The Five Best Gifts for a Wonderfully Wacky and Memorable Holiday Season

With winter break coming up seemingly faster than final project deadlines, holiday gifts might seem like another laborious task on your to-do list. Relieve some of that stress by taking inspiration from the suggestions below.

1. Ugly Outfit (Not Just Sweater) Challenge

Anyone with a remote interest in clothing has probably seen some video on their social media feed where two friends thrift random or potentially ugly clothes for each other. The trend puts a fun spin on Gen Z’s larger interest in thrifting, which is perceived as a more sustainable and often unique option than traditional clothing outlets.

With the holiday season approaching, why not turn that trend into a fun gift? Surprise a good friend with a box of horrendous — or nice — thrifted clothes for the holidays. Bonus points if the box includes the classic ugly Christmas sweater. If they’re the adventurous type, maybe even challenge them to wear the clothes to a holiday party or some other festive event. Giggles and good memories will surely ensue.

2. ‘Hear Me Out’ Gingerbread House

The “Hear Me Out” cake trend on social media shouldn’t die just yet. What started as slang for any unconventional proposition has evolved into a phenomenon where participants stick photos of their most unconventional crushes — real and fictional — on cakes. ’Tis the season to revive this soon-to-be-stale meme and transform it into a vehicle for holiday cheer.

Instead of putting pictures of ludicrous crushes on cakes, try planting them on a gingerbread house lovingly constructed with friends. Gingerbread houses are commonly pre-made, and decorating them is accessible for people of all skill levels. The end product could be an awe-inspiring temple for celebrity crushes — or a slovenly hovel that suits the absurdity of the selections.

3. “Pink Pilates Princess” Playlist

According to Spotify, many of us were deemed “pink pilates princesses” this year. That perplexing phrase was just one of many terms used to describe users’ listening habits in Spotify Wrapped 2024. These turns of phrase may not perfectly encapsulate a loved one, but they’re still a great jumping off point for a new curated list with a hyper-specific theme.

In keeping with the theme, string together several words that capture the essence of a friend or family member, then collect theme-appropriate pieces from a genre that they love. The end result could be a perfectly curated Spotify playlist, a Letterboxd list, or even a meme slideshow for those with particularly whimsical dispositions. This low cost gift is the perfect way to express your creative side while simultaneously demonstrating how well you know your friend.

4. Make Your Own Moo Deng

In September of this year, a newborn pygmy hippo by the name of Moo Deng took the online world by storm. Her cuteness captured everyone’s hearts, making her an Internet darling and celebrity seemingly overnight.

A close friend will likely appreciate a similar dose of adorableness and positivity during the holidays. Make or buy them a stuffed animal — preferably a creature they love or an animal that humorously comments on their lifestyle. They wouldn’t be alone: With almost half of all American adults sleeping with stuffed animals, you can’t go wrong with a poignant plushie.

5. “Wicked”ly Festive Karaoke

This winter, singing has become a flashpoint for cultural discourse. The debates are largely due to the release of the movie “Wicked” — an adaptation of the iconic Broadway show. Spontaneous sing-alongs by movie theater attendees have drawn wrathful responses from some people and passionate defenses from others.

To circumvent this cyclical online discourse, organize a singalong of your own. Put on your favorite holiday songs or feel-good tracks, then belt them out with loved ones in the comfort of your own home. Add some hot chocolate, warm blankets, and a snowy setting, and you’ve created a holiday night to remember. It will be hard to find a better gift than that.

—Staff writer Giselle P. Acosta can be reached at giselle.acosta@thecrimson.com.