Best Gifts Ever 2026

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things (to Give)

Katie Couric surrounded by gifts with a red Coach tote bag featured on the right.

J Armus Design

Cozy blankets, adorable candy, and other winning treats. 

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You already know I love to shop. But shopping for people I care about? That’s where the fun really begins. There’s something so satisfying about finding a present that makes you think, “I know exactly who would love this.” And yes, I get pretty excited about the wrapping, too. Presentation counts, people!

For this year’s gift guide, I’ve rounded up finds that make daily life a little better. You’ll find everything from cashmere and candy to a device that’s helped me put down my phone. (OK sometimes, at least.) I hope these picks help you find a gift for someone you love. And if something catches your eye for yourself along the way? I certainly understand the temptation. Happy gifting!

For more holiday gift ideas, visit our complete 2026 guide.


Katie's Handpicked Holiday Gifts for 2026

Quince Cashmere Sweater

Quince

Cashmere is such a lovely gift, especially when you don’t have to spend a fortune on it. Quince’s crewneck is made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere and comes in enough colors that choosing just one is a challenge. I’d go with a shade they wear often, or something brighter if their winter wardrobe needs cheering up. At $50, you might be tempted to order one for yourself, too.

$50 at Quince

Lola Blanket

Lola

These blankets are so soft and comforting, but the story behind them is what really stayed with me. Brothers Tommy and Will Higham started Lola in honor of their mother, Amy, who found comfort in a faux-fur blanket during treatment for breast cancer. Before she died, she gave each of her children a blanket of their own. Whenever I’m wrapped in mine, I’ll think of Amy. Plus, Lola donates blankets to women living with breast cancer, as well as a portion of proceeds from the Rosewater blanket to fund life-saving research.

$125+ at Lola

Amaryllis

QVC

I’ve been raving about these for years, and I’m still delighted by how little they ask of you. The waxed bulb doesn’t need soil or watering — just a spot where you can watch it grow. Before long, you have beautiful red blooms to brighten the house in the middle of winter. It’s a lovely gift for a host, a neighbor, or anyone who insists they can’t keep a plant alive.*

$55 at QVC

Flamingo Estate Noir Fig and Fennel Flower Duo

Flamingo Estate

I love giving food as a gift and this fig balsamic and fennel olive oil duo gives a cook plenty to play with: The balsamic would be delicious over cheese or roasted vegetables, and I’d drizzle the oil over fish or beans. Add some good bread, and dinner is all squared away.

$124 at Flamingo Estate

Soma Cool Nights Pajamas

Soma

Some of us prefer to sleep in long sleeves, while others would happily doze off with the windows open in January. These PJs come as separates, so you can mix sizes and choose the combination you actually want to sleep in. Such a sensible idea, especially when matching sets don’t always fit both halves of us. The breathable jersey is buttery soft, which is exactly what I want at the end of the day.

$39 for Top at Soma

Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club New York Cologne

Nordstrom

Scent is such a personal thing, but I think this one would be a great gift for nearly anybody. It combines citrus and lavender with sandalwood and a warm vanilla base. And it’s worth sampling if you’re shopping for someone who likes woody scents with some freshness.

$145 at Ralph Lauren

Oh My Mahjong Luminaire Mahjong Tiles

Oh My Mahjong

A beautiful set of mahjong tiles is a wonderful gift for someone who loves — or wants to learn — the game. The cheery pastel artwork on these makes them especially lovely to set out on the table. A gift like this is extra-nice because it comes with the promise of time together, so I’m considering it for my daughter. (Sorry for the spoiler!) You can even include an invitation for your next match.

$400 at Oh My Mahjong

Jones Road The Hero Kit

Jones Road

A beauty gift set is more appealing when you can actually imagine using everything inside. This one includes mascara, two mini Miracle Balms, an eyeliner, and moisturizer, and there's options that let you tailor the selections to the person receiving it. It’s a lovely way to introduce someone to a brand they’ve been curious about — and for the makeup enthusiast, opening a bunch of new things at once is part of the pleasure.

$86 at Jones Road

The Brick

Brick

No matter how determined I am to scroll less at night, I can always talk myself into ignoring a screen-time limit. But this has cut down my scrolling: You select the apps you want to block, then tap your phone against the Brick to lock them until you tap it again. Leave the device in another room, and getting back on those apps requires getting up to retrieve it. Suddenly, going to bed seems like the better option.

$59 at Brick

Béis Carry-On Suitcase

Béis

I spend plenty of time in airports, and I’ve been loving this carry-on lately. The olive is such a timeless color — a welcome sight when you’re packing for another early flight. Luggage is a generous gift, but a good suitcase will accompany them on all sorts of adventures. 

$268 at Béis

Dyson Airwrap

Amazon

This is a splurge, but it’s saved me hundreds of dollars over the years, because I no longer have to go to the salon for blowouts! I can dry and style my hair at home, on my own schedule. If there’s an Airwrap on your loved one’s wish list, I think they'll love it — just make sure you choose the attachments suited to their hair type.

$750 at Amazon

BonBon Candy

BonBon

When I passed by BonBon on the Upper East Side, I couldn’t help but go in. It’s a sweet tooth’s dream, with so much candy to choose from that you may want to allow yourself some browsing time. These Sour Wild Strawberry fish are my favorite flavor and they'd make a cheerful stocking stuffer, or a delicious addition to a bigger gift.

$8 at BonBon

Harry and David Pears

Harry and David

A box of beautiful pears feels so generous, especially during a season when everyone’s kitchen is full of sweets. They're amazing at breakfast — imagine them cut up on top of yogurt and granola? — served with cheese, or shared after dinner. I love a gift that someone can put straight on the table and enjoy. It's also a thoughtful solution when a friend insists they "don’t need another thing."

$40 at Harry and David

Caddis Glasses

Caddis

Of course I had to include the glasses from my collaboration! The bold shape makes them a way to upgrade any outfit, and the Heirloom color is the cherry (OK fine, the cherry tomato) on top. If you’re giving them as a gift, let them try on the frames and choose the lenses they need. You’ll still get the pleasure of treating them, even if they know what’s in the box.

$330 at Caddis

Dazzle Dry Nail Polish Kit

Dazzle Dry

I like doing my own nails, but waiting around for them to dry tests my patience. And gel lasts forever, but taking it off can be such a hassle. This fast-drying system is a happy compromise, especially when I want long-wearing color but also to get on with my day. Pick out a favorite shade for a stocking, or give a newcomer the full system.

$42 at Dazzle Dry

Line in the Sand Pickleball Dress

Line in the Sand

You know how much I love pickleball, so a dress that can go from the court to the pool certainly has my attention. The fabric dries quickly, and adjustable ties at the sides let you change the length. I’d wear shorts underneath for a game, then head for a swim afterward. Now that’s my kind of doubleheader.

$145 at Line in the Sand

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Nordstrom

A high-quality Dutch oven is an heirloom-level gift so pick a winner like this one. The 6.5-quart size has room for soup, a slow braise, or even a loaf of no-knead bread. I love the idea of tucking a handwritten recipe inside before you wrap it — then the first meal is already squared away!

$290 at Nordstrom

Roxanne Assoulin Initial Charm Necklace

Roxanne Assoulin

I bought this necklace for my assistant’s birthday, and it has such a cheerful mix of charms: a mini heart, a sapphire-colored crystal slider, and an initial you choose. It’s playful without feeling like something that was raided from a teen’s jewelry box.

$135 at Roxanne Assoulin

Jennifer Fisher Baby Hoops

Jennifer Fisher

If you’ve seen me lately, there’s a good chance I was wearing these hoops. They don’t irritate my sensitive skin or tug on my earlobes, so I’m happy to keep them on all day. The thin shape works with jeans and a sweater or something dressier. They make a stunning gift for the person who tends to wear a “signature” piece over and over, and cares about quality.

$160 at Jennifer Fisher

The Peach Truck Pecans

The Peach Truck

Five pounds of pecans is certain to keep the baker in your life occupied for a while. These come raw and shelled straight from a farm in Georgia, with a rich, buttery flavor. I’d chop them into cookies, scatter them over salads, or add a handful to roasted vegetables. They’re a generous gift that's sure to be useful during the holidays — and I certainly wouldn’t object to getting a few cookies in return.

$72 for 5 Pounds at The Peach Truck

Beast Blender

Beast

Smoothies are only the beginning — this compact blender is useful for sauces, dips, and soups, too. Once the blending is done, you can store the liquid inside the same container, or even take it as a to-go drink — and the vessel is stainless steel. I like that it doesn’t demand an expanse of counter space and has a robust 600-watt motor.

$119 at Beast

Garrett Popcorn

Garrett Popcorn

Caramel and cheddar popcorn together — why choose? A tin of this mix is a wonderful gift, especially when people are coming and going over the holidays. Set it out during a movie or open it while everyone’s catching up. Or send it ahead to the host's house, so it can be part of the celebration.

$35 at Garrett Popcorn

May Lindstrom The Hydration Hero Trio

May Lindstrom

My skin is sensitive, and with eczema in the mix, trying something new can feel like a gamble. I’m always looking for products that moisturize without leaving me irritated. This trio includes a facial balm, serum, and mist — a generous gift for a skincare enthusiast who already knows and loves them. Take it from me: With sensitive skin, a surprise isn’t always what you want!

$375 at May Lindstrom

Elemis Cleansing Balm Duo

QVC

There’s something so satisfying about washing the day off before bed. This rich balm makes it feel like a glamorous ritual, melting away makeup and leaving skin feeling clean without that tight, dry feeling. The Black Cherry scent just adds to the luxury. Plus, with two jars in the set, you can give one and keep one.

$87 for 2 at QVC

Jenny Bird Tate Earrings

Jenny Bird

I love a gold statement earring, but I don’t want my lobes aching by the end of dinner. These have a bold shape without the weight or uncomfortable tugging. No need to save them for a special occasion: They’re lovely with something festive but just right with a simple sweater and jeans.

$158 at Jenny Bird

Haven Well Within Clogs

Haven Well Within

Clogs are back, and this is one trend I’m happy to get behind. The woven suede caught my eye — it gives this pair some character without making them difficult to wear. I’d do the warm coffee bean color with the wide-leg jeans I’ve been wearing nonstop lately.

$158 at Haven Well Within

Coach Station Tote Bag

Coach Outlet

Between my iPad, glasses, a book, and everything else I carry around, I need more than just a place to put my keys. This suede-and-leather tote can accommodate the daily haul, with pockets inside and out to keep things organized. I’m especially happy to have a zip top — I’d rather not collect my belongings from the floor every time my bag tips over.

$199 at Coach Outlet

Ralph Lauren Wool Quarter Zip Sweater

Nordstrom

A good sweater earns its place long after the holiday photos are taken. This wool quarter-zip is brushed for softness, with a stand collar for chilly days and room to layer a shirt underneath. I like the heather gray with slacks for a dinner with friends at home — it's comfortable enough to feel cozy when everyone moves to the couch.

$228 at Nordstrom

Quince Apple Watch Band

Quince

I appreciate a watch that reminds me to move, but I don’t always want to look like I’m headed to the gym. This gold band feels like a bracelet, especially alongside rings or other jewelry. It’s a nice gift for someone who wears their smartwatch everywhere, including places where the rubber strap feels out of place.

$52 at Quince

Shokz Headphones

Shokz

I like these for working out, because there are no cords to get tangled in and nothing even tucked inside my ears. They operate through "bone conduction" (it's much less scary than it sounds,) so you can listen to music but still hear what's happening around you. And the battery lasts up to 12 hours, which is considerably longer than I’ll be exercising in one go.

$180 at Shokz

Caroline's Cakes Caramel Cake

Caroline's Cakes

Seven layers of yellow cake with caramel icing in between sounds like a celebration to me. This is a lovely gift to send when you can’t be there in person, especially if family or friends will be gathering. Let the host know it’s coming, so dessert can come off the to-do list; all that’s left is cutting the slices. Warning: This cake is super sweet, so a small piece will probably do the trick!

$70 at Goldbelly

Eli’s Cheesecakes

Amazon

Sending dessert is one way to join a holiday gathering from afar. An original plain cheesecake leaves room for fresh berries or whatever topping the family likes best. It’s also lovely as-is, with coffee after dinner. Arrange the delivery with whoever’s hosting, so they can get it into the fridge or freezer right when it arrives.

$85 at Amazon

Salt + Stone Body Wash Set

Salt + Stone

This earned a spot among my Obsessions this year, and it’s something I really do use in my own shower. This set comes with a refill, so they won't be too sad when the bottle runs out. Body wash may sound like a practical present, but a special scent makes a standard shower feel like a treat. Now you just have to choose a fragrance they’ll love — I’m partial to the black rose and oud.

$86 at Salt + Stone

For more holiday gift ideas, visit our complete 2026 guide.


* Denotes a paid placement.