These Christmas Gifts Are So Good, You’ll Want to Add Them to Your Own Wishlist

Christmas—the season of hot chocolate, ugly sweaters, and, of course, racing to find gifts for your friends and family. To avoid the last-minute scramble, I’m starting my holiday shopping early this year. That said, early doesn’t always equal easy. 

Luckily, I’m a professional gift giver, and my presents never (aka rarely) miss. With years of gift-guide writing and expert scrolling under my belt, I’ve learned which gifts are instant hits and which ones end up in the return pile. 

Whether you’re on the hunt for a gift for your loved one—or inspiration for your own wishlist—you’ve come to the right place. To help you hit the mark, I compiled the best gifts for the holidays. Here are my faves, including customized photo books, cozy bamboo PJs, tech gadgets, and more. 

Best Budget-Friendly Gifts

Not all high-quality Christmas gifts have to break the bank—and having a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for socks. Anthropologie’s Holiday Mug is a fun twist on the brand’s classic icon glasses, with festive designs including a gingerbread man, Christmas tree, and ice skate to get them in the holiday spirit.   

This JBL mini speaker is always on when I’m getting ready. Don’t let its small size fool you—it delivers sound quality so good, you’d think it was 10 times bigger. It scores extra points for portability, making it great for beach days, road trips, and more. 

Best Luxe Gifts

Slouchy shoulder bags are having a moment right now, and this Michael Kors one is just the right size. It comes in both leather and suede—both high quality, stylish, and built to last. I can’t believe it’s on Amazon. 

You can’t go wrong with a good fragrance, and Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume never misses. With notes of cardamom, iris, violet, and sandalwood, it has a warm, woody smell. You can even personalize the box and label it with their name. 

Best Hosting Gifts

Holiday hosting is no easy feat, which is why these gifts will make any entertainer’s Christmas a little sweeter. I used to think all olive oils were basically the same—until I tried Graza. Seriously, it’s that good. This Sizzle and Drizzle gift set includes two bottles of extra virgin olive oil: one for cooking and one for finishing. 

Another favorite? The Estelle Colored Glasses—a true wine night essential. The six-piece set comes in 11 colors, adding a fun touch to any gathering. But don’t worry, they’re still elegant. 

Best Personalized Gifts

One can never have too many pouches, which is why I love the Weezie Large Signature Toiletry Bag. I gifted it to my best friend, and it was a huge hit. The terry material is super soft, and once it’s customized with their initials, it makes the perfect travel accessory. 

For something more personal, go with the Mixbook Photo Book. I gave one to my mom last year, and it’s had a permanent spot on our coffee table ever since. The best part is how easy it is to make. I designed it all from my smartphone—selecting photos, customizing the layout, and adding text.

Best Cozy Gifts 

When it comes to sleepwear, I used to be a die-hard oversized, torn T-shirt girl. After trying this pajama set from Cozy Earth, I don’t think I can go back. The bamboo material is so soft and breathable that it’s basically cured my night sweats. I have both the long-sleeve and short-sleeve versions, so I’m set year round.

I go through ebbs and flows with reading, but the Kindle Paperwhite is a game-changer. It’s so slim and lightweight that I can toss it in my work bag, purse, or even a belt bag without needing to haul a hardcover around. Plus, it holds a charge ridiculously well. I’ve had it for months and have only needed to charge it five times.

Best Gardening Gifts

If they don’t have much outdoor space, this Click & Grow Smart Garden System will add greenery indoors. It comes with three basil plant capsules and smart soil to help their plants soak up just the right amount of water and sunlight. 

For those with a yard, this Pottery Barn Villa Copper Bird Feeder is another must-have. It’s big enough to hold 1.3 pounds of seeds, and the roof-like overhang protects birds from rain or excessive sunlight as they snack.

Best Tech Gifts

There’s no better gift than a good night’s sleep, and the Hatch Restore 3 makes it happen. It encourages a blue light-free nighttime routine, letting you choose from calming white noise or other natural sounds. I especially love the sunrise alarm feature—so much better than the jarring iPhone alarm.

Growing up, I used to love sitting in those massage chairs in the mall, and the Hydragun Atom Mini Massage Gun gives you that same sort of relief on the go. It lasts five hours on a single charge, and the compact design makes it easy to travel with. 

Best Fashion and Accessory Gifts 

Winter calls for soft sweaters, and there’s nothing better than cozy cashmere. Quince’s new oversized crewneck sweater is so comfy that they’ll never want to take it off. And speaking of cashmere, I’m obsessed with this Aritzia scarf. Unlike wool, which can feel itchy and heavy, this one is soft and smooth on the skin. 

I never leave the house without my gold mini hoops, and this pair from Mejuri is a perfect everyday staple. It’s the right size for wearing solo or stacking with other earrings for a more layered look. And, as someone who always loses earring backs, I can relax knowing they click shut and stay secure all day long. 

Best Beauty and Self Care Gifts

Help them unwind with Flamingo Estate’s The Mini Garden Tour. The set comes with heritage extra virgin olive oil, rosemary and clary sage hand soap, and a sage candle. Simply put, it’s the ultimate luxury. 

I’ve tried more hair tools than I can count, and the Shark HD435 FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System remains one of my favorites. It’s basically an all-in-one, with a blow dryer, brush, curlers, and a curl diffuser. It gives my hair that post-blow-out look without the heat damage. 

Who We Are 

Jamie Fischer is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens who has been writing gift guides for over two years, which basically makes her a professional shopper. For this list, she spent hours looking for the best potential presents—including the greatest gifts she’s ever given or received.