Between visiting friends and family (sometimes on opposite coasts) and back-to-back holiday dinners and events, it’s no wonder the holiday season is known as the most wonderful and overwhelming time of the year. For many, gift shopping adds to the seasonal angst, especially for those who don’t know where to start. Our recommendation? Let our editor-approved gift list—featuring everything from luxury cookware to high-tech beauty tools—be your guide.
We’ve compiled a list of fun, luxurious and thoughtful gifts we’d recommend for anyone—including, or maybe especially, ourselves. In fact, the 11 items ahead are at the top of our own wish lists (hint-hint). The best part? You don’t have to stand in super long lines to get them. Read on for our top picks and to hopefully cross everyone off your shopping list in one fell swoop.
A Timeless Designer Handbag
“I’m simply smitten with this petite leather bag from Chloe’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection. From the unique gold-tone handle to the smooth brown leather, it’s one of those handbags I can see myself enjoying for many years to come. Now if only my husband would take the hint and add it to his Christmas shopping list!”
-Sholeen Damarwala, Home and Kitchen Editor
Luxe Bakeware For Serving Holiday Treats In Style
“My favorite part of baking is when it’s time to serve the dish! I love styling the earl grey pound cake or deep-dish Apple Pie I’ve baked in a vintage serving platter that I’ve found at estate sales or even Goodwill. One thing I don’t own yet is a cake stand, and Estelle’s version has been on my shopping list for a while. I love that the colored glass cake stand comprises original commissioned pieces made by glass artisans in Poland. To top it off, founder Stephanie Summerson Hall came up with the brand through her grandmother’s love for using colored glass pieces at Sunday dinners. I’m hoping that I can serve a slice of happiness to my loved ones on this beautiful jewel-toned stand this upcoming holiday season.”
-Sara Lee, Social Media Editor
The Perfect Slipper-Meets-Shoe
“I love a chic slipper-shoe, and these Jenni Kayne shearling mules are at the top of my wish list. From their easy slip-on factor and outfit-elevating versatility to the semi-pointed toe and utterly cozy vibe, they’re equal parts practical and fun. I’m having trouble deciding between natural or black, but would happily let a gift giver (i.e. my husband) decide.”
-Jane Sung, Senior Editor
A Top-Rated Frying Pan For The Top Chef In Your Life
“One of my resolutions for the new year is to prepare more meals at home, and this versatile frying pan that’s roomy enough to cook four salmon fillets at a time will help, considering my busy schedule. And since it’s dishwasher-safe and engineered with a non-stick stainless steel surface, I don’t have to spend a whole lot of time scrubbing dishes.”
-Jennifer Ford, Associate Editor
A Travel-Friendly Backpack
This compact, roomy backpack could be a godsend for future travel plans. Swap your traditional roller bag with this portable Yeti version—a surefire way to skip the long lines at baggage claim these days. And with a savvy clamshell opening and individual compartments, it’s perfect for packing a lot of stuff into one small, efficient space.
A Fun Puzzle For The Entire Family
“Build a wall clock, mechanical aquarium or any of 100 other clever kinetic “puzzles” entirely out of wood—these are awesome models that look like they stepped out a steampunk novel. I love that they’re easy to build (no glue or cutting required), fun to play with and great for kids and adults alike.”
-Dave Johnson, Senior Editor
A Luxe Stocking Stuffer For Beauty Enthusiasts
“At the top of my wish list this season? These super luxe eye masks from 111 Skin that help combat fine lines, wrinkles and under eye darkness. These babies are a staple of my nighttime skincare routine, especially when I pair them with a hot bath and a glass of bubbly. The ultimate luxury!”
-Kim Peiffer, Deputy Editor
Sleek Tools Of The Trade For The Frequent Baker
“Ever since Caraway launched its bakeware set in late September, I’ve been dying to get my hands on it. But my existing bakeware works just fine, so I can’t quite justify shelling out $245 for this set (as gorgeous as it is). That’s why I’m hoping one of my family members will treat me to the five-piece nonstick bundle for the holidays.”
-Kara Cuzzone, Associate Deals Editor
Gold-Rimmed Plates For Your Favorite Hostess
“Like everyone else, I have been eating at home more often than eating out these days. During the pandemic, I became obsessed with finding beautiful, joyful dinnerware that makes eating pizza feel like a much fancier affair. I’ve been stalking these super chic, gold-rimmed plates, made as part of a collaboration between Carolina Herrera and Cabana Magazine. This is wedding-level-china so I probably wouldn’t buy it for myself, but I would be very, very happy to receive it as a gift. The floral print is so chic—I could eat takeout or, you know, Christmas dinner off these plates and enjoy every minute.”
-Kari Molvar, Staff Writer
A High End Hair Dryer To Upgrade Your Beauty Routine
“I have really long, thick hair that takes forever to blow dry. The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer would speed things up for me and help me style my hair in an almost-effortless way. And if someone wants to throw in the Airwrap Styler too? Even better!”
-Lindsay Boyers, Updates Editor
An Interactive Audio System For Endless Fun
“Hands down, this is one of my favorite toys for my kiddo—and he loves it, too! The Toniebox is essentially a cube-shaped speaker with kid-friendly controls. Place a magnetic character Tonie on top, and it “magically” starts playing songs and stories. There are Tonies of familiar, beloved characters, from Disney to Sesame Street, as well as nostalgic favorites from classic children’s books. There are also musical and creative Tonies that let you record your own content. Bonus: Tonies make great gifts and stocking stuffers (and they’re a nice change from the usual hordes of plastic toys and bulky stuffed animals).”
-Karen Tietjen, Associate Updates Editor
