Season’s greetings, Columbus. Festive time is upon us — and in between hot cocoa drinking and twinkle light hanging, we’re guessing you’re shopping for a few special people on your list. Look no further than the official CBUStoday gift guide, with 90+ gift ideas including unique local treasures and the season’s hottest items.
Gifts for singles
Holiday shopping for a single in your life? Treat them to comfort, coziness, and little luxuries with these gift ideas.
Local pick: Ohio State logo shirt | $34 | Everyone can always use some more Buckeye gear in their life, plus this comes in different styles, including crew neck sweaters and shorts.
Smeg Electric Kettle | $190.00 | Splurge on a coveted retro-style Smeg appliance, perfect for making teas and coffees all year long.
Knitted weighted blanket | $135.99 | Perfect for a bed or couch, this 15-lb blanket offers comforting weight with an aesthetic knit finish.
Local pick: Gift certificate to The Book Loft | $1+ | Avoid returns by letting your friend or loved one pick out their own book at this popular German Village retailer.
Melissa Clark’s “Dinner in One” | $29.99 | A New York Times bestseller + a best cookbook of the year by Food & Wine, Melissa Clark’s recipe collection serves up delicious, one-pot meals for dinner.
Automatic curtain opener | $89.99 | A smart device that opens curtains automatically by smartphone app, Alexa, or Google Home — they can even set schedules.
“I need a hug(e margarita)” candle | $17.95 | Gift them a handmade candle bound to make anybody laugh.
Gifts for parents
The holidays = the best time for gifting parents smart and functional items to ease carpool, lunch prep, and home organization. Shop stand-out gifts for parents and families.
Local pick: Holiday Wallflower scents | $4.95+ | These are great stocking stuffers for anyone who wants their house to smell like the holiday spirit.
Ceneda large cooler bag | $24.99 | This insulated, leak-proof tote is perfect for family road trips, beach trips, and everything in between.
Car backseat organizers | $34.99 | Speaking of road trips, these backseat car organizers are every parent’s best friend + come complete with a tablet holder.
200 Kids Conversation Cards | $38.95 | Transform family dinners with a conversation-starting card game that asks kids and adults fun and meaningful questions.
Local pick: “Pause for Puzzles: Hard Crosswords for Focus” | $7.99 | Stop by Tigertree in Clintonville to pick up this puzzle book that is sure to challenge anyone.
Bento Lunch Box | $32.99 | Gift parents an organized + colorful lunch box complete with a food jar, dividers, and silicone utensils.
Smart calendar + chore chart | $317.99 | The future of chore charts is here — treat parents to the ultimate family organization tool, complete with Google calendar syncing, color coding, and meal planning.
Gifts for young people
Bring on the rhinestones, games, noise, and fun. Shop our favorite holiday gifts for young people, all perfect for gifting to grandkids, nieces + nephews, and cousins at this year’s family gathering.
Local pick: Amuseable Sun | $30 | This extra soft plushie is created by JellyCat, and it’s available online or in-stores at Tigertree.
Women’s cropped quarter zip | $52.99 | A bestseller in women’s fashion sweatshirts, this cropped sweatshirt comes in multiple colors and includes a thumb hole.
Spikeball set | $67.99 | A popular yard game they’ll want to play immediately after unwrapping.
Blank Slate game | $24.99 | Get the whole family laughing together during holiday gatherings with this highly-rated word association party game.
Studded bling tumbler | $29.99 | The perfect gift for the glitz lover in your family.
Local pick: 400 reusable kitten stickers | $6.95 | These can be a great present for kids, or a fun reward to encourage good behavior.
Mini karaoke machine | $37.99 | Both kids and adults will end up belting their heart out with this wireless, Bluetooth karaoke set.
Gifts for homebodies
Know someone whose idea of a good time is curling up with a book and a cup of tea? (Guilty.) Shop great gift ideas for homebodies, including vintage games and the best gift for puzzle lovers.
Local pick: 3-wick Candles | $26.95 | Check out Bath and Body Works for a variety of 3-wick scented candles.
Vintage bookshelf Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue | $117.99 | Gift three of the most popular classic board games in an elegant set that will bedeck any bookshelf.
Rotating puzzle board + poppy puzzle | $89.99 + $29.95 | Puzzle-lovers will appreciate this rotating puzzle board complete with drawers for sorting pieces — pair it with a colorful, cheery poppy puzzle.
Local pick: Hand sanitize and soap | $7.95 | Bath and Body Works also has a great selection of soaps and sanizitzers that can be used at home or on-the-go.
Cotton waffle bathrobe | $131.40 | A luxury hotel + spa-quality waffle robe crafted from 100% cotton and silk.
Heated foot massager | $129.99 | Equipped with infrared heating, this soothing foot massager will comfort and soothe sore feet.
Teabloom flowering tea set | $69.95 | A beautiful glass teapot and a set of flowering teas that bloom right in the pot.
Gifts for your significant other
It’s always the ultimate question of the season — what are you going to gift your partner for the holidays? Shop great gift ideas for your significant other to make them feel warm, cozy, and loved this winter.
Local pick: NFL Collection crew necks | $70 | You can find the perfect Sunday gameday sweat at Abercrombie no matter who you root for.
TheraGun Mini Massage Gun | $199.00 | A compact and travel-sized deep tissue massager that can relieve sore muscles and speed up recovery in between workouts.
Women’s Orolay Thickened Down Jacket | $151.99+ | The ultimate winter coat that’s windproof, warm, and stylish.
Men’s UGG Romeo Slipper or Women’s UGG Tasman Slipper | $109.95+ | Gift your partner the perfect winter slipper that can be worn both in and out of the house.
Local pick: Float therapy | $90 | Spend a day at Ebb & Float where you can relax in a sensory deprivation tank.
Sherpa-lined flannel shirt jacket | $76.95+ | Choose your favorite plaid pattern + snag them a warm jacket great for hiking, trekking, and camping all season long.
“From the library of” book embosser | $18.99+ | For the partner who loves to read, this personalized gift will add flair and meaning to their home library.
Gifts for holiday parties + gift exchanges
Eyeing an office holiday party, white elephant exchange, or gift grab-bag this holiday season? Don’t panic — here’s exactly what to get to spread cheer and mirth at this season’s holiday gathering.
Local pick: 3D plant playing cards | $10 | Grab a pack of holographic plant cards that show different forms of various plants.
YETI Rambler 30-oz stainless steel tumbler | $38.00 | A durable, fan-favorite tumbler anyone will love.
Gourmet flake salt gift set | $11.99 | A set of truffle, garlic, herbs de provence, and steak + rib salt perfect for home cooks.
TRUFF 3-bottle set | $19.99 | A great sampler gift of the original TRUFF hot sauce, hotter hot sauce, and black truffle oil.
Funny flip-over desk signs | $13.99 | Perfect for the office gift exchange, these flip-over signs display messages like “Drinks after work?” and “Shh...I’m thinking.”
Porta-Potty Shot Glasses | $19.99 | Liven up the gift grab bag with highly-rated porta-potty shot glasses.
Local pick: Emergency Dad Jokes | $12 | These jokes aren’t always going to get you a laugh, but you’re sure to get a few groans.
Gifts for neighbors
Looking to show your neighbor some love this holiday season? Shop elegant, thoughtful gifts that will spark joy and cheer for anyone on your block.
Local pick: Dog Walk 1,000 piece puzzle | $19.99 | This gift is great for neighbors with pets because it gives you an excuse to go see the dog too.
Toschi Amarena cherries | $19.99 | Perfect on cheese boards, atop ice cream, or straight out of the jar, these Italian Amarena cherries are a little luxury.
Pompom fringe blanket | $21.99 | Because who doesn’t love curling up with an ultra soft blanket at the end of the day?
Wine opener gift set | $59.99 | Level up neighborhood wine night with a wine decanter set complete with an electric opener, aerator, and foil cutter.
Local pick: Smoothie straws | $12 | Your cross-fit neighbor will love these smoothie straws that are perfect for those thick protein shakes.
Bonne Maman 2024 jam advent calendar | $44.99 | They’ll love counting down December with 24 limited edition spreads in this sweet + unique holiday gift.
Le Creuset heritage pie dish | $55.95 | Give the gift of a classic, heirloom pie dish they’ll bake comforting treats in for years to come.
Gifts for students
From classroom-approved water bottles, to dorm room must-haves, to great campus attire, shop the best gifts to give students this holiday season.
Local pick: Stauf’s gift card | $1+| Buy your student their next few cups of coffee at this local roaster with multiple locations around the city.
Stanley Quencher | $45.00 | The internet-famous water bottle, available in cute colors like Matcha Cream.
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones | $549.00 | Splurge on a student with Apple’s noise-cancelling headphones — perfect for late nights spent studying at the library.
Rocketbook Everlast Fusion notebook | $39.99 | A digital notebook for to-do lists, lecture notes, and goals — save notes to the Cloud and wipe it clean for another use.
Crock-pot electric lunch box | $42.99 | Commuting students and interns can have hot meals on the go with this portable Crock-pot.
Local pick: Northstar gift card | $1+ | Ensure your student is eating at least one healthy meal per month by getting them a gift card to this health-focused local eatery.
Ceiling Swish mini basketball hoop | $29.99 | An addictive mini basketball game to hang on the ceiling and complete any dorm room.
Cropped puffy vest | $36.97+ | A stylish vest for warmth walking to classes.
Gifts for pet owners
Tug on the heartstrings of any pet owner this holiday season with great gifts for cat + dog lovers.
Local pick: Snuggle blanket | $19.99 | Cats will love this extra soft blanket that is made from faux rabbit fur.
Chom Chom Roller | $27.99 | Pet owners will be amazed by how much hair this reusable lint roller picks up from carpets, clothes, and couches.
Thoughts of Dog 2025 calendar | $17.99 | Gift a daily pup-spective of a sweet dog with this adorable and funny daily calendar.
Cat tunnel bed | $48.99 | A plush and ultra-soft cat pet bed with a fun feature — there’s a tunnel inside for cats to explore.
Local pick: Bow Tie | $6.99 | It’s important dogs are included in the holiday fun and that means dressing them up for the occasion.
Furbo Mini Pet Camera | $79.00 | The ultimate home security camera for watching pets while you’re away.
Pawprint keepsake kit | $16.95 | A DIY kit for pet owners to make their very own personalized clay pet keepsake.
Gifts for the proud Columbusite
Holiday gifting = the perfect excuse to show your Columbus pride. Shop great gifts for Columbusites that pay tribute to the best city + sports teams in the nation (we’re biased, of course).
Local pick: Ohio State football jersey | $97.49 | These Nike jerseys come in white, red, or gray — each one perfect for the big Buckeye fan’s collection.
Local pick: Goodale Park t-shirt | $32.95 | This graphic t-shirt showcases the iconic fountain in the middle of Goodale Park in Victorian Village.
Local pick: Columbus Brewing Co. Bodhi | $12.99 | Pick up a six pack of cans of this highly popular local brew.
Local pick: 2025 Columbus Crew-themed calendar | $14.99 | Relive all the past moments of Crew history, including the two recent championship wins.
Gifts for foodies
You know that friend who’s always thinking about the next meal they’re going to make? Honor their inner foodie with a great culinary gift this season — they might just whip you up something delicious in return.
Local pick: Jeni’s gift card | $1+ | Let your foodie friends grab a scoop of some of the best ice cream in the country with a range of artisan flavors.
Almond Cow Nut Milk Maker | $249.95 | The ultimate gift for your dairy-free friend, this nut milk maker can turn their favorite nut or seed into milk at the touch of a button.
Honey sampler set | $44.99 | A sweet gift including salty honey, hot honey, and Meyer lemon honey.
“Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten | $34 | One of this year’s most anticipated memoirs from Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, beloved Food Network personality and cultural icon.
Stuffed burger press | $19.95 | Foodie friends can make burgers stuffed with cheese, bacon, onions, jalapenos, or whatever they dream up with this grill accessory.
Local pick: Buckeye candies | $10.95 | Pick up a box of buckeye candies for those who like an extra chocolatey treat during the big games.
Sous vide precision cooker | $99 | Home cooks can take their cuisine to a whole new level with this sous vide cooker that achieves the perfect level of doneness.
Gifts for adventurers
Level up your loved one’s hiking, camping, and trekking this holiday season with gifts perfect for outdoor adventures.
Local pick: Fleet Feet gift card | $1+ | From running shoes to hiking socks, this is your local one-stop-shop for all things footwear related.
Thule 614 Pulse Rack | $599.95 | The ultimate car rooftop cargo box for someone that spends more time outside than they do indoors.
Carhartt men’s knit cuffed beanie | $19.99 | This classic Carhartt knit beanie has 100,000+ five-star reviews for good reason — it’s durable, warm, and available in 35+ colors.
Local pick: Indoor rock climbing | $20+ | Take your adventures to new heights by trying indoor rock climbing where all supplies are available to rent.
LifeStraw Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Water Filter System | $43.95 | For that special someone who’s always hiking or backpacking, this collapsible LifeStraw water bottle is a gift that will keep them hydrated for years to come.
Waterfly crossbody sling backpack | $34.99 | A light backpack designed with hiking in mind — adventurous friends can sling it on their back or chest and walk in comfort.
Stanley The Nesting Two Cup Cook Set | $25.00 | Made for outdoor cooking, this efficient little cooking kit can whip up hot meals, coffee, or boiling water.
Gifts that ship fast
Need a last-minute holiday gift that will ship quickly? We’ve all been there. Shop five great gifts available with Prime two-day shipping.
Layering initial necklace | $14.99+ | Ship it fast, but make it feel personal with this 14K gold necklace displaying their first name initial.
Magnetic portable power bank charger | $39.99 | Perfect for the friend whose phone is always dying, this portable charger offers on-the-go power.
Candle warmer lamp + Voluspa Santal Vanille candle | $45.99 + 34.00 | Make a candle extra special by pairing it with a warmer lamp that will make it last longer with flame-free heat.
Men’s casual henley tee | $19.99 | Snag a soft and comfortable slim-fit shirt that will ship to you fast.
Kindle remote control page turner | $69.99 | Upgrade their Kindle reading experience with a universal remote control page turner — trust us, avid Kindle users will love it.
Gifts under $20
You can score great holiday gifts on a budget this season — shop some of our favorite finds that will brighten up anyone’s holiday, all available for $20 or less.
Local pick: Ohio State lottery ticket| $1+ | Who knows what your friend or loved one may win when they receive a lottery ticket or scratcher.
Bedside carafe + tumbler | $15.99 | Gift a pretty amber tumbler and glass perfect for adorning any bedside table.
Eucalyptus shower steamers | $19.99 | They’ll love aromatherapy shower steamers that smell like peppermint, menthol, and eucalyptus.
Local pick: Assorted Truffles 6.75 oz | $19.95 | Life is better with a box of chocolates, if you ask us.
Malin + Goetz lip moisturizer | $16 | A hydrating lip moisturizer with a devoted fan base, this gift is perfect for those suffering from chapped lips.
Beer bottle chiller sticks | $19.99 | Gift beer lovers these chiller sticks that can instantly turn sad, lukewarm beer into delicious, cold beer.
14K gold cuff earrings | $13.95 | An affordable and adorable best-selling accessory.
