
Gift Giving 2020: Williams Sonoma and Etsy top my list!
It’s that time of year where we start to think about gift giving for 2020. Our past shows that trending products have always caught our attention. Remember this craze?
Christmas 1996, Tickle Me Elmo led the pack with the rush to find one. You were considered a rock-star if you were able to get your hands on one. Our first born was only 10 months old so there was not mad rush in our home.
In 1983, it was the Cabbage Patch Kids craze. Who didn’t want one of these toys??? Oh, I remember wishing for one at Christmas.
And last year? Oh….the Instant Pot! This products were flying off the shelf! If you have not heard the background story of this hot kitchen appliance, it’s worth the read! I think my favourite part of the article is how Mr. Wang describes the pain points for families in getting dinner ready.

Source: Robert Wang
As you may know, I’m a HUGE believer in giving gifts that actually mean something OR that can be used. I’m an even larger fan of giving the gift of experiences. Last year, I wrote a blog where I shared my holiday guide to giving the gift of experiences.
A little side note: my two adult kids did NOT end up liking their two experience gifts last year (a snorkelling trip and a zip line adventure in Maui). As I’m sure you are all aware, no one travelled last winter. We were not able to go on our Maui trip and their experience gift was never used. In their eyes, they got a piece of paper and last year was a total rip-off. This year….they’re getting all useable gifts!
2020 Gift Giving Trends for Giving (or keeping)
So what’s in store for this year? What seems to be some gift giving trending products? I chose Williams Sonoma and Etsy to illustrate my top picks.
The items below contain affiliate links. Any purchases, at no additional charge to you, are most appreciated and make this blog possible.
Air Fryer
Many of us love a good fried piece of chicken, crispy chicken wings, or french fries. Unfortunately, those foods are not always easy on the waistline. In comes the air fryer. The air fryer is patented by Philips Electronics Company and is meant to mimic the results of deep frying with nothing more than hot air and a tiny amount of oil. Much better on the waistline and oh, so yummy!

Artisan Gifts
There seems to be a greater shift in appreciation for small businesses, independent artisans and handcrafted products this year. As you may know, I have been pulling together items for my daughter’s new apartment and I have had a wonderful time exploring handcrafted items for her new home.
Some of the gifts I chose from Etsy may be a touch inappropriate for some while some may be the PERFECT customized gift for that someone in your life.

inspiring ideas, thanks
You are welcome, Mark.
love Cabbage Patch dolls, my daughter still has hers from the Christmas cray cray years ago, I purchased it out of the back of a car in a shopping mall parking lot… my granddaughter plays with it today, but we have a few of more put away for other Christmas when she is old enough to play with the fancy heads of hair with the clothes and cradle with out trying to get into it, lol… (she’s only 2 1/2)
It sure did bring back memories of those crazy times where everyone felt they needed to have one.
Haha we managed to escape both Cabbage patch dolls and Tickle me Elmo at our house, but I remember the insanity people went through to get hold of them! These are all great options and so fun to see the ideas for your daughter’s new apartment too!
Thank you, Janet. The front foyer of my home looks like a bomb has exploded. We’ve had many deliveries come here vs the apartment/condo. The fact of working around a booked elevator for a 2-hour window stresses me out. I thought it would be easier to have most things delivered here and we’ll just get a moving truck and move it ourselves. Oh boy…Dec. 1 is sure coming fast!
As an artist, it makes me happy to hear that there is a greater shift in appreciation for small businesses, independent artisans and handcrafted products this year. Great picks!
Thank you, Mary Ann! I have added you to my blog about Holiday Trends to include your beautiful fractal art.
What great ideas. I always appreciate a handmade gift! I’ve heard so much about air fryers I think we might have to try one.
Thank you, Lisa. I think an air fryer will find it’s way under our tree this year!
I use that dang Instant Pot 2-3 nights a week! Love your picks!
Thank you, Carla!
Hi Sheri: What a great post full of really good ideas. And I am so out of it when it comes to small appliances. I didn’t know what an AIR FRYER did – until I read your post! Thanks, too, for reminding us all to shop on Etsy- which is a great way to support small makers when we can’t get out too much.
Good luck with moving your daughter in to her new apartment. I can’t wait to see it when it’s all set up.
Thank you, Leslie. While the front of my home looks like a storage unit, we are all ready for the big move on Tuesday. I had a lot of fun shopping with my daughter. She’s pretty good and knowing the look she was going for – which made it SO much easier to shop for. I look forward to blogging about her move, her experience, and of course, all the goodies we have!
I love this post Sheri, I am shopping for presents now and you have definitely inspired me! I have been trying to think of experiences again this year, but I think I might go a different route this time around. Good luck with your holiday shopping!
Thank you, Amy!