Good evening. Not to brag, but we already started our holiday shopping. Plus …  | | Little King, Baggu, Negative; illustration by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter |
11 gifts we (already) got for the holidays |
 | By Brittney Ho Brittney is a newsletters editor at Wirecutter. | |
PSA: It’s not too early to start chipping away at your holiday gift list. We know, we know. It’s not even Halloween yet. But by the time hectic December rolls around, it’ll feel so nice to have at least one giftee checked off. I, for one, took advantage of the fact that many of our favorite gifts were on sale this week and got two bottles of this nourishing, fantastic-smelling hair and body oil. (Our beauty expert says it makes you feel like you’re poolside on the French Riviera.) It’s a little something for each of my sisters, so they can keep their skin smooth and their hair frizz-free all winter long. Look at me! Two down already. Here are all the other gifts we’re eyeing this week (a few of which are still on sale): - Newsletters editor Isoke Samuel is always looking for screen-free ways to occupy her youngest niece and nephew. This week, she snagged this party game, which takes about five minutes to teach and is entertaining for everyone. “We rarely see games that work just as well at a bachelor party as they do at a family event,” says our board-game expert, “but this game does just that.”
- Gifts writer Samantha Schoech has decided that several people on her list are unwrapping handcrafted Italian toothbrushes this year. “It just looks elegant and pretty in my toothbrush cup,” says Samantha. “It’s crazy wonderful.”
- A cashmere crewneck deserves a spot in every closet, and this good-looking, classic sweater has a slightly slouchy fit and soft feel. It’s not the highest-quality cashmere we’ve tested, but it is one of the best we’ve found at this price point. And it comes in more than a dozen colors to match any vibe.
- “It’s practical and potentially boring,” says newsletters editor Erin Neil, “but years ago, my friend gave me a portable charger as a gift, and I truly bring it with me everywhere.” This year, she’s planning to pay it forward with this small-yet-mighty power bank, which can juice most phones up to three times.
- Your giftee doesn’t have to be a seasoned home chef to find a plethora of uses for a great Dutch oven. This sturdy and colorful one rivals much pricier options, sears like a dream, and should last for life.
- If you have a Gen Zer on your list, might we suggest this baguette-style purse? It’s big enough for all the essentials, machine-washable, and can be dressed up or down. Gifts editor Hannah Morrill’s impossibly stylish and opinionated niece enthusiastically approves: “Oh yeah. That’s cool.”
- Chances are the skin-care aficionado in your life would be delighted by this LED face mask, which has treatments for both aging and acne-prone skin and de-puffs undereyes. (I’m a huge fan, because, if nothing else, using the luxe gadget feels like a calming self-care ritual every night. Even if it does make me look somewhat scary.)
- Writer Caroline Mullen says every cool person at her ceramic studio owns this simple, practical, and surprisingly chic carryall bag. Your crafty giftee can stuff its 30 pockets to the brim with paintbrushes, crochet needles, carving tools, and so much more.
- This beanie with a built-in headlamp seems silly, but for late-night dog walks, package pickups, and other in-the-dark adventures, it’s very practical. If you already know you’re going to attend a white elephant party at some point this holiday season, this is a can’t-go-wrong gift.
- It looks unassuming on a desk — just a big ol’ button — but give it a tap, and the colorful speaker will blast exactly 30 seconds of an upbeat little ditty. No screens, no Bluetooth — just serotonin. A lovely pick-me-up for the person who works from home and needs an afternoon boost, or for anyone trying to lift a kiddo’s spirits on a grumpy day.
- Finally, this sheer, wireless bra is basically the only one I ever want to wear. The airy mesh is light and breathable, but not flimsy, and I love the look of the minimalist, clean lines. It’d make an excellent top-drawer gift for self. (Yes, you deserve a spot on your holiday shopping list, too.)
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He’s an avid golfer, a hiker and cyclist, and an antique car enthusiast. But he’s also a minimalist and seems to have just about everything he needs. Oh … and he’s 77 years old! I love a gift recipient with lots of interests because it makes finding the perfect thing a little easier. Because he’s a minimalist, let’s lean into the practical. For the golfer in him, a subscription to this gorgeous quarterly journal known for its excellent photography and writing could be perfect. It’s as much an aspirational armchair read as it is a guide. For something more practical, there are these soft-but-durable golf gloves that many of the club-swingers in our midst swear by. For the outdoor enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with our absolute favorite hiking socks, a longtime standout Wirecutter gift pick for their durability. They hug the foot in all the right places, wick sweat, and come with a lifetime guarantee. For the cyclist, how about a handy handlebar bag for easy access to essentials like sunscreen, glasses, and snacks? And, for the car enthusiast — okay, stay with me — a LEGO Jaguar (or other preferred makes and models).
Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here. | |  | Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for The Gift. Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter. Get it in your inbox. |
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Last week, we described a pair of comfortable, cushiony, and durable socks, and mistakenly linked the wrong product. The right pair is The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock.
You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you. |
