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At Well+Good, it’s our MO to research, test, and review products in beauty, fitness, wellness, style, and more to find you the best picks across all categories. More often than not, what W+G editors share with you are items that we want for ourselves—and this especially rings true when it comes to gifts.
So in the spirit of the holiday season, we asked Well+Good editors about the gifts they would want to give or receive this year. The resulting list is a collection of fabulously varied and unique ideas, ranging from practical to indulgent to just plain fun. Think beauty best-sellers to luxe fragrances, gadgets to home goods, and coveted closet staples, including active and loungewear. With a wide array of editor-approved gifts to peruse, you’ll undoubtedly find something that the people—whether mom, sister, or best friend—on your list would want to unwrap, too.
With this in mind, check out the 16 gifts that come personally recommended by W+G editors… many of which you may just want to get for yourself.
Shop W+G editor-approved gifts
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“My toddler can spot a singular grain of rice or breadcrumb in the most obscure corners of our apartment, so this holiday season, I am prioritizing asking for the important stuff (like this powerful vacuum) for her safety and my peace of mind. This one checks all of my boxes: It has great suction, is easy to store, is lightweight, and has long-lasting battery power, which is ideal since I plan on using it daily,” – Aimee Simeon, Senior Beauty Editor
“I’m getting married in a couple months and have been looking for the perfect dainty earring to gift my bridesmaids. I’ve always loved the sleek look of Mejuri’s jewelry, so when I found these hoops, I knew they were perfect. The white topaz gemstones give off just enough sparkle. I even bought a pair for myself to match,” – Allisyon Forsyth, Associate Health Editor
“I like the tactility of hands-on crafting to keep me off my phone and out of my head. A pottery kit like this one from Sculpd is the perfect at-home activity—and is less expensive than a pottery class. It comes with air-dried clay, which you can use to sculpt whatever you want, like a catch-all tray, a mug, or, if you’re ambitious, a vase. A large part of the gift is the end result, which has instant sentimental value because you made it yourself,” – Danielle Calma, Commerce Writer
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“I like receiving books as a gift, and if you have a book lover in your life, a Book of Month gift card is one great option. A subscription provides readers with the choice among newly released books from popular authors across different genres. Subscribers receive one book per month, making it the perfect gift for voracious readers or those who want to expand their reading palate. A 3-month subscription starts at $60.00, and you also have the option of 6-month ($100) or12-month ($200) subscriptions.” – Calma
“I love a warm, spicy scent and I used to drop $99 on Phlur’s Missing Person Perfume. But ever since receiving Fine’ry’s Without A Trace Perfume, I’ve noticed it’s basically a dupe of Missing Person for a fraction of the price. I’ve gotten so many compliments wearing it out, and I find it lasts way longer than other perfumes I’ve used in the past,” – Danielle Zickl, Fitness Editor
“To know me is to know that I’m Gwyneth and Goop obsessed. I’ve tried all three of these products and love them all. Now I just need my nearest and dearest to help me keep my stash stocked. This is the set if you want to appear polished and refreshed without a heavy makeup look,” – Danny Feekes, Head of Commerce
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“If you’re like me, you wait until the holidays to request those expensive gadgets you probably should own by now but, for whatever reason, don’t. If you are, put this aesthetic air purifier on your list. It’s so beautiful, the way a piece of equipment that sits out for everyone to see should be. And it’s whisper-quiet; my roommate’s old air purifier sounds like a jet engine whenever we accidentally smoke out the house while cooking. This one barely makes a peep, which makes it that much more discreet. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving anyone on your list will be thrilled to unwrap,” – Francesca Krempa, Commerce Editor
“My best friend and I have been obsessed with Wicked since we were in college and have been counting down the days until the movie release. I’ll be getting her (don’t tell her!) this candle set from Voluspa. It’s equal parts kitschy and luxe, and both smell incredible, perfectly capturing the essence of (what I think) Glinda and Elphaba’s signature scents would be,” – Krempa
“I recently made the switch from coffee to matcha and I’m loving it! It has transformed my mornings, and I look forward to my slow and intentional matcha-making ritual. I am eyeing a proper ceremonial set to really amp up my morning routine and this pick from Walmart would look gorgeous on my kitchen counter,” – Gabriela Garcia, Senior Commerce Editor
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“I am getting tired of my tried-and-true Apple watch and am looking for a wearable that looks a bit more elevated. This Oura 4 Ring (in gold) is at the top of my wishlist thanks to its sleek design, upgraded technology, and ability to be worn practically 24/7 with ease,” – Garcia
“Ok, so I already own these PJs, but they’re so darn comfortable that I’m asking for another set. They’re stretchy and breathable (made from bamboo!) and the piping detail makes me feel super put together, even when I wake up looking like a troll. Fit note: I tend to sit between sizes, and I sized up for these because they have a drawstring waistband and I like my jammers on the roomy side,” – Jamey Powell, Commerce Writer
“As a mom who works from home, I pretty much exclusively reach for one of my Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bags for errands and school drop-off during the week. Ever since I received this bag as a gift, though, it’s been my go-to weekend tote. I love that it has the same practical functionality of the Belt Bag (cross-body FTW) with an elevated look that’s perfect for everything from brunching to farmers’ market-strolling,” – Kaitlin Ahern, Health Director
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“Charcuterie might seem like a weird item to give, but I was sent this board when I first moved into my apartment and it was such a sweet and thoughtful gift. It looks stunning upon arrival and can be such a helpful addition to the entertaining season. Whether you are thanking someone for letting you stay with them or are missing them during the holidays, this can be a generous (and tasty) way to let them know. There are special holiday-edition boards that would be great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah, or general ones for those events in between,” – Katie Maguire, Senior Director of Commerce
“Judge me all you want, but a few years ago, I returned most of my Christmas presents in exchange for this Dyson Airwrap. I’m pretty low-maintenance about my hair, but like to keep it healthy and this helps me accomplish both. The hot air styles my hair flawlessly without any heat damage and it keeps it looking nice and fresh for at least three days. It’s a splurge—no doubt—but when you consider cost-per-use, it’s a no-brainer,” – Maguire
“I’m pretty picky when it comes to candles. Most scents tend to be too strong. I received this candle as a birthday gift a few years ago and was initially skeptical, until I smelled it… The fir and firewood scent is like they bottled up the essence of a Christmas tree and a cozy fireplace, without it being overwhelming. It comes in multiple sizes, so it’s great for every price point and looks stunning on my coffee table,” – Melenie McGregor, Senior Video Producer
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“I own an embarrassing amount and variety of exercise clothing, but the set I’ve been reaching for lately when I want to feel equal parts comfortable, ready for a workout, and presentable when I want to be seen by someone other than my dog, has been Vuori’s AllTheFeels line. Made out of their BlissBlend fabric, it’s a kind of hybrid yoga-exercise material that’s lightweight but durable, stretchy but not tight. They’re a nice matte fabric color that doesn’t look too much like an intense shiny workout garment, so you can wear them casually without fear of looking like you just came from the gym. Plus, having a matching leggings and bra or exercise shirt makes me feel like a woman about town (with the comfort of a woman at home). If you gift these leggings, I can guarantee you they will be the recipient’s go-to WFH, run errands, change-out-of-your-pajamas-but-into-something-equally-comfortable clothing. Pro tip: Bootcut styles. So hot right now,” – Rachel Kraus, Senior Fitness Writer