Every December, we all become amateur detectives, trying to figure out what to buy the people we love. You scroll through hundreds of sites, add twenty things to your cart, delete everything, add them again, then spend two weeks convincing yourself that the perfect gift simply doesn’t exist.
But here is the truth. People aren’t hard to shop for. You just need a guide that actually sees them.
So this year, we made the perfect holiday gift guide for the real characters in your life. The overachievers, the soft girls, the chaotic friend, the influencers-in-training, the boss who is impossible to impress, the boyfriend who somehow already owns everything, including items he doesn’t even like.
This is the holiday gift guide that finally gets them right and makes your gifts the ones they will genuinely rave about.
The Best Holiday Gift Guide for Every Personality in Your Life
For the Boss Who Is Hard to Impress
This is the boss who never reacts. You could exceed your KPIs by 200 percent, and all you would get is a quiet nod and a “noted”. It is not that they do not like you; they just operate on one emotional setting. They are always behind their desk, typing like they have three jobs at once. So for this kind of boss, there is no need for drama. Just get them something small, thoughtful, and actually useful, something they will reach for on a random Tuesday without blinking. Here are a few options.
Special edition fountain pens from The Pen Shop
Leather-bound planner from Celebrations
Insulated mugs from Everything But Coffee
Wireless charger for their desk
Minimalistic desk organiser
Room spray or diffuser from Lohn Lagos
The Vaseline Cocoa Hydrate Hand Cream
When choosing scents, keep it soft and office-friendly. Avoid anything overpowering and pick something with sandalwood, soft citrus, or fresh linen notes.
For Your Mother-in-Law
She is the woman who makes you sit a little straighter when she walks in, but you absolutely adore her son, so you genuinely want to get this right. She will most likely interpret every gift you give her, even the harmless ones, so yes, there is a little pressure. You want her to like you as a daughter or at the very least keep things warm and cordial. Here are a few things that will earn you that small, satisfied smile when she opens her gift.
Spa day at the Oriki spa
Cast iron cookware from Radiance Cookware
BathRobe set from LSA Homes
Photo book with her favourite family moments
Christmas hamper or fruit basket from FruitBasket Ng
Statement jewellery from Itura Jewelry
For the Boyfriend Who Has Everything
This is the man who somehow owns everything before you even think to get it for him. New gadget? He already bought it. A hoodie you thought he would love? He has three. Shoes? Please, he has the budget of a small sneaker store. He is thoughtful, he is generous and he is impossible to shop for because he never hints at what he actually wants. So the trick with him is simple. Skip the obvious gifts and go for things that feel personal, sentimental or slightly upgraded from what he already owns.
Beard care kit from Ugho Africa
Customised fragrance session from Lohn Lagos
The Uncover Essentials skincare kit
Concert ticket for his favourite artist from PartyVest
Car diffusers from Lohn Lagos
For the Friend Who Wants to Be an Influencer
This is the friend who refuses to take photos in bad lighting. She knows every trend on TikTok, she is always trying to pull you into her videos, and she carries a tripod in her bag just in case. She says things like content series and complains about her engagement rate with a straight face. She is not joking about this influencer caree,r and honestly, she might pull it off. So for her, the best gifts are the ones that help her create, glow or go viral a little faster.
Cover her CapCut or Canva Pro subscription for a year
Instax Polaroid camera from DO Stores
Pay for an experience she can vlog based on her niche, such as a cooking class, wine tasting, or perfume shopping.
For the Girl Who Is Catching Flights, Not Feelings
This is the friend who treats travel like a personality trait. She may not be in a new country every month, but she always knows the best places to go, the cheapest flights to catch, and the exact Airbnb that will give you your money’s worth. If you ever plan a trip, she is the first person you call because she already has a full itinerary saved for that destination. She travels across the globe, loves interstate trips, and somehow turns even a quick weekend away into a full experience. Here are a few gifts she will appreciate
Apple AirPods Max
AirTag
Packing cubes from My Travel Store
Insta X Mini Camera from DO stores
A travel journal from Just Journal
A passport cover + luggage tag set
For the Girl Who Calls Everything ‘Aesthetic’ Unironically
She believes every drink tastes better in a pretty cup. She documents sunsets, colour codes her life, and will buy something simply because it is pink, beige, or minimalist. She is the friend who will look at an item you love and say, with full seriousness, “It just does not match the aesthetic I am going for.” So the best gifts for her are the ones that look good, feel soft, and fit perfectly into her curated little world.
Beaded jewellery from Mia’s Jewelry
Luxury aesthetic pyjamas from Kirueka
Cute bag charms from Miniso
Aesthetic phone case from The Case Hut
Unique glassware inspired by her Pinterest board
Burgundy leather shoulder bag
For the Pilates Princess
This is the friend who is up by 6 a.m. in her matching set, stretching on a yoga mat before the rest of the world wakes up. She will not skip her routine, not even on a girls trip. She loves her boba tea and matcha and somehow convinces you that Pilates is a lifestyle, not a workout. For her, the best gifts are the ones that fit into her wellness routine and make her feel a little more balanced and aligned.
Aesthetic water bottles from Miniso
Pilates mat carrier from Jumia
Ninja Blast Portable blender for smoothies
Premium Pilates grip socks from Petals
Matching set from Kyn By Elle
A class voucher at her favourite Pilates studio
For the Cozy Homebody
This is the friend who would rather stay in than go anywhere. Home is her happy place. She lights candles for ambience, she wears socks even when it is not that cold and she has a favourite blanket that should honestly pay rent at this point. She loves comfort, calm and anything that makes her space feel warmer or a little more magical. So the best gifts for her are the ones that turn her everyday routines into tiny rituals.
Loungewear sets from the Morning Ticket
Forvr mood candles from Beauty Hut
Aesthetic home decor pieces from Dasro Home and Lifestyle (best to shop in person)
Mini vacuum from Miniso
Customized mug set from Not Just Pulp
A plush throw pillow from Fluide Homes
For the Girl Obsessed with Music
This is the friend who always has her headphones on, even at dinner. She makes playlists for every mood, every month, and every mildly dramatic moment in her life. She puts you on to new artists before they blow, and when you need advice, she is the one who quotes a lyric from her favourite artist with full conviction. Music is her personality and her emotional support system, so your gifts should make her world a little more magical.
Vinyl player and records from Egwu
Concert tickets to their fave this December from PartyVest
Vintage Bluetooth speaker from Miniso
Artist merch
Airpods Max
For the Girl Preparing for Her Corporate Takeover
She is the career-focused friend. She is always enrolled in one professional course or another, and you practically need to book an appointment just to call her because she actually follows her working calendar. Even on a girls’ outing, she is the friend who brings her laptop because there is always a deadline she cannot miss and KPIs that sound impossible but she will somehow achieve anyway. For this kind of woman, the best gifts are the ones that make her life easier, more organised, and a little less chaotic.
Logitech headset for work calls (H390 or Zone Wired)
A premium laptop stand from Miniso or Jumia
LinkedIn Premium subscription for the year
Photochromic or blue light glasses
Personalised sticky notes or tabbed notepads from Lucy.ng
Sleek insulated travel mug from Everything But Coffee
Desk organiser or acrylic file tray
Spa day at the Oriki spa because she needs the pampering
For the Girl Planning Her Glow Up
This is the friend who has been promising to rebrand for months. She keeps saying she is going to arrive next year, she is going to look good, she is going to be that girl. Her TikTok is full of makeup routines, gym girlies, hair growth hacks, and hauls she is manifesting. She has a long skincare routine that she only follows consistently… sometimes. She wants to lose or add weight, dress better, do her makeup properly, and step into her “hot girl” era. She is not there yet, but she is so close in her mind. So the best gifts for her are the ones that help her actually start the glow-up she has been talking about all year.
Makeup class
Boots from Boots NG
Statement jewellery from Shop Raenna
Maybelline lip gloss or makeup set from Beauty Hut
Uncover Essentials skincare kit
For Your Favourite Foodie or The Girl Who Loves to Cook
This is the friend who is AirPods Max with food on a spiritual level. She will be mid-bite and start listing every ingredient in the dish like a detective. She is the friend who calls you randomly to say there is a new Asian restaurant you must try immediately, and she already knows what both of you should order. She knows the difference between smoked paprika and regular paprika and the correct heat for a cast-iron pan. She is the friend who eats and moans and lifts her fork in the air because the food slaps. So the best gifts for her are the ones that feed the obsession and make her cooking or eating experiences even better.
Hilda Baci cooking class
Premium chef’s knife set from Jumia
Spice rack + spice collection from Spice Supreme
Cast-iron skillet from Radiance Cookware
Wine and pasta-making session at ABCAT22B
The Fashion Girlie/ The It Girl
This is the friend who treats fashion like a full-time commitment. She is the one who picks a theme and colour code for her birthday months in advance, and somehow everyone listens because her taste is elite. She will stand behind you in the mirror, adjust three things on your outfit, and suddenly you look like a different person. She is never average at an event, ever. Even church is a runway if she is involved. She knows when designers are dropping new collections, she has opinions on silhouettes and fabrics, and she is your plug for shoes, clothes, and outfit inspiration. She is stylish, dramatic, intentional, and always a step ahead. So the best gifts for her are the ones that elevate her wardrobe, spark her creativity, or feed her obsession with looking impossibly good.
Boots from Boots NG
Statement/ Vintage jewelry from Shop Raenna
A gift card to her favourite fashion store
Vintage bag from Shoptodah
A fashion coffee table book from Ouida
Customised fragrance from Lohn Lagos
For the Friend Who Always Has a Drink in Hand
This is the friend who somehow always has a drink, is about to get a drink, or is convincing you that you also deserve a drink. She knows the best bars in the city, the strongest cocktails, and the restaurants with real unlimited drinks. She is the friend who walks into a restaurant and orders her signature drink without looking at the menu, and the one you trust for drink recommendations every single time. And she is somehow never drunk, just perfectly tipsy enough to make the night fun. Here are a few gifts she will actually love.
Customised hip flask from 24 Bottles Ng
A cocktail shaker set from Jumia
A ticket for a wine tasting class at The Wine Lab
A personalised wine opener set from Pziel
Aesthetic cocktail glasses (martini, coupe, or wine)
For the On-the-Go Reader / The Classics & Culture Lover
This is the friend who always has a book in her bag, even if she is only going to the supermarket. She reads on the bus, in waiting rooms, at brunch, and sometimes in the middle of a conversation because the chapter is “getting good.” She loves stories, museums, poetry, old films, and anything that makes her feel like she is living inside a beautifully written novel. Here are a few gifts to indulge her love for literature and culture.
A beautiful bookmark from Studio Concierge
A gift card to shop for books at Ouida or a collection of classic literature
A cosy reading lamp or clip-on book light from Jumia
An aesthetic bookshelf
Custom book stamps from Squiggle Co
A sip and paint class at Sip and. paint Ng
A bean bag and throw blankets for her reading corner from Taeillo
A Kindle or Kindle accessories
For the Holistic Wellness Girl
This is the friend who woke up one morning and decided the only way to live long is to eat clean and mind her calories. She tracks her water intake, counts her steps, and somehow always knows the exact nutritional breakdown of whatever you are eating. She is the friend who says, “I can’t have that” because it contains one mysterious ingredient you have never heard of.
She takes supplements with the commitment of someone studying for an exam, drinks collagen like juice, loves ginger shots, and always has one herbal tea boiling on the stove. She will randomly announce that she is now gluten-free or vegan, and you will never find sugar in her house because she always has an alternative. When you are sick, she is mixing herbs, diagnosing you like a plant, and insisting you need to clear your mind. She is hard to shop for, but here is what she will actually appreciate.
A set of glass mason jars for meal preps from Mason Jar Ng
Ninja Blast Portable Blender
Fruit basket hamper from Fruit Basket Ng
A spa day at Oriki Spa
A diffuser with essential oils from Fragrances.com.ng
An herbal tea set (ginger, turmeric, hibiscus, chamomile) from The Health Place Africa
An insulated aesthetic water bottle (2L or with time markers) from Miniso
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For the girl who loves raves/ parties
This is the friend who always knows where the real party is happening. She is somehow on every guest list, every DJ knows her by name, and she has a sixth sense for which events will actually be fun. She is the girl who starts doing her makeup at 10 p.m., says “I’m not drinking tonight,” then orders shots for the table. She thrives in loud music, flashing lights, and crowds that would give you anxiety. She is the first to drag you outside, the last to go home, and the one who always has a story the next morning.
Custom hip flask from 24 Bottles Ng
A gift card for Bfits NG to shop for a dress
Maybelline lip gloss or makeup set from Beauty Hut
Oraimo portable charger + powerbank
An Instax camera from DO Stores
For The Pet mom
This is the friend whose entire personality is her pet. Her camera roll is 97 per cent photos of the same animal in slightly different positions, and she will show you every single one proudly. She talks to her pet like a human, narrates their thoughts, defends them in arguments, and cancels plans because “my baby is not feeling well.” She knows her pet’s moods, favourite snacks, weird habits, and toxic traits, and honestly, you sometimes forget the animal cannot actually text. Here are a few gifts she will genuinely love.
A customised pet tag or collar with their name from Vetlane
A framed pet portrait or cartoon illustration
A soft pet blanket or cuddle bed from Vetlane
A pet carrier bag that is actually stylish from Temu or Jumia
A cute pet outfit (sweaters, bandanas, bow ties) from Vetlane
For the Plant Mom
This is the friend who made you realise plants are not just décor. Before you met her, you would have happily bought plastic plants and called it a day, but now you know the names of real ones because she has dragged you into her world. She is the friend who calls you in a panic because a leaf is turning yellow, and you still have no idea what she means, but you listen because you know it matters to her. She celebrates new leaves like birthdays, mourns dying ones like heartbreaks, and has probably gifted you a plant you are still trying to keep alive. You may not fully understand her obsession, but you know she loves her little jungle with her whole heart. Here are a few gifts she will actually appreciate.
A set of aesthetic ceramic plant pots from The Planter Inc
A cute watering can (matte, gold, or pastel) from Rehmie
A plant fertiliser or growth booster from Savvy Gardens Ng
A watering schedule, notepad, or plant-care journal
Conclusion
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to feel like a puzzle. The perfect gift is simply the one that makes your favourite person feel seen. Whether your friend is a Pilates princess, the rave queen, the plant mom or the girl planning her dramatic glow up, there is always a gift that feels like it was made just for her. So go ahead and spoil your people a little. They will love you for it.
