Black Friday: 18 'standard' gift ideas

by Deanna Rose @deannarosewrite

When you buy someone a gift, it's usually something they wouldn't necessarily purchase themselves. But sometimes it can be really difficult to find just the right holiday gift for your brother-in-law, niece or gift exchange recipient. That's why Local4 has enlisted Hank's Holiday Helpers to compile a list of "standard" holiday gifts good for most anyone to help with your Black Friday shopping!

Recommended Videos



(Still not seeing a great gift idea for someone in your life? Tweet "#HelpMeHank" and Hank's Holiday Helpers will help you find something!)

18 "Standard" Gift Ideas

1. For the Detroit and Michigan proud: Something from Down with Detroit.
They have T-shirts and sweatshirts with messages for anyone from Albion to Wyandotte and everywhere in between.

2. For the lover of all things locally made: Something from Art is In Market!
You'll probably have a hard time deciding on only one gift from this store comprised of local crafters. In fact, you'll probably find stuff for other people on your list, too, so you may want to shop here first.

3. For the one who likes adventure: Mount for camera phone.
It's so much easier (and safer) to record those off-road treks or marathons with a phone mount strapped to your head or chest.

4. For the dog owner: Go Pro Fetch camera harness.
This could have some viral video potential when seeing the world from a dog's eyes. The harness has camera mounts for the back or chest.

5. For the fashionista with an edge: Seatbelt Purse.
Help her stand out with this sturdy purse/satchel/cross-body bag made from genuine seatbelts!

6. For the one whose phone always runs out of juice: Anker 10000mAh Portable Charger External Battery Power Bank.
This thing charges two devices at a time, charges quickly and can charge a phone a few times before needing to be recharged, and is often less than $30.

7. For the one who needs to be prepared: A portable car battery jump-starter.
These are a necessity for a young driver or someone traveling back and forth to college, but they also come in handy for those who have work commutes, go shopping and really anyone who drives. Because you never know.

8. For the handyman (or handywoman): A power drill and tools.
For many, tools don't get replaced too often. And if that's the case, a brand new power drill will likely be lighter, stronger and better than what they've had for 10 or 20 years.

9. For the sports fan: Team apparel or framed artwork.
If you always resort to this, check the rest of the list — but for a diehard University of Michigan or Michigan State fan, for instance, one can never have too many team T-shirts, it seems. The same goes for fans of the Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings, too! Or, if your sports fan attended say, the Rose Bowl, you can order a print from the game and display a lasting memory!

10. For the sentimentalist: An Alex & Ani bracelet with charms.
You can personalize this for mom, grandma, your best friend, and anyone in-between. Or find another personalized necklace or jewelry and make it your own.

11. For the one who is always on-the-go: Personalized travel coffee mug or water canister.
Drinking coffee or water every day doesn't have to be boring, so order a personalized container, or find one with a design or monogram on it.

12. For the one who likes to be pampered: A fluffy robe and slippers.
Women and men alike enjoy being comfortable when lounging around their own home, and a robe one of those things that many people wear well past its prime (slippers, too).

13. For the reader: Magazine Subscriptions.
Think Fast Company, HOUR Detroit, The Atlantic, Entertainment Weekly, Parents, Inc., Sports Illustrated, or Better Home and Gardens just for starters.

14. For the wine aficionado: Wine and glasses.
It sounds simple, but if you choose a nice wine (perhaps some with a meaningful name, certain vintage year or a favorite bottle) and pair it with personalized wine glasses, you've created a very thoughtful gift that will definitely be appreciated.

15. For the beer lover: Craft beer bottles, along with some steins.
Personalize the steins or find some with a sports team or other decal on them for an added bonus.

16. For the one who likes holiday drinks: Bailey's and Kahlua-type gift baskets.
Make your own baskets with pints or fifths of flavored liqueurs and some cute glasses and — viola! — Instant gift.

17. For the coffee nut: Exotic coffee beans or K-cups.
There's nothing like a really good cup of java in the morning, so treat someone in your life to the good stuff they may not splurge on for themselves.

18. For the one who has everything: The Nest thermostat system.
It's a thermostat you install that connects to an app which allows you to control it from anywhere! (And if the person who has everything already has the Nest, you could always buy them a drone!).