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Five-year-olds are little people with very big personalities, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that picking out the best gifts for them can be a fraught process. While toddler tantrums are (thankfully) a thing of the past, you’re still only ever a bad present choice away from ruining your entire day. Personally, I can still clearly remember the things I DIDN’T get for Christmas (Mr Frosty, I’m looking at you) even more clearly than the ones that I did. So, it’s definitely worth doing your due diligence.
At five years old, kids are entering their highly opinionated Big Kid Era. “They usually have specific interests, maybe even characters, animals, or colours that they love and obsess over,” says Kelly Oriard, licensed family therapist, former school counsellor, and cofounder of Slumberkins. Now is about the time when they also fall in love with “games that they feel they can work at and master.”
They’re also rapidly expanding their cognitive and social skills. All of a sudden, they can write their names (maybe read a few simple sentences!), better understand the concept of time, distinguish fantasy from reality, tell longer stories, and even count to 100 or more. Some might also be starting to play organised sports, quickly improving their physicality.
To help you find the right toys to help your child stay entertained while also fostering new interests, we tapped real parents for help. Some standouts? Aqua Beads and Farm Yard Stamps to hone fine motor skills and boost creativity, scooters to burn all of that excess energy, and walking talkies and fancy dress costumes to inspire pretend play. Whether you’re sourcing presents for their birthday, Christmas, or just to say “I love you”, these are the best gifts for five-year-olds, according to parents who’ve been there, done that.
Ahead, our full edit of the best gifts for five-year-olds.
Whether you’re an incoming freshman or returning to dorm life, picking the right stuff for college can be tough. On one hand, you want to have quality gear that won’t let you down by midterms. On the other, the inevitability of crushing debt looms in the years to come, so you want to be frugal wherever possible.
This guide is filled with all the stuff you might need: an affordable (but capable) laptop, a versatile backpack, coffee gear, audio gadgets, and fun tech to make dorm life more livable. You don’t need every single item in this list, so spend only where you think is necessary.
Updated August 2024: We’ve added new products for the new school year.
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Your dad probably isn’t going to complain about any gift you give him. For better or worse, most modern dads don’t get hung up on presents. You know the meme of the older, bearded gentleman with a goofy smile opening a shirt just like the one he has on? There’s a lot of truth to that meme. However, I am not only a dad and a gear reviewer but also someone with a specific philosophy about what makes a good gift for middle-aged men like me.
You’ll notice some threads running through this manifesto guide: The best gifts for a dad are things that not only are relevant to his interests but also can be fairly described as “overkill.” Dads tend to like things that are overbuilt but useful. I’m sure some dads want to be “pampered,” but this is not me or the dads I know, who all physically cringed reading this sentence.
If you take away one idea, I hope it’s that when it comes to a gift for a dad, you can rarely go wrong by giving an expensive but excellent version of a thing we use anyway. We especially like things that win the admiration of our peers—nothing makes a dad happier than having another dad-aged dude take note of his stupidly expensive tire pressure gauge and then saying, “Oh, yeah, my kid got me that—they’re a little pricey but I gotta say, always works great.”
Updated June 2024: We’ve added one last batch of last-minute Father’s Day gift ideas including a ball cap, a shirt, pants, and a nice, rusty firepit.
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Welcome to Jet Set, a recurring feature in which we highlight our favorite accessories and travel must-haves that are perfect for any kind of trip. Travel is back and better than ever, and whether you’re already packing for your next adventure or you’re just beginning to contemplate venturing out again, we’re here to help with all your jet setting needs. Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if your dad loves all things travel, then a jet-set worthy gift is in order for his special day. If you’re at a loss for what to get the adventure-loving father figure in your life, don’t fret—we’ve got you covered with the perfect gifts for the ultimate hodophile.
Whether he’s an outdoorsman who loves all things camping and road trips or if he’s the kind of guy who prefers the finer aspects of luxury travel, there’s a great gift with his travel-adoring name on it.From a rolling duffle bag and fancy headphones to a plush watch roll and on-the-go coffee mug, these are the top travel gifts for dad this Father’s Day.
Fair warning: Father’s Day falls on Sunday 16th June in 2024 – and finding the best Father’s Day gifts for dads in a matter of weeks isn’t as easy as it sounds. A gift card or chocolate gift set from the local petrol station does not make him feel like the best dad, step dad, grandad, new dad or father figure. Scrap that, and put as much time and effort into finding Father’s Day presents as you would for your mum on Mother’s Day instead.
There’s – unfortunately – no universal dad gift that’s guaranteed to suit the entire range of fathers that exists. Instead, your best bet is so buy him something which is tailored to his interests. Garden gifts, gift experiences and chic homewares are safe bets.
Whether he’s a house proud host, a man with impeccable style, or a die-hard foodie, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect Father’s Day gift in this edit of new in Father’s Day gift ideas. The pièce de résistance? A classic Happy Father’s Day card with a heartfelt handwritten message.
Some gift ideas, below, for the mom who has more pictures of her plants than of her kids. (No judgement!) See also: Gardenista Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Editors’ Picks Gardenista Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Stocking Stuffers for the Gardening-Obsessed, All Under $25 What Our Editors Are Giving and (Wishing for) on Mother’s Day
We’ve tested a lot of TikTok products, but they’re not all worthy of the top spot. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth buying, though. Below, you’ll find a list of good TikTok products we like—with some caveats.
Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate 40-Ounce Tumbler for $45: The Stanley Quencher took TikTok by storm over the past few years. And it’s easy to see why—they’re big, come in adorable colors, keep your drinks cold, and fit in cup holders. The 2.0 version comes with a splash-resistant lid and ergonomic handle. But earlier this year, after a rise in claims, Stanley confirmed the tumblers contain lead. It’s used to seal the vacuum insulation at the bottom of the cups. You don’t have to worry about exposure unless you drop or damage the tumbler. But seeing as how other water bottle brands have moved away from using lead in their products, we feel Stanley should do the same. For more information, you can read our explainer here.
The Dyson Airstrait for $499: I used to dread styling my hair, because it would take up to an hour. But the Airstrait (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has cut my hair routine in half—it now takes only 12 to 15 minutes, and my hair feels healthier. It has the same form factor as a standard flat iron, but instead of hot plates it uses airflow to both dry and straighten your strands simultaneously. With one focused jet of air that moves downward it delivers a natural, smooth finish. I’ll usually use it on wet mode to fully dry my hair and switch to dry mode to flatten any puffiness.
Famoplay Straw Cover (6 Pieces) for $7: Straws are great, but they can still attract bacteria and … other things. So, it’s important to protect it. These adorable covers are easy to put on and clean. There have been complaints online that it doesn’t fit on the straws of a lot of water bottles, but it fits my 30 oz and 40 oz Stanley cups perfectly.
Fruit Riot Frozen Candy (Sour Mango) for $7: Fruit Riot’s selection of frozen fruit fluctuates in stock, thanks to its virality. I (Brenda) sadly couldn’t my hands on the sour grapes, but I did find the frozen mango and pineapple at an ACME in my area. They’re basically like a fruit version of Warheads. Some pieces are certainly way more sour than others, so it’s tough to eat too many at once (unless you have a high tolerance for sour candy). But they’re great to snack on for when you want to fill your candy craving while also sneaking in some fruit.
Therabreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse for $8: Before seeing Therabreath all over my FYP, I (Brenda) always used Listerine. But I’d find myself rinsing with it throughout the day because it’d wear off quickly. This isn’t the case with Therabreath—regardless of what I eat, I feel like it lasts all day. I also love that it’s alcohol-free, so it doesn’t burn. It comes in a variety of options and flavors (including a kid’s version) but I prefer Icy Mint. However, it’s pricier than some other mouthwash brands, which might start to add up over time depending on how many people are using it in your household.
Revair Reverse-Air Dryer for $399: The videos of the RevAir sucking up wet hair to dry and smooth would be hard to believe if we hadn’t tested it ourselves. It’s easy to use—after a shower, put your damp hair into the vacuum-like wand for 60 to 90 seconds and it’ll dry and straighten it, cutting styling time in half (or more), depending on your hair type. WIRED product writer, Medea Giordano, still had to smooth out her poofs with a flat iron, but folks with finer hair will find this to be a one-and-done device. It’s expensive, but if you can afford it, it’s a great gift for someone who spends a lot of time doing their hair.
KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm for $42: Redness and dark circles disappear with this foundation, leaving an even base to apply the rest of our makeup. It feels a little heavy at first, but it settles in nicely (a regular makeup sponge works great for application) It clung to dry patches but overall worked well on our skin. Unlike many popular foundations, it also has a good range of shades.
Balkwan Sunset Lamp for $22: This small gadget transforms the vibe of any room. It’s easy to set up, too. Place it on your floor, plug it in, and aim it toward a wall. It’ll create a halo-like effect with pops of rainbow colors that will make your space feel extra cozy. It comes with a short cord though—I (Brenda) had to plug it into a power strip to place it in the desired spot. It’s also very easy to accidentally knock over, so I wouldn’t put it anywhere where there’s a lot of movement.
Upsky Dog Water Bottle for $10:This water bottle is great for long walks with your dog. Unlock the bottle, press the button to release some water, and let your pooch drink from the trough. Whatever they don’t drink goes right back into the bottle with another press of the button. It’s portable, leak-proof (thanks to a locking mechanism), and affordable. But the drinking trough isn’t big, so it’s best suited for pets with small to medium-sized snoots.
Hatch Restore 2 for $200: The Hatch Restore 2 is a solid bedside companion. It went viral for its beautiful sunrise and sunset simulations, but it’s also one of our favorite sound machines and lamps–there are 18 colors to choose from and a large brightness scale. If you sign up for the $5-per-month membership, you get a large rotating library of meditation and sleep stories, too. We wish more of those features were included without a membership, considering you’re already spending $200 on the device itself.
Oura Ring for $349: This ring started to gain traction on TikTok because it looks much more stylish and discrete than a smartwatch or fitness tracker. It’s small and attractive, but its sensors are accurate and sensitive. Our only complaint is that this third-gen version marked the start of the company’s push toward a new subscription model. For $6 per month, you’ll have access to advanced features like personalized insights, guided meditations, and educational content. Without it, you’ll only get basic metrics like your Daily Readiness, Sleep, and Activity scores.
Each spring, a primal urge stirs within every runner’s soul: the yearning to ditch the treadmill and asphalt grid and immerse themselves in nature’s rugged, dirt-carved cathedral. From the sprawling alpine gardens to those butter-smooth ribbons of singletrack weaving through shadowy forests, the trails are calling—and you’d better be prepared to answer the summons with some proper off-road artillery strapped to your feet.
While basic entry-level trainers can handle well-groomed towpaths, only a burly pair of trail runners packs the grit to conquer rowdier terrain. We’re talking aggressive, multi-directional rubber grippy fangs for clawing up muddy chutes and braking on scree slopes. Reinforced toe caps to shield your toes from stomach-churning rock strikes. And rugged, abrasion-shrugging uppers that laugh at overgrown bushwhacks. Lace ’em up and stay tied no matter how wild the miles get, and no matter what type of trail you’re on.
The trail world offers a bloated bevy of shoe philosophies, spanning barely-there ground scorchers for runners chasing that intimate terra firma connection, to plush, maximal cruisers engineered to tackle ultra long distances in pillowy comfort. Trailblazing OGs like Salomon have been crafting capable dirt devourers for decades. But a new crop of startups like Xero (featured on Shark Tank) and La Sportiva are turning heads by amplifying old-school principles or pioneering innovative cushioning theories.
No matter your speed, when the wild comes calling, you’d better be strapped into a pair of kicks that will carry you from rugged trailhead to jaw-dropping summit in uncompromising style and comfort. Preparing for the church of trails has never looked (or felt) so spiritually good. Below, our favorite men’s trail running shoes to try now.
SPEAKING AS A mom myself, I know that the best gift you can give your mother is you. Whether you plug in your hybrid or hop on a cheap electric bike, you should see her if you can (we get it if you think air travel is scary, though). If you think you’d like to bring her a gift, now is the time to start thinking about it, because Mother’s Day is approaching on May 12. Scrambling for ideas? We’ve got a bunch of gift recommendations below.
Your mom may be the person who loves you the most in the world, but she’s probably got a lot of other things going on, like traveling for work, working out, or hanging out with friends. I consulted other WIRED parents for their favorite picks. These are our top gift ideas to help moms work from home, annotate their books, or dip into the world of gaming in their downtime. While you’re at it, check out our many other buying guides, like the Best Gift Ideas for New Parents, Best Kid Podcasts, or the Best Kid Tablets.
Updated April 2024: We significantly revamped this guide by deleting old picks and replacing with newer ones, including the Creative Aurvana 2, the Tom Bihn Nomad Tote, and many others.
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Your dad probably isn’t going to complain about any gift you give him. For better or worse, most modern dads don’t get hung up on presents. You know the meme of the older bearded gentleman with a goofy smile opening a shirt just like the one he has on? There’s a lot of truth to that. In fact, WIRED has gone a few years without even having a guide to gifts for dad. No one complained; it’s possible no one even noticed.
However, I am not only a dad and a gear reviewer but someone who has a specific philosophy about what makes a good gift for middle-aged men like me. You’ll notice some threads running through this manifesto helpful guide: the best gifts for a dad are things that not only are relevant to his interests but which can be fairly described as “overkill.” Dads really tend to like things that are overbuilt but useful. I’m sure some dads like to be “pampered” but this is not me or the dads I know, who all physically cringed reading this sentence.
If you take away one idea I hope it’s that when it comes to a gift for a dad, you can rarely go wrong by giving an expensive but excellent version of a thing we use anyway. We especially like things that win the admiration of our peers—nothing that makes a dad happier than having another dad-aged dude take note of his stupidly expensive tire pressure gauge and then saying “Oh yeah my kid got me that—they’re a little pricey but I gotta say, always works great.”
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a1-year subscription toWIREDfor $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
The category of “mom” encompasses a tremendous amount of variety. There are moms like me, who are coming out of that first-year haze of constant diaper changing and no sleep and are slowly reclaiming their hobbies and free time. There are moms with multiple kids, who are coping with the needs of teenagers and three-nagers simultaneously (those mothers are stronger than I will ever be). And finally, there are moms—possibly your mom—who might have an empty nest but are still fielding your calls about how long to cook a chicken.
This guide has something for all of them, from tools that make motherhood a little easier to things she can enjoy when the kids are finally in bed. Looking for something else to delight your favorite mom? We have guides on everything from breast pumps and strollers to the best baby gear for that first year.
Updated April 2024: We’ve added several new gifts to this guide, including the Calpak Clear Cosmetic Cases, Zoe Tour Stroller, Owala 40oz Tumbler, and Prana Heavana Hot Spell Leggings.
Adrienne So and other members of the Gear team have contributed to this guide.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
Mother’s Day is nearly upon us, and with it, searches for the best flower delivery services are burgeoning. Luckily, the flower delivery shop scene is blooming beautifully ahead of Mothering Sunday, and hand-delivered floral arrangements remain an endlessly special way to show your loved one you care.
Outside of Mother’s Day, a bouquet of pink roses and a greetings card will almost always do the job. Outstayed your welcome at your parents’ house? Congratulating a friend’s new job? Order a beautiful bouquet. Feeling a bit down and eager to treat yourself? Order flowers. Miley said to.
You might not be able to get to your local florists on time, but a quick Google search for the best online flower delivery services will throw up thousands flower shops, each with countless delivery options promising the freshest, most beautiful blooms, letterbox flowers and gift hampers. But how to choose which suppliers of tulips, carnations, freesias and orchids will actually deliver on their speed and freshness guarantees? We’ve got you.
Ahead, the crème de la crème of British next-day flower delivery services – from independent florists to high street heroes – for a last-minute gift, whatever the special occasion.
This article was updated in February 2024 to ensure all bouquets are in stock.
How we chose the best flower delivery services:
GLAMOUR always strives to provide our readers with independent, honest and trustworthy reviews. We have been testing flower delivery services for the past four years to curate this edit of ethical florists – scoring entries based on value for money, variety of options, delivery, arrangements and how long they lasted for before they started wilting.
We’ve considered factors like whether sustainability credentials are upheld, whether deliveries came with flower food, how easy our fresh-cut flowers were to arrange and whether flower subscription services are available at the same time. We’ve also considered whether you can add cards and luxe gifts to your orders. We’re confident that our guide provides you with everything you need to know.
How can I make my flowers last longer?
There’s little point in spending upwards of £25 on a beautiful bouquet of the freshest spring flowers if they’re not going to last.
“First and foremost, changing the water and trimming the stems every three days will help keep your flowers hydrated and full of life,” Freddie Garland, expert florist and founder of Freddie’s Flowers told us.
In addition, you should always fill your vase up with cold water. Not warm water. Also, store them out of direct sunlight. Warm water and bright sunshine encourage flowers to bloom earlier, meaning they’ll have a shorter life span and last for less time. Oh, and put your flowers in a glass vase. Glass helps keep flowers looking better for longer than plastic and metal do, because plastic and metal encourage faster multiplication of bacteria.
Searches for Mother’s Day hampers have begun burgeoning. No surprise, really: reigning supreme as one of the most indulgent Mother’s Day gift ideas available, the case is the same most years. In 2024, Mothering Sunday falls on Sunday 10th March, and while you may have already found countless luxury gifts for her in our guides to gifts for mums, mother-in-laws and grandmas, you can’t really beat a Mother’s Day gift basket when it comes to gifting with WOW-factor.
Orchestrating the gifting of one of the best Mother’s Day hampers requires very little time and effort, though their indulgence suggests the upmost thought and care. Mother’s Day gift boxes come ready-prepared and packed with everything from fudge and pinkgin to Charlotte Tilburymakeup, antipasti and wildflower seeds. So, whether she has got a sweet tooth, loves to cook or simply wants to be left alone in her garden, there’s Mother’s Day hamper idea to make her day (read: year).
A gift experience is a wonderful Mother’s Day gift, particularly if she’s in need of a reset. And a stay at Unplugged doesn’t get more special. Hector Hughes, co-founder at Unplugged, told us: “With more than 50% of our guests stating burnout as a motivation to escape, it’s clear that work stresses and the need to be ‘always on’ is pushing people to look for solutions such as a digital detox.
“Of course people can implement better habits at home, but intentionally going off-grid removes the temptations to check work emails, or scroll on social media. 83% of our guests plan on implementing better digital habits after their detox, such as setting screen time limits or having a phone free evening once a week.”
Gift giving is rarely easy. Anyone who’s gotten an awkward, “Err thanks…” post-exchange can attest to that. Sure, if you get the wrong present for your mom, per say, or your best friend, you’re unlikely to get anything more than a raised eyebrow. Getting a bad gift for your S.O., on the other hand? Probably not the best way to demonstrate your affection. So, on today’s agenda, we’ve got a gift guide for your S.O. that is sure to win: lingerie.
Bluebella’s sizes now go up to an F-cup in bras and a 26 in briefs and nightwear, plus, they have a dedicated DD+ section on their site. Their black lingerie offering is particularly great, so if you’re after a contemporary twist on classic styles, you won’t be able to go far wrong… though we’re partial to these colourful designs, too.
Founded by Joseph Corré, the son of Vivienne Westwood, in 1994, Agent Provocateur is one of the most famous lingerie brands in the world. It’s exactly what it says on the tin: provocative and sexy, celebratory of the female form and – though there’s still a way to go – more diverse than it ever used to be. A good label to debut in the boudoir.
Pour Moi started in a small office above a shop in Macclesfield over 16 years ago, and now sells one bra every 30 seconds – that’s no mean feat. Prices are modest, styles are sexy and you can even get your hands on some nightwear, sportswear and swimwear while you’re at it.
For fresh, young, and comfortable-but-sexy lingerie, look to Gilly Hicks. Owned by the Abercrombie & Fitch company, it regularly competes with Victoria’s Secret for its on-trend designs that can suit a variety of needs.
Gilly Hicks Lace Unlined Balconette Bra
Gilly Hicks no show thong
Not only do Lemonade Dolls use materials which are responsibly sourced (all of the elastic it uses is recycled), but it also caters to a much wider range of sizes and body types. Think: bras for bigger boobs and plus size underwear sets that are actually sexy. Finally!
The Picot Lace Bralette Set
The Soft Mesh Fuller Cup Set
London-based lingerie brand Coco de Mer first started as a small underwear boutique in Covent Garden, and has since grown to become a powerhouse luxury lingerie brand where functionality meets luxury. They stock lace and silk underwear sets, robes, suspenders and bodysuits.
Coco de Mer Hera Leavers Lace Underwired Balconette Bra
Coco de Mer Sylph Cutout Silk-Blend Satin Underwired Thong Bodysuit
Amazon Essentials carries everything you could ever need – i.e., the essentials. Duh. But alongside that, it also has a vast collection of underwear and lingerie styles that are honestly so comfy, you’d think they were crafted from clouds. From everyday pants to T-shirt bras and even anti-chafing shorts, don’t skip past this brand.
Amazon Essentials Cotton and Lace Lightly Lined Full Coverage Bra
Amazon Essentials Cotton High Leg Brief Underwear (Pack of 6)
You would have to have been living under a rock if you’ve not heard of SKIMS’ lingerie collection yet – it’s everywhere and loved by everyone (especially minimalists like brand founder Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and the rest of the family). Why? For the simple fact that it champions every body and every skin tone, with wearable designs that lend themselves to every area of your lifestyle.
Adaptive Fits Everybody Boy Shorts
This brand prides itself on making over 80 bra sizes and stocking over 90, as well as UK dress sizes 8-28 (or US 4-24). You’ll find everything from stand-out mischievous and sexy designs to pretty and practical ones, but never anything boring or beige. It was founded in 2004 and has since expanded from being a London-based label to a global one.
Persephone Teal and Black Wired Lace Body
Ziggy Mango Lace and Spotted Mesh Bra
Would any round-up of the best lingerie brands be complete without a mention of the backbone of every high street, M&S? We’d argue not. We can safely assume that most women in the UK own at least one of their bras for good reason, whether that’s from the iconic and elegant Rosie by Autograph range or otherwise. There for your every lingerie need in every stage of your life, M&S stocks training bras, nursing bras, silk and lace sexy lingerie, cotton underwear, pyjamas, shapewear and more. The list goes on and on.
A great brand for those who wish to celebrate their curves (as you should!), Gossard’s designs are inspired by the 1900s French actress Sarah Bernhardt’s on-stage corseted silhouette. From individual pieces to mix and match, to full co-ord sets, Gossard has it all.
Gossard Lace Lingerie Set
Gossard Superboost Lace Non Padded Front Fastening Plunge Bra
For lingerie designed to help you feel like the best version of yourself, look to Wild Lovers. The brand is all about the confidence of expression and capturing a retro free spirit – so expect trend-driven prints (like bold zebra and clashing colours) and fabrics such as satin, lace and mesh.
Wild Lovers A-D Lucy Underwired Lace Bra
Wild Lovers floral mesh balconette bra
Save when you shop for the best lingerie brands with theseASOS discount codes.
A firm favourite among fashion editors and influencers alike, Dora Larsen is best known for pastel hues and colour block lingerie that feels as dreamy as it looks. This is comfortable, everyday lingerie that’s vibrant, playful and sexy.
Dora Larsen Arella Embroidered Recycled-Tulle Underwired Bra
Dora Larsen Rae Stretch Recycled-Tulle and Lace Briefs
Expensive-looking lingerie doesn’t have to be a luxury. ASOS Design is one of the best lingerie brands around for speedy delivery, trend-led styles and affordable prices.
ASOS DESIGN Hattie Heart Lace Soft Babydoll Thong Set
ASOS DESIGN 3 Piece Lingerie Gifting Set with Bag
Save when you shop for the best lingerie brands with theseASOS discount codes.
Founded by lingerie aficionado Jennifer Zuccarini, the New York label that is Fleur du Mal uses the finest French lace and silks to have you feeling confident from your very first layer. Fans of its luxurious creations include Julia Restoin Roitfeld and Daisy Lowe.
Fleur du Mal Super Star Embroidered Tulle and Stretch-Jersey Thong Bodysuit
Founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein and his business partner Barry Schwartz, the brand has built up its reputation in fashion through a clean aesthetic and innovative designs. Everyone and their mum knows the iconic Modern Cotton collection (especially the bralettes and high-waisted knickers). They’re oh-so comfy, ideal for every day and really, really flattering.
Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Triangle Bra
Savage x Fenty is still flying the flag for inclusivity and body positivity, and has repeatedly sold out since hitting shelves three years ago. It started as a subscription service in 2018 and is now stocked by the likes of Amazon and ASOS. They even stock men’s underwear, too.
There’s this distinct calming feeling when you walk around a Target store for some retail therapy, but casual browsing can be nearly impossible when everyone’s doing their last-minute Christmas shopping. Luckily, we can still get some virtual retail therapy by shopping Target’s Christmas deals online. From now through December 24, there are mega deals on everything from clothing and shoes to electronics and games.
Check out the best Target deals below for up to 60% off select items — ready to be shipped out or available for stress-free store pickup. Be sure to check back here for post-holiday sales as we step into the new year.
I’ll be honest: I’m a kick-ass gift giver. I’ve gotten keen at striking the balance between the unexpected and the practical (because I can’t stand giving a gift that never gets used). Last year, I told my wife we were going on a day trip to shop for our girls, but instead I drove her to our breeder to pick out a new puppy. The year before that, I got us tickets to a Penguins game (her favorite team), and an Airbnb in Pittsburgh for the night, across the street from the rink.
Here’s the problem – I really suck at coming up with gifts for myself. And if your family is like mine, the text messages have started rolling in: Hey honey, I need some gift ideas for you and the girls. Sure mom, here’s a whole list of stuff the kids want, and a few good ideas for Katie. As for me? Let me get back to you.
This year, I’ve made the effort to put together a list of items I’d be happy to receive, and I share this list as a fastidious Prep who’s much happier spending $3 on a single Blackwing pencil than $2 on a box of six Ticonderogas. That being said, I’m a teacher, so when I choose gifts, I try to focus on gifts that I can’t necessarily justify buying for myself (three kids, mortgage, you know how it goes), and that means durability and long-term use are paramount.
If you’re stuck on what to get for your brother, son, or husband, OR you’re not sure what to tell these people to get for you, here are some solid ideas.
I love hoodies. I love cashmere. So a cashmere hoodie? Oh man, forget about it. I’m partial to J.Crew’s cashmere sweaters because I find they’re the perfect weight and softness; they maintain warmth without making me sweat (and cashmere can make a man sweat).
Quince works on a factory-direct model, which allows them to keep consumer prices low while maintaining high quality. This cashmere polo would cost double from most other retailers, but at $79.90, it’s more than fair.
If you know me, you know I have a thing for wool blankets. I’m particularly drawn to Woolrich because they were founded in Pennsylvania, just two hours away from my house. While Woolrich has outsourced some of their production to Italy, the quality has remained the same. There’s something cozy about a pure wool blanket: they maintain temperature without making you sweat, and the fibers are actually fire resistant. And because the wool keeps moisture away, you’ll only need to get it dry cleaned once a year (or when you spill your coffee on it).
Faribault has been making their wool blankets in Minnesota for over 150 years, and they have it down to a pretty exact science. The lightweight, breathable blanket comes in three neutral colors (though I think the grey is the best) and looks right at home draped over the back of your couch or at the foot of your bed.
Made of water resistant waxed canvas in a handsome dark colorway with full grain leather handles, this budget-friendly bag is a gift that will get used for years.
I got a thing for sketching with pencils. The smoothness of the graphite on paper, the ability to create different gradations of shade of depth – it’s all gold to me. A few years back I picked up this solid brass pencil from Kaweco (I got a thing for solid brass too). The thick lead and brass shell have a heft that lend well to comfortably doodling during meetings. So while this isn’t on my list (cause I already have one), it should be on yours.
When it comes to writing with a pencil, I reach for a Blackwing. They’re made in Japan with a firm core lead that’s smooth on the paper and doesn’t require constant sharpening. They’re not cheap, but they’re worth every note you write.
Mobius and Ruppert makes their pencil sharpeners in Germany, out of solid brass. They come in four different styles, and the blades are replaceable when they start to get dull.
When I was in college, I worked for Cole Haan. One year at Christmas time, we got peccary gloves in stock, and it was the smoothest leather I’d ever touched. Peccary is a type of pigskin, and its incredible strength is matched only by its softness. These ones from Fort Belvedere are water resistant and lined with cashmere.
For the classic leather look, these lambskin gloves from Brooks Brothers are a great choice. The cashmere lining keeps your hands warm, and they’re available in three different colors, though the saddle color is the best.
Studebaker Metals crafts their jewelry in Pittsburgh. Designed specifically to take on a unique patina, this rugged but sophisticated minimalist bracelet is an accessory that doesn’t shout. Did I mention how much I like brass?
Ah, the dreaded gift-giving season. It rolls around with the inevitability of a birthday, and twice the anxiety. I often stand in the middle of the store, increasingly closer to panic mode. It’s not that I don’t love giving gifts—I do. But somewhere between the perfect wine for your boss’s housewarming and the ideal present for a niece I’m pretty sure has been 11 years old for 5 years, the fun of gift-giving gets lost under a pile of should’s and supposed to’s.
We’ve inflated the act to Herculean proportions. It’s no longer enough to give something from the heart; no, it must be The Best Gift Ever™, especially if it’s for a milestone like a wedding or, heaven forbid, a Sweet Sixteen. The pressure mounts until collectively we give up and it feels like we’re not exchanging gifts, but swapping gift cards in similar amounts. “Thank you for the fifty-dollar Home Depot gift card, here is a fifty-dollar Lowes gift card.”
And let me tell you, the anxiety breeds procrastination, which breeds buying something—anything—in a last-minute shopping frenzy. The result? A gift that screams “I grabbed this while speed-walking through Target at 8:57 PM on Christmas Eve,” rather than “I saw this and thought of you instantly.”
But here’s the inside scoop: gift-buying doesn’t have to be a sweat-inducing race against time. There’s a method to the madness, a framework, if you will. Whether you’re shopping for spouse, mom, dad, your second cousin twice removed, or that neighbor who always says hello when you’re both grabbing the mail, this six-tiered strategy is your golden ticket to gifting glory.
I promise you, it’s better than the panic-purchase of bath bombs you were considering. And who knows, you might just start looking forward to the next birthday on the calendar. Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Things That Show You Know Them
Imagine gifting as less of an exchange of pleasantries and more like a secret handshake, a nod to the private jokes and shared histories that define our relationships. So for the friend who can recite the entirety of “Back to the Future” backwards, why not something fun they may not buy for themselves as an adult? Or for the pal who bakes for every get-together, a premium hauling solution to replace the old grocery store bags. It’s not just giving a gift; it’s like handing them a piece of their soul in a box—that sounded less creepy in my head.
Things They’d Like to Have But Have Not Justified
We all have that one thing that’s been sitting in our online shopping cart for months, the “treat yo’ self” whisper we keep shushing. It’s the Xbox for the buddy who’s an honorary member of your couch come game night but doesn’t have the console at home. Or maybe it’s the set of professional paintbrushes for the friend who’s still using the freebies from the art store’s grand opening. This is your cue to be the enabler of their deferred dreams—in the most positive, life-affirming way, of course.
Things They Like But Are Expensive to Replace Regularly
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that save a trip to the store (or a wince at the credit card statement). Think of a nicer bottle of whiskey for the friend who savors a good sip but considers it a splurge, or the luxe face cream for the one who’s been stretching their samples past their intended lifespan. You’re not just gifting them an item; you’re giving them the nod to luxuriate without the guilt. It’s improving the quality of something they use regularly, but can’t justify buying the nicer stuff. It’s the gift of daily indulgence with a bow on top.
Things That Connect Them With Who They Are
But then, there’s the art of gifting that serves as a bridge to one’s heritage and history, a phyiscal link to their identity. Imagine presenting a beautiful painting or framed vintage photograph of Grandma’s lake cabin. Or a thoughtfully selected book, like a coffee table piece on the area the family is from, or a historical read about the unit Grandpa served in.
There’s also the charm of gifting something that carries the weight of tradition, like a new scarf woven in the ancestral tartan. Or maybe a piece of jewelry that commemorates family past and present. These gifts do what bath bombs never could: They speak without words, saying, “I see you, and I honor where you come from.”
Things That Are Useful, That They Do Not Know Exist
It’s the high-tech plant sensor for the friend whose thumb could not be less green, or a smart thermometer that allows Dad to watch the grill while participating with family. You’re not just solving a problem they knew they had; you’re the wise wizard bestowing upon them a magic they didn’t even know was possible.
Things They Can Use to Improve Their Lot
And finally, there’s the gift of potential, the kind that says, “I believe in you and your crazy dreams.” It’s the digital marketing course for artists for the too-scared-to-start Etsy seller, or a membership to a makerspace for the DIY enthusiast without room for a toolbench. Or perhaps you’re a photography aficionado and you have a younger relative that’s gotten very into shooting but has only been able to acquire the very basics of tools: Lens filters, a Capture One license, or cold shoe accessories can introduce them to the next level. These are the gifts that don’t just sit on a shelf; they propel, they push, they inspire. Because what better gift is there than the belief in someone’s uncharted potential?
To help you find the perfect pieces we combed the internet for the best women’s loungewear gifts for every budget, aesthetic, and fabric. And we don’t just mean sets — although there are plenty — but we also mean slippers, scrunchies, socks, and bathrobes.
