There are two distinct phases of holiday gift shopping. Phase 1 consists of vigorous online shopping, blasting Christmas tunes, and sipping a cup of hot cocoa while attempting to find the perfect gift for every single loved one in your life. Phase 2, by contrast, consists of major shopping burnout, feeling like your eyes are bleeding from staring at your gift list for too long, and wishing there was one gift that could just please everyone you love. Both are inevitable year after year, and try as we might to prolong the magic of specialized holiday shopping, that burnout is bound to sneak up on us at some point before the holiday season is out.
For those of you who have made it to phase 2 of holiday shopping, we see you, we hear you, we feel you. We’ve rounded up the gifts that we love to give year after year, to just about anyone on our lists.
These are those no-brainer items that you can give time and time again, knowing that your giftee will love their present (without suspecting that it was bought in a time of shopping burnout). Here are our team’s go-to gifts for the 2023 holiday season.
Everyone has seen the viral 40oz Stanley tumbler with side handle, and I admit, I had one myself and loved it. That is until I realized I couldn’t travel with it or even carry it in a backpack because it would spill, leak, and quite frankly, was just too large. This smaller flip straw tumbler answered all my prayers; it seals tightly so I can put it in my work tote bag or backpack drink holder, and I don’t have to worry about it ruining everything. Plus I prefer this style of handle for carrying around. It’s always with me at my workout classes or running errands. I highly recommend this alternative for anyone in your life this holiday season (p.s. the citron color gets a lot of compliments).
— Alaina Kaz, CEO
Out of all the gifts I purchased my husband last year, this is the only one he still talks about. At least once a week I can expect him to rave about how much he loves his Bombas socks. Now, they are my go-to gift for anyone I know. Ankle, no-show, calf—they are all spectacular. The strategic cushioning sets them apart and provides a comfort that’s unlike any other sock.
— Allyson Trammell, Editor-in-Chief
I was lucky enough to receive this as a gift years ago and it instantly became my go-to gift and an immediate must on my personal wish list. The G Tox Himalyan Salt Scalp Scrub is the perfect base for your next everything shower. Your hair will receive the best clean of your life and everything about this product, from the scent to the texture, is luxurious. A great gift for anyone who appreciates simple luxuries.
— Alexandra Pagar-Wolf, Chief of Sales
This ultra-thoughtful gift is almost guaranteed to bring tears to their eyes. ANY pet lover on your list would be ecstatic to have this special keepsake. I have three of my own and seeing them on our tree is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. My pro-tip would be to order early as they are hand-painted and can’t be rushed.
If you’re crunched for time, I love (and also own!) another pre-made version from Etsy that’s available for most common dog breeds.
— Allyson Trammell, Editor-in-Chief
This scent booster takes your laundry to the next level. The luxurious aromas are elevated beyond anything you can buy at the store and will make your clothing smell fresh long after the wash cycle. Laundry Sauce is also free of unnecessary ingredients so you can enjoy every load without worrying about funky chemicals. It’s an unexpected gift they won’t be able to stop raving about.
— Allyson Trammell, Editor-in-Chief
I purchased this facial steamer a few years ago and fell in love with it so much I ended up getting one for everyone on my team and my mom! It brings a luxurious spa experience right into your home. There is an additional topper that allows you to dispense essential oils so I’ll use eucalyptus if I’m feeling under the weather, lavendar if I want to relax, or simply go without scent.
— Alaina Kaz, CEO
As a self-professed lip balm connoisseur, I’m picky about my lip products, but this hydrating, leave-on lip mask ticks all the boxes. This is one of those products that feels a little splurge-y if you’re buying it for yourself, but the $24 price point is perfect for a gift. It also makes a great stocking stuffer!
— Jessica Friedhoff, Lifestyle Editor
I bought this frame a few years ago because I loved the classic traditional design and the fact that it was a bi-fold frame which is harder to come by than you’d think. I immediately had dozens of questions on my Instagram about where I’d gotten it, and since then I knew it was a popular pick and an all-around crowd pleaser! It’s a great price point and something people want for their homes, but not something most people go get themselves. No matter the occasion, it’s always loved and you can make it more special by adding photos of you and the recipient.
— Alaina Kaz, CEO
I never thought I’d have such strong feelings about hand soap until I tried this one. Now I’m spoiled and can never go back. It’s one of those items that after the first pump, you’re wondering how you ever lived without it—which is exactly why it’s the perfect gift. It smells so divine that washing your hands suddenly feels like a mini spa experience. And who doesn’t need a little winter boost when you’re trying to ward off cold and flu season?
— Allyson Trammell, Editor-in-Chief
There is no such thing as too many blankets, and that is not up for debate. Especially in the colder months, cozying up with a new fuzzy blanket feels like a whole new level of self-care. This blanket has been on my gifting rotation for years now because it is luxe while remaining affordable, making it one of my favorite items to gift just about anyone year after year.
— Hailey Bouche, Assistant Editor
Nothing melts hearts more than a personalized gift. This L.L. Bean Boat Tote is a classic item that’s certainly making a statement in the fashion-realm right now, but also doubles as a go-to bag to tote around for errands or weekend-trips. With the ability to monogram it with any initials or cheeky sayings your heart desires, this gift has the possibility to take friendships to the next level.
— Bella Gil, Editorial Fashion Assistant
I feel like scarves are one of those things that people rarely buy themselves, but can never have enough of (especially if they live in a colder climate). A super-soft chunky scarf in a classic neutral color is always well-received. Bonus points if you add a matching set of gloves or a beanie!
— Meagan McCormick, Director of Marketing
Small leather goods will always be a go-to gift of mine, especially with a monogram. This mini leather case is the perfect size to toss in a larger tote or purse, and everyone could use a little more organization in their life. I love to use mine to hold my AirPods, lip balm, and a small hand cream so I can easily find the things I need in my bag while traveling.
— Meagan McCormick, Director of Marketing
There’s no better gift I love to give than a practical one. I love giving something to someone where I know they’ll get many uses out of it, and one thing someone is sure to use every single day is a silk pillow case. I personally see a difference in my hair and skin when I’m using a silk pillowcase versus when I’m not, and this highly-raved about pure silk option from Quince is one of the best money can buy. Available in 12 different colors, your best night’s sleep —and skin— is only a few clicks away.
— Bella Gil, Editorial Fashion Assistant
A set of LAKE Pajamas is the ultimate treat for any woman, man, or child in your life. Even my friend who has never owned a set of matching jammies in her life immediately fell in love and started wearing them almost every night after she received her first set. They’re ultra soft and cozy, light-weight enough that you don’t get too hot, and come in cute classic designs (I recommend the stripes).
— Alaina Kaz, CEO
Personally, if I’m receiving a gift from someone who doesn’t know me *super* well, I want it to be a cookbook. This is the cookbook that first introduced me to easy weeknight meals that I can make on my own (hello, adulthood!), and I’ve since gifted it to a couple of friends who I know are equally as clueless-but-eager-to-learn as I am.
— Emma Ginsberg, Podcast and Editorial Assistant
I love to give the ladies in my life different scents of Coqui Coqui Perfume. Inspired by Polynesia, the plumeria based scent ‘Fleurs des Îles’ is always a crowd favorite that gives you the essence of landing in the Pacific Islands and being crowned with a fresh flower necklace.
— Cassie McCook, Social Media Editor
I realize salt might not be a usual gift, but for anyone who cooks anything, it will elevate their cooking game tenfold. We reach for a dash of this for almost every meal and go through it faster than I’d like to admit. This finishing salt has been harvested from the Island of Ré in France for centuries and is meant to be the final touch onto any dish–from avocado toast and boxed brownies to roasted vegetables and filet or your favorite fish dish. It adds spectacular flavor elevating your every day dishes to restaurant quality. You can pair with a great cookbook or salt cellar to nicely round-out the gift.
— Alaina Kaz, CEO
When it’s cozy season and also the time of year when people tend to entertain at home more frequently, I feel like you can never have too many candles on hand. I love to gift taper candles in unexpected colors or shapes (think: twisted, fluted, etc.) because they feel a little more elevated than just a basic taper candle. Plus, this is the kind of gift that is easy to keep simple by tying a pretty bow around the candlesticks, or you can package it with a couple of related accessories like a match striker, an electric lighter, or even taper candle holders.
— Trisha Sprouse, Branded Content Editor
Moms, grandmas, aunts, mother-in-laws—they’re all extra-special ladies in your life that happen to be pretty difficult to shop for. This custom birth flower locket has been my go-to gift for all of them over the past year and it’s been a hit every time. You can choose up to three flowers representing different birth months—I did one for my mom with the birth months of her, me, and my sister on it—and it ends up being a stunning, sentimental piece they’ll cherish forever.
— Madeline Galassi, Fashion Editor
After trying several different microwavable wraps I can attest this one by Slow North is the GOAT. Everything from the exterior fabric to the weight distribution to the scent, it’s an accessory I almost always have with me and have even traveled with. I use this nearly every day for various ailments, from achey muscles and tense neck and shoulders to migraine relief. I’ll even warm it up and place over my head to help me calm and fall asleep at night. Whoever you are shopping for this holiday season will definitely appreciate this comforting gift.
— Alaina Kaz, CEO
