The 17 Go-To Gifts Our Editors Swear By Each Holiday Season

Aura Mason Digital Picture Frame

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"If you're looking for a heartfelt, splurge-worthy gift for family or friends this season, I recommend a digital photo frame. I've gifted this to my parents, grandparents, and in-laws, and they have all absolutely loved it. The Aura Mason is easy to use even if you're not super tech-savvy and I love that I can send photos to it from afar all year as an easy way to stay in touch and share my life with loved ones who don't live in the same city as me. Pro tip: pre-load it with some pictures ahead of time so it has favorite photos ready to display right out of the box when they open it."—Hannah Freedman, Commerce Editorial Director

Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted Softcover Notebook

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"My general rule when gift giving (and gift asking) is to opt for an upgraded basic: something the person wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves, but will still appreciate day after day. Each year, that takes on a different iteration, and this year it’s… notebooks. I’m partial to this one from Leuchtturm1917, which has bleed-proof, dotted paper that’s perfect for all of their journaling and planning needs. After having one of my own, I've found that it's the ideal size for carrying on the go, while still giving you enough space to fully flesh out your thoughts."—Lily Sperry, Associate Commerce Editor

Kate Spade Good Times It's Raining Confetti Double Old Fashioned Glass Set

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"Like Lily, I like gifting upgraded versions of things my friends already love, so I know it's something they'll put to good use. A few years ago, a friend got me a set of cute cocktail glasses from Kate Spade, and ever since, I've popped into their home decor section whenever I need inspiration for a hard-to-shop-for recipient. I'd wrap these party-inspired Old Fashioned glasses with the ingredients for their favorite cocktail or mocktail for a super-personalized gift they can enjoy right away."—Kate Geraghty, Director

Cat Studio Dish Towel

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"I've found that a personalized dish towel makes not only a great hostess gift, but also a great gift for the recent college graduate, new home owner, or anyone in between. These dish towels from Cat Studio are available in tons of designs—think everything from collegiate spirit to national parks—and each design is unique, truly capturing the aura of the location or group. Each towel is printed through a hand swipe silk screen process with 12 colors and has a hand-embroidered border."—Emma Phelps, Commerce Updates Writer

Bedsure Faux Fur Reversible Throw Blanket

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"If you’re like me and need something to fend off the winter chill, this plush blanket will do the trick! I initially bought it because I thought it would look great against our leather couch. Little did I know that it would really help during the cold mornings. It’s now my go-to gift for my friends and family."—Joe Morales, Senior Commerce Editor

Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House

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"I requested this book as a gift for myself, and it's an excellent companion to anyone moving to—or purchasing—a new home. It's packed with tips you can apply to every room in your home. Whether you need to launder specialty fabrics, build a fire in a fireplace, or mend a torn seam on a garment for the first time, Home Comforts has you covered. Flipping through it reminds me of all the invaluable wisdom my grandmother used to share, and I'm glad to have this helpful resource to guide me now. I can't wait to gift it to all my loved ones."—Wesley Salazar, Contract Senior Commerce Editor

Umami All-in-1 Bento Lunch Box with Cutlery Set

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"For a cute, festive gift, I love wrapping up these super handy bento boxes from Umami and filling them with a few surprise treats, including packaged cookies and candies. These elegant bento boxes are available in a few different colors, plus they are totally leakproof and food grade certified. Best of all, it makes meals-on-the-go fun and easy to do, and each stylish box comes with a convenient cutlery set and two small containers perfect for adding sauces and dressings."—Michelle Lau, Commerce Editor

Cavallini Papers & Co. Bees & Honey 1,000-Piece Puzzle

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"If there's a puzzler in your life who loves a challenge, then I recommend the vintage-inspired jigsaw puzzles from Cavallini & Co. They're just the right amount of difficulty, and the packaging is so cute and attractive that it doubles as decor in between puzzle sessions. I'm the puzzle nerd in my family, so while I don't get to gift them as much as I would like, I had to spread the word. They're my favorites!"—Dena Ogden, Commerce Writer

Rico Industries Sports Fans License Plate Frame

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"It's amazing how often and how easily I've been able to connect with folks of differing politics, backgrounds, beliefs, and more by sharing an admiration—all right, fanaticism—of our favorite sports teams. To seal the bond, I gift them a pair of these chrome license plate frames, which the teams officially license with their colors and graphics. The pre-drilled holes make them a snap to install on the front and back of nearly every type of vehicle. Most MLB, NFL, NHL, and major college teams are available."—Ira Lacher, Senior Commerce Editor

Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker

4.2

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"I fell in love with this Keurig Mini coffee maker at first sight, and it's my go-to gift for coffee lovers this holiday season. I've also added it to the top of my wish list! I love that it's compact and comes in so many fun colors, so you won't mind it taking up precious counter space—it even has cord storage and holds nine K-cup pods. Also, if you want a flavored coffee that no one else likes, or a quick cup of hot chocolate, you can just make one cup!"—Jenica Currie, Associate Commerce Editor

Bombas Gripper Slippers

4.7

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"Cozy gifts are my favorite to give, and these slipper socks are always a hit. Warmer than your go-to winter socks but more breathable than a typical pair of slippers, they're plush and feel super soft on your feet. Instead of a hard sole, a pattern of nonslip grips on the bottom prevents slipping and sliding. Available in an array of different colors, patterns, sizes, and even linings (sherpa is my fave for extra-cold feet!), there's truly an option for everyone. And it's a gift that gives back, too; for every Gripper Slipper pair purchased, Bombas donates one."—Heather Adams, Senior Commerce Editor

Apple MagSafe Duo Charger

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"I don't like to see a lot of charging cords, and I don't think the gift recipients in my life do either. I recently purchased the Apple MagSafe Duo Charger for myself, and I think it's a great gift for anyone in your life who has an iPhone and Apple Watch. It also charges Apple Airpods. It's lightweight, slim, and folds up, making it easy to toss in your bag when traveling."—Anna Mejorada, Commerce Writer, The Spruce Pets

The USB Lighter Company The Molti Light

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"If it is good enough for Oprah it is good enough for my friends and family. This rechargable USB lighter was on Oprah's Favorite Things list this year, and I am giving it to all my candle loving friends. I was so intrigued with the concept I even bought one myself, and I love the way it looks and works."—Dwyer Frame, SVP of Commerce

Homesick Candles

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"This is by far the best/easiest kind of gift to keep on hand. My favorite thing about gifting is making sure gifts feel as personal as possible to the receiver, and Homesick candles have been AMAZING because I can buy candles themed on my friends' interests, where they're originally from, their zodiac sign, or even little inside jokes. Plus, who doesn't love a good candle? I've been throwing Homesick candles into gift bags for about three years now, and they never disappoint"—Aliyah Rodriguez, Associate Editor

Rifle Paper Co. 2023 12-Month Softcover Spiral Planner

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"You could easily wrap up and gift any one of Rifle Paper Co.'s adorable and well-made products, but I personally reach for their planners, journals, and pads time and time again. Their planners, in particular, have the perfect layout for sketching out weekly to-do lists, monthly goals, and all the fun and relaxation in between. You can find a sweet quote on every page, and multiple pages of stickers in the back for dressing up your summer Saturday or Monday afternoon doctor's appointment. With multiple sizes, prints, and cover types available, it's hard to narrow down your planner selection to just one, but this year, I'm eyeing the 12-month softcover planner for myself and the 17-month hardcover one for anyone in your life who loves a practical gift and an organizational moment."—Marisa Viglione, Senior Commerce Editor

Brooklinen Diffuser

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"Brooklinen's diffuser does not disappoint. It's like the elevated version of the classic candle gift. The scene really is lovely and fills my whole apartment. Plus, I love the idea that with the scent I'm encouraging the bright ideas of whoever I'm gifting it to!"—Jenny Hughes, Editor