As Underscored editors, it’s our job to find and test the best products across all categories. So, naturally, we’ve become experts at giving gifts that won’t end up collecting dust. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for your grandma or a universal present for someone you don’t know well, our gift guides have plenty of ideas for everyone on your list.
Keep reading to discover the best gifts our editors have ever given and received. If you need more holiday shopping inspiration, check out our favorite gifts for men, gifts for women, gifts for teens and Amazon gifts.
I treated myself to this Taylor Swift-inspired necklace and haven’t taken it off since I received it. If you’re looking for a gift for a Swiftie, this subtle nod to her song “August” is chic and well made for such a great price point. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
My boyfriend recently started a new job and was looking for something to spruce up his desk at work. I got him this Lego set, which I thought would be a safer bet than a real plant he’d have to keep alive. We had fun building it together in just a couple hours, and he got to choose which “plants” he wanted to bring to his office. The remaining ones are now a cute part of our home decor. I could also see this set being a fun end to a game night, and each of your guests could pick a succulent to take home as a keepsake. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
Earlier this year, I wrote a whole review about all the reasons I love this travel toiletry bag, which my mom gifted me for Christmas last year. I’ve now taken it on multi-week international trips and weekend getaways. It’s perfect for someone with a robust beauty routine, as it’ll fit more than just the essentials. In fact, I can pack in my whole skin care and makeup routine with room left over for my electric toothbrush, hairbrush, claw clip and more. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
Last Christmas, my sister gave me a coffee gift set from Bean Box, and it’s one of the best presents I’ve ever received. I loved being able to brew a new type of coffee each morning, especially during the days between Christmas and New Year’s when things always feel a bit slow. Each bag comes with enough grounds (or whole beans) to make four to six mugs, and tasting notes and brewing instructions are included so you can feel like a coffee expert. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
Xbox controllers are at the top of the list in my household, which includes two teenage boys, so this year I’m getting them this neato HyperX Clutch Gladiate RGB Gaming Controller. I dig the transparent design, and they are going to love it for its tactile rumble motors and grips. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
I come from a puzzle family, and Piecework makes some of my favorites. There are a ton of holiday- and winter-themed ones that are great for putting together during a cozy night at home with loved ones. My favorite part: Each puzzle comes with a matching playlist for perfectly curated puzzling vibes. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor
Last year for Mother’s Day, my sister and I gifted our mom a custom illustration based on a recent photo of the three of us. I ordered a physical print, but you can also get a digital file if you’re in a rush and would rather print it out yourself. The first draft is ready in 24 hours, and you can even ask the seller for revisions until it’s perfect. My mom was obsessed and still talks about how it was one of the best gifts she’s ever received. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
It’s now been over a year since I gifted my boyfriend (and myself) matching custom sneakers, and they have become one of my everyday shoes. Not only are the Air Force 1’s comfortable and classic but the personalization is a sentimental touch that makes them feel extra special. For our pairs, I added each of our initials on the back. You can also completely customize the colors — like school colors or simply your loved one’s favorite hues — so you can give a one-of-a-kind gift. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
I bought these cotton sheets for my mom nearly three years ago, and she still raves about them today. I have the same exact set and love that they’re so crisp and cooling, but they’re great for year-round use. Plus, the Window Pane pattern is a more exciting take on two neutral colors. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
A cashmere sweater is luxe enough that your giftee is unlikely to treat themselves to one but not so expensive that it’s out of your gifting price range. My favorite is this Madewell style, which comes in eight colors and a diverse range of sizes. Bonus gift for the planet: It’s made from responsibly sourced materials. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor
Taking a bath is one of the most luxurious feelings in the world when you have amazing products for your self-care ritual. I recently received this bath soak from a friend, and it’s quickly become my new favorite. It makes the perfect gift because the packaging is so gorgeous that you don’t even need to wrap it. It’s a huge jar, and a little bit goes a long way. For the ultimate bath gift set, I recommend pairing the soak with the Body Bliss Duo, which includes body wash and body oil. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
If you’re like me, you probably gift at least one person a bag of coffee. I highly recommend swapping it out this year for this super-tasty concentrate. Not only does it provide delicious and organic coffee but each purchase helps to provide access to clean water in Africa. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
My mom gave me this necklace last Christmas, and I quite literally haven’t taken it off since. I wear it every day along with a jade necklace my grandmother gave me years ago. At under $100, this necklace’s quality and value is fantastic. It looks as good as the first day I unboxed it, yet I wear it in the shower, during yoga class, wherever! It’s the perfect length for layering necklaces, adds a touch of sparkle and I love the protective symbolism behind the evil eye. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
I’ve loved my Fluance RT82 turntable since long before I started here at CNN Underscored (which named it one of the top record players). But I didn’t buy it for myself, as this $300 turntable was a gift from my generous parents. Now I can hear more of the records I love, and I don’t have to keep fine-tuning it to fix the speed problems I had with my old Audio Technica record player either. — Henry T. Casey writer, electronics
I’ve got a family of four who love eating breakfast, so I was thrilled to receive Caraway’s Square Griddle Pan as a gift. It comes in eight colors, and I keep my navy one on the top of the stove at all times. This baby lets me fry bacon and sausages, cook up French toast and pancakes and whip up all kinds of eggs — all at once. This way, I can make sure nobody goes hungry in the morning, or any time for that matter. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
It was really special to be able to gift these game-used baseball cufflinks to my dad. He’s a massive baseball fanatic, but ever since his team left our hometown (RIP Montreal Expos), he’s needed something to keep him going. This allows him to take a piece of his favorite game with him wherever he goes — dress code permitting. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor
When I was thinking about what to get my sister and her now-husband for their engagement, this personalized Connect 4 game was a no-brainer. Each chip features something related to their personal interests, from a bike to a paw print, and it harkens to the way he proposed: on a Scrabble board. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor
When my sister proposed to me as a maid of honor, I nearly cried tears of joy. Not only did her package include all the wedding-day pampering essentials from a scrunchie to a silk robe but it had this adorable mug featuring both of us in our wedding day getups with the cutest message on the front. I am prone to breaking mugs but will forever treat this one as if it were my first-born child. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor
Last year I went into the Apple store, and as per usual, I left with something I didn’t know I needed. I got the HomePod Mini and have used it every day since. I use it to listen to ocean sounds and music, set reminders and ask any on-the-spot questions. Since I love it so much, I decided to give one to my sister for her birthday. She brought it with her to college and said she can’t imagine her room without it. It comes in a bunch of colors to perfectly fit any aesthetic and has amazing sound and capabilities for the price! —Tyler Holender, social strategist
One of the greatest things I’ve tried this year is Nuuly’s clothing rental subscription. I love it so much that I gifted a month’s subscription to my best friend too. The platform has an amazing selection of styles to choose from, convenient filters that make it easy to search for available pieces in your size and super-quick shipping, which means you’ll have a refreshed wardrobe in days. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
This set of four colorblocked coupe glasses — choose from either a pink-orange or green-blue combo — is the perfect presen for a loved one with a bar cart. They’re modern, fun and perfect for New Year’s Eve. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor
Snif candles are my go-to gifts for every occasion. This year, friends and family can expect to unwrap the collab with Half Baked Harvest’s Tieghan Gerard. This isn’t your usual pumpkin spice candle either: You’ll get notes of brûléed orange and salted maple that make you feel cozy and warm. The pair also have a new delicious Half Baked Gingerbread Smash version, and it’s just as festive and fun and smells like the holidays wrapped up in a candle. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
The Dyson Supersonic is truly a game-changing hair dryer. From its speedy drying times to its sleek storage box and attachments, it’s totally worth the high price tag and status as our favorite high-end hair dryer. I am absolutely in love with the limited-edition Ceramic Pop colorway that brings a fun twist to hair appliances that are usually quite drab looking. Whichever color you opt for, it’s one of those gifts that’s actually totally useful and totally cool. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
Bethenny Frankel does it again with this crowd-pleasing Forever Young Rosé. I gift it to all kinds of people, as well as bring it as a hostess gift to parties. It comes in a crisp Côtes de Provence and a Prestige Cru Classé, so you have a few tiers to choose from. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
I love gifting these juicy lip balms from Hailey Bieber’s skin care brand to my friends. They have a glossy finish and come in fun flavors that are actually yummy. The new Lip Tints have an equally conditioning and shiny formula while also adding sheer, buildable color. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
I’m not usually one to splurge on expensive accessories, but after receiving this lab-grown diamond set from my now-fiancé a few years ago, I can see why fine jewelry is worth it. It’s so high quality! The necklace is minimalist enough to wear all the time, and the earrings are my new go-to pair of studs. I’ll never get over how sparkly the diamonds are. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
What do you get the pet parent who has everything? A robotic litter box, of course. My sister has many strengths, but keeping up with her litter box is not one of them. Thankfully, this anti-odor litter box living in the year 3023 does much of the literal dirty work so she can keep her home nice and tidy. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor
For the skin care addict who has everything, I must recommend my favorite painless at-home laser. It softens deep wrinkles and lessens smile lines — all without going to a doctor. For less than one visit to the dermatologist, this product pays for itself after a few uses. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
I have been using Mooncat Nail Polish since the pandemic, when I had the time to do my nails every week in their fabulously fun, glittery, shimmery colors. But when someone gifted me a bottle of the 100%-vegan Ragdoll, I was even more excited because this polish glows in the dark! Part of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” collection, it’s a light-blue shade during the day and a yellow/green glow when the lights are down. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
Popcorn is my absolute favorite snack, and I was recently gifted this collab with my favorite beverage company, Ruby. I’ve already gone through one bag and show no signs of slowing down. If you’re looking for a gift for a fellow snack lover, this salty and sweet treat is unlike anything they’ve ever tasted. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor