Happy New Year Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

The turning of a new year signals a time to celebrate. There’s the unbridled feeling of endless potential, the promise of new beginnings, and the excitement of the unknown. While we often think of Christmas or Hanukkah as a time for holiday gift-giving, a Happy New Year gift is a wonderful way to usher in the next 365 days. 

Whether you’re looking for a small token to uplift a loved one’s spirits after a difficult year or a big gift celebrating huge achievements over the last 12 months, there’s something you’ll love on this list of Happy New Year gifts.

10 Happy New Year Gift Ideas

Sure, gift giving is synonymous with Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give presents at New Year’s too. From gift boxes to jewelry and good reads, here are some of the best Happy New Year gift ideas for friends, family, and colleagues. 

1. Give the Joy of Reading a Book 

Whether it’s a bestseller, self-help guide, or timeless classic, giving a book is a fantastic way to kick off the New Year. If you know what types of books your recipient likes to read, choose one in that genre. Not sure if the person has already read the title you’re considering? Then perhaps you can snag a limited-edition copy of their favorite tome for an extra-special gift.

2. Send a New Year’s Greeting Card

Design: Owl and Toad

The best New Year gifts are sentiments, not material things. Send New Year wishes and greetings for a magical new beginning with digital cards. While you can certainly send a handwritten note, a paperless version means no waste, no mail delays, and supreme convenience. 

You can make your greeting as long or short as you like. For instance, you can share updates on the whole family in your New Year’s cards and even include e-gift cards for a little something extra. 

3. Host a New Year’s Party

Give the gift of time spent together by hosting a New Year’s Eve party. Plan an over-the-top New Year celebration with glam outfits, lively music, and NYE party hats and horns. For something more casual, invite friends over for a PJ party to watch the countdown on TV.

If staying up til midnight isn’t your style, gift your loved ones with a New Year’s Day brunch. (Just don’t expect anyone to show up before noon!) Set out a champagne tower and serve classic fare like eggs, waffles, and pancakes for a delicious fresh start to the new year.

4. Send a New Year Gift Basket

Show a colleague, friend, or family member how much you appreciate them with a New Year gift box filled with tasty treats. Choose from gourmet gift baskets that offer meat and fine cheeses or dried fruit and nuts. Add a card with warm wishes for the year ahead.

5. Sweeten Their Day With Chocolates

Forrest Gump famously said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” The same could be said for the year ahead, so why not offer someone a sweet surprise with chocolate? Whether you give a box of deluxe truffles as a corporate gift or a ribbon-wrapped bar of flavored bark to your neighbor, chocolate is always a welcome treat.

6. Warm Their Space (and Heart) with Home Decor

It might sound expensive, but you don’t have to spend a bundle on home decor items. Kitchen towels, a soft throw blanket, a houseplant, stylish coasters, or a wall clock make some of the best New Year gift ideas. After all, they’re not only thoughtful gifts but they’re also practical items that can be enjoyed year-round.

7. Make It Special with a Personalized Gift

There’s nothing more special than receiving a gift that’s been personally made for you. Consider monogrammed bath towels, wine glasses, or coffee mugs for a unique gift. Other personalized gifts could be a hat, shirt, or journal with the person’s zodiac sign or home state.

8. Celebrate with Jewelry

Did you and your bestie take the trip of a lifetime this past year? Perhaps someone you love had a big life challenge and is ready for a fresh start in the year ahead. Whatever the case might be, jewelry is the perfect gift for those who are dear to you. To make it a special New Year’s gift, have the piece of jewelry engraved with a special date, symbol, or the recipient’s initials. 

9. Let Them Eat Cake

Share your sweetest sentiments by giving a New Year cake. Depending on the recipient, you could bake the cake (or cupcakes!) yourself or have one delivered from a bakery. Choose one in their favorite flavor for a thoughtful touch. Send along some sparklers or a themed topper for a special New Year’s touch.

10. Plan Ahead (and Fondly Look Back) with a Personalized Calendar

Time flies, especially when you’re having fun. Custom-order a calendar for the New Year featuring photos of you and your recipient’s favorite moments from the past year. This gift idea is a wonderful way to look ahead to the future while being reminded of all the fond memories you’ve already created.

New Year Cards to Show You Care: 4 Designs to Customize

One easy way to show loved ones you’re thinking about them this holiday season is to send them a New Year’s card. Add a few thoughtful words wishing them the best for the coming year and achieving their New Year’s resolutions. Here are some of our favorite New Year’s cards you can customize and send to everyone on your list. 

1. Stippled Fireworks Card

Design: Sandra Picco Design LLC (photo courtesy of Alexandra Celia)

This photo card says it all: Topped with a festive fireworks scene and the word “cheers” in a cursive font, it instantly sets a celebratory tone. Upload your favorite photo and send it off to your loved ones. Add a personalized message on the supported backside and share happy wishes for a prosperous and joyful New Year.

2. New Year Balloons Card

Design: Vivian Yiwing

Can’t pick just one photo to sum up the last year? You don’t have to with this stunning card featuring three photo slots. Choose three snaps of you and the recipient to show how much you appreciate their friendship and love for the past year. 

Use the backside of the card to share your favorite memories from the year gone by. Easily add an e-gift card to make this New Year’s greeting even more special.

3. Abstract Ornament Card

Design: Holly Whitcomb

This gold foil card features the year and a festive ornament for a cute and uplifting vibe. Send the digital card to a friend along with a New Year gift to wish them a wonderful year full of possibilities. 

4. Retro Daisy Card

Design: Owl and Toad

Looking for a card to accompany gifts for colleagues, employees, or clients? This retro design is sure to put a smile on their faces. Featuring a sunny flower, it’s a great way to kick off the New Year and embrace the possibilities ahead. 

Celebrate the New Year and Joyful Possibilities

With these thoughtful Happy New Year gift ideas, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. From must-read books and personalized jewelry to gourmet gift baskets and chocolates, there’s a gift that’s appropriate for your best friend, in-laws, or colleagues.

Need more ideas for celebrating the turn of the year? Continue browsing our Stationers blog where you’ll find party themes, team-building activities, New Year’s party ideas and more to ring in the New Year.