Welcome to Christmas Giving!

Hey, friend! I’m Suzy Oakley, and I’m thrilled to have you join me in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year – and the greatest Gift ever given. 

Whether your Christmas spirit skews more toward joyful elf (that would be me – most of the time) or grumpy Grinch (also me), you’ll find something here to cheer you.

Part gift-giving guide, part faith boost, Christmas Giving is here to steer you and cheer you toward your best, most meaningful holiday season ever.

There’s lots in store, and you’ll find more specific info on the About page.

As you browse the site, you’ll be given the option to subscribe for a weekly dose of holiday spirit, including tips, ideas, the occasional recipe, and a window to my thoughts as I wrestle with focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. (Spoiler alert: It’s not a mountain of gifts under the tree.)

Suzy Oakley, a woman with blond hair, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and a red vest and leaning on a set piece of greenery with brown and white velvet Christmas ornaments.

Latest Blog Posts

The last several posts are below, but for the full list, click the Latest Blog Posts link above or click Blog in the menu bar.

  • Behind the scenes: How I come up with gift ideas
    Ever wonder how I come up with all the gift lists? It’s a mix of my own brain, friends I trust, and a little help from my AI buddies Claude and Mr. Chatty. Even the Grinch might’ve slipped a few in there from time to time.
  • A woman wearing a green top and green headphones using her laptop while sitting on an ivory-colored sofa.
    Gift ideas for techies 2025
    Whether you’re shopping for someone who lives and breathes technology (guilty!) or you’re just trying to get a gadget-loving friend or family member something special, here’s a list of gift ideas that will light up their holiday season. This collection includes everything from cool gadgets and accessories to thoughtful acts of service.
  • Two Christmas envelopes illustrating apostrophe mishaps. The left envelope says “The Oakley’s” with an apostrophe before the s; it has a big red X over it, with an elf hand holding a candy-cane striped reindeer pen as if correcting the mistake. The right envelope shows the correct version, “The Oakleys,” no apostrophe, marked with a green check. Both envelopes have printed return addresses and holly in the corner.
    Stop the apostrophe madness (Christmas Edition)
    Each December, my mailbox fills with cheerful cards … and more apostrophe crimes than my tiny little editor’s heart can handle. If “Merry Christmas from the Oakley’s” makes your eye twitch, this one’s for you.
  • Before and after shots of the Christmas Giving homepage
    From Christmas Shopping to Christmas Giving: How this website evolved
    It didn’t strike me until I was rereading the blog post The best Friday was not Black Friday that I should tell you how this whole thing came about. I’m a serial…
  • Ideas for gifts that cost $50 or more
    If you want to treat someone to something a bit more special, this list highlights thoughtful, useful gifts that won’t feel like clutter – just comfort, quality, and a touch of joy.
  • Ideas for gifts that cost $20-50
    Thoughtful gifts don’t have to be extravagant. This list rounds up practical, meaningful ideas in the sweet $20-50 range – perfect for people you genuinely want to celebrate without overspending.
  • Ideas for gifts that cost $20 or less
    Sometimes the most thoughtful presents are the simplest ones. Whether you’re on a budget, shopping for a co-worker, or just need a little something extra for a stocking, here are several affordable gift ideas.
  • Red envelop on green background. Inside the envelope's flap, it says, "Another candle? Another mug? NOPE."
    10 experience gifts that create memories, not clutter
    If your gift list is growing but your loved one’s storage space isn’t, experience gifts might be your new best friend. These 10 gifts focus on memories, not on objects…
  • 10 family night gift baskets that make memories
    If you want to give a gift that brings people together, a family-night basket is hard to beat. Whether it’s a game night, a kitchen adventure, or a cozy camp-in, these ideas help families slow down and reconnect, one laugh (and one snack) at a time.