Tag: underscored-gifts

68 of the best Valentine’s Day gifts to give (or get) this year | CNN Underscored

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just a few short weeks away. And since Valentine’s Day gifts are all about showing someone how much you love and care about them, don’t you want them to be extra sweet? To help give you some inspiration, we rounded up our favorite Valentine’s Day gift ideas that will show them just how much they mean to you.

Need more ideas? Check out our favorite Valentine’s Day gifts for him, gifts for her, practical gifts and gifts under $25.

If his home office is beginning to look more like a hoarder’s den, he might need this electronic organizer so he can keep all his cords, adapters and cables all in one place.

For a romantic and heartfelt gift this Valentine’s Day, you can completely personalize this book of love. Customize the cover design, names, genders and unique characteristics to tailor this book to fit your unique relationship.

This reusable notebook is perfect for the guy who’s taking online classes or loves taking handwritten notes for work. When you use the included pen, notes can be uploaded to the cloud or your computer, and once the notebook is full you can simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth and start all over.

Don’t you think their shower deserves to feel like a spa? We tried the Goshi towel and it’s completely revolutionized our shower experience, with an exfoliating weave that sloughs off dead skin and left us feeling silky smooth.

Are they the kind of person who is never not losing stuff? Check out the Apple AirTag, the latest Apple device that they can slip into their wallet, or even clip onto their keys or luggage, that allows them to easily track its whereabouts. And if they’ve got a newer iPhone model, they can even get turn-by-turn directions that make sure they absolutely never lose their daily essentials again. Check out our review of it here.

Who needs flowers when you can get him this bouquet of exotic meat sticks? This carnivorous collection features elk, bison and venison so he can snack away to new and interesting flavors.

It might seem like an odd present, but trust us, anyone you give a Tushy bidet will be forever grateful. With easy installation and adjustable nozzle, this simple bidet, which we named the best bidet attachment, will change how you go to the bathroom forever.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best over-ear headphones you can buy, with a slimmer design than their predecessors and refined noise-canceling microphones.

Chances are high that the person you’re shopping for has a drill, and this tool set turns that device into a cleaning machine. If he’s a bit of a neat freak and is itching to make that grout and those baseboards look brand-new, this is the gift for him. It’s a true Underscored reader favorite.

While this bath towel from Onsen is a nonconformist in its design, it’s a game changer in its drying results. Oh, and the streamlined look is going to make your bathroom look like your dream spa, too. See our Onsen review here, and be sure to check out Onsen’s robe as well.

Sporting myriad helpful features, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is our top fitness tracker choice for anyone who wants better clarity and more robust data about their health, fitness and wellness lifestyle.

Tired of not being able to watch in-flight movies with your favorite Bluetooth headphones? Prepare to love the Twelve South AirFly Duo. With a simple setup, this product is a game changer for frequent travelers who want to go totally wireless. Check out our full review here.

For the guy who can never get enough spice, this gourmet hot sauce has a complex yet delicious blend of truffle, red chile pepper and agave nectar. And right now, CNN Underscored readers can get 10% off Truff.com purchases with code CNN10.

A great practical gift, Swedish dishcloths are one of our favorite eco-friendly kitchen swaps as they take the place of paper towels. You can even throw these guys in the dishwasher or washing machine once they start smelling gross.

For the most outdoorsy person you know, this portable water filter has a microfiltration system that removes 99.999999% of waterborne bacteria (including E. coli and salmonella), and 99.999% of waterborne parasites (including giardia and cryptosporidium). And at under $20, it’s a no-brainer. You can read our review here.

Everything you need to prep an avocado — from slicing to pitting — in one compact, dishwasher-safe tool. It’s an Underscored reader favorite.

If they’ve got a bunch of trips planned this year, gift them our pick for the best travel pillow. The Cabeau was firm enough to support our head and neck, soft enough to fall asleep on and perfectly portable, allowing you to compress it to half its size.

This fire pit from Solo Stove creates a nearly smokeless fire so he can spend some quality time in the backyard without smelling like smoke for days and days. Read our review of it here.

If he doesn’t have room for a full fire pit, check out this portable tabletop one from Flîkr. It uses rubbing alcohol as fuel, so it’s totally safe to roast marshmallows over and, most importantly, won’t set your smoke alarm off.

Give that guy the gift of comfort (and style) with these Ugg slippers.

For his next crème brûlée or BBQ adventure, this easy-to-use butane torch is a kitchen essential.

Our pick for the best water bottle, the Yeti Rambler is incredibly sturdy and has a fantastic lid that allows you to both drink quickly and easily fill the bottle with ice and water. You can read all about it in our guide to water bottles here.

For the person who’s got an insatiable sweet tooth, this ice cream maker is easy and fun to use. Plus, at only 1 pint, it makes the perfect amount of ice cream for a movie night. Check out more of our favorite ice cream makers here.

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Coffee addicts will love this cold brew pot from Hario, which was our pick for the best cold brew maker.

This all-in-one sandwich maker will give him the extra time he needs in the morning while making a delicious breakfast.

Perfect for dog walks, camping trips and anything in between, these comfy slippers are made from recycled materials and will keep your feet toasty wherever you are. We checked out the Cotopaxi x Teva collaboration for this slipper, and it’s no surprise that we loved them.

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Never overcook meat again with this nifty thermometer that we named the best stylish meat thermometer on the market. It’s very accurate and easy to read to boot.

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With this durable and versatile cast-iron skillet (which is our pick for the best cast-iron skillet), he’ll finally be able to master his steak-cooking technique.

A more minimalist take on your typical couple portrait, this shop creates a line drawing inspired by a photo of your choice. You can even get your names and a special date (anniversary or wedding date?) printed at the bottom.

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Underscored readers haven’t been able to get enough of this eye mask ever since we named it the best sleep mask on the market. It completely blocks the light, and at under $20? Why wouldn’t you buy it for her?

Legos aren’t just for little kids anymore. This actually gorgeous bouquet of Lego orchids can be an excellent project for your loved one, and truly be flowers that never die. Check out this Lego bonsai tree and flower bouquet kit.

When we tested stand mixers, the KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer delivered the best performance of the mixers we tested. With more than 20 available colors and a classic profile, you’ll want to keep this tilt-head mixer on display in your kitchen.

Jewelry is always a welcome gift, and getting it personalized just makes it feel so much more special. This cygnet ring from Catbird allows you to get their initial (or the initial of someone they love) engraved in the middle.

If their headphones need a serious upgrade (or if they’re still suck using corded ones), Apple’s Airpods Pro 2 feature noise cancellation, excellent sound quality and a transparency option that can help heighten the sounds around them (a fantastic feature for someone who’s experiencing any sort of hearing loss as well).

These Allbirds Runners are some the most comfortable sneakers out there. The sneakers are particularly flexible and supportive, and truly engineered for all-day comfort. They’re the perfect type of shoe for city trekking, day trips or long walks, and they’re available in a men’s version too.

Jewelry is a classic gift, but this year you can get her an extra-special piece that displays her name. Pick from sterling silver and 18-karat gold or rose gold, plus nine different sizes, for an elegant and personalized necklace she’ll never want to take off.

Cleverfy’s aromatherapy shower steamers are the perfect antidote to any kind of stress. Just place one of the scented pucks in the corner of the shower, turn on the warm water and breathe deep.

If her bed needs an upgrade, these linen sheets, which we named the softest linen sheets of the year, are such a dream. While you may think linen equals itchy, these are impossibly soft, and get softer with each wash. We love all the calming shades they come in too.

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is the big-ticket item you probably wish someone would buy you. Well, if this is the year you finally go for it, you won’t be disappointed. We tested it ourselves and never want to go back to normal hair dryers. When you purchase through Dyson, you receive three additional gifts totaling $185 as well.

All you need to know is their birthday to get them this extra-special candle, each of which is formulated to align with their birthdate, astrological sign and more.

Stay cozy all winter long with this plush and soft weighted blanket from Bearaby, our favorite weighted blanket brand. Built with organic cotton and available in four different weights, this blanket can help keep you comfy and calm.

If you’re shopping for a dog-loving friend, this Underscored editor-favorite harness kit is available in basically every trendy color imaginable.

When shopping for jewelry for your loved one, a good rule of thumb is to always stay simple. Clean, elegant designs like these bold hoop earrings from Mejuri are timeless and can pair with nearly any outfit.

Want to make sure they look well lit in every Zoom call? This is our hands-down favorite streaming and WFH light, which clips right onto your computer. Ultra compact and priced at under $60, it’s every remote worker’s dream.

Whether it’s for puffiness or headaches and migraines, this ice roller from Esarora is a cheap yet effective beauty essential that remains an Underscored editor favorite.

A constant bestseller, these Ugg slippers are perfect for anything from errands to hanging around the house.

With its classic silhouette and array of poppy color options and patterns to choose from, this set is one of Nordstrom’s bestsellers for good reason.

Want their current pajamas to get a real upgrade? This silk set is an Underscored editor favorite, with the best part being that it’s machine-washable.

If they’ve got some trips coming up, this carry-on from Away will be a lifesaver. We even named it the best carry-on of the year, largely due to its durability, thoughtful organization, smart features and chic design — at a fair price point to boot.

This pillowcase makes all the difference if you tend to wake up with frizzy hair. Made from polyester satin, the smooth surface helps keep your skin and hair soft. Silk pillowcases have a similar quality; check out our full guide on the best silk pillowcases here.

This bestselling sheet mask set comes with options to soothe, brighten, refresh and nourish all skin types. Divvy them up as stocking stuffers or treat yourself to 12 days of glowing skin. No wonder they’re an Underscored reader favorite.

Cashmere sweaters are a fashion staple, but oftentimes are outrageously pricey. That’s why we absolutely love Naadam’s $75 cashmere sweater. Plus, it’s available in 11 colors and sizes XXS to XXL.

Voracious readers will appreciate a gift subscription to this service that allows them to choose from five curated new titles each month. Haven’t had time to finish a book before the next book is sent? You can skip a month. Want more to read? Add other books from the site, including top books from previous months for an additional fee.

The Dyson Airwrap is the ultimate luxury present to get this year. While its almost $600 price tag is intimidating, we tried it ourselves and think it’s worth it. You can read our full thoughts here. When you purchase through Dyson, you receive three additional gifts totaling $125 as well.

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Java their new best friend? Of course it is. We named Blue Bottle the best coffee subscription due to its balance of variety, customizability and, most importantly, taste. The flavors are complex and bold, but unmistakably delicious. Beyond its coffee, Blue Bottle’s subscription is simple and easy to use, with tons of options to tailor to your caffeine needs.

The cult-favorite Always Pan is a gorgeous, versatile, nonstick pan that claims to replace eight different kitchen tools. When we tested it out, we quickly found out it’s much more than a pretty pan. Check out our full review here.

Valentine’s Day gifts for kids and teens

Lego sets are always a surefire present, and if the youngster in your life wants to stay in the Valentine’s Day spirit, gift them this sweet V-Day bear that’ll keep them occupied for a few minutes at least.

If your kid needs a place to chill out or just wants to upgrade their room, the Moon Pod is a zero-gravity beanbag with a cloudlike sitting experience. Seriously, it’s the most comfortable beanbag we’ve ever sat on. Check out our full review here.

Any TikTok enthusiast will appreciate this ring light, which is our pick for the best ring light.

This pinball-esque game will have the kids catapulting balls back and forth for hours on end.

Help your kid take a load off with this hanging swing seat. Able to hold up to 100 pounds, it’s the perfect place for them to relax or read a book.

Nintendo’s Switch Lite gives kids an easy, handheld way to play their favorite games all day long. From Mario to Pokémon, they’ll be endlessly entertained with the Nintendo Switch Lite. And if you need some games to go along with it, check out our favorites here.

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February 4, 2023
Editors’ picks: 26 of the best Valentine’s Day gifts we’ve ever given or received | CNN Underscored

No matter how chill you may consider yourself to be, finding a Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other that’s thoughtful (or at least useful) and that isn’t too cheesy can be just a tad stressful, at best. Take some inspiration from our editors’ favorite Valentine’s Day gifts of all time — ones they’ve both given or received from a romantic partner or family member, or even gifted to themselves (what better excuse to indulge in some self-care than a holiday dedicated to love?).

Need more ideas? Check out our favorite Valentine’s Day gifts for him, gifts for her, practical gifts and gifts under $25.

I’m a loyal customer to UrbanStems and whether I’m receiving or giving one, their bouquets never disappoint. I was so excited when I found out the brand teamed up with “Bridgerton” to release a collection inspired by everyone’s favorite show. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

My partner and I are both dipping our toes into film photography, so this cute keychain is a nod to our hobby. We actually decided we’d make one for each other, so we both get to pick our favorite photos. And luckily, no film skills are needed to create one — you can customize it directly through Amazon and use any images, even ones taken on your phone. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

Whenever I see my partner wearing these Mejuri earrings — which is quite often — I feel like I did a good job gifting. This pair is delicate, versatile enough to pair with basically any outfit and, best of all, under $60. Definitely a Valentine’s win in my book. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

If you’re looking for a gift that will last long after Valentine’s Day, I’d recommend the game Where Should We Begin: A Game of Stories. Created by bestselling author and couples therapist Esther Perel, the game features questions — both fun and serious — to learn more about your S.O. My partner and I have such a blast playing and are constantly finding out new things about each other. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

A lot of heart-themed gifts feel cheesy and clichéd, but this T-shirt is an exception. The Comme des Garçons heart motif is loved by many fashion aficionados and has been spotted on celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Diane Kruger, Alexa Chung and plenty more. I wear mine all the time because it’s truly a great basic tee (just beware the sizing runs small — I recommend going up a size, or even two if you prefer a roomier fit). Plus, it acts as a little reminder of V-Day without being obvious. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

Valentine’s Day may be for lovers, but in Brooklyn, winter is in full force. Which is why this Arc’teryx Patera Parka is the best V-Day gift a NYC gal can get. Not only is it long enough to cover all my essentials (read: ass), but this sleek coat is bathed in goose down and covered in Gore-Tex, so I can stay warm and bone dry on my long city walks and upstate weekend jaunts. But best of all? I get to show off my fashion-forward Arc’teryx gear, and get props from all my teen son’s friends as the coolest mom of them all. Now, that’s love. — Tobey Grumet, reviews editor

I’ve tried a few body oils and this one is my favorite. It glides on so easily, it’s not sticky at all and it smells amazing. I use it after a shower and it keeps my skin from feeling dry in the winter. Plus, the smell lasts all day! — Hannah Lauson, TikTok strategist

It’s no secret that candles are my favorite things in the world and bring me so much joy. After a co-worker gushed about Otherland candles, I took the plunge and ordered an early Valentine’s Day gift for myself. The brand’s Boudoir Rouge scent (my new favorite) makes a perfect Valentine’s gift because of its gorgeous color and the scent — Vintage Lipstick, Amarena Cherry and Glace Violet — goes perfectly with the romantic holiday. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

My fiancé loves Crocs! I hate them; yes, I said HATE! He loves them because, as a teacher, he can teach comfortably on his feet all day, and because his students think he’s really cool for wearing them. I won’t allow the Crocs in our home, but I will encourage his comfort and happiness at work, which is why I am going to buy him bright red Crocs for Valentine’s Day, and be sure to include some of the Valentine’s Day charms his students think are so great. As long as those Crocs don’t wind up in our house at the end of the school day we’ll be a happily engaged couple this Valentine’s Day season. — Katelyn Gendron, senior SEO manager

One of the best things about Valentine’s Day is flowers. Bliss and Mischief’s organic cotton Baby Rose duvet cover is equally as sweet and romantic as real roses but will last for years to come. I’m not so subtly leaving hints for my partner about grabbing this for me from The Six Bells this Valentine’s Day. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

When your teen son asks you for cologne for Valentine’s Day, how do you choose? Very carefully. Yes, I stole away and did a smelling session from all the big names, but in the end, this Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue men’s cologne was the perfect combination of designer name brand, light fragrance and midrange price. And a nice way to introduce him to a scent that does not include locker room, socks or his dirty laundry. — Tobey Grumet, reviews editor

I love this hair mask because it can be used in multiple different ways. I usually apply it on damp hair after a shower, but it can also be applied to dry hair and used as an overnight mask. I really want to try the Gisou hair oil next! — Hannah Lauson, TikTok strategist

I love spoiling my closest friends for Valentine’s Day. This year, I’m going the beauty route and gifting them Twenty/Twenty Beauty’s Visionary Eye Shadow Sticks. These are a staple in my beauty routine because they’re safe for contact wearers and the color payoff is amazing. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

My partner and I are obsessed with our dog, so sometimes we’ll skip presents for each other and buy gifts for her instead. This patterned sweater is one of our favorites and the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

I’m a huge fan of everything Snif releases. If you want to go the more traditional route and surprise your valentine with perfume, these products are for you. The brand just released new mini versions of the incredible scents, and they make the perfect gift — I grabbed my favorite scent to gift myself this Valentine’s Day. The best part is, if you’re unsure which scent to buy, the brand also offers a trio of bestsellers. If you want to grab just one, you can always take advantage of Snif’s “try at home” feature so your loved one can test the scent before you buy. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

We got this adorable heart succulent for my mom, but it’d make such a great Valentine’s Day gift for anyone! The heart shape is so cute, and it’s much cooler than the standard red roses — plus, it lasts longer than flowers (or chocolate, in my house)! — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social media

If you want a gift that wows, Venus et Fleur eternity roses will leave your special someone absolutely speechless. These roses are so bright and fragrant, they’ll last a year or more and they’re a great luxury option for spoiling your sweetheart. I love the brand’s Fleur Tic Tac Toe Set because you not only get eternity flowers but also a fun game you can play whenever. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

My boyfriend’s birthday is a few days after Valentine’s Day, and three years ago I wanted to gift him something extra thoughtful and personalized in addition to a physical gift, so I decided to go the DIY route. I bought a 200-page photo album from Amazon and printed out a BUNCH of photos of the two of us and wrote cute little notes throughout! He still refers to it as the “best gift I’ve ever given him,” and he keeps it on his desk to this day! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

If your partner loves all things cute, this dumpling-shaped light is the perfect little Valentine’s Day gift. Pair it with flowers or a box of chocolates to have the most adorable Valentine’s ever. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

Look, I know this one leans a little toward the cheesy side, but sue me: I’m a sentimental type of person. This journal is intended to spur discussions with your partner, of things both frivolous and more profound, as it presents a prompt for every day of the year that each of you fill out with a quick response — from questions like “What feels vitally important right now?” to “If you didn’t have any responsibilities for the day, what would you do?” It’s also a fun way, I’d imagine, for long-distance couples to stay connected. — Emmy Favilla, former deputy editor

Last year, I had my eyes set on the Mejuri Croissant Dôme Ring that I had been seeing ALL over Instagram, naturally. And after dropping (not so subtle) hints to him a few weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, he gifted me just that! The ring has become a staple in my jewelry collection and is a great, affordable option for anyone who loves “gold” rings! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

I’m a strong believer in gifting myself for any reason no matter the season! So a perfect gift to myself or any plant and flower lovers this Valentine’s Day would be a flower subscription from Bouqs (or a plant subscription from Grounded) because the perfect act of love for me is to have my apartment look and smell like a garden year-round. — Natasha Hatendi, photo editor

A handmade scrapbook is always a heartwarming gift so you and your partner can reminisce on all the memories you made together. My partner got me one a few years ago filled with cute pictures and love letters, and I may or may not have shed a tear or 20. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

I have probably asked for Catbird jewelry for the past five birthdays, Valentine’s Days, holidays and anniversaries, but it’s just that good. My husband got me this threadbare ring a few Valentine’s Days ago, and I wear it every single day. It’s super delicate and simple — perfect for everyday wear — and it’s so simple that you’ll never get sick of it. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social media

One of my favorite gifts I’ve received is this name necklace from Etsy. I love my middle name and had been wanting something to carry with me to honor it in a way. Name plate necklaces are also super in, so this was a great and thoughtful surprise! — Kiana Murden, former associate lifestyle editor

If you’re looking for a practical Valentine’s Day gift your partner will love, you can’t go wrong with these Brooklyn-made leather Greats sneakers. According to its website, Greats shoes are “made by top-rated factories that meet the highest standards of labor and environmental practices,” so it’s also a gift you can really feel good about giving. I asked my husband to share the BEST Valentine’s Day gift I’ve ever given him, and even though we’ve been together for 15 Valentine’s Days and 15 gifts, he quickly chose these sneakers as his favorite of all the gifts. They’re stylish and classic enough to fit a range of personal tastes and styles, and they’re also super comfortable. I have them in one color, and my husband liked the white ones I gave him for Valentine’s Day so much that he bought them in black to wear at our wedding! — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social media

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February 2, 2023
30 Valentine’s Day jewelry gifts they’ll never want to take off | CNN Underscored

While chocolates, a handwritten card and flowers are always thoughtful come Feb. 14, a gorgeous Valentine’s Day jewelry gift is the ultimate way to show your significant other that you love them beyond compare.

To help get you started, we picked out our favorite swoon-worthy styles to give your S.O. this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking to wow them with a colorful pair of gemstone earrings or surprise them with a stunning diamond necklace, you’re sure to find something they’ll love below. Want more ideas? Check out our favorite Valentine’s Day gifts for him, gifts for her, practical Valentine’s Day gifts and lingerie gifts.

We can’t get enough of this tiny, subtle, perfectly dainty hearts choker over at one of our favorite jewelry brands, Catbird. There’s even a Tiny Hearts Bracelet if that’s more her style.

These sterling silver croissant-inspired hoops are coated in 18-karat solid gold vermeil for a look that is both classic and modern. They can’t go wrong pairing them with practically everything in their closet.

Available as an oval-shaped or heart-shaped locket, this Dollhouse style from Catbird is a bestseller for obvious reasons. You can get it engraved with an initial of your choice and plop in a picture to make for a truly unforgettable and heartfelt gift. It’s available in sterling silver too.

Make her feel extra special this year with this personalized minimalist name necklace, which you can get in rose gold, 18-karat gold or sterling silver.

Personalize this beautiful bar bracelet with your choice of gemstone and metal. No matter what combination you choose, it’s sure to dazzle.

When all else fails, gift her a Swarovski crystal heart. This extremely pretty necklace features a crystals woven into a heart-shaped pattern that looks much more expensive than it actually is.

Jewelry brand Fortune & Frame makes some of the most innovative lockets out there, including ones that look like little books and miniature fortune cookies. Inside this bestselling locket comes a personalized fortune, message or personal affirmation of your choosing.

One of Nordstrom’s bestselling necklaces for good reason, this can be a Valentine’s Day gift that she actually wears year-round.

Chainlink jewelry is super trendy right now and showing no sign of slowing down. We especially love how this 14-karat gold-plated paper clip chain looks layered with other necklaces.

These pretty little stacking rings, which are available in silver, gold or rose gold, are inset with your choice of one of the 12 birthstones for a pretty, personalized gift that looks way more expensive than it is.

Heart-shaped jewelry may seem a bit clichéd for Valentine’s Day, but with a ring this dainty and pretty we’ll make an exception.

If your valentine loves simplicity, then they’re sure to swoon over this classic diamond solitaire pendant necklace. Crafted with sterling silver and a single sparkling diamond, it’s the perfect piece to show just how much you care.

Solitaire earrings like these will never go out of style, and you can even take your pick between a gold or platinum setting.

This sterling silver ring can be engraved with a name, date or meaningful word for a sentimental gift that they’ll cherish for years to come.

Dainty, delicate and adorned with five high-quality and ethically sourced diamonds, what’s not to love about this Mejuri necklace?

This trendy cubic zirconia tennis bracelet can be customized with up to 12 characters and eight gorgeous color combinations, including multicolor gems, ombre gems, hearts and colored letters.

If your valentine enjoys making a bold statement with their jewelry, this ring is sure to delight them. It can be adorned with tiny oval-shaped amethyst, ruby, sapphire, topaz, emerald, morganite or tanzanite gems to suit their style.

Mix and match this stunning Red Moon earring — which features a romantic red garnet, recycled diamond and pearl set in 14-karat yellow gold — or gift them two to make it a luxe matching set.

Add a pop of color to their arm party with this sparkly gemstone ID bracelet. Available in multicolor, white, charcoal or purple crystals, this is one bracelet that’s sure to stand out.

Available in titanium, 14-karat yellow gold, black titanium or sterling silver, this everyday bracelet will be a regular reminder of just how much you love him.

Symbolize a forever link with this swirling diamond knot ring from Kay Jewelers.

A personalized name necklace is always a good idea for someone you love, and this charming block letter necklace is modern and elegant.

If you’re looking for a different style of personalized jewelry, this zodiac bracelet is a wonderful option. Handmade with cubic zirconia stones, it’s dainty, delicate and available in silver, gold or rose gold.

Adorned with ethically sourced diamonds, these dazzling silver hoop earrings will add an instant touch of glamour to any outfit.

Pearls and pastel beaded daisies make this gorgeous necklace the perfect addition to any jewelry collection.

A classic two-tone gold-and-silver watch never goes out of style. You can even have it engraved for an added personal touch.

A lustrous diamond initial necklace is sure to put a sparkle in their eyes as well as around their neck. This mini letter charm pendant is adorned with glittering white diamonds and available in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold.

Featuring glistening pink topaz and garnet gemstones, these Mejuri earrings can be worn as ear jackets when fully assembled or as studs, thanks to the removable earring post. No matter how your valentine wears them, they’ll add shimmer and interest to any outfit.

Made of recycled gold and silver, this bracelet comes with complimentary engraving so you can commemorate your loved one’s favorite anniversary.

If you want to gift the men in your life something shiny, this box chain from Kendra Scott is a classic piece they can add to any look. Grab it in a gold or silver option.

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January 25, 2023
30 engagement gifts you’ll wish you thought of sooner | CNN Underscored

The 30 best engagements gifts that they'll actually appreciate

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January 16, 2023
The 16 best Lunar New Year’s gifts from AAPI-owned brands | CNN Underscored

While January 1 has come and gone, Lunar New Year is still on the horizon. Ushering in the Year of the Rabbit, which is considered the luckiest animal of the 12 in the Chinese zodiac, the holiday falls on Sunday, January 22. It’s celebrated by various Asian cultures and communities around the world and is steeped in tradition — from the food you eat to the clothes you wear, and even the gifts you give, everything should reflect the wish for happiness, health, prosperity and abundance for the year ahead.

So what makes a great Lunar New Year gift? We asked Asian business-owners to share their favorites, from mouth-watering hot sauces to beautiful and timeless jewelry.

But before we get into those, the founders we spoke to also wanted to warn about the things you shouldn’t gift for Lunar New Year. “There are definitely some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when picking out Lunar New Year gifts,” says Pearl River Mart president Joanne Kwong.

You’ll want to avoid anything associated with death, so handkerchiefs, clocks and the number four are out (in Chinese, “four” sounds similar to “death”). Kwong says to stay away from sharp objects, knives (“since they imply the cutting of ties”) and shoes (“the word for shoes, xie, is a homonym for “evil), too.

On the flip side, Kwong says, “You can’t go wrong with red envelopes (called lai see in Cantonese and hong bao in Mandarin) full of crisp new bills. The tradition is for married folks to give them to children and singletons — a great excuse to stay single, at least for the Lunar New Year!” She says $88 is a popular amount to gift since eight is a lucky number in Chinese.

You can also support the Asian community by shopping AAPI-owned businesses, like the ones we’ve included here (as well as in our roundups of Asian-owned fashion, food and home brands and AAPI-owned beauty brands). You’ll find original gift ideas that value and honor Lunar New Year’s traditions, perfect for bringing good fortune to you and your loved ones.

Pearl River Mart

The first Chinese American department store, Pearl River Mart has been operating out of downtown Manhattan for over 50 years. With clothes, accessories, home, art and even food and snacks, the shop is the perfect place to peruse for gifts. You’ll find plenty of Lunar New Year’s goodies, like the traditional red envelopes, Year of the Rabbit-themed knick-knacks and fun novelties for all ages.

Kwong says the annual Lunar New Year box is a great present: “It’s chock full of lucky items that will help people get started on the right foot for the Year of the Rabbit, including various lucky candies, cute rabbit items, red money envelopes, a lucky charm like a diamond knot tassel (which symbolizes longevity), something noisy (like a toy drum) to scare away evil spirits (which is why firecrackers are set off on Lunar New Year day), and a Pocket Chinese Almanac, a mini book of daily household tips, health remedies, and recommendations for 2023.”

An affordable and symbolic gift, this bracelet will bring luck to the wearer with its lucky combination of jade and a red tie.

If you’re attending a Lunar New Year potluck and don’t want to show up empty-handed, bring some lucky candy. “Sweet candies for a sweet year!” Kwong shares, adding that candied ginger (which symbolizes health and longevity) or coconut (which represents family togetherness and unity) are traditional options.

Sundays

Sunday’s nontoxic nail polishes come in a myriad of shades, and the selection of reds make for an especially auspicious Lunar New Year gift. You can pick up a single polish, or, as founder Amy Ling suggests, customize a box of three polishes with symbolic shades. “Red represents luck and all three reds can represent different areas in life: good luck for your health, good luck for a great career and good luck for your relationships.”

Plus, you won’t have to worry about offending with the unlucky number four. “In Chinese culture, people are really sensitive to words of affirmation and symbolism,” Ling explains. “For instance, the number four can be symbolic of ‘death’ in Chinese, so definitely avoid anything with the number four in it.”

Completely customizable, you can choose three nail polish shades to include in this gift set. From fiery No. 13 to rich No. 18, Sundays has 10 red shades to choose from that would be perfect for Lunar New Year.

You can also purchase the nail polish as single bottles. No. 13 is an award-winning chili pepper red that will match your Lunar New Year’s envelopes.

Kinn

Kinn’s chic and modern 14-karat solid gold pieces will last a lifetime. In fact, they’re designed to be modern heirlooms and thus make beautiful gifts to pass along to loved ones. “Many choose this day to wear something new as it helps to signify a ‘clean start’,” founder Jennie Yoon says of Lunar New Year. “A new addition for someone’s wardrobe is often a welcome gift!”

For the holiday, Yoon created a symbolic nameplate necklace that she hopes resonates with anyone in the AAPI community and connects to her own Korean heritage. “When I first arrived in the states, I was tasked with choosing a Western name that was more common and easier to pronounce,” Yoon shares. “I soon became known as Jennie and my birth name, 혜정 (Hye-Jung) became a distant memory. My hope is this piece resonates with those that have a similar story and allows them to reconnect to their origin stories and honor tradition.”

The necklace is available in Korean, Chinese and Japanese script, and Yoon says it’s important to keep variations between cultures in mind when shopping for a Lunar New Year gift. In Korean culture, for example, Yoon says “white symbolizes purity.” However, Ling shares that white and black are “traditionally worn by Chinese in times of mourning” and should be avoided during the holiday. So depending on who you’re celebrating with, you’ll want to be mindful of the colors you wear, gift and even wrap presents with.

“The nameplate necklace is an ode to immigrant families and the many challenges they’ve had to face while building a new life here,” Yoon says.

“Gifting a significant color is a no-fail way to help honor tradition,” Yoon says. Green symbolizes wealth and harmony in China, a fresh start and growth in Korea and vitality and life in Japan, making it a thoughtful gesture for the new year.

Lanshin

Founded by Sandra Chiu, a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and master of science in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanshin’s collection of beauty products will help you start the new year off with a focus on wellness. From award-winning gua sha tools to a curation of replenishing skin care, the AAPI-owned beauty brand’s offerings support the skin and body through TCM principles and ingredients.

“Things that support your loved one’s health and vitality make ideal gifts,” Chiu shares. “Health is highly valued in East Asian culture, and we are often asking after each other’s health, especially of our elders.”

“The Double Happiness Set, which features two Lanshin Hot Massagers by Acera, with special pricing is perfect because we love health and doubles are considered lucky in many Asian cultures,” Chiu says.

Fly By Jing

Turn up the flavor of your Lunar New Year celebration with Fly By Jing’s delicious sauces and seasonings. Chengdu, the hometown of founder Jing Gao, is at the heart of the brand and where the products themselves are produced.

“I love making a steamed fish or hot pot for Lunar New Year, both of which symbolize abundance and togetherness, which is what the holiday is all about,” Gao shares. A jar of the fan-favorite Sichuan Chili Crisp and sweet-and-spicy Zhong Sauce are must-have accompaniments, of course.

The truly addicting Sichuan Chili Crisp balances heat, crispiness, savoriness and umami in a way that will make you want to put it on everything. It makes a great gift for a foodie at any time of year, but is especially celebratory for Lunar New Year. “If you are gifting someone for whom this year is their zodiac birth year, make sure it has some element of red in it, for good luck,” Gao says. “You are covered in this department with the Sichuan Chili Crisp.”

Gao also suggests this gift box packed with all the Fly By Jing signature flavors: Sichuan Chili Crisp, Chili Crisp Vinaigrette, Xtra Spicy Chili Crisp, Zhong Sauce and Mala Spice Mix.

Pink Moon

Highlighting women-owned brands, Pink Moon offers a selection of skin care, cosmetics and home products that boost holistic wellness and are influenced by TCM. With the ability to shop by ritual (astrology, TCM, aromatherapy and more), you can find what resonates with you. Recently, founder Lin Chen introduced the marketplace’s own line of astrology-themed skin care, Once In A Pink Moon, which is influenced by TCM, Ayurveda and the astrological elements.

Chen says this brightening moisturizer is a fitting for Lunar New Year since the holiday always falls on the Aquarius new moon. It combats dull winter skin with ingredients like niacinamide and peptides, and also contains licorice root, a TCM element that nourishes qi (energy flow).

According to Chen, anything with citrus is a good Lunar New Year gift as it “calls in luck, joy, and creativity.” This vibrant perfume oil is made with a blend of orange, mandarin, lavender, rosemary and cedarwood essential oils. To top it off, it features a yellow topaz rollerball and crystals within the bottle for abundance, protection and harmony, and has been treated by reiki master Jackie Ho.

Pepper

Pepper was created by smaller-chested ladies, for smaller-chested ladies. The lingerie brand specializes in bras made for AAA, A and B cup sizes. Featuring shallower cups, light padding and soft and stretchy fabric, the bras are perfectly supportive and will never gap. Pepper also carries underwear, so you can feel confident in a complete set.

For the holidays, the brand released a limited-edition Cayenne color, which is perfectly suited for celebrating Lunar New Year, too. According to Kwong, gifting bright red underwear has become a cheeky way to bring luck into the new year: “It’s a popular modern tradition in some countries that observe Lunar New Year, especially between sweethearts.”

While its bras cater to small-chested women, Pepper’s underwear have size options for all. Grab the festive red lace undies while they’re still available.

Strange Bird

Strange Bird founder and artist Tina Chow Rudolf says the Year of the Rabbit “is all about peace” and thus marks a time to refocus on self-care and mindfulness. Whether you set a New Year’s resolution or are continuing to support healthy habits you established last year, everyone can benefit from taking the time to reconnect with themselves. Strange Bird supports this through its skin care and wellness rituals.

With a touch of red to symbolize good fortune and abundance, Rudolf says this soothing roller ball “would be a perfect little treat for anyone.”

To enhance your self-care ritual, a sound bath can amplify good vibrations and help ground your practice.

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January 10, 2023
29 gifts the Capricorn in your life will love | CNN Underscored

Classic, elegant Capricorns are known for their ambition, competitiveness and goal-oriented outlook on life. Syd Robinson, an astrologer and author of “Who Do the Stars Say You Are?” says, “People born under the sign of Capricorn are some of the most hardworking, success-driven folks out there. They’re ambitious, goal-oriented and take pride in their competence — and they just don’t get it when other people can’t do things as efficiently as them!”

With birthdays from Dec. 21 through Jan. 20, Capricorns are status-conscious, athletic and entrepreneurial. They’ll appreciate high-end, well-made gifts from established brands. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some perfect gift ideas for the Capricorn in your life.

Dazzle the Capricorn who loves to show off their cooking skills with a slick-looking gourmet pizza oven. We tried the Ooni Karu 16 for ourselves and found it to be an extremely simple and delicious way to cook up a pizza.

Capricorn is an Earth sign, and we love Planted, a board game in which players compete to grow the best collection of houseplants, for the competitive Capricorn with a green thumb.

Beloved for its luxe apothecary-inspired bottles and creative scents, Maison Margiela’s By the Fireplace is a wintertime favorite, making it a perfect Capricorn birthday present. The scent is warm and spicy, combining orange flowers with clove oil, chestnut accord and vanilla, evoking the coziness and comfort of sitting in front of a fireplace as the show falls outside.

We’re obsessed with this take on zodiac jewelry that incorporates gemstones and crystals into the design based on the recipient’s specific birthday. The backside of the pendant can also be customized with their birthday, initials and zodiac glyph.

Lost luggage and other personal items are a thing of the past! The Apple AirTag is the perfect gift for the on-the-go Capricorn, who will love its simplicity and functionality. Read our review of it here.

Looking for a luxurious travel gift? This four-piece set is everything you need to forget you’re on the road. It includes a silk travel pillowcase, eye mask, cashmere throw and deluxe cashmere socks. You can even have it monogrammed!

Robinson suggests giving the Capricorn in your life “a fun, competitive trivia game so they can show off their knowledge and creativity at get-togethers.” Wit’s End gets high marks for being even more challenging than Trivial Pursuit!

A small tape measure is one of those items that is absurdly handy, and a pretty one, like this Liberty print, is a great small gift idea. Toss it in a bag or a junk drawer and marvel at how many times you reach for it!

Capricorns will appreciate high-end, well-made gifts from established brands. Robinson suggests a designer gift, “like a nice bag or sunglasses, so they can radiate opulence wherever they go.”

The industrious Capricorn is likely to be a coffee enthusiast — they need something to fuel all those late-night brainstorming sessions and early-morning workouts, after all! The Kalita Wave was our pick for best pour-over coffee maker in 2022, making it a great gift for the java perfectionist.

A milk frother is a simple tool that elevates a cup of morning coffee to a work of art. We love Clevr’s frother for being super easy to clean, store and charge.

“Often perceived as stoic and maybe even standoffish,” Robinson says, “some would be surprised that a lot of Capricorns are actually pretty hilarious and brilliantly dry-witted.” The task-oriented Capricorn is more likely to use a journal for their extensive to-do lists than for writing about their feelings, but regardless of how the sea goat chooses to use a notebook, the Capricorn in your life will love this hilariously dark Grievance Journal.

In our review of coffee subscription services, Blue Bottle was the clear choice for java enthusiasts. It got high marks for customizability, variety and outstanding taste, beating out every other coffee subscription we tested. If you want to give a gift that doesn’t keep on giving quite so much, we also love the $40 Blend Box, which features Blue Bottle’s three most popular blends presented in a gift box.

Active, competitive Capricorns will love a new workout set to ring in their new year. Skip overly flashy styles for something sleek and understated, like Terez’s black-on-black foil star leggings.

Christian Louboutin nail varnish is dramatic and glamorous, and at $50, it’ a great gift that feels like a splurge (it is) without breaking the bank. You can’t go wrong with any color, but for Capricorn we especially love Kohl, the most dramatic black shade imaginable.

“Keep in mind that Capricorns approach life logically and strategically, and may need the occasional reminder to stop and smell the flowers, or at least to not check their email,” Robinson says. Bring the flowers to them with this pretty floral weekly planner.

Good sheets are a gift that falls in that sweet spot of indulgent and practical, which will appeal to a Capricorn. Sijo Home’s eucalyptus sheets are available in seven colors that include neutrals like white and beige, as well as muted color choices like pale pink, ice blue and forest green. You can also choose whether you want to include a top sheet in the bundle. They’re an Underscored editor favorite.

This half moon signet necklace, set with a single baguette diamond, is a sly nod to the zodiac without hitting the no-nonsense Capricorn over the head with the more woo-woo aspects of astrology. The moon can be engraved with up to three letters or numbers to personalize it.

Massage guns are popular tools for post-workout recovery, making them a great gift for the runner, powerlifter or Pilates devotee in your life. While many massage guns can be bulky, loud and quite expensive, the Theragun Mini gets high marks for being quiet, small and comfortable to use. See our review of Theraguns here.

Electronic cutters are souped-up crafting machines that can turn out professional-grade stickers, vinyl decals, party decorations, scrapbooking elements and custom stationery. Capricorns with a crafty bent will flip for this die-cut machine, which they’re sure to use to set up an Etsy side hustle. Read our Cricut review here.

Capricorn is one of the Earth signs, making an indoor LED grow light garden a perfect gift for these practical friends. The easy-to-use gardening system comes with a gourmet seed kit featuring six herbs — Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, thyme, Thai basil and mint.

The work-hard-play-hard Capricorn in your life will thank you over and over for giving them a gift of this ice roller. It can be used to cool down on a hot day, reduce stress and soothe a hangover, making it an incredible multi-use tool for self-care. It’s an Underscored editor favorite.

Candles can be tricky gifts to give because scents are such a personal choice, but the Diptyque Baies candle is such a classic that you virtually cannot go wrong with it. The Capricorn, that master of good taste, will appreciate getting this gorgeous berry-scented candle.

The Emart ring light is our pick for the best ring light. It comes with a fully adjustable tripod, giving users a lot of flexibility, and it has three light modes, along with 11 brightness levels. Just think of how great they’ll look in their daily Zooms.

Weighted bangles are one of the hottest new fitness accessories on the market, which the status-conscious Capricorn will appreciate — the sea goat loves to have the newest toy! The 1-pound weights can be worn on the wrists or ankles, and come in six colors including pink, green and slate.

After a long day of running the world, even the super-practical Capricorn likes to enjoy a nice bath. This gorgeous bottle of bubble bath from Lollia is a display piece that will look beautiful in their bathroom.

Capricorns are competitive and adventurous, and this coffee table book will help to focus their adventurous spirit — and help them catalogue all their travels for bragging rights.

If any sign is likely to be a dedicated hand-washer, it’s Capricorn (Virgo, you too). When it comes to giving a highly practical gift like hand soap, the key to nailing it is to elevate the experience — we can’t think of many people who would object to being given this gorgeously scented hand soap and lotion combo.

Gaming Capricorns will love new gear, like this lightweight gaming headset. The headset is compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, and was one of our picks for best gaming headset.

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December 30, 2022
28 Amazon products our readers couldn’t stop buying in 2022 | CNN Underscored

Deep-clean tiles, countertops and more with these nylon brush heads, which attach directly to your favorite cordless drill for an intense burst of scrubbing power. Don’t worry about scratches; the nylon bristles are safe for the vast majority of kitchen and bathroom surfaces, including porcelain and fiberglass.

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December 22, 2022
28 Amazon products our readers couldn’t stop buying in 2022 | CNN Underscored

Deep-clean tiles, countertops and more with these nylon brush heads, which attach directly to your favorite cordless drill for an intense burst of scrubbing power. Don’t worry about scratches; the nylon bristles are safe for the vast majority of kitchen and bathroom surfaces, including porcelain and fiberglass.

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December 20, 2022
29 splurge Christmas and holiday gifts over $100 for the luxury traveler in your life | CNN Underscored

Shopping for the traveler who only enjoys the finest doesn’t have to be difficult. Ensure they’re equipped with whatever five-star luxury hotel stay or vacation they have planned for the new year with new top-of-the-line travel gear.

If you’re looking to splurge this holiday season on your favorite traveler, we’ve got a list of go-to splurge gifts over $100 for every travel lover in your life. From fun luggage to luxury loungewear to the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, we’ve combed the internet to make your holiday gift list that much easier to get through.

Not focused on luxury? Click here to check out the 48 best holiday and Christmas gifts for the frequent traveler in your life.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

$295 at Away

Give the gift of Y2K nostalgia with Away’s new early-2000s-inspired limited-edition collection. Designed to transport travelers back in time and to the places they love, the Y2K Collection features the brand’s iconic polycarbonate suitcases in white, black and blue with an iridescent finish. The shine captures the magic and luster of the holiday season, too. Plus, you’re still gifting a piece of quality luggage — in fact, Away’s The Carry-On took the title of the best overall hard-shell carry-on luggage in our testing thanks to its smart features, thoughtful organization and chic design.

~~$168~~ $143 at Cadence

Cadence Capsules are a must-have for any traveler. The customizable, leakproof and magnetic pods can cling together to form a hive of all a traveler’s necessities from medicines to lotions, jewelry and much more. The Build Your 12 set from Cadence is fully customizable for the favorite traveler in your life, from the color of the Capsules to the descriptive tiles on the lid of each. They’re TSA-approved, too, so they’re a great option even for travelers who swear by traveling without a checked bag. Check out our review of Cadence Capsules here.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

~~$300~~ $245 at Amazon

For the travel-obsessed bibliophile in your life, give the gift of taking a whole library on vacation. The Amazon Kindle Oasis is our pick for the best overall e-reader thanks to the access to Amazon’s library as well as an adjustable display, comfortable design and basic, easy-to-use controls.

$500 at Dyson

For the person in your life who needs perfect hair no matter their location, Dyson’s Corrale Hair Straighter is a cordless piece of magic. It should never be left home thanks to its supreme hair-straightening capabilities, universal voltage (though you’ll likely still need a travel adapter for international travel) and a flight-ready feature that leaves the stresses of traveling to other tresses. This gift set comes with the straightener and case, charging dock, detangling comb, travel pouch, paddle brush and charging cable.

$175 at July

We love July. The brand’s travel products are built to last, offer all the amenities a traveler could want and are incredibly chic. Included in that is the Carry All Backpack Series 2, which is available in four different colors. It has a capacity of 20 liters and features a hidden pocket with magnetic closure, a 16-inch laptop sleeve and a five-year warranty.

$135 at Allbirds

You can always count on Allbirds to help you shop consciously, and the brand makes some of our favorite shoes for traveling. The new Pacer collection is made for the city walker and is also crafted from 100% plastic- and petroleum-free plant leather. You’ll hardly be able to just buy one pair as a gift because once you slip these on, you’re good for day-to-night exploring.

~~$775~~ $700 at Paravel

For the serial over-packer in your life, consider gifting them space to store all their travel necessities. Paravel is one of our favorite travel brands out there. Not only are its products versatile and created with sustainability at the top of mind, but they’re also incredibly chic — like this Aviator set of suitcases. This duo features the Aviator Carry-On, which we loved in our testing, and the Aviator Grand, a 28-inch checked bag. The Aviator line features a 10-year limited warranty, so these bags will be with your favorite traveler for the long haul.

$229 at Bloomingdale’s

If traveling in style is important, that should include how jewelry travels, too. Wolf 1834’s travel jewelry cases have been crafted with care since the brand was founded nearly 190 years ago. Made of leather, this jewelry case features multiple compartments, ring bars and pouches to keep your valuables shiny, untangled and, most importantly, safe while on the go. A zipper enclosure ensures everything stays in place.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

$150 at Ultimate Ears

If you’re buying for someone who loves music and wants to take their favorite tunes on the go, a quality portable speaker is essential. This option from Ultimate Ears took the title of best all-around portable speaker in our testing, thanks to a spectacular 360-degree sound that’s packed into a waterproof and dustproof canister. And, at a price that won’t break the bank, this makes for a fantastic gift.

$250 at Bloomingdale’s

Shinola’s Vachetta Leather Travel Watch Case is the perfect small statement piece for someone who loves to travel. And what better way to help them stay punctual than by keeping their timepieces safe on the go. Available in two colors — navy and tan — it’s made of leather with a fabric lining and zip closure. The case holds two watches and is padded inside for added protection.

~~$150~~ $105 at Bloomingdale’s

Keeping your electronics in order can be one of the more frustrating parts of travel. Between tangled cords, small items lost at the bottom of your bag and different storage spaces for everything, staying organized can be a massive task. The Royce New York Leather Tech Accessory Travel Case is such a great gift to help keep your travel lover from unraveling during transit. It has space to store everything from TSA-approved power banks to adapters, laptop chargers, USB cables, headphones and more inside the three interior elasticized loops, interior slip pocket and interior mesh zip pocket.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

$220 at Amazon

This 25-inch expandable bag from Travelpro took the title of best soft-sided checked luggage in our testing. It’s an extremely well-rounded suitcase that can cater to all kinds of travelers — including luxury travelers. Not only does it have comfortable carrying handles, but it’s also expandable, durable and extremely maneuverable. We also love that it’s available in 11 colors for every style.

~~$335~~ $318 at Amazon

Made of 100% cashmere and big enough to double as a travel blanket, White + Warren’s Cashmere Travel Wrap Scarf is a great companion on a long-haul flight. It’s available in seven colors to match any style, and not only is it perfect for keeping warm while you travel, but it’s the perfect accessory on arrival at your destination, too.

$165 at Bloomingdale’s

This little magic wand of a product is brilliant after a long flight. Your travel-lover will never look weathered after landing with the antioxidant-rich Chanel Le Lift Crème Riche. The perfect accompaniment for keeping skin protected against environmental stressors, including airplanes, this is a great product to keep in a toiletry bag for easy access throughout the journey.

$595 at Royce & Rocket

If you’ve got someone who’s uber-organized on your list, the Royce & Rocket Castle Classic suitcase could be perfect. The brand’s latest collection features patent-pending built-in shelving so that packing — and unpacking — is easier than ever before. The hard-shell checked bag features a durable polycarbonate exterior and four wheels for easy rolling, but the star of the show is the interior compression system and shelving.

$280 at Beek

It’s hard to choose which Beeks to buy as a gift, as they’re all comfortable and incredibly chic. But for someone who’s hopping aboard a train, plane or into a car, we think Beek Gallito Shearling Slides are a perfect choice. Since they’re so easy to slip on and off, they’re perfect for when you need to use the lavatory in-flight or when heading through security screening. Made of either leather or suede with a memory foam molded footbed, these sandals offer both arch and foot support. Plus, for every pair you buy, Beek donates a day’s worth of meals to a child in need.

$230 at Monos

The sleek pairing of the Monos Metro Duffel and Metro Backpack is a delightful gift for the long weekend traveler. The Monos Metro bags feature the brand’s proprietary QuickSnap Modular Kit System that allows the brand’s Folio Kit to be easily detached or swapped without sacrificing the original look of the bag. We love how the set can be used alone or in conjunction for seamless packing and organization on the go.

$159 at Bellroy

A quality travel wallet is key for any traveler to arrive with all of their most important documents in one place. This leather folio has room to fit two passports, up to eight cards, cash, boarding passes and even space for a full-size pen.

$178 at Christy Dawn and $198 at Christy Dawn

There is something so satisfying about loungewear for travel — you get to look good but also be perfectly comfortable, you can dress it up or dress it down, you can mix and match or layer away. In any case, whether a train, plane or automobile, Christy Dawn’s Sonny Pant and Sonny Sweater will make your loved one a comfortably clothed traveler.

From $269 at Sea to Summit

Go to the backcountry without compromising on comfort with Sea to Summit’s lightweight and super-warm sleeping bag. It’s packable to fit in an included compression bag and storage cell, so you can fit it easily in a travel backpack and take on your outdoor adventure.

$215 at Dagne Dover

We love Dagne Dover bags, and that includes this large weekender carryall bag. It works as a carry-on bag for air travel or for standalone use on a weekend trip. Inside, it’s got a dedicated laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to a 16-inch device. It’s made of a durable neoprene fabric, which will not only withstand travel, but can also be hand-washed in a mild detergent and cold water to stay fresh and clean for years to come.

$230 at Amazon

It’s never a bad idea to upgrade a travel backpack. Peak Design’s 30-liter Travel Line Backpack makes for effortless packing, especially when paired with Peak Design’s Packing Cubes. Expandable, compressible and built with simplicity in mind, the travel backpack includes zippered stow pockets, a padded laptop sleeve and everything else needed to travel far, travel fast and never check a bag again.

$295 at MZ Wallace

MZ Wallace is one of our favorite travel brands. Not only do we love its classic design, but its products are made to last. This tote bag is the perfect carry-on, as it also has a luggage sleeve and two exterior slip pockets. It’s also got an adjustable, removable crossbody strap for easy maneuvering through the airport and beyond. And, best of all, there’s a zip-top closure so belongings won’t fall out of the bag during a bit of turbulence.

$210 at REI

One of our favorite pairs of travel shoes, the Blundstone Original 500 Chelsea Boots make a great gift for someone who wants to wander the streets for hours but can also sit down to a nice dinner and drinks at the end of a day of exploring. These booties are flexible, breathable and yet still chic — and they’re able to brave the rain, too.

~~$195~~ $155 at Bloomingdale’s

If you’re shopping for an urban explorer, you can’t go wrong with a versatile crossbody bag that can go from day to night. This Tumi bag doubles as both a wallet and a purse thanks to the removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Inside, there are six card pockets, and outside, there’s a slip pocket, a zip pocket and open pockets. So, you’ll be gifting plenty of storage space for all kinds of travel with this Belden collection classic.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

~~$379~~ $329 at Amazon

Travel can be a noisy ordeal, whether it’s the loud hum of the aircraft’s engines, the baby crying three rows back or noisy hotel neighbors. Thankfully, noise-canceling headphones can help alleviate those problems. This set from Bose took the title of the best noise-canceling over-ear headphones in our testing thanks to their superior noise-canceling ability and sleek design.

$158 at Tentree

If a traveler is hoofing it around a city all day, a puffer vest is certainly the way to keep them covered but not overheated. Tentree’s Cloud Shell Puffer Vest is that cozy and chic gift that will wow whoever gets it, plus it’s got sustainability built in because Tentree plants 10 trees for every item purchased.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

$300 at Amazon

For the traveler who’s heading away but wants to keep tabs on their home, a good home security system can provide peace of mind. In our testing, the Ring Alarm Pro was incredibly seamless to install and customizable for the user’s wants with a ton of features, earning it our title of the best home security system overall. You can read our full review here.

$700 at REI

For the traveler who’s eyeing a road trip, a cargo carrier can make all the difference for clearing up space inside the car for everyone to spread out. This rooftop cargo carrier has loads of capacity and can fit on most vehicles. Plus, DualSide opening means you can access the contents of the carrier from either side of the vehicle.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards of 2022.

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December 19, 2022
32 budget travel items you need to have | CNN Underscored

Travel is more expensive in 2022, but what you bring doesn’t have to be. When it comes to travel, packing the right gear can make travel more comfortable from start to finish, whether you’re traveling on a budget or if you’re splurging on a 5-star trip.

Any and every globetrotter can benefit from picking up some of these affordable travel items that make traveling just a little bit easier, a little bit less stressful and a lot more fun. Ultimately, you don’t have to spend a fortune on luxury travel goods to travel more comfortably. Here are the top budget travel items under $50 you need to have or gift to the budget traveler in your life this holiday shopping season.

Not worried about budget? Click here to check out the 49 best holiday and Christmas gifts for the frequent traveler in your life.

~~$45~~ $40 at Amazon

We’ve deemed this wireless transmitter one of the most useful items to have when traveling. The AirFly Duo uses Bluetooth to ensure you can listen to and watch in-flight entertainment using your favorite wireless headphones. With the AirFly, you can skip those cheap airline headphones, pair your own set with the device, plug it into the seat back entertainment and enjoy watching and listening to your favorite shows, music and movies in comfort. Check out our full review of it here.

$23 at Amazon

This universal travel adapter comes complete with four USB ports, one USB-C port and one traditional AC socket to charge up to six devices at once. Best of all, you can use this small but mighty device in just about all international destinations from Europe to the United Kingdom, Australia and more. Although it’s only an adapter and not a voltage converter, it’ll charge up phones, e-readers, smartwatches, laptops and more when traveling abroad with just one small device instead of carrying various plugs and converter options.

$26 Amazon

These durable polyester packing cubes come in a four-piece set, with two medium-size cubes and two large-size cubes. Store clothes, shoes, dirty laundry or whatever else to best organize a suitcase. Your favorite traveler can see exactly what they’ve packed in each cube, thanks to the mesh top covers.

~~$20~~ $17 at Amazon

Whether your favorite traveler is a budding travel influencer or simply wants to get good photos of themself, this selfie stick tripod combo can be slipped into your suitcase for infinitely better travel photos. The stick is 9 inches when collapsed and weighs just 10.5 ounces, meaning it’s not only affordable, but it’s also lightweight and compact. It connects with most Apple and Android devices as well as smaller DSLR cameras and comes with a detachable remote.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

$40 at Amazon

Sleeping well while traveling doesn’t have to come at a steep price. In fact, our favorite travel neck pillow is available for just $40 and is pretty much guaranteed to help your favorite traveler sleep better on long flights. In our testing, we dubbed this neck pillow the “Goldilocks of travel pillows,” thanks to its firm support but equal parts softness and portability.

~~$18~~ $13 at Amazon

Amazon

This simple but effective device will make any plane journey easier. It clamps to the tray table of the seat in front of you, allowing you to insert your phone and stream your favorite TV shows and movies hands-free.

$25 at Amazon

The ideal gift for moms, wives, girlfriends and friends, this compact pouch makes it easy to travel with jewelry — and it’s one of Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2022. With several storage spots and removable dividers for various types of jewelry, you’ll never end up with tangled necklaces or lose an earring with this case. Even those who don’t travel with a lot of jewelry will appreciate having their wedding ring or stud earrings safely tucked away in this case when on the go.

$26 at Amazon

Your favorite traveler can slip this 100% organic mulberry silk pillowcase into their carry-on to use on a plane, at a hotel or anywhere else to make sleeping on planes, trains and buses feel so much more luxurious. The pillowcase keeps hair soft and prevents breakage. When it comes to skin, it can help retain moisture, prevent acne and keep wrinkles at bay. It even comes with a matching scrunchie.

~~$30~~ $17 at Amazon

If you can’t swing the hefty price tag for the newest Apple AirPods, you’ll be impressed by the price-to-quality factor of Kurdene’s wireless headphones, which come with a portable charging case that you can tuck into your pocket or bag when traveling. The sweatproof earbuds are comfortable for ears and have clear, dynamic 3D surround sound. The headphones can run for about six hours on a single charge, and the case can charge them four times over if your trip is extra long.

$14 at Amazon

Compression socks are an important travel accessory. Experts agree that the health benefits of wearing them on long travel days can be significant. This set of three pairs is available in a wide range of colors, offering a good amount of compression made from a breathable fabric.

$25 at Jo Malone

This compact, solid perfume has a fresh aroma, and it’s easy to drop into a carry-on even when your baggie of liquids is already full. You can dab it on your wrist, behind your ears or on your neck when you need a scented pick-me-up, the ideal alternative to an expensive liquid perfume formula.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

~~$20~~ $10 at Amazon

Sleep through jet lag, red-eye flights, loud hotel rooms and whatever other noisy and uncomfortable sleep situations travel throws at you with the Mavogel Cotton Sleep Mask. We consider it the best sleep mask out there, as it blocks out all the light around you, allowing for a darker and more peaceful sleep on the road or in the air.

$40 at Amazon

Whether your favorite traveler is a budding influencer or simply wants to get some memorable travel shots, this Lens Kit from Xenvo snaps onto any Android or Apple phone, as well as many tablets and laptops. The wide lens captures an additional 45%, which means photos — especially ones of travel landscapes and family members — will be comprehensive and sharp. The lens system is easy to attach and use for both amateur photographers and professionals.

From $10 at Amazon

These portable, quick-dry towels are perfect for any travel situation: camping, hiking, beach trip or even visits to destinations where you won’t have access to a dryer. The durable, lightweight towels are made of polyester and polyamide material and are super absorbent, drying fast when you’re on the go. The towels come in various sizes and colors, and each comes with its own portable case for storage.

$20 at Amazon

This four-pack of Mario Badescu facial spray is perfect for all of your different moods during travel. Energize with the sage and orange blossom, relax with the lavender, revitalize and glow with rose and freshen up with the cucumber and green tea. The under-60-milliliter mist bottles are small enough to fit into your zip-lock baggie of liquids during a long-haul flight.

$38 at Amazon

This collapsible, space-saving water bottle is a must-have for staying hydrated when traveling. In our testing, we found it perfect for travelers because not only does it have a filter that can make just about any water drinkable, but it also collapses so you can easily pack it in your favorite travel backpack and then expand it when you’re ready to fill it up. It’s both sustainable and affordable, saving you money and hassle on buying overpriced water bottles in the airport and elsewhere. Check out our full review of it here.

~~$16~~ $7 Amazon

These Anbow reusable earplugs offer a noise level reduction level of NRR 32, meaning they’ll block out pesky noise on planes or anywhere else you need to sleep. Made of high-quality, BPA-free silicone material with an ergonomic shape, they’ll comfortably fit into ears pain-free. Unlike foam earplugs, these are made for long-term use and reuse.

$48 at Amazon

Connect this waterproof, wireless speaker to a phone via Bluetooth and play music whenever, wherever. It’s small enough to accompany travelers on trips but strong enough to play favorite tunes at an impromptu barbecue or beach visit. With 10 hours of playtime, it can be clipped onto a backpack, beach bag or stroller with ease.

From $14 at Cadence

Courtney Thompson

This travel system of refillable, leakproof and magnetic containers helps organize personal care products. The customizable capsules come in various sizes and colors that can be mixed and matched to fit anyone’s needs. We tested them out and found the sustainable products to be leakproof, airtight and waterproof — and extremely convenient for shorter trips. Although an entire system of six costs more than $70, budget travelers can use just a few single Capsules that will magnetically cling to each other for less than $50. Check out our full review of them here.

$23 at Amazon

With so much concern about wiping down plane seats and tray tables, it seems we’ve almost forgotten about our skin, which can be greasy, dry or tired after a long day of travel. These natural, biodegradable face wipes from Ursa Major are individually wrapped to easily tuck into a purse, carry-on bag or pocket. Complete with ingredients like aloe, willow bark and birch sap and a light, lavender and citrus scent, skin will feel refreshed and clean after using one of these wipes after a plane nap or hike.

$22 at Amazon

A TSA-approved power bank is essential for any kind of traveler. And, when you can secure a great one for just over $20, it’s the perfect gift. This slim power bank is ideal for travelers as it’s small enough to tuck in a crossbody bag, backpack or pocket but it holds enough power to charge an iPhone 12 more than two times. Whether your favorite traveler likes to keep the music going, use their phone for maps or posting photos on social media, help make sure their device always stays charged on the road.

$10 at Amazon

These polyester foldable bags are perfect to use as a beach bag, laundry bag, grocery bag, personal item on a plane, emergency diaper bag or any other situation where you might need some storage. Toss a few of these bright, patterned bags in a suitcase folded up and open them to use whenever needed.

$30 at Amazon

This fold-up travel blanket has a carrying case with a strap that slides over your trolley handle, making it easy to take along on plane trips or train journeys. The cotton-poly blend blanket will keep you warm, can double as a comfortable sitting option for spontaneous trips to the beach or can even be used as a pillow when folded up in its carry bag.

$4 at Amazon

Amazon

Things like air travel, jet lag and different climates can wreak havoc on skin. Give your face a little extra love at a low price with this stress and rehab sheet mask that can be easily added to your suitcase. Ingredients such as green tea purify your skin, while coconut and turmeric rejuvenate and brighten your face. The mask even has caffeine to wake up skin and make it glow.

$17 at Amazon

This 20-liter foldable backpack is incredibly easy to take along during any kind of travel. It folds up to pocket size so it can be packed away and then opens up to use for hiking, shopping, a beach day or anything else once at a new destination. Although the nylon fabric is thin in order to fold up better, it’s tear-resistant, it’s water-resistant and it has a sturdy metal zipper.

~~$16~~ $13 at Amazon

This digital luggage scale will save your favorite budget traveler on excess baggage fees, and it’s small enough to pack in a suitcase to ensure bags are never overweight. The scale, which comes with a battery, can weigh bags up to 110 pounds.

$16 at Amazon

Keep hands germ-free and smelling delicious while traveling with this travel-size rosewater sanitizer mist. Not only will this rid hands of germs, but the mist also contains Detoskin, which provides blue-light protection, and Vitasource, which can help firm skin by boosting collagen.

$7 $6 at Amazon

You may be required to show not only a passport but also a vaccination card when entering some countries. Protect both documents with this passport and vaccine card holder, made from water-resistant faux leather. The holder comes in various colors, so you can select just the right one to match your favorite traveler’s luggage or personal style.

$10 at Amazon

This Vitamin E-infused, SPF 30 lip balm keeps lips moisturized regardless of the season. With three different summery scents (they’ll have you daydreaming of sun and sand even in the wintry cold) and a silky and smooth finish, this balm protects lips from dry plane air and keeps them hydrated throughout a trip.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards of 2022.

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December 19, 2022
31 last-minute holiday gifts that won’t feel like an afterthought | CNN Underscored

Procrastinated a bit with your holiday gift shopping this year? Don’t panic: Thanks to unique subscription services, convenient digital gift cards and, of course, ultra-fast Amazon Prime shipping, it’s not too late to get a thoughtful gift for everyone on your list.

To get you started, we’ve rounded up our favorite excellent gifts that’ll arrive before the holiday — some even instantly. Need more gift ideas? Check out our favorite gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women and Nordstrom gifts.

Our favorite budget earbuds sound better than basic AirPods and cost a fraction of the price. They’re a great gift for anyone who has yet to discover the joy of cutting the cord.

With its mixture of antioxidant-rich lychee berry oil, moisturizing sweet almond oil and fine Himalayan pink salt, this luxurious scrub promises to gently exfoliate without irritating or drying out skin.

Pair that coffee club subscription with these lovely heat- and condensation-resistant insulated mugs, which come in a set of two and boast more than 11,000 5-star ratings.

If they’ve got a bunch of trips planned this year, gift them our pick for the best travel pillow of 2022. The Cabeau was firm enough to support our head and neck, soft enough to fall asleep on and perfectly portable, allowing you to compress it to half its size.

With its tinted glass and gold lid, this is a candle that looks as good as it smells. The woodsy scent is also perfect for cozy winter nights. See more of our favorite candles here.

Avocados are great, but slicing them? Not so much. That’s why this convenient avocado slicer is the perfect stocking stuffer for the avo-obsessed person in your life.

Take some of the stress out of the holidays with this electronic neck massager, featuring eight massage modes, three levels of pressure and a warming function to soothe sore, tired muscles.

Safe for the oven, freezer, dishwasher and microwave, reusable Stasher bags are a fantastic, eco-friendly addition to any kitchen. Use them for storing snacks, preserving leftovers and even sous vide cooking.

With Prime shipping and every letter of the alphabet in stock, this dainty necklace is a last-minute gift that still feels personal.

Bedsure’s bestselling blanket comes in 26 gorgeous colors and five sizes, with many shipping as quickly as the next day. The micro-fleece yarn is velvety soft and the whole blanket is machine-washable if you happen to spill on it while snuggling.

Sap the tension out of big family gatherings with this cozy card game, filled with thoughtful, bond-building questions.

Send a festive holiday wreath, bouquet or centerpiece, or gift a subscription for sustainably sourced flower deliveries every month. Many products offer overnight shipping, and you can even snag same-day delivery in New York City and Washington, DC.

Goldbelly delivers gourmet meals and goodies from restaurants and bakeries all around the country, and you can send a digital gift card instantly to your giftee’s email address. If you’ve got a specific treat in mind (say, bagels from their favorite NYC deli), you don’t need a shipping address, either: Goldbelly will send an e-gift that lets them schedule delivery whenever it’s convenient.

Bookshop.org gift cards never expire, and the site features a huge selection of titles. Best of all, your purchase will help support independent bookstores across the country.

Gift your favorite oenophile this top-rated pourer, which easily attaches to any bottle and promises to aerate much faster than a traditional decanter.

Rent the Runway offers multiple, giftable membership options, which let you rent up to 16 designer items a month. Swap out pieces on your schedule, so your closet always feels fresh without ever feeling cluttered.

Use this adorable, portable device to print wallet-sized photos directly from your phone. The printer comes with 10 sheets of smudge-proof, sticky-backed paper, and HP’s Sprocket app even lets you add fun filters and frames to your images before printing.

We love StoryWorth, a service that sends your giftee thoughtful questions once a week designed to elicit meaningful stories about their life. After a year, StoryWorth compiles your loved one’s answers into a beautiful hardcover keepsake book. It’s a deeply personal gift that both you and your loved one will cherish for years to come. And since you can start sending questions right away, shipping times won’t be an issue.

Gift on-demand digital classes with world leaders, bestselling authors, Michelin-starred chefs and more. Courses include everything from activism with Malala Yousafzai to problem-solving with Bill Nye. And with new classes added every month, there’s always more to learn.

Perfect for the friend who’s seriously missing travel, Universal Yums delivers unique treats from a new country every month along with a booklet filled with international trivia and games. Check out the “Yum Shop” for a peek at the kind of goods you can expect. Right now, you’ll also get a free box for yourself when you gift a six or 12 month subscription.

Not only is this puffer jacket warm, lightweight and stylish, it also easily packs down into an included drawstring carry bag that you can toss into your backpack (or even use as a pillow on flights and camping trips!). The puffer comes in more than 20 color options and sizes XS to XXL.

Our reviewer adored Atlas Coffee Club, which delivers up to 48 ounces of freshly-roasted, single-origin coffee from around the world to your door each month. Deliveries also include a postcard from the coffee’s origin country, notes on the coffee’s backstory and tips to create the tastiest brew.

This mixology set comes with everything your favorite cocktail enthusiast needs to play bartender right at home, including a stainless steel shaker, mixing spoon, muddler, two pourers, a double jigger and a stack of illustrated recipe cards for all the classics.

Everybody needs a pair of fuzzy slippers to wear around the house. Parlovable’s come in eight color options and boast 13,000 5-star ratings, with customers loving how soft and comfy they are. Says one reviewer, “I look forward to getting up in the morning just to put these on.”

Whether you’re prepping for an epic trip or just want to try something new, Rosetta Stone remains a fantastic language-learning tool. Gifting Rosetta Stone is easy too, with the option to include a personalized message and select a specific e-delivery date for your recipient.

An Audible membership is a great gift for anyone who’s always complaining how they never have time to read anymore. With access to a library of thousands of audiobooks, they can dive into a new memoir on their commute or finish a classic while prepping dinner. (And if someone one already has an Audible membership, you can also gift them a specific audiobook!)

With thousands of unique, handmade and customizable products, Etsy is another great gift card option that you can print at home or deliver right away via email.

Bespoke Post’s lifestyle subscription boxes are great for the hard-to-shop for dads, boyfriends and brothers (though, of course, plenty of women will love its high-quality products too). Boxes come in thoughtful themes like “Details,” complete with a card holder, Kaweko fountain pen, and gold compact mirror; and “Restore,” featuring everything you need to feel refreshed on the go. Purchase a standalone box for $70 or keep the fun going with a subscription for $49.

Source link

December 14, 2022
32 last-minute holiday gifts that won’t feel like an afterthought | CNN Underscored

Procrastinated a bit with your holiday gift shopping this year? Don’t panic: Thanks to unique subscription services, convenient digital gift cards and, of course, ultra-fast Amazon Prime shipping, it’s not too late to get a thoughtful gift for everyone on your list.

To get you started, we’ve rounded up our favorite excellent gifts that’ll arrive before the holiday — some even instantly. Need more gift ideas? Check out our favorite gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women and Nordstrom gifts.

Our favorite budget earbuds sound better than basic AirPods and cost a fraction of the price. They’re a great gift for anyone who has yet to discover the joy of cutting the cord.

With its mixture of antioxidant-rich lychee berry oil, moisturizing sweet almond oil and fine Himalayan pink salt, this luxurious scrub promises to gently exfoliate without irritating or drying out skin.

Pair that coffee club subscription with these lovely heat- and condensation-resistant insulated mugs, which come in a set of two and boast more than 11,000 5-star ratings.

If they’ve got a bunch of trips planned this year, gift them our pick for the best travel pillow of 2022. The Cabeau was firm enough to support our head and neck, soft enough to fall asleep on and perfectly portable, allowing you to compress it to half its size.

With its tinted glass and gold lid, this is a candle that looks as good as it smells. The woodsy scent is also perfect for cozy winter nights. See more of our favorite candles here.

Avocados are great, but slicing them? Not so much. That’s why this convenient avocado slicer is the perfect stocking stuffer for the avo-obsessed person in your life.

Take some of the stress out of the holidays with this electronic neck massager, featuring eight massage modes, three levels of pressure and a warming function to soothe sore, tired muscles.

Safe for the oven, freezer, dishwasher and microwave, reusable Stasher bags are a fantastic, eco-friendly addition to any kitchen. Use them for storing snacks, preserving leftovers and even sous-vi cooking.

With Prime shipping and every letter of the alphabet in stock, this dainty necklace is a last-minute gift that still feels personal.

Bedsure’s bestselling blanket comes in 26 gorgeous colors and five sizes, with many shipping as quickly as the next day. The micro-fleece yarn is velvety soft and the whole blanket is machine-washable if you happen to spill on it while snuggling.

Sap the tension out of big family gatherings with this cozy card game, filled with thoughtful, bond-building questions.

Send a festive holiday wreath, bouquet or centerpiece, or gift a subscription for sustainably-sourced flower deliveries every month. Many products offer overnight shipping, and you can even snag same-day delivery in New York City and Washington, DC.

Goldbelly delivers gourmet meals and goodies from restaurants and bakeries all around the country, and you can send a digital gift card instantly to your giftee’s email address. If you’ve got a specific treat in mind (say, bagels from their favorite NYC deli), you don’t need a shipping address, either: Goldbelly will send an e-gift that lets them schedule delivery whenever it’s convenient.

Bookshop.org gift cards never expire, and the site features a huge selection of titles. Best of all, your purchase will help support independent bookstores across the country.

Gift your favorite oenophile this top-rated pourer, which easily attaches to any bottle and promises to aerate much faster than a traditional decanter.

Rent the Runway offers multiple, giftable membership options, which let you rent up to 16 designer items a month. Swap out pieces on your schedule, so your closet always feels fresh without ever feeling cluttered.

Use this adorable, portable device to print wallet-sized photos directly from your phone. The printer comes with 10 sheets of smudge-proof, sticky-backed paper, and HP’s Sprocket app even lets you add fun filters and frames to your images before printing.

We love StoryWorth, a service that sends your giftee thoughtful questions once a week designed to elicit meaningful stories about their life. After a year, StoryWorth compiles your loved one’s answers into a beautiful hardcover keepsake book. It’s a deeply personal gift that both you and your loved one will cherish for years to come. And since you can start sending questions right away, shipping times won’t be an issue.

Gift on-demand digital classes with world leaders, bestselling authors, Michelin-starred chefs and more. Courses include everything from activism with Malala Yousafzai to problem-solving with Bill Nye. And with new classes added every month, there’s always more to learn.

Perfect for the friend who’s seriously missing travel, Universal Yums delivers unique treats from a new country every month along with a booklet filled with international trivia and games. Check out the “Yum Shop” for a peek at the kind of goods you can expect. Right now, you’ll also get a free box for yourself when you gift a six or 12 month subscription.

Not only is this puffer jacket warm, lightweight and stylish, it also easily packs down into an included drawstring carry bag that you can toss into your backpack (or even use as a pillow on flights and camping trips!). The puffer comes in more than 20 color options and sizes XS to XXL.

Our reviewer adored Atlas Coffee Club, which delivers up to 48 ounces of freshly-roasted, single-origin coffee from around the world to your door each month. Deliveries also include a postcard from the coffee’s origin country, notes on the coffee’s backstory and tips to create the tastiest brew.

This mixology set comes with everything your favorite cocktail enthusiast needs to play bartender right at home, including a stainless steel shaker, mixing spoon, muddler, two pourers, a double jigger and a stack of illustrated recipe cards for all the classics.

Everybody needs a pair of fuzzy slippers to wear around the house. Parlovable’s come in eight color options and boast 13,000 5-star ratings, with customers loving how soft and comfy they are. Says one reviewer, “I look forward to getting up in the morning just to put these on.”

This top-rated set comes with everything you need to start making your own 3D doodles at home. No hot parts also means it’s safe for kids ages 6 and up.

Whether you’re prepping for an epic trip or just want to try something new, Rosetta Stone remains a fantastic language-learning tool. Gifting Rosetta Stone is easy too, with the option to include a personalized message and select a specific e-delivery date for your recipient.

An Audible membership is a great gift for anyone who’s always complaining how they never have time to read anymore. With access to a library of thousands of audiobooks, they can dive into a new memoir on their commute or finish a classic while prepping dinner. (And if someone one already has an Audible membership, you can also gift them a specific audiobook!)

With thousands of unique, handmade and customizable products, Etsy is another great gift card option that you can print at home or deliver right away via email.

Bespoke Post’s lifestyle subscription boxes are great for the hard-to-shop for dads, boyfriends and brothers (though, of course, plenty of women will love its high-quality products too). Boxes come in thoughtful themes like “Details,” complete with a card holder, Kaweko fountain pen, and gold compact mirror; and “Restore,” featuring everything you need to feel refreshed on the go. Purchase a standalone box for $70 or keep the fun going with a subscription for $49.

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December 12, 2022
34 stocking stuffers under $25 you may just keep for yourself | CNN Underscored

A great game for the kids or the whole family, Exploding Kittens is a card game that gets more intense the longer you play. Plus, the art on the cards is equal parts outlandish and hilarious, so the kids will be laughing and shouting about laser beams, magical enchiladas and, of course, exploding kittens.

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December 9, 2022
28 of our readers’ favorite Amazon products that also make great gifts | CNN Underscored

We know a great gift when we see one, and our readers apparently do too. Every single month, we make note of our readers’ most bought Amazon products. Whether they be Swedish dishcloths or neck pillows, these are the Amazon products that they just couldn’t stop buying in 2022, and apparently can’t live without. And looking at this list, you’ll notice that all of our readers’ favorite Amazon products would also make fantastic gift ideas.

From alarm clocks to travel must-haves, check out the products our readers can’t get enough of that also make great gifts. Check out our picks for the best gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, Amazon gifts, Nordstrom gifts and ultra-practical gifts too.

Home gifts

We love using biodegradable Swedish dishcloths for everything from scrubbing dishes to wiping up spills. Grab them whenever you’d reach for a paper towel and then simply run them through the wash when you’re done.

Read our review

Whip up breakfast for the whole family with Dash’s bestselling gadget, which will boil, steam or poach up to six eggs at once.

Dryer balls create better airflow to cut down on drying time, reduce static cling and keep wrinkles at bay. These from Whitmor also feature soft spikes to gently fluff and soften fabric. (Check out more must-have laundry products under $20 here.)

These soft, moisture-wicking sheets are made from an ultrafine microfiber blend that’s ideal for hot sleepers.

Jall’s alarm clock boasts more than 33,000 5-star ratings and also earned the top spot in our extensive alarm clock testing. That’s because it has everything a great alarm clock should: reliable sound, easy setup and a sleek design that’ll look good on your nightstand.

Read our review

Keep your car or desk crumb-free with this reusable gel, designed to collect debris from cup holders, keyboards, TV remotes and any other cranny-filled space.

You can’t beat Black+Decker’s Dustbuster for quick cleanups. Our tester deemed it the easiest handheld vacuum to use, charge and empty, and also praised the Dustbuster’s large-capacity canister and versatile built-in attachments.

Read our review

Declutter your closet or garage with Holikme’s wall-mounted organizer, featuring four spring-loaded slots for mops, brooms and rakes. The hanger can support up to 40 pounds and also includes hooks for brushes, cleaning cloths and so on. (Want more ways to bring some order to your home? We’ve got you.)

Deep-clean tiles, countertops and more with these nylon brush heads, which attach directly to your favorite cordless drill for an intense burst of scrubbing power. Don’t worry about scratches; the nylon bristles are safe for the vast majority of kitchen and bathroom surfaces, including porcelain and fiberglass.

Stay on top of cold and flu season with iHealth’s digital thermometer. iHealth’s thermometers proved simple to use and provided consistent temperature readings in our in-house testing.

Read our review

Tech gifts

Anker makes some of the best portable chargers around. The 313 (aka PowerCore Slim 10,000) is supremely lightweight yet packs a punch, with enough power to charge most iPhones twice.

Apple’s power adaptor is a must-have for charging your new iPhone fast. It took just 90 minutes to boost an iPhone 13 to 99% power in our testing.

Read our review

With three USB-A ports and AC outlets in a single, compact cube, Anker’s power “strip” is perfect for keeping all your devices charged on the go (or simply decluttering your desk).

Beauty and health gifts

Swap your grimy loofah for Goshi’s bestselling shower towel, which features a contrasting weave that gently exfoliates skin while you lather up

Read our review

Hydroxyapatite is a dentist-approved fluoride alternative that helps remineralize teeth and strengthen enamel. It’s the star ingredient of Davids toothpaste, which also comes with a convenient metal tube key to help you squeeze out every drop of product.

This set promises a fuller pout in two steps. Use the moisturizing mask overnight to soothe and hydrate your lips, then top them with the tingly, ginger-infused gloss the next day.

Readers continue to love this convenient mini razor, which comes with its own case and is ideally sized for any kind of travel.

Bug Bite Thing works by sucking the venom out of insect bites, stopping itchiness in its tracks. It sounds too good to be true, but it provided some much-needed relief from mosquito season in our testing.

Read our review

Travel gifts

This adjustable mount attaches directly to your tray table, allowing you to watch all your downloads without having to hold your phone for hours. You can also clamp it to car seats or shopping carts to keep the kids entertained while out and about. See more of our favorite in-flight products here.

This top-rated passport holder comes in 30 colors and features a clear slot to keep your vaccine card safe.

Our favorite travel pillow balances squishy comfort with firm support and promises to make your next red-eye much more bearable.

Perfect for hikes, travel and go bags, LifeStraw’s lightweight filter protects against 99.9% of bacteria, parasites and microplastics.

Read our review

Pet gifts

Make sure your pup always has water on hot days with this dual bottle/dish, which ingeniously recollects whatever your dog doesn’t immediately lap up. (Check out more of our favorite pet products here.)

Give your indoor cat some outdoor play with this interactive butterfly toy. Made to constantly spin and rotate 360 degrees, this toy gives your feline friend something to chase and play with when you’re not around.

This soft and lovable plush toy is perfect for smaller dogs who need a playtime and cuddle-time companion.

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December 8, 2022
34 of the most unique gifts to give this holiday season | CNN Underscored

Shopping for holiday gifts is hard work, especially for that person you know who already seems to have everything. But luckily, there are sites out there that can help.

Known for its expansive selection of extraordinary items, Uncommon Goods has thousands of gift ideas to choose from. It’s even got an entire section dedicated solely to, you guessed it, uncommon holiday gifts. Or if you love shopping at Etsy, then you already know that it’s one of the best places to find handmade, unique and totally original items from small businesses.

To make your hunt even easier, we rounded up 34 of the coolest and most unique gifts from Uncommon Goods and Etsy that are sure to make anyone on your list smile this holiday season. Need more ideas? Check out our favorite gifts for men, gifts for women, Amazon gifts and Advent calendars.

This floral-printed marigold kimono robe is handmade in Indonesia and ideal for lounging around in style. Bonus: It even has pockets!

If they just moved or just really love a certain city, these glasses can come engraved with a map of it.

If you’re part of a long-distance relationship, these bracelets allow you to touch the top sensor to send a little “love tap” to the other.

If you’re totally stumped on what to get someone, a personalized gift like this one can do the trick. These pretty glasses can come ringed with their birth month flower. Hey, you don’t even have to know their exact birthdate.

A DIY kit is another fun gift idea, especially for a couple. This one allows you to make your very own bubble tea in just a few easy steps.

Monogram Cheese & Crackers Serving Board

For the constant entertainer, a charcuterie board is always a good idea.

If your loved one prefers to harvest fruits and veggies from their own garden, this harvest basket is an easy way to collect and transport all of their delicious homegrown goods.

Keep your beloved pet close to your heart with this custom portrait pendant necklace. It can even be imprinted with the animal’s name, birth date, adoption date or other meaningful phrase.

These adorable Zen cat sculptures are a cute and quirky addition to any garden or outdoor space.

A handmade cherry wood picnic table and wine carrier makes dining al fresco a breeze. Just pack it with all of your favorite foods and drinks and extend the legs to turn it into a tabletop once you’re at your location. Plus, it can be engraved with a name and date for a personalized touch.

Cold Brew Coffee Maker & Carafe

This all-in-one cold brew coffee maker and insulated carafe is perfect for the on-the-go iced coffee lover in your life. Steep the cold brew directly into the insulated steel carafe wherever you go and it’s sure to stay cold for up to 24 hours.

A custom pet portrait is the ultimate gift for anyone with a furry four-legged family member. Artist MG Stout creates vibrant and beautifully hand-painted portraits based on a photo provided, which are sure to be cherished forever.

Stacy Borocz Reclaimed Serving Boards & Cloche

This beautifully crafted serving board is carved from the wood of old Hungarian buildings and makes for a stunning display case for baked goods in any kitchen.

Kasey and Justin Pearson Personalized Hearts Four-Across Game

A personalized four-across game is a cute and fun gift to give to newlyweds, your partner or anyone who enjoys a little friendly competition.

Keep favorite family recipes organized with this customizable recipe cookbook. With space for over 80 recipes, photos, conversion charts and more, this is sure to become a family heirloom that will be enjoyed for years to come.

No matter the distance, you can keep family and loved ones nearby with this personalized signpost that showcases each member’s distance and direction from home.

KatyRyanDesigns Face Mug

Sipping your morning coffee is even better with an adorable personalized mug printed with your favorite picture of a pet or loved one.

FeatherPearlCandleCo Sweater Weather Candle

A candle is a delightful gift to give to just about anyone on your holiday list, especially when it smells as amazing as this Sweater Weather scent that’s made with notes of amber, warm spices and citrus.

Etsy

Memorialize a beloved family recipe with this custom bamboo cutting board that can be engraved in the exact handwriting of a loved one or a favorite font. You can also choose from three different sizes.

Personalized jewelry is always on-trend. We especially love this dainty handmade style that’s available in sterling silver, 18-karat gold or rose gold finishes.

Did someone on your gift list just move into a new home? If so, a personalized doormat is a sweet way to welcome guests, especially for holiday gatherings.

Set positive intentions and daily affirmations alongside life goals and free-flow writing all in one with this gorgeous and minimalist gratitude journal. It’s especially perfect to give a loved one as we head into a new year.

Animal lovers will absolutely adore these custom pet portrait ornaments. Each ceramic ornament is printed with the picture you send in for a gift that’s both sentimental and beautifully crafted.

Another great gift for anyone with a furry friend is this custom framed pet portrait. Your favorite image of your pet is printed on giclée Epson matte paper and framed for a piece that will be admired forever.

Handcrafted, 100% vegan and made with delicious-smelling essential oils, plant butters and botanical extracts, this six-piece natural soap bar gift set is a wonderful eco-conscious gift.

Keep your loved ones with you wherever you go with this custom leather key ring. Personalize it with a special photo on the inside and monogram or engraving with up to six characters on the outside.

Entertaining is easy with a customized charcuterie platter. Complete with individual sections for your favorite snacks, this board can be engraved with a name, date, quote or message for an extra-special touch.

Paperandclaystudio Svulme Vase

Plant lovers will be overjoyed with one of these colorful and kitschy vases. Trendy and modern, they’ll add a fun pop of color to any space.

The only way to make a cozy hoodie even more perfect? Embroider it with an adorable picture of your pet, of course! You can choose from a variety of embroidery designs and colors and even add in your pet’s name free of charge.

For those who like to do their own embroidery or are looking to start a new crafting hobby, this beginner’s needle punch kit is the perfect gift.

Golfers will love to receive these personalized pouches as a gift. You can customize everything from the color to the foil used for the monogram.

Another gorgeous piece of personal jewelry that is sure to stand the test of time is a classic signet ring. We love this oval-shaped version, which is available in sterling silver or 14-karat gold vermeil, and can be engraved with up to 10 characters.

These reusable cotton rounds are a lovely alternative to disposable face wipes, made from organic cotton and bamboo and dyed with plants. Basically, they’re a perfect gift for any eco-conscious beauty lover.

Nothing is better than cuddling up on the couch under an ultra-cozy blanket and this chunky cotton knit throw is soft, fluffy, warm and gorgeous enough to display in any space.

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December 6, 2022
34 stocking stuffers under $25 you may just keep for yourself | CNN Underscored

A great game for the kids or the whole family, Exploding Kittens is a card game that gets more intense the longer you play. Plus, the art on the card is equal parts outlandish and hilarious, so the kids will be laughing and shouting about laser beams, magical enchiladas and, of course, exploding kittens.

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December 6, 2022
It’s work holiday party time. Here are 22 gifts your co-workers and boss will love | CNN Underscored

You’ve gotten gifts for all your family and friends and gotten so many stocking stuffers your head is spinning. But did you remember to get presents for your co-workers? If not, there’s still time to get useful (and cheap) presents they’ll love.

Whether it’s a new pair of headphones, a mug for their desk or just a new charging cable, here are all of our favorite gifts to give your co-workers or boss this holiday season. Need more gift ideas? Check out our favorite gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, ultra-practical gifts and Nordstrom gifts.

Holiday gifts for your boss

If your co-worker is always listening to tunes while they work, they’ll love these high-quality earbuds. They’re our pick for the best budget earbuds, thanks to their top-notch sound quality.

Help your co-worker keep all their gadgets charged in one place with this 4-in-1 wireless charging dock. You can charge two phones, a pair of earbuds and a smartwatch all in one place.

For the coffee lovers on your team, Atlas Coffee Club will deliver a fresh bag of artisanal coffee from around the world to their door every month. We tried it ourselves and couldn’t get enough.

Help your co-worker reduce their waste with this reusable, airtight, stainless steel container. It’s available in seven different sizes, so whether they’re using it to store leftovers or to bring lunch to work, it’s the perfect zero-waste alternative.

Nothing’s worse than cold coffee, so ensure their drink stays piping hot all morning with this insulated mug from Yeti.

If you’re just looking for something small and adorable to give your boss or co-worker, these cable buddies are the perfect way to add some cuteness to their desk.

If they bring lunch in a plastic bag every day, help them stop using single-use plastic with a silicone, reusable Stasher bag. Read our review of them here.

Acting as both a watch stand and a funny piece of desk decor, this little gadget is a great addition to anyone’s work setup.

This reusable notebook allows you to transfer your notes to your phone and clean the pages so you can use it over and over again.

Holiday gifts for your colleagues

These stylish totes are so useful whether you’re out grocery shopping or just taking a stroll around town. Coming in nine colors and featuring a snap closure, it’ll be your co-worker’s new favorite daily bag.

Everyone could use a new charging cable, but if you’re going to get one, be sure to get the best. After testing tons of Lightning cables, we found this one to be the absolute best.

Help them keep track of all their deadlines with this gorgeous, worldly desk calendar from Rifle Paper Co.

This fancy wireless charger from Courant features a linen finish available in three classic colors to match anyone’s desk aesthetics. And if you really want to impress your giftee, check out Courant’s classic chargers, which feature Italian leather for $40 more.

For the one who’s still a child at heart, this cute mug is the perfect desk staple.

If your co-worker is drowning in gadgets that constantly have to be charged, they need this portable charger for extra juice, which we named the best portable charger out there.

This reed diffuser from Homesick features a scent reminiscent of fresh air, water lilies and amber to make any working space feel invigorating.

If they can’t control the thermostat in their working space and they’re always cold, there’s nothing better to keep them comfortable than an ultra-soft, plush throw.

Socks may seem like a present you’d only get from your grandma, but trust us, when they’re socks as good as these, anyone will love getting a pack.

For the co-worker who’s always fidgeting and fiddling, this fidget cube is the perfect way to help them focus.

Tea drinkers will love this seasonal variety pack from Celestial Seasonings that features six different holiday flavors of its signature Sleepytime Tea perfect for the winter.

If they haven’t tried Fly By Jing’s Sichuan Chili Crisp yet, they’re really missing out. The bold flavor goes great on basically anything and everything you can think of.

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December 5, 2022
47 splurge-worthy holiday gifts to spoil your favorite people | CNN Underscored

It’s undeniable that a truly thoughtful gift is one of the most straightforward ways to let someone know how important they are to you and how much you appreciate them in your life. While it doesn’t always have to be something super pricey, splurge gifts are splurges for a reason. They’re usually high-quality, unique and top-of-the line pieces that will last their recipient for years to come. And who doesn’t love receiving something a little more special?

Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite absolutely splurge-worthy gift ideas, perfect for spoiling those in your life who deserve a little extra this holiday season. Need more ideas? Check out our favorite gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, Amazon gifts, Nordstrom gifts, ultra-practical gifts and gifts under $25.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

If you’re looking to really change someone’s life with a gift this holiday season, this kitchen gadget might be our top pick. This espresso machine boasts all the features that make Breville espresso machines so popular (we named another very similar Breville model our favorite splurge pick) — thoughtful design, precise temperature control, the full works. What makes it special is its intuitive touchscreen display, which enables you to whip up lattes, cappuccinos and a whole suite of café drinks with the press of a button. You can even adjust and personalize elements like coffee strength, temperature of the drink and the texture of the milk, making it perfect for coffee beginners and at-home barista types alike. See more of our favorite espresso machines here.

For the stylish, wine-loving friend or family member, these trendy wine glasses are the perfect gift. They’re gorgeous to display, hand-blown in Poland and attached to a cute story. Named after the founder’s grandmother, who “instilled in her a love of treasure hunting for beautiful finds,” the vintage-inspired tint has a charm that’s just irresistible. Plus, the wide assortment of colors makes it a breeze to match your choice to the recipient’s kitchen scheme and overall color preference.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

Once you go high-quality bedding, there’s really no going back. Give the gift of better rest with some of the most comfortable, breathable, luxurious bedding we’ve ever experienced. We named these the best linen sheets, in fact. These linen sheets are available in six different sizes, 11 gorgeous colors to fit any style and an optional top sheet.

For the person in need of a new kitchen set, our recommendation is Caraway. The brand’s ceramic-coated cookware is non-toxic, nonstick, easy to clean, versatile and great at conducting heat. This set has everything they’ll need in the kitchen, along with super-chic magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder that makes organization easy and aesthetically pleasing.

No matter how you feel about vacuuming, a cordless Dyson vacuum makes it 100 times more enjoyable. And while a vacuum could be interpreted as a controversial gift, this one’s just so good that we couldn’t leave it out. (A few Underscored editors have it and love it too.) All of Dyson’s cordless vacuums are incredibly lightweight, easy to use and great at picking up dust and dirt. The V12 features a laser that reveals microscopic dust, optimizes its own suction power and run time and is built with the latest hair-detangling technology.

Sometimes, giving a candle as a gift can sort of be seen as a cop-out. We can guarantee that if you give a Nest candle — and this option in particular — nobody will be thinking that at all. In fact, they’ll probably be hoping you got them the same thing. These burn beautifully, the scents are always rich without being overpowering and they’re perfectly balanced for any room of your home. This bestselling fragrance is everything you could want for the holidays. It’s woody, with notes of musk and amber — in simpler terms, a forest at Christmastime.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

Juicers are undeniably one of the more luxurious kitchen tools to have, but for the person who can’t resist fresh fruit and vegetable juices (and spends a lot of money on them), a high-quality juicer can easily pay for itself. And this is the best juicer we’ve ever tested. It’s compact enough and doesn’t take up too much counter space, while still packing a ton of power. The slow-squeeze technology mimics the motion of hand-squeezing juice, leaving you with deliciously fresh and pure juice, extremely dry pulp and limited waste.

We’re big fans of Bearaby’s internet-famous, perfectly chunky weighted blankets. Not only are they adorable to look at, they’re also great for getting better rest and just feeling calmer on those more stressful days. This velvet option, just like all of the brand’s weighted blankets, gets its weight from the fabric itself as opposed to glass or plastic beads. The material is sustainable and made from recycled marine plastic — though you’d never guess it from how soft and comfortable the velvet feels.

Yes, we’ve discovered a luxury kettle that we’re absolutely obsessed with. This super-chic kitchen gadget will garner all the compliments (speaking from experience) and makes for the perfect gift for anyone who can’t live without their tea or coffee. The variable control makes it easy to get precise with the temperature of your water, while features like a built-in timer make it a breeze to time your extraction. And that’s not even mentioning the precision-pour spout, which will seriously make you feel like an expert barista.

Outdoor furniture doesn’t come cheap. But if you really want to treat someone special this holiday season, we’d recommend a piece from Outer. The outdoor furniture brand specializes in well-designed, durable and comfortable pieces that are easier on the environment. The Wicker Outdoor Sofa is especially gorgeous and incredibly comfortable, plus it’s easy to put together and clean regularly.

For rowing beginners or pros, it doesn’t get much cooler than the Hydrow Wave Rower. Much more compact than other at-home rowers (it even folds up vertically), it offers a Peloton-like service where users can row alongside virtual trainers as they pull their way through various rivers and lakes across the world — from the River Thames to streams in Alaska. One of our editors has tried it for the past few weeks and has absolutely fallen in love. It’s available in a few lovely color options as well.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

This adorable cookware set isn’t just any old cookware set — it features Le Creuset’s iconic round Dutch oven, which won out as our best “splurge” Dutch oven. With perfect heat distribution, easy handling and high performance and durability, it’s a kitchen essential you can hand down to your children. Also included in the set are the brand’s Signature Saucepan and Signature Iron Handle Skillet. While having one of these items is a great way to add some fun color to your kitchen setup, the set is even more impactful.

If someone in your life is short on kitchen space, or just wants to downsize, the Brava Oven is one of the most impressive kitchen gadgets we’ve come across. It replaces a conventional oven, a microwave oven, air fryer, toaster and even more. The digital display is home to over 7,000 customizable cooking programs that are already downloaded onto your mini oven. You simply have to select what you want to make, put in the ingredients and the oven’s technology ensures it’s perfectly cooked, everytime. While the end result isn’t revolutionary, the time and stress it can save you certainly is.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

We concede that $450 seems like an extreme amount of money to spend on a blender, but the Vitamix Venturist V1200 (which we named the best luxury blender on the market), with its whopping 10-year warranty and plethora of functional, durable and just plain cool features, simply rose to the top in every test performed.

For anyone who loves their backyard entertaining, Solo Stove makes some of the coolest fire pits we’ve ever seen. Especially for any smoke-averse people, the brand’s signature airflow design results in way less smoke and an efficient burn that creates super-fine ash that’s easy to clean. The burn is totally mesmerizing, and overall it’s a perfect gift for fire pit newbies and pros alike.

Whether it’s a sunny summer backyard party or a chilly fall family reunion, pizza is always the perfect addition. And with this gas-powered pizza oven from Ooni, making incredibly delicious fresh pizza has never been easier. It’s the perfect big-ticket item to give anyone who loves to host and has the outdoor space to do so. They don’t even have to be a skilled cook — Ooni ovens are so intuitive, anyone can create culinary masterpieces in no time. Check out our review of it here.

For anyone who loves their Apple products, the brand’s AirPods Max are undeniably pricey — but they’re also a joy to use and experience. Their design is modern and unique, while the sound quality is stellar. The tech inside the headphones is super impressive as well. From Adaptive EQ that adjusts audio frequencies in real time to unmatched active noise cancellation and a 20-hour battery, there’s no denying that these sleek headphones would make for an incredible gift.

Frequent gymgoers, generally active people and honestly just about anyone knows that there’s nothing like a massage after a long day or a tough week. Therabody’s line of Theraguns is by and far the best massage guns on the market, and they’re trusted by the pros as well — Cristiano Ronaldo and Maria Sharapova just to name a few. The Theragun Pro delivers a deep muscle treatment that helps aid in your recovery, release tension and soothe discomfort. It comes with six different attachments that will target different areas of your body and different needs, plus two external batteries, and the arm rotates into four different positions so you can relax your body without straining it.

As our reviewer put it: “I can say unequivocally that the Sonos Sub Mini improves the sound of every Sonos speaker you pair it with.” And that alone has won us over. For anyone looking to improve their sound system, whether they enjoy playing music or watching “House of the Dragon,” the Sub Mini is compact and packs a punch.

The Catch:3 is a quintessential holiday gift: something you’re unlikely to buy for yourself, but that you cherish and use everyday after receiving it. While the price may seem high for a wireless charger and organizer tray, the marriage of the two is so much greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a gorgeous, high-quality piece of decor that ties together an entryway, bedside table or at-home office space. It helps keep my essentials organized and ensure that both my phone and AirPods are always charged.

Imagine your Keurig, but instead of coffee, out comes margaritas, cosmos and, well, espresso martinis. A perfect gift option for anyone who loves a good drink but isn’t interested in the mixology of it, this cocktail machine is a whole lot of adult-only fun, because there’s nothing wrong with wanting your boozy beverages to be a little easier to make at home. Simply insert a cocktail capsule, select your preferred strength and the machine does the rest. All you need to have on hand is the liquor of your choice.

Smartwatches are a beloved piece of tech for many people, and for many different reasons — from health monitoring to fitness tracking and just staying connected without your phone. But one thing’s for sure, they make really great gifts. This option has been called by one of our writers as “a better version of what’s long been the best smartwatch,” so you can be sure it’s worth the investment. Some of its features include crash detection, temperature sensing, blood oxygen levels, sleep and fitness tracking and a lot more.

Definitely a splurge-but-worth-it gift pick. We fell in love with this portable, easy-to-use projector in our Samsung Freestyle review. Not only is it an excellent projector that can project up to a 100-inch screen, it can also be a speaker, a light or a groovy star show projector.

For the doting cat parents in your life, this innovative, high-tech litter robot is an incredibly impressive piece of technology that makes scooping poop a chore of the past. It’s a fully automatic, self-cleaning litter box that’s also WiFi-enabled. Through the accompanying app, you can track how often your cat or cats go, and you get a read of their weight, every time they step into the box — which is one of the best ways to keep track of their health. There’s no smell, it’s really quiet and it’s a hassle-free way to ensure that your cat’s box is always clean.

Fitness is frequently top of mind come the new year, but heading to the gym isn’t always everyone’s first choice. If you’re interested in an at-home option for diverse and effective workouts, the Tempo Move might be right for you. This unique home gym setup, which includes a cabinet of smart weights, guides you through workouts, gives you personal feedback on your form, pushes you and tells you when you’re ready for harder workouts and tracks your performance to tailor future training plans. One of the best parts is how compact the entire setup is, so you don’t have to worry about setting up something that will take over an entire room.

This heavenly soft cashmere throw works as a scarf, a shawl — really anything you want it to be. Its versatility and universal appeal (because who doesn’t want some luxurious cashmere) make it the perfect holiday gift option. It’s made from 100% Mongolian cashmere — which is super breathable and wrinkle-free — and available in six different colors. Plus, no need to worry about sizing!

For any minimalists, this wallet is a total game changer when it comes to downsizing their everyday essentials. We love how sleek and chic, yet simple, this option from Saint Laurent is, while the iconic gilt monogram makes this complete luxury. It’s available in three different colors, with a chic peach and an eye-catching golden taupe in addition to the classic black.

One of the prettiest necklaces we’ve ever seen (and holiday-appropriate!), and all of Soru’s jewelry is handmade by family-run workshops and artisans in Italy and Turkey. Each piece being unique; this one is made with various sizes of faceted emerald green crystals.

A great winter coat is a gift that’ll last years. And don’t let the good looks of this option fool you — it’s a super-practical, everyday option that’ll look equally stylish on your way into the office and during a chilly night out. It’s also water-repellent, fully lined and made with both outer and interior welt pockets.

A dome ring is one of our favorite pieces of statement jewelry. Not only are they a great way to show off your style, they’re super comfortable and easy to wear. This option from Kinn, one of our favorite jewelry brands, adds a diamond to their fan-favorite Dome Ring I. if you prefer a different precious stone, you also have the option of swapping out the diamond for an emerald, blue sapphire or yellow sapphire.

Lunya’s washable silk is total luxury — without the high maintenance. You can simply machine wash on cold and not have to worry about ruining or damaging the material in any way. While any of the brand’s products would make for an incredible gift, this robe is a true editor favorite. It’s perfect for those slightly chillier mornings and evenings, and structured enough that you can wear it around the horse without feeling too exposed.

The perfect do-it-all bag, this tote works for weekend getaways, international vacations or taking you from the office to the gym. It sports a luggage sleeve, adjustable crossbody strap and tons of pockets that help with organizing all your stuff. In addition to being extremely lightweight and comfortable to carry, the material is super easy to clean and pack away. Plus, the black lacquer is a perfect stylish step up from your everyday basic black bag, while just as versatile.

Watches are a classic gift option, and it’s hard to go wrong with this, forgive our pun, timeless option. This option from Shinola was built and engineered with longevity and quality top of mind. The high-accuracy quartz movement was hand-assembled in Detroit with Swiss and imported parts, and is made up of 43 components. The case is made from sapphire crystal and features a classic pumpkin crown, and the sophisticated leather strap only looks better over time.

Lovers of luxury will be no stranger to Gucci’s iconic loafer. These feature a chic silhouette and subtle yet distinct piece of gold hardware. And for as casual as slip-on mules can be, these are actually super versatile — simple and comfortable enough to wear every day, or dressy enough to reserve for the office and dressier days.

These boots from Koio are one of those gifts that will most likely last a person the rest of their life. The brand’s boots are unbelievably high-quality, durable and comfortable, and this option is no exception. The design is classic yet stylish, and the timeless style makes them a breeze to pair with all types of outfits, ranging from totally casual to more polished.

Croissant-style or twisted hoops are all the rage right now, which isn’t surprising considering how effortless yet elegant the style is. This option from Mejuri adds that extra level of luxury by intertwining 14-karat solid gold with ethically sourced pavé diamonds.

For the fashionista who has it all (and potentially particular taste), this Instagram-famous pajama set is super luxe, totally stylish and just a whole lot of fun. It’s made from a lightweight, silk-crepe-like material and features tonal piping, mother-of-pearl buttons and detachable feather cuffs that are completely extra and elegant at the same time.

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Manifest a year of travel and exploration by gifting the globetrotter in your life the only carry-on suitcase they’ll ever need. Away’s Carry-On won our award for the best carry-on luggage of the year thanks to its durability, thoughtful organization, smart features and, of course, its super-chic design. For someone who wants to make an impression (and ensure their luggage never gets mixed up with anyone else’s), we’d recommend this aluminum model.

For those who truly prefer to travel in luxury, this four-piece set is everything you need to forget you’re stuck on a plane, train, car or any other mode of transportation and not in a hotel bed. It includes a silk travel pillowcase, eye mask, cashmere throw and deluxe cashmere socks. You can even have it monogrammed!

If there’s ever a situation where you’re using a travel backpack and nothing else, I’d suggest the Monos Metro Backpack every single time. The perfect gift for a constant globetrotter, the bag is made from a water-resistant vegan leather that’s surprisingly durable and super sleek. Despite not looking bulky, the backpack can fit a shocking amount, probably due to the smart design and thoughtful pockets. And of course, it comes with all the airport must-haves: a separate laptop sleeve, trolley sleeve and best of all, an interchangeable front pocket that can easily be detached. It’s perfect for storing essentials and anything else you’ll want by your side on a long trip.

Dyson has been investing in innovation within the beauty space — the brand has announced plans to launch 20 new products in the next four years — and it shows. The latest iteration of the Dyson Airwrap has been re-engineered for more efficiency, easier styling and different hair types. The new barrels curl in both directions, which is a huge improvement from the previous model. And there have also been improvements for controlling shape, while the multi-functional smoothing dryer works to dry your hair, sans any flyaways. All this being said, it’s still the same versatile, multipurpose hair tool that’s always on our beauty vanity, and that the pros love as well.

This MUA-approved beauty tool is definitely pricey, but experts swear that it’s worth it. The NuFace Trinity Complete Facial Toning Kit comes with the NuFace Trinity Facial Trainer Device, a microcurrent treatment device that aims to rejuvenate skin, in addition to multiple attachments that help the device target different parts of your face and a hydrating gel primer.

For a gift that may feel like it’s from the future, we can’t recommend this sauna blanket enough. According to our social lead Stephanie Griffin, “This popular portable device is an at-home infrared blanket that I use nightly in my living room for quick, 45-minute sweat sessions. It helps to detoxify the body, relax the mind, boost your mood, promote glowing skin… The list goes on. It’s a splurge, but I believe it’s worth it!”

What do you get when you pair nostalgia and luxury with a beautiful scent? This perfume, to be exact. Beloved for its luxe apothecary-inspired bottles and creative scents, this Maison Margiela fragrance is a bestseller and fan favorite — and it’s particularly perfect for wintertime. The scent is warm and spicy, combining orange flowers with clove oil, chestnut accord and vanilla, evoking the coziness and comfort of sitting in front of a fireplace as the show falls outside.

For the makeup minimalist, this collection from clean, vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand Merit Beauty is everything they could want and need. All the products have a natural finish and application that emphasizes your beauty without covering anything up — and all the products are easy to apply either with the included blending brush or your fingers. One of our particular favorites is the tinted lip oil, which nourishes your lips while providing them with the perfect wash of color.

There are no eyeshadows that compare to those from PatMcGrath. Their pigmentation and quality are unmatched, particularly when it comes to typically difficult colors like purples, dark blues and reds. The 18-shade Mthrshp Mega: Celestial Nirvana Palette is a dream combo of standard blending colors, stunning shimmer and glitter shades and extremely opaque, colorful matte shades that will blow any makeup lover away. Its combination and savings when paired with the Divine Blush & Glow Trio — which has everything you could ever want for countless different blush looks — is a match made in heaven.

For someone looking to make the leap into clean beauty, Youth To The People is one of the best brands out there and this vault has everything one would need for a holistic AM and PM routine. All the products are vegan, cruelty-free and in recyclable packaging. Plus, you’ll get adorable limited-edition socks, a trucker hat and tote bag — because apparel is always a fun plus.

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December 5, 2022
30 subscriptions that actually make fantastic holiday gifts | CNN Underscored

Watching a loved one rip into a package on Christmas morning is nice. But knowing several more will be coming throughout the year? Now, that’s what we call capturing the holiday spirit. Monthly subscription services truly are the gifts that keep on giving, and whether you’re shopping for a foodie, a beauty lover, a plant fanatic or someone who’s coffee-obsessed, there’s a service for everyone on your list.

Need more gift ideas? Check out our favorite gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, ultra-practical gifts and Nordstrom gifts.

Voracious readers will appreciate a gift subscription to this service that allows them to choose from five curated new titles each month. Haven’t had time to finish a book before the next book is sent? You can skip a month. Want more to read? Add other books from the site, including top books from previous months for an additional fee.

A monthly subscription to the Audible service will be well received for those who prefer to listen to their books. The service includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and original programming. Want to take it for a spin yourself? Test it out with a free 30-day trial and cancel anytime.

Each Bokksu box comes packed full of 20-plus varieties of Japanese candies and snacks from family-owned businesses, plus a tea pairing and a cultural guide detailing its contents’ origins and flavors. Read our review of it here.

A gift for a furry friend is truly the best one you could give. Every Barkbox comes with two toys, two bags of all-natural treats and one chew, all tailored to a monthly theme.

Yes, cats can have their own subscription boxes too. This one sends them toys filled with catnip and treats. Plus you can choose the right box for you, including ones for multi-cat households or those with dietary needs.

For the person who can never have enough socks, this subscription box sends them a fancy, fun new pair every month.

The sweetest gift for the sugar fiends on your list? A box filled with goodies (think chocolates, buttery cookies, Moose Munch popcorn and more) delivered to their doorsteps each month. Each box comes with a different theme so they’ll never grow tired of a certain treat.

With the gift of MasterClass, your giftee can choose to study creative writing with Margaret Atwood, acting with Samuel L. Jackson and so much more. Offering digestible virtual lessons on users’ own time, MasterClass is anyone’s best bet for learning a new skill.

Amateur bartenders will toast this gift subscription that delivers a box filled with three recipes and all the ingredients (minus the alcohol) needed to make 12 drinks (four per recipe). Available in monthly, three-month, six-month or 12-month subscriptions, the November box featured an American apple brandy theme, with recipes from New York-based mixologists. We’ll drink to that!

If you’re shopping for a homebody on your list (and this year, who isn’t), GlobeIn delivers handcrafted items from around the globe to keep your surroundings beautiful. Check out our review of it here.

This subscription club sends one must-own record from the Golden Era of Vinyl (which is the 1960s to the 1970s in their opinion) each month, handpicked by the experts at Amazon Music. For anyone who prefers records above anything else, this is the gift for them.

Flowers on repeat? Yes, please! Brighten someone’s day over and over again with this thoughtful gift that delivers lovely arrangements to the lucky recipient’s door on a weekly, biweekly or monthly schedule. Choose from Classic, Seasonal or Luxe bouquets — from $55, $85 and $105 per delivery, respectively — and be prepared for many, many thank-you notes to come.

For your favorite snacker, this box sends them at least five treats from a different country every single month. If they’re craving variety, they’ll love this.

If you’re buying a gift for a couple, this box comes with relationship-building games and activities focused on making them laugh and also reconnect.

For the person who can never have too many plants around, this subscription box includes two houseplants in 4-inch pots, two fertilizer tabs to keep each plant fed for up to 6 months, and a 1-year subscription to a plant care app called Super Greg. Now that’s thoughtful.

The biggest carnivore in your life will love this one. Take your pick from jerky snacks and cured meat sticks that will be delivered to them on a monthly basis.

The overall winner of Underscored’s best overall coffee subscription box testing, Blue Bottle’s service offers customized, delicious, high-quality coffee perfect for a wide variety of coffee drinkers. Choose from several subscriptions that allow you to opt for single-origin coffees, espresso beans or decaf, or a mix-and-match option and pick from one-, two-, three- or four-week intervals as well as coffee sizes from 6 to 36 ounces.

Give the coffee lover in your life the gift of single-origin beans from around the world. Atlas Coffee Club will send one box of beans from a different country every month, along with an informational card and brewing instructions. Read our full review here.

Rated Underscored’s best coffee subscription for those craving variety, Trade’s service begins with a helpful coffee quiz to get you started and offers a number of customizable settings and more than 400 coffee options. It’s easy to try new and interesting coffees with a seemingly unlimited variety of coffee beans to choose from. Plus, Trade allows you to pick which coffees are sent to you, giving you more control than many other services.

Huge coffee snob on your list? Rated the best coffee subscription for the budding connoisseur, a Black Box subscription from Angel’s Cup is a no-brainer. This subscription sends you a box of four different roasts, with only the roast date and a five-digit number to differentiate them. The idea is that each shipment is a blind tasting, so once you brew and drink each coffee, you go to Angel’s Cup’s mobile app to input and rate your tasting notes, comparing your scores to the roastmaster and other people who have tasted the same coffee.

For the person who’s Keurig or bust, this subscription sends them 15 K-cups of coffee, filled with artisan blends along with a detailed description of the coffee. For the coffee nerd who doesn’t like to wait 10 minutes for their latte, this is perfect.

Pairing a favorite hot beverage with classic literature? Sign us up! This unique subscription sends you a 12-ounce bag of coffee plus two new hard cover books of your chosen genre: acclaimed fiction, horror, fantasy, you name it. There’s even an option for a “Surprise me” book to really keep them on their toes.

Beauty and wellness subscription gifts

Know someone stressed out who could use a monthly reminder to indulge in some self-care? This highly rated box is filled with 10 or more treasures each month, including full-size vegan, cruelty-free products. Past boxes have featured jewelry, face serums and masks, candles, snacks, tea, soaps, books, bath bombs and coffee mugs.

Shopping for someone seriously into skin care? This subscription sends sheet masks their way, making it especially good for someone who wants new beauty products on the regular.

With the Allure Beauty Box, they get at least six products (at least three of which will be full-size) delivered to their door on a monthly basis. Given Allure’s overall beauty expertise, this would be a fantastic gift for your favorite beauty fanatic.

Know someone who could use a little pampering? This subscription box comes with seven pampering products plus one self-care activity that can help them keep their mind off things. Reviewers love it.

Makeup and beauty obsessives will swoon over a subscription to Birchbox, which, since 2010, has been delivering boxes filled with sample-size items. Available in monthly, three-month or 12-month plans, products include skin care, hair care, makeup, nail polish and more.

Curated specifically for women of color, this highly rated subscription service box includes five to eight full-size and deluxe travel-size products featuring everything from lipstick to body wash and face masks to false eyelashes.

Love the idea of your BFF, sister or favorite workout pal unpacking a curated box filled with wellness, fitness and beauty products four times a year? This popular subscription service curates six to eight full-size items (and allows for customization for some of them). Past boxes have included a Michael Kors beanie, Koral ankle weights, Dr. Brandt collagen serum, a Sur La Table silicone utensil set and an Unhide blanket, to name just a few.

The spiritually minded will show loads of gratitude for these monthly boxes that feature five to seven full-size products such as crystals, spiritual growth tools, aromatherapy, snacks and vegan beauty items. Past boxes have included candy, candles, jewelry and essential oil sprays.

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December 5, 2022
Editors’ picks: The 41 best holiday gifts our editors have ever given or received | CNN Underscored

Editor’s Picks

Sometimes, everyday products our editors use don’t make it into our in-depth, long-form comparative pieces in which we vigorously test similar products head-to-head. That’s where our Editors’ Picks come in — where we highlight everyday products we personally stand by and use on a daily basis, and think you should too.

Getting just the right holiday gift can feel like a lot of pressure. While we’ve got plenty of gift ideas for what to get them, we also have firsthand experience with both giving and receiving lots and lots of different gifts.

And not to brag, but we are pretty great at giving gifts. Ahead you’ll find the best gifts we’ve ever given and received. Need more ideas? Check out our favorite gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, practical gifts, Amazon gifts and Nordstrom gifts.

Swap your grimy loofah for Goshi’s bestselling shower towel, which features a contrasting weave that gently exfoliates skin while you lather up.

Picked by: Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

Read our review

“My mom is great at finding unexpected beauty gifts that I’ve come to love. Case in point, this luxe safety razor,” our beauty editor says. “My mom and I both appreciate giving and receiving presents that are beautiful and, most importantly, useful, and that’s exactly what this is.”

Picked by: Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

Read our review

“As someone who has both gifted and received the Dyson Airwrap, I can confirm that it’s worth every penny,” our beauty editor says “It’s a blow dryer, hair curler and styler all in one, and it’s just as futuristic as it looks. I love the brush attachments for getting the smoothest, sleekest blowout at home, but it’s super easy to switch it up and use the curling barrels, too.”

Picked by: Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

Read our review

This at-home treatment is like a science experiment for your feet. It will give you all the feels, from dismay and revulsion — while the skin on your tootsies molts — to gratification and total and utter devotion when the end result is a pair of baby-soft feet.

Picked by: Chelsea Stone, senior editor

Read our review

If you struggle with breakouts or hormonal acne, consider this cleanser from CeraVe formulated with salicylic acid. Our editor noticed a huge difference after swapping to this cult fave for just a few weeks.

Picked by: Lindsey Smith, associate editor

This growth serum will give a little extra love to your lashes and brows. Our editor saw results in just two weeks with daily use as part of their morning routine.

Picked by: Savannah Born, Underscored intern

This mouthwash keeps our breath smelling good all day long. The bottle is deceivingly big, so it lasted us plenty of time before we needed a restock. The brand also makes a variety of flavors, so you can choose which one is best for you.

Picked by: Tyler Holender, Underscored intern

This essential oil blend is not too overpowering. It is a subtle mixture of lavender, orange, chamomile and peppermint scents. Plus, the roll-on feature makes it very easy to apply.

Picked by: Savannah Born, Underscored intern

This spray improves hair texture and shine, and it smells so good you might even want to wear it as perfume.

Picked by: Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

A personalized necklace with their name is nice, but this one features not only their birthstone but other particular gemstones and crystals correlated to their specific birthdate. The backside of the pendant can also be customized with their birthday, initials and zodiac glyph. It’s an easy way to say “I really, really care about you.”

Picked by: Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

If you’re looking for a fantastic everyday bag for your loved one, you can’t get more versatile than this. According to one of our editors, it’s “spacious enough to fit all my everyday essentials and even a large wallet, and comes with a thick black band that gives you the option to throw the purse over your shoulder or hold it by the handle for a classier look.”

Picked by: Sarai Thompson, social coordinator

“My mom is incredibly sentimental and after losing both of her parents, I knew I wanted to get her something special,” says our associate editor. “This personalized handwritten necklace from MignonandMignon was the perfect gift to pay tribute to my grandparents. I found a card they wrote to her, and the company captured the handwriting perfectly. It’s an affordable yet thoughtful gift.”

Picked by: Lindsey Smith, associate editor

“Earlier this year, I got my partner and myself matching custom sneakers with our initials on the back,” our beauty editor says. “It was a cute anniversary gift, but could be a sentimental present for any occasion. The Air Force 1 style is timeless and comfortable, and you can make it totally your own with custom colors and monogram on the back.”

Picked by: Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

“What’s the holidays without a gift that will make Mom cry? My family’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe, passed down from my mom’s grandma, is the stuff of legend,” says one of our senior editors. “And to celebrate it in all its glory, I got her this plate personalized with the recipe, which is written in my mom’s own handwriting.”

Picked by: Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

“My partner and I are still working on building this Lego Globe that I recently gifted him for his birthday,” our beauty editor says. “It’s so cool to see it come together, and I’d recommend it for anyone who’s into puzzles. This is one of Lego’s adult sets that are for ages 18 and up, and although it is pretty complex, I’m sure your kids would be able to follow along with some supervision, making it a fun gift for the whole family.”

Picked by: Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

These linen sheets from Cozy Earth are ideal for hot sleepers. Plus, we found they get even softer with each wash.

Picked by: Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Etsy gifts are the best gifts, and these embroidery hoops would make a great accent in any home. According to our associate editor, “You’re not only buying something one-of-a-kind but you’re supporting a small business, and nothing feels better than that.”

Picked by: Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Yana isn’t just your average long pillow; it’s an innovative U-shaped pillow that wraps around your body and contours to your curves. That’s right — a pillow that hugs you back. You haven’t known comfort until you’ve enjoyed a peaceful slumber wrapped up in a Yana.

Picked by: Chelsea Stone, senior editor

In just a few seconds, this “superwhisk” helps makes a frothy, delicious coffee drink. We’ve used cheaper whisks and frothers before, but they are typically weak and battery-operated and never truly frothed the milk the way we like. This one recharges with a USB port, making it far more long-lasting and powerful.

Picked by: Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

If you know someone who always has The Beatles channel at the top of their Spotify list, McCartney’s two-volume set is a must. Filled with lyrics from 154 of his iconic songs from 1956 to today, along with commentaries on origins and inspirations, the books also include photos, paintings, handwritten texts and more, which makes a great gift for music lovers.

Picked by: Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

This dish brush makes washing dishes easier and more sustainable. Once you try it, you’ll ditch traditional sponges for good.

Picked by: Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

Read our review

Get your shower essentials off the ground with this wall organizer. The super-strong adhesive holds all your products for a no-fuss and stumble-free shower experience.

Picked by: Tyler Holender, Underscored intern

Getting sick of staring at your sponge on the counter? This sponge holder solution keeps your sponge dry, clean and out of sight.

Picked by: Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

These stackable organizers help maximize space underneath your bathroom sink. They’re deceptively spacious, so get ready to categorize and store every single one of your makeup and skin care products — and be able to actually find them now too.

Picked by: Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Our editor loved that these pillows were not too full and not too flat. They’re the perfect Goldilocks pillow for those who readjust throughout the night. We also named them our best budget pillows for side sleepers and back sleepers.

Picked by: Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

Read our review

If you love garlic but dread prepping it, then this is the tool for you! Simply stick a clove in the clear part, then roll the tool along your kitchen counter until your garlic is pulverized. Food prep has never been so fun.

Picked by: Chelsea Stone, senior editor

This New Mexico Piñon coffee has a natural taste similar to a festive holiday blend that’s especially delicious in the winter.

Picked by: Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

This 14-pack of stretchy silicone lids in varying sizes will keep your food tasting fresh. They’re made of a thick silicone, so they won’t rip, and there are enough sizes in this 14-pack for pretty much any dish. After you’re ready to eat your leftovers, you can plop these lids right into the dishwasher and use again next time.

Picked by: Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

If your kitchen sink cabinet is becoming a real mess, try these grid storage baskets, which make it easy to find the items you reach for most.

Picked by: Lindsey Smith, associate editor

The Apple AirTag is the perfect tool to bring on your next trip. Its simplicity, functionality and size will ensure you never lose track of your bags while on the go.

Picked by: Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Read our review

“My best friend gifted me this passport holder just before my semester studying abroad in college,” our beauty editor says. “It’s now been with me to over 10 countries and reminds me of my favorite destinations. While the exact same one isn’t available anymore, Etsy has plenty of cute options that are a similar style.”

Picked by: Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

A good carry-on suitcase can be hard to find, but if you’re in the mood for a splurge gift, we can’t recommend this one enough. According to our travel editor, it’s got plenty of space inside to hold all of the essentials for a quick weekend trip, two TSA-approved locks to keep your belongings safe and the smoothest-rolling wheels we’ve ever experienced on a piece of luggage.

Picked by: Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

If they’ve got all the travel gadgets they can get their hands on, this book would make for a lovely gift. According to our travel editor, even if you’ve not got upcoming travel booked, this is the perfect read for curling up at home and picturing far corners of the globe through Bourdain’s words.

Picked by: Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

Want sunglasses that are comfortable, go with everything and look way more expensive than they actually are? Pick up a pair of Peepers Sunglasses or gift them to someone on your holiday list.

Picked by: Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

Too many clothes but not enough space? Free up some room in your suitcase or closet with these bags. They’re great for organizing and storing seasonal clothes. Plus, the smaller sizes make ideal travel companions.

Picked by: Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Tired of not being able to watch in-flight movies with your favorite Bluetooth headphones? Prepare to love the Twelve South AirFly Duo. With a simple setup, this product is a game changer for frequent travelers who want to go totally wireless.

Picked by: Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

Read our review

This cheap trash can helps you keep your car from turning into a disaster. It’s stable, convenient and leakproof, giving you a worry-free way to tidy up your car.

Picked by: Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

Read our review

This power adapter is an absolute must-have if you’re traveling internationally. It’s got four easy-to-use settings — EU, UK, Australia and US — that will cover you in more than 150 countries. It can simultaneously charge five devices through its four USB ports and one universal AC socket.

Picked by: Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

Shouldn’t your pup be able to enjoy PSL season too? These soft and chewy, wheat-free and oven-baked treats come in pumpkin, peanut butter and cinnamon flavors.

Picked by: Stephanie Griffin, social lead

This flopping fish keeps our felines entertained for hours. It’s (relatively) realistic and is the perfect kicker toy for the feline in your life. It looks like a fish and its tail flops on contact. Plus, it’s got catnip in it — a huge plus to pique your cat’s interest. The device is chargeable via an included USB cable.

Picked by: Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

If you’ve got a destructive chewer, you know there are only a few toys your pet can really go to town on that won’t fall apart. Fill this Kong ball with treats and let your pet chew away for hours trying to get them out. And after months of abuse, it should still look as good as new.

Picked by: Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

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December 2, 2022