While the holiday season is always a very merry time of year, it can also be a stressful one when it comes to finding gifts for everyone on your list. While here at Shop TODAY we have gift guides aplenty, we'd understand if you're still on the hunt for the perfect present. So, given that our staffers are basically professional shoppers, we thought it might also be helpful to share a little bit about what we're planning on picking up for friends and loved ones.
Whether you're still seeking out stocking stuffers or ready to splurge on an editor-approved find, we're sure that there's something here for you! Read on for more gift ideas, from handy earbud-cleaning tools to cryotherapy recovery devices.
Stocking stuffers | Under $25 | Under $50 | Splurge gifts | How we chose
Stocking stuffers
Lego Lady Liberty Key Chain
For her sisters who've recently moved out of state, associate editor Kamari Stewart is gifting a little piece of home with this Lego keychain. It's a sweet reminder that she (and New York) are always near, even if they don't feel it.
Hagibis Cleaning Pen for Airpods
"This is a great stocking stuffer! It’s the kind of thing that everybody needs but won’t necessarily buy for themselves," says writer Emma Stessman. A personal fan of this cleaning pen, she decided to gift it to her sister after her sister repeatedly borrowed it during trips home. "It makes it so easy to clean your AirPods. After I used it, I even noticed a difference in the sound quality on and old pair," Stessman adds.
Olly Richards "Short Stories in Spanish for Beginners"
Deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler is gifting her boyfriend this stocking stuffer to help him in mission to learn Spanish. She notes that it is also available in other languages and offers an easier way to adjust to new languages than with an app. Consider it a stocking stuffer and some encouragement to tackle that New Years resolution.
Brain Quest Smart Cards
When it comes to the little ones in her life, senior SEO editor Jess Bender is stocking up on this childhood favorite. It's a fun take on learning that makes the "chore" more of a past-time.
The Hair Edit Gold French Twist Claw Clip
This is the perfect gift for those with thick hair, and a lot of it, says Stewart. It can hold up her hair when it's curly and has stood the test of time, which in her opinion is quite rare! She’d recommend this clip time and time again.
Sunwuun Vacuum Wine Bottle Stoppers
"My Dad was just raving to me about this vacuum sealing wine stopper I put in his stocking last year," says partnerships editorial assistant Erica Marrison, who plans on spreading the love and gifting it to others this year.
Jenny Lemons Hair Claw Clip
Editor Amanda Fama loves claw clips from Jenny Lemons and raves about how sturdy they are. While her top pick is this pickle hair clip, a taco claw clip also makes for a fun stocking stuffer for someone with long tresses and a sense of humor.
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
“I got this Kiehl's cleansing mask for my boyfriend, Mik, as a gift previously because he wanted to ‘feel pretty’ and have a better skin care routine,” says Bender. “He now does this as part of his Sunday night routine while he watches football, and it's really impressive how much smoother his face looks!” The mask is formulated with Amazonian clay, which helps to detoxify the skin and absorb excess oil, according to the brand.
Sephora Favorites Travel Spray Perfume Sampler Set
Looking for a stocking stuffer that can lead to a bigger gift? This one is a favorite of Stewart's. She has gotten this for her sisters each year so they can discover what their personal scents are without having to go all in on something they might not love longterm. If they fall in love with a scent, that'll give you an idea of what to get them next year.
Feetures Elite Ultra Light No Show Tab
It's not a gift guide without a pair of socks: Another item that nobody wants to buy but will be thankful to have when the time comes! According to Stewart, this set in particular provides cushioning and keeps feet feeling fresh.
Multiple runners on the Shop TODAY team members are stocking up on this for their loved ones because they stand by it so strongly.
Gifts under $25
Baggu Standard
Hopefully associate editor Sierra Hoeger's sister isn't reading this, because spoiler alert: You're getting this trendy bag! Hoeger says that "not only is it practical, but it features a fun pattern that’s sure to earn her compliments." If you are her sister and are reading this, we'll leave it up to you to guess which pattern it will arrive in — there are over 20 to pick from.
Holiday Winnie the Pooh Dog Sweater
I (Vivien) love gifting my friends things that will make them smile and will make for a good photo opp, especially if they have pets. One friend noted how cute this sweater was after she saw my dog wearing a similar one, and I know it will make her day to dress up hers in this festive Winnie The Pooh pick.
Chefman Gooseneck Electric Kettle
I (Evan) have been on the hunt for an electric kettle for some time now, and decided to gift myself one for the holidays. I'm considering this option, which I found on sale for just under $25! I think it'll look plenty attractive on my counter, and I love that it has a gooseneck for easy and accurate pouring.
Gifts under $50
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Polish
For her girlfriends who like a little pampering, associate editor Allison Wise is gifting a little luxury that she knows they might not pick up for themselves. Available in over two dozen colors, this polish goes on "smooth like butter," she says.
Splendid x Wild One Dog Star Sweater
As crazy as it might sound, I (Vivien) wouldn't want to celebrate the holiday without a gift for my pup. He always assumes that all gifts are for him anyways, so I might as well let him unwrap one that really is! As soon as I saw that Splendid did a collaboration with Wild One, I was excited about this sweet star sweater that Charlie will be wearing all holiday season.
Lego Marvel Rocket & Baby Groot Minifigure Building Toy
Associate editor Shannon Garlin grabbed this for her nephew during Black Friday. She says that last year she gave him a Groot Lego set because he loves to spend hours building them. This year, he'll tackle building Groot's friend, Rocket!
Amazon eGift Card
Some people are just too hard to shop for, no matter how hard you try. In my (Vivien) case, I have several friends who fit the bill. They'll be getting the gift of convenience — a gift card that shows them I care but also that I know they know better.
Splurge-worthy gifts
Hedley & Bennet The Essential Apron
Senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi-Zabloudil was gifted this last year and loved it so much that she decided to get one for her best friend. “It’s a bit of a splurge, but the quality materials and chef-approved design make it worth it in my opinion,” she says.
Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand + LightBoost Serum Kit
For her older sister, Garlin is wrapping up a Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner. Garlin says that her sister "knows how much I rave about mine, so I got her one!" Not only is this a good gift for somebody looking to address a plethora of skin concerns, Garlin adds that "I also think it’ll be a good way for her to unwind at night after running her boys around school/soccer everyday."
Deerrun Walking Pad
Her sister isn't the only one getting something special. For her mom, Garlin is gifting a walking pad to help her get her steps in when the weather is too humid in Florida. As somebody with a walking pad that keeps me active in the colder and hotter months, I (Vivien) know her mom will be thrilled with this convenient problem-solver.
Therabody Recovery ThermCube
Last year I (Vivien) gifted this to my parents, who both have pains and aches in different areas. When I took the tool for a spin myself, I was surprised by how quickly it became ice cold and then was able to just as quickly become hot to the touch. It's also easy to wear no matter where the ailment is, be it your sore shoulder or tender back. While I do think I have more than enough stuff at home, this is what I'll be gifting myself as a treat for my poor posture while writing this.
Commodity Book+ Eau de Parfum
After giving a sample of this fragrance a sniff, my (Evan's) dad became a little bit obsessed with it! It's a very warm scent that features notes of sandalwood, cedar and vetiver. While the brand's whole lineup is great, I think this one works perfectly for winter, and is enticing and noticeable without being too overpowering.
How we chose
At Shop TODAY, our editors have spent the past year searching for the best gifts for the holiday season. These are their personal recommendations, based on what they bought their friends, family or themselves in 2024. We looked at price point, availability and shipping time (to ensure that they'd arrive by the holidays at time of publish).
