment, and many are still learning the ropes. A work from home survival kit can help out that friend or family member who has been having a hard time working remotely. The kit can include supplies to help them stay organized such as a planner, colorful highlighters and multi-size Post-its. It can also include items that make sitting on their laptop for hours on end less uncomfortable such as a laptop stand, a lower back lumbar support pillow and blue light glasses. You can also include a book of motivational quotes or a message board where they can write out encouraging messages to help them stay inspired. This kit will give them the extra boost of support and motivation they need.  

1. Kigurumi Onesie 

You’re never too old to wear a onesie, especially a onesie that looks like your favorite animal or cartoon character. Kigurumi onesies are fun and entertaining and range from Disney characters like Lilo & Stitch to animals like fish and octopuses. They’re also very snug and cozy!  

1. Chia Pet 

Chia Pets are terracotta figurines of animals or people that sprout chia, which is used to resemble their hair or fur. Many of us grew up watching the Chia Pet commercial and remember the Cha Cha Cha Chia Pet tune. Not only is a Chia Pet nostalgic, but there are so many different types. Chia Pets range anywhere from Mickey Mouse to RuPaul from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” This is an amusing gift that will incite a lot of laughter but will also be enjoyable to watch grow and take care of.