The pinnacle of IYKYK socks
Plus: The softest cashmere sweater we’ve tested
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The Recommendation

December 9, 2025

“Now that I’ve experienced these socks, it’s hard to go back to anything else”

The Comme Si Cashmere Sock in the color maroon in front of a pink background
Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

Well, readers, we’ve made it to the end of our annual gift of the day countdown. And what, may you ask, is our final can’t-go-wrong offering of this holiday season? These incredibly luxe, made-in-Italy socks.

They’re knit from exceptionally soft, warm, and pill-resistant cashmere. They’re subtly distinctive, too, thanks to a branded tab that makes them instantly recognizable to other sock snobs.

Swoon-worthy socks, plus 29 more of this year’s best gifts→

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More luxe gifts

The softest, cuddliest cashmere sweater we tested

One tester said pulling on this plush, oversize sweater is like “becoming a teddy bear”→

The Mejuri Diamond Pave ring with a star.

A shooting star ring

It’s eye-catching and special, but still dainty enough to wear daily→

Two Estelle Colored Glass Champagne Flutes.

A colorful twist on traditional champagne flutes

Our gifts expert calls these whimsical jewel-toned flutes the best present for most people→

A person wearing a green Petite Plume Silk Long Robe.

This robe screams old Hollywood glamour

It’s made from ultra-satiny mulberry silk and comes in some great, decadent prints→

Your daily deal: The very best puffy blanket

The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket in the color Blue Ridge ƒade
Rumpl

This cheerful, well-balanced puffy blanket is breathable and soft enough to sleep under without overheating. Yet, it doesn’t feel overly delicate: Our expert used hers for everything from snuggling with her dogs to collecting coconuts.

The best puffy blanket is currently nearly $30 off→

Plus: The best gifts for Hanukkah

A menorah with colorful candles surrounded by other gifts for Hanukkah
Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

We’ve handpicked two dozen goodies, including a darling black-and-white cookie charm and some cheeky scalloped napkins.

Gifts to make your loved ones kvell→

One last (cozy) thing: “Bury me in this Spanx sweatsuit”

A photo of someone wearing Spanx AirEssentials clothing.
NYT Wirecutter

“Don’t let the Spanx DNA scare you,” says editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson. “There’s no shapewear sorcery lurking in these sweats.” Instead, the sweatsuit has a delightfully comfortable squish and feels buttery soft against the skin.

And it’s — dare we say it — even a bit dressy. Ingela calls her sweats “dignified, fully realized lady outfits that demand to be paraded from sofa to supermarket to soccer game.” Nice.

The softest suit of armor imaginable→

Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter.

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Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter.

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