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Yes, everyone loves picking out a few gifts for their family and friends, but here’s the thing about the holidays: They’re absolutely exhausting. By the time you’ve roasted the tree and decorated the turkey (a common, but acceptable mistake), you really don’t want to head down to the local superstore for a last-minute white elephant gift.
Never fear. We’ve spent the season putting together a variety of guides to help you cut down on your shopping time, regardless of whether you’re buying for adventurous siblings, growing toddlers, tech-minded husbands, or anyone in between.
Health & Wellness Gift Ideas
Help your favorite person relax with gifts from our health and wellness guide. We scoured the internet to find useful, functional gifts that won’t break the bank—they will, however, prompt a flurry of positive feedback. Feeling great never felt so good.
HoMedics Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
With three massage settings, an integrated control, and surprisingly powerful motors, this custom-fit massager is ideal for traveling. There is also a heat option for a more soothing and relaxing massage. This is a great gift for anyone who is in desperate need of some R&R.
Ivation Foot Spa Massager
Know someone who spends all day on their feet? Treat them to this premium foot massager, which features automatic rollers, a digital temperature control, three pedicure attachments, and, most importantly, bubbles.
Acupressure Mat and Pillow
Designed in accordance with ancient Indian acupressure theory, this “Bed of Nails” provides deep relaxation after a hard day of work. While it may not look super pleasant, laying on this acupressure mat will stimulate pressure points, releasing natural pain-relieving hormones.
Cool Mist Humidifier and Essential Oil Diffuser
The wood grain aesthetic sets this diffuser apart from others on the market, and given the price point, it’s a delightful choice for a gift exchange. Stock up on essential oils
Fitness & Outdoors Gift Ideas
Help your favorite gym rat get a head start on next year’s resolutions—or treat an outdoorsman to some truly useful camping supplies. These gifts will keep your favorite person moving, and that’s a good thing.
Gaiam Balance Ball Chair
This balance chair is a bit more useful than a simple stability ball, as it’s designed to fit well at a standard-sized desk. It promotes better posture without looking out of place at the office.
Fitbit Ionic
One of the best smartwatches on the market, the Fitbit Ionic features continuous heart-rate monitoring and a gorgeous full-color screen. It also allows your favorite runner to track their workouts through built-in GPS and listen to music without having to take their phone with them.
Under Armour Undeniable Duffle Bag
Hey, everyone needs a great equipment bag. This duffle uses UA storm technology, which gives it its weather- and odor-resistant design. Or, if you want something a little more feminine for her, check out the Totally Trippin’ Gym Bag from Athleta.
Wise Owl Outfitters Portable Hammock
This affordable hammock is made with 210T parachute nylon, which is strong, soft, and trustworthy enough for your next camping trip. This chic hammock is portable, lightweight, and perfect for the person in your life who loves spending time in the great outdoors.
Fashion & Trends
Know someone who loves all things fashion? These products will have them walking the runways with glee during the holiday season. Regardless of your budget, we’ve got everything you need to give the perfect stylish gift.
Fossil Rachel Tote
This tote is perfectly neutral with a subtle chevron stripe—finished off with the cutest colorful tassels. The fashionista in your life will love it for both its style and convenience. It makes a great school or work bag as it fits a 15″ laptop.
adidas Women’s Originals Superstar
Shoes don’t really have to be complicated to be stylish. These classic Adidas kicks look great, without trying to do too much. These will be her favorite wear-with-anything sneaks. With just a hint of rose gold, these sneakers are clean cut and ready to update her athleisure look.
7 For All Mankind Women’s Ankle Skinny Jean in Black Velvet
Yes, jeans can be stylish. These comfy black pants feature five-pocket styling, durable craftsmanship, and a classic-meets-contemporary design. Perfect for dressing up or down, every girl deserves to have these beauties in her closet.
Jack Spade Men’s Grant Leather File Wallet
This slim leather wallet has folder-inspired top pockets, which add some functionality along with a unique appeal. This is the perfect gift for the “minimalist” guy in your life who doesn’t want the bulk of a thick wallet.
Minnetonka Men’s Pile-Lined Hardsole Slipper
With a synthetic sole and a classic moccasin design, this slipper is great for lounging around the house after all the holiday chaos. The pile fleece lining will keep that special someone’s feet warm during the winter months.
Food & Entertaining Gift Ideas
Get ready to ring the dinner bell: If your gift recipient loves hosting parties or cooking for friends, they’ll love these selections. We chose durable but little-known products that your average cook won’t have on hand from well-known brands they’re sure to love.
Le Creuset Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Every foodie needs a Dutch oven, and cast iron is certainly the way to go. This no-nonsense cookware features extra-large handles, and it’s available in several colors.
Crock-Pot Multi-Use Express Crock
All slow cookers aren’t created equal. This programmable crock-pot also works as a steamer, sauté surface, and pressure cooker, so you can cook your favorite dishes without using an extra pan. It’s an especially great choice for students or working parents.
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Grill Set
This 14-piece set provides everything a griller needs to conquer their craft. Most of the tools are made with pure stainless steel (the basting brush uses high-quality silicone), so they’ll last for years. Oh, and did we mention that the spatula has a built-in bottle opener?
Travel & Tech Gift Ideas
Technology and travel gifts are perennial favorites. Who doesn’t love a cool gadget, especially if it can make that upcoming flight a little easier? We tried to stick with gifts that are useful—and what we mean by that is no re-gifting necessary.
Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker
The second generation of this portable Bluetooth speaker packs eight hours of power into its miniscule lithium-ion battery, plus it’s lightweight and water-resistant. This portable speaker can rock the house, but is equally perfect for anywhere life’s travels take them. Whoever the techie in your life is, they will love this easy-to-use on-the-go speaker.
ChillaX Inflatable Lounger
So what’s a “lounger,” you ask? Oh, just your basic portable easy chair/couch/mattress. They can take it anywhere for instant comfort—even on the lake. All they have to do is scoop the air to inflate, seal the chambers, and take their pick between “chilling” and “relaxing.” This is the perfect gift for anyone on your list with a “wander-lusting” spirit. Easily portable comfort on-the-go.
Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
There are headphones and then there are headphones. These noise-cancelling wonder-phones definitely belong in the second category. Get (or give) audiophile-quality sound without any cables getting in the way. If you’re looking for the best for that special someone on your list, you can’t go wrong with these, but if you’re looking for a more budget friendly version instead, check out this highly rated option that won’t break the bank.
Kids’ “Shop By Age” Gift Ideas
It’s not always easy to shop for kids. Sure, you could head down to the local superstore and pick up a couple of toys, but we wouldn’t recommend that approach; you’ll end up overspending on outdated products that might not ever make their way out of the toy chest. Instead, check out these carefully curated gifts, organized by age group.
Baby & Toddler Gift Ideas
At this stage, toys should help kiddos develop core skills while keeping them interested and engaged. Here are our favorite selections that will prompt discovery and development during playtime.
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
Encourage creativity while helping the toddler in your life learn to walk. A removable play panel comes complete with piano keys and more than 70-sing-along songs, while the colorful walker helps 9-month-old to 3-year-old kids build the muscle and confidence they need to walk unassisted.
Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym
Give your little one a whole gym’s worth of fun. This soft, enclosed playpen includes hanging toys that babies will love. When they get a little older, it becomes a delightful ball pit the moment you introduce the 35 soft balls that are included with the purchase.
2- to 4-Year-Old Gift Ideas
Kids in this age range have gained some independence but still need gift-givers to be careful to ensure they’re selecting age-appropriate gifts. Imaginative play is sure to sure during this time, so get ready to see their personalities blossom as they engage the toys you’ve selected just for them.
Barbie Dreamhouse
This is the ultimate gift for kids who love to play with dolls. Three Barbie-sized floors give dolls plenty of space to hang out, get dressed, take a nap, or anything else your child imagines. This is also a great gift to build on with fun accessories like Barbie’s convertible, pool, or an assortment of friends. Check out the Barbie Glam Getaway House for a smaller, budget-friendly, on-the-go version.
Fisher-Price Teach ‘n Tag Movi
The Fisher-Price Teach ‘n Tag Movi is cute, but it’s also an impressive piece of technology. It’s capable of creating more than 60 facial expressions, and it guides preschoolers through three fun games to help them develop critical thinking skills. At under $50, it’s also remarkably affordable.
5- to 7-Year-Old Gift Ideas
For this age group, you’ll need to start thinking about the child’s unique interests as you’ve probably noticed they are starting to become more self-sufficient and independent. Look for toys like these that promote learning, exploring, and staying active.
Hatchimals
This very popular toy is great for kids of this age because it teaches responsibility. If they take good care of this huge speckled egg, they’ll get to meet the creature that lives inside. Hatchimals depend on their owners to tap and rub the egg until they’re ready to hatch. Once they help these electric stuffed toys emerge into the world, you can coach them through three stages of growth, almost like a real pet.
Little Tikes Pogo-It
They’ll hop until they drop! This electronic pogo ball game provides hours of athletic fun for kids. Keep hopping while the music plays, or try the “Jump to the Beat” mode for even more challenging play. Once they’ve mastered the basic level, they can turn the ball over for an advanced setting. Don’t forget to get them a helmet too. Safety first!
Electric Air HoverBall
Wait, is this a soccer ball or a magnified air hockey puck? It’s a bit of both, but even better. This light-up disc floats on a cushion of air. Kick it like a soccer ball for a jumbo-sized game of air hockey indoors or out.
8- to 10-Year-Old Gift Ideas
Trendy toys are a safe bet around this age, but let’s be real: The kids you’re buying for might already have all of those. Think outside of the box with a few of these modern classics.
Snap Circuits Electronics Discovery Kit
Your child will love learning about electronics while completing the 100 projects in this kit. It’s all snap-together, so there’s no soldering required.
Interactive Aura Drone with Glove Controller
Any parents who remembers the thrill of the Nintendo Power Glove will understand why their kids will adore this glove-controlled flying drone.
BopIt! Game
This action-packed electronic game will be fun for the whole family. The updated BopIt! has three different modes: Classic, Action and Beat Bop. Action mode has been updated with fun “modern” commands that your kids will love like “Selfie it!”, “Sing it!”, and “Comb it!”
11 & Up Gift Ideas
When kids are approaching their teen years, you can opt for more complex gifts. If it’s cool enough to hold an adult’s attention, you’re probably on the right track. For instance…
FujiFilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
Remember Polaroid cameras? Now the next generation can enjoy instant self-developing film just like their parents used to—except they get some fun modern features like a close-up lens attachment and a selfie mirror.
Sky Viper V2400 HD Streaming Drone With FPV Headset
The Sky Viper V2400 includes a headset that essentially puts the controller in the pilot’s seat for a truly immersive experience. This affordable drone is sure to be a hit for kids (…or adults) who are 12 or older.
Stocking Stuffers
Legend has it that the tradition of Christmas stockings dates back to Saint Nicholas, who tossed a gold nugget into the window of an old man who was too proud to accept charity. The gold landed in a sock (of course).
These days, you probably don’t have any chunks of gold to leave in your loved ones’ stockings, but these products should do just fine.
PopSockets
They may not look like much, but PopSockets are delightful for anyone with small hands (or not enough hands for everything they’ve got going on). They provide an easy way to get a grip on your phone, and they’re pretty stylish, too. This one includes an expanding stand that’s great for watching videos or reading. They come in tons of colors and fun prints so you’re sure to find one that fits the personality of everyone on your list.
Tile Style
This remarkably useful little gadget lets you quickly find anything. For a forgetful person, it’s a lifesaver—and given its price point, this is about the easiest way give someone the gift of joining the Tile revolution.
Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Notes
Forget typical postable notes. These mini-notes bring some vibrant color and with 125 notes per box, they make a great stocking stuffer for the “list-maker” or “doodler” you love.
White Elephant Gift Ideas
The ideal White Elephant gift is both slightly useful and strange enough to prompt some discussion. Our gift guide has products for any budget, so you’ll be able to work within the constraints of your holiday party’s rules while bringing something to the table that will appeal to all the other players.
Couch Guest Book
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a guest book for keeping track of your couch’s temporary occupants. No, it doesn’t really make sense, but that’s why it’s awesome. Mostly useless and funny, whoever takes this gem home will enjoy keeping track of their fond couch memories.
Prism Glasses
These glasses have angled lenses that allow the wearer to read or watch TV while laying down. Everyone will laugh at the silly concept—then immediately ask to try them out.
“Now You May Speak” Coffee Mug
Every coffee drinker is a little bit of a misanthrope before their first cup. This high-quality glass mug makes that abundantly clear to coworkers, spouses, and other innocent bystanders.