Smart gift tips: how to really score with Sinterklaas and Christmas this year

That annual gift-giving stress? You know how it is. November rolls around, and suddenly you have to come up with the perfect gift for everyone. From your mother-in-law to your best friend, from your teacher to your teenage daughter. And then we all end up with the same old safe choices: bubble bath, stockings with Christmas trees, and those standard chocolate letters. Pretty basic and boring.

At Happlify, we understand that things can definitely be better, and that special people deserve something better than basic... That's why we're sharing the best tips to truly make a splash with your gifts this year. No panic, no last-minute Action runs—or rather, nothing, okay?!—but thoughtful gifts that make people happy.

Start with who you have in front of you

Sounds simple, but this is where things often go wrong. We're too quick to think outside the box. "Men like beer and barbecue" or "women always want wellness." Stop for a moment. Who is this person really?

Think of that one colleague who's always talking about her new pancake plant. Or your brother-in-law who's secretly addicted to his skincare routine. It's precisely those personal interests that make the difference between "oh, thanks" and "wow, how did you know?!"

💡 Pro tip: scroll through their Instagram or Pinterest. What excites them? Which accounts do they follow? It's a goldmine for inspiration!

Speaking of skincare, at Bella Giornata you'll find the beautiful Idea Toscana line : nostalgia, sustainability, pure quality all in one!

Quality over quantity

We get it, you have a whole list to complete. But one beautiful gift makes a bigger impression than three small things that disappear into a drawer after two weeks.

At the Happlify Crew, you'll find webshops that focus on products with a story. Handmade jewelry, sustainable home accessories, or unique fashion items. Things that truly bring people joy and that they'll use for years to come.

Think of that one high-quality scarf your girlfriend loves every winter. Or that dinnerware set your mother is still proud of. Those are the gifts that matter.

The Happy Holiday Gift Guide is your new best friend

Out of inspiration? Happlify's Happy Holiday Gift Guide is packed with ideas. From small Sinterklaas gifts to luxurious Christmas presents. The best part? Everything's already been picked out for you. No endless searching on twenty different websites. Looking for something for that creative person in your life? Check. That friend who's always decorating her home? That's sorted too.

Speaking of quality and styling your home, these VAAT X Piet Paris tea towels are a must-have!

Personalize without hassle

A personal touch doesn't have to be complicated. Think about:

• A beautiful notebook with her initials
• His favorite coffee in special packaging
• A plant pot in exactly the color she loves
• A fill-in cookbook for his family recipes that he always talks about

It's about the feeling that you've truly thought about someone. Not that you just bought something randomly because you had to.

Packaging matters (but don't overdo it)

Oh, and... nobody has time for Pinterest-worthy gift wrapping with 47 layers of tissue paper. But a little effort is definitely worth it. Pretty paper, a ribbon, done. Or even easier: many Happlify Crew shops offer gift wrapping services. Win-win!

💡 Extra tip: reusable packaging is hot. Think of a beautiful tea towel or furoshiki to wrap the gift in, or a canvas bag that doubles as a gift. Sustainable and smart.

Check out Happlify Crew Member Roppongi for the finest selection of Furoshikis !

Timing is everything

That last-minute stress? We could do without it. Order in time, especially when it comes to handmade or personalized items. For many small businesses in the Happlify Crew, this might take a little longer than for the big boys, but that's precisely what makes it special.

Start looking around in November. Make a list on your phone. See something you like? Write it down! This way you avoid that "oh shit, tomorrow is Christmas Eve" panic.

Think outside the box

Who says gifts always have to be things? Experiences are often the best gifts:

• Doing a workshop together
• Tickets for that concert she always talks about
• A gift certificate for her favorite restaurant
• A photo shoot for the whole family
• And what about a personal tarot reading ?

At Happlify, you'll also find many of these kinds of experiences. Perfect for those who "already have everything."

The holidays as they were meant to be

Ultimately, it's all about one thing: making people happy. Don't stress about the perfect gift, but enjoy giving (and receiving!). With these tips and the help of the Happlify Crew, gift shopping won't be a chore this year, but a celebration.

So turn on the Christmas music, pour yourself a treat, and start your shopping adventure. Because trust us, with the right approach, choosing gifts will be just as much fun as giving them. And those happy faces while unwrapping them? That's what we're all here for. Happy shopping!