Gifts are all about showing someone how much you love and care about them, but picking out the perfect present is no easy task. Here at CNN Underscored, we’ve been writing about the best gifts for years — not just during the holiday season but for birthdays, wedding anniversaries and more. As the gift guide editor, I’m committed to helping readers find the perfect gift for every type of person, occasion and budget, which means I spend my days curating unique presents that will surprise and delight your loved ones, whether it be something practical or sentimental.
Since our team is always testing the latest products in every space, from tech to beauty to home goods, we also have plenty of firsthand experience with many of the gifts we recommend. So, to give you some inspiration, I rounded up my favorite gift ideas of 2024.
Best Christmas gifts
The holidays will be here before you know it, so start shopping for Christmas gifts ASAP. We’ve got ideas for everyone on your list, whether you’re looking for affordable stocking stuffers or personalized presents.
This smart mug is one of the best gifts you can get for someone who never finishes their cup of coffee or tea before it gets cold. I use mine almost every day in the winter.
Underscored editors and readers alike are obsessed with Lego's succulents and flowers that double as home decor, but this year, we're eyeing this gorgeous plum blossom kit.
I want to wear this oversized, one-size-fits-most hoodie nonstop this winter. It's the ultimate cozy gift for the homebody in your life.
More of the best Christmas gift ideas
Best gifts for men
Shopping for your brother, husband, dad or father-in-law? From editor-loved kitchen tools to sleek leather goods, our gift guides for men have plenty of presents that they’ll love.
This one's for the guy who needs a wardrobe refresh. Our editors tested eight men's T-shirts, and it came out on top for its impressive softness and fit.
A candle might not normally come to mind as a gift for men, but this one's black-hued wax and intoxicating woody scent is absolutely worth checking out.
I gave this massage gun to my fiancé over a year ago, and he uses it to relieve tension and soreness nearly every day. (The fact that I get to use it too is also nice.)
More of the best gifts for men
Best gifts for women
Not sure what to gift the special lady in your life? Think about whether she’d want a practical present she’ll use all the time or a sentimental gift with a special meaning behind it. We’ve got recommendations that are perfect for all types of women, from your best friend to your mom.
This Oprah-loved gift set will get her rings, bracelets and more sparkling clean.
Hobo bags are back in style, so I'm currently toting around this purse from Leatherology.
This luxe scented bubble bath will encourage her to relax and unwind, even when she has a lot going on in her life.
More of the best gifts for women
Best Hanukkah gifts
Hanukkah falls on Dec. 25 this year, so you have just over a month to get your shopping done before the Festival of Lights begins.
This gift box comes with an assortment of treats to snack on during Hanukkah, like classic chocolate gelt, crunchy almonds and cinnamon walnut rugelach.
An ideal gift for foodies and those who often host Shabbat dinners, this cookbook contains nearly 400 pages of crowd-pleasing recipes.
Little ones can get in on the holiday fun while learning how to match colors with this menorah and candles set.
Best Advent calendars
Advent calendars are super popular for good reason — who doesn’t love the idea of opening up a small gift or sweet treat every single day leading up to Christmas? We’ve been covering Advent calendars extensively for years at CNN Underscored, and these are some of our favorites.
Filled with 24 mini spreads and jams, this classic Advent calendar is a favorite year after year. It's kind of shocking that it's still in stock, so snag your ASAP.
This one's for the beauty lovers. L'Occitane's Advent calendar comes with plenty of travel-size beauty products, as well as four full-size products (including the brand's luxe hand cream).
Underscored's managing editor is so obsessed with this wine Advent calendar that she buys one for herself every year.
More of the best Advent calendars
Best gifts for every interest
If you’re not sure what to get someone, honing in on their hobbies is a great gifting strategy. We’ve curated gift guides for people with all kinds of interests, such as book lovers, crafters, foodies and pet lovers.
If the recipient has a sweet tooth, these decadent cookies from NYC-based Levain Bakery are the ultimate treat. These are hands down the best cookies I've ever had.
Shopping for a crafter? The person in your life who's learning to crochet or knit will appreciate a pretty set of stitch markers this holiday season.
This wooden tray is designed for people who are always reading. It has dedicated spots for a book (and even holds your place!), a drink, a phone and reading glasses.
More of the best gifts for every interest
Best gifts for every budget
With prices of everything from food to clothes constantly rising, we understand that people are tightening their belts these days. We also recognize that not everyone has the same budget for all their holiday shopping. That’s why we always highlight gifts across a range of price points in our articles — so you can score the perfect present whether you have $25 or $100 to spend.
This fun mushroom-shaped night light will add some soft illumination — and a pop of color — to otherwise dark and dreary spaces. At just $10, it's a fun gift for anyone shopping on a tight budget.
Cashmere is typically a luxury gift that comes with a hefty price tag. So you'd never guess that this ultra-soft and versatile scarf from Quince costs just $50.
Would you believe me if I told you the best Dutch oven we've ever tested costs less than $100? Well, it's true — and it comes in over a dozen colors, making it an awesome gift for the home cook.
More of the best gifts for every budget
Best gifts for teens
Teenagers are notoriously tough to shop for. Whether you’ve got a tween at home or an older teen heading to college, these gift ideas will actually impress them — even if they’re picky.
Regular Stanley tumblers are so last year. Teens will love this sporty water bottle complete with a strap for taking on all their adventures.
Teenagers of all styles and interests will love these easy-to-wear sneakers that happen to be one of the biggest shoe trends these days.
The gaming-obsessed teen will appreciate receiving this device that turns their phone into a handheld video game system.
More of the best gifts for teens
Best last-minute gifts
There’s no shame in shopping for a gift at the last minute (we’ve all been there). These presents — including digital gift cards and quick-shipping Amazon finds — will arrive in time for your special occasion.
Perfect for people with plenty of time on their hands (like retired parents or knowledge-hungry folks), a MasterClass subscription gives them on-demand access to tons of classes led by industry leaders — like acting with Natalie Portman and creative writing with Margaret Atwood.
I'm obsessed with Boarderie's fully assembled charcuterie boards. They make for a great last-minute gift since they come with free overnight shipping (but you can also send them as an e-gift).
Atlas Coffee Club sources single-origin coffee from all over the world, complete with postcards and tasting notes. But what makes it an amazing last-minute gift is the fact that you can deliver a gift subscription via email.
More of the best last-minute gifts
Best gifts from your favorite retailers
Loyal to a specific retailer? I don’t blame you. There are plenty of reasons to do the bulk of your holiday shopping on Amazon — and the frequent sales and two-day shipping on most items are just two of ’em. Nordstrom, on the other hand, offers gifts for a wide range of budgets, no matter who you’re shopping for. Then there’s Uncommon Goods, one of my favorite places to buy unique gifts. And we’re just getting started!
A Kindle is an excellent gift for readers, and this souped-up version also has a note-taking feature.
The sentimental person in your life will love receiving a custom reel filled with their favorite memories.
If you need a gift for an outdoorsy person, REI is an excellent place to shop. This editor-loved hammock is the perfect way for them to relax in nature.
More of the best gifts from your favorite retailers
Best wedding and anniversary gifts
Whether you’re celebrating a friend’s engagement or your own anniversary, we have plenty of recommendations for all kinds of wedding-related events. (Yep, even the bridal shower you forgot to get a gift off the registry for.)
The couple can preserve keepsakes from their wedding day with this special box, which has dedicated drawers for things like bouquet petals and hair accessories.
A custom ring dish is the perfect present for someone who just got engaged. After all, they need a safe place to put their new favorite piece of jewelry.
With this digital template, you can turn your wedding vows into artwork. Print them yourself for a thoughtful last-minute gift — just don't forget to frame them!
More of the best wedding and anniversary gifts
Why trust CNN Underscored
This is my second holiday season as Underscored’s gift guide editor, but I’ve been covering gifts (and really all kinds of products) for over six years. Our entire team makes it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don’t just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every gift you give is a hit. We also know that you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why our team of editors has carefully curated each of our gift guides with a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you’re shopping for (though, if you’re seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means that we really love them).