Gift shopping always seems to be one of the hardest things to do, even when you know the person like the back of your hand, but it doesn't have to be an expensive or super complex endeavor.

Sometimes, it's the littlest gifts or gestures that mean the most to a person, and I'm speaking from experience here. Below is a list of inexpensive, mostly gender-neutral items to give to your family and friends for holidays, birthdays, or just because.

1. Socks

Socks are such a great gift idea because, well, we wear them every day! Socks are (generally) pretty inexpensive and you can find them ANYWHERE. I have always loved getting socks as gifts and will always love it until the day I die, despite the negative stigma that comes with giving such a gift.

2. "Kitchen Stuff"

I like to generalize this topic to just "kitchen stuff" because it could be anything from a spoon to a blender to a stand mixer. Maybe I just like receiving these sorts of gifts because I've always been interested in baking and cooking and I don't know why I get so excited over square bowls and plates. Regardless, it's always good to get a head start on at least one of everything before you move out on your own and have to buy it all at once.

3. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are always a good thing to have several of, because you never know when you may lose or break a pair.

4. Clothes

Clothes are a more specific thing to get for a specific person if you know their sizes and preferences, but still a good gift idea if you're stuck. I like to say that you can never have too many clothes because you can always simply go through what you own every so often and donate the stuff you don't wear.

5. Gift Cards

Gift cards can be a cop out gift, BUT they never expire AND it's a classier way to give someone you may not know too well money for something they actually want/need rather than giving them something stupid. There's less margin for error.

6. Money

Similar to gift cards, but generally meant more for inside cards and/or for family members.

7. Blankets

Blankets are an especially good present for around winter time, for obvious reasons. They are simple gifts that will be used every day.

8. Nail Polish

Obviously, don't buy nail polish for people who don't use it. If you are buying for people who do, make sure not to buy cheap polish for the sake of quantity. I'd always rather get one color from a good brand that I like than to get five mini containers of dollar store brand that I'll never actually use.

9. Mugs

Mugs, mugs, mugs. My sister has gotten me one every year for at least the past four years and I love opening a gift to see that it's a mug. Although my house has too many and therefore certain ones get used more than others, I love the look of them and knowing that when I move out, I'll have a full set to furnish my kitchen with.

10. Candles

Candles can be used as a housewarming gift or a simple gift for someone you love. Nowadays, you can even personalize the candle jar to have a picture of your choice on it, adding a more personal touch.

11. Food Or Candy

I can't begin to tell you how great it is to get chocolates or, in my case, a jar of pickles, as a present. I don't know what it is about food that makes it such a great gift, but I'm all for it.