The Best Gifts of 2023

Small and Sweet Gifts Perfect for Colleagues, Stockings, and Gift Exchanges

collage of gifts with a handle holding a mug, a hat, and a keychain

Graphic by KCM

Because small doesn’t mean insignificant.

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We all know that some of the best things in life come in small packages, which rings especially true during the holiday season. Whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers, prepping for group gift exchanges with friends or colleagues, or need eight small-but-mighty gifts to get you through Hanukkah without going broke, you’re probably in the market for a few compact picks that pack a punch.

There can be a lot of pressure to go all out during this time of year, but we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to slap a bow onto a brand-new car to show you care. That’s why we rounded up affordable and small gift ideas that are creative, versatile, and appropriate for anyone in your life. Forget socks for everyone around the dinner table or another bag of gelt for the little ones — you can find small specialties without being bland or overspending. (We’ll take the gelt, though, if you’re offering.)

On this list, we’ve got the beauty goods that will make them feel glam, seemingly “basic” winter accessories they’ll own for life, and a pair of slippers for condiment enthusiasts. Most importantly, the vast majority of these items are under $100, with a few splurges that’ll knock the socks you bought them last year right off their warm tootsies.

Pro tip: Even if you’re not sure when you’ll need them, it’s smart to stock up on some affordable gifts to keep in a closet for when you do need a last-minute goodie for someone — these all take up very little storage space.

For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2023 Holiday Gift Guide.

The Best Small Gifts for the 2023 Holidays

She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Nordstrom

We can’t think of a clearer way to show you care than by gifting them a cute keychain that could save their life. At first glance this looks like a sweet accessory, but it boasts an extremely loud alarm designed to deter unwanted attention. Users simply need to pull off the top to activate the 130db siren and flashing light.

$30 at Nordstrom

Fellow Carter Carry Tumbler

Fellow

We’ve all poured coffee on ourselves mid-commute, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean we should be complacent about this inconvenient occurrence. This mug helps eliminate that mishap, thanks to a tapered thin lip that allows you to sip without fear. And while most stainless steel travel cups give off that metallic, “old penny” aftertaste, Fellow was smart enough to coat this tumbler with a ceramic interior.

$40 at Fellow

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour

Chanel

We completely relate to the pain of not being able to gift your person the Chanel bag they’ve coveted for years, but a beautiful designer lipstick is a good runner-up. From the stunning shade of red that’ll have them feeling like Taylor Swift to the chic packaging that’ll make them feel like a million bucks, this Chanel lip color will make a bold impact.

$45 at Chanel

Quip x Shantell Martin Toothbrush

Quip

Sorry to dentists everywhere, but brushing your teeth is boring. Give them something to smile about with a toothbrush thats literally a work of art. Quip collaborated with artist Shantell Martin for a punchy toothbrush worth displaying in their bathroom. And if you think gifting dental care is a little off, it’s so practical that we’re positive it’s going to get stolen multiple times at your next White Elephant.

$70 at Quip

Bistro Tile Margot Monogram Mug

Anthropologie

It’s finally hot cocoa season, so celebrate by gifting your beloved a new mug. We’re pretty smitten with Anthropologie’s wide selection of chic, cute, and festive styles, but we’re particularly drawn to this monogram/tile design, which’ll transport them to an edgy Parisian café.

$14 at Anthropologie

J.Crew Cashmere Beanie

J.Crew

We understand that gifting a simple beanie may seem unsentimental, but a practical and versatile item like this can be truly special, especially when it’s made of luxurious cashmere. So what if they don’t shed a tear when they open it? They’ll be thanking you every time their ears don’t freeze off in the future.

$90 at J.Crew

Meridian Trimmer

Meridian

Long gone are the days of trimmers that pulled and nicked your skin while removing hair. This smooth, quiet, and gentle trimmer makes a great gift for anyone looking to remove unwanted fuzz from their face, legs, underarms, or anywhere else. The ceramic blades glide through even the coarsest of hair, and they don’t need to be replaced often (usually you can use the same one for a few months before it gets dull). If you know someone in need of a shaving upgrade, this starter kit comes with an electric razor and charger, replacement blade, two trim guide combs, and a convenient brush for easy cleaning.

$77 at Meridian

Dagne Dover Arlo Small Tech Organizer

Nordstrom

If you’re looking to give something that your loved one will actually use every day, try this incredibly smart tech case. It’ll keep all their tangled wires and chargers organized on the go, and will prove to be a lifesaver when they’re traveling for the holidays and lugging all their gear back home.*

$50 at Nordstrom

12 Mornings of Coffee 2023 Specialty Coffee Advent Calendar

Bean Box

This holiday season, infuse your dear ones’ daily caffeine kick with a festive twist. This handy advent calendar contains 12 bags of expertly curated coffee — each with enough to make a full pot of four to six steaming, delicious cups of joe. Oh, and if they’re true coffee connoisseurs, they’ll appreciate that each one comes with specific brewing instructions and tasting notes. 

$85 at Bean Box

Starface Hydro-Stars

Starface

We’ve been conditioned to think we have to camoflauge gnarly blemishes under layers of makeup, but Starface’s pimple patches will make you want to show them off. No, they’re not just stickers; they’re made with hydrocolloid, which is clinically proven to absorb fluid. Simply pop it on a zit and let the star work its magic. Think of them as tiny Christmas miracles. 

$15 at Starface

Futurewise Slugging System

Futurewise

When we talk about slugging, we’re not referring to the cute little slimy creatures you find on the forest floor. Slugging is the trendy skincare practice of applying a protective layer over your products to lock in hydration and beneficial ingredients overnight, leaving you with hydrated, dewy skin. To help you get started, this all-in-one system includes a moisture-locking balm (which creates a cocoon-like protective layer), a hydrating mist, and a barrier-repairing moisturizer (to replenish and preserve moisture). One buyer confesses, “I’m probably one of the laziest people when it comes to skincare. Not only has this program been easy to follow, but it’s seriously helped my poor, thinning, menopausal skin.”

$22+ at Anthropologie

Umami Cart Slipper/Sauce Bundle

Umami Cart

Wearing outdoor footwear inside is a sin for many, and there are plenty of good reasons to remove your shoes before stepping into a home. Plus, there’s no denying that a pair of slippers is an extra-cozy winter gift. This clever pair features images of your favorite sauces (Kewpie mayo and Sriracha) and includes a bottle of each sauce, too.

$30 at Umami Cart

Le Mini Macaron Pearlescent Gel Manicure Set

Le Mini Macaron

Make self-care easy (and pretty) with this gorgeous gel manicure set. It includes an LED lamp with USB charging cord, a bottle of gel polish, a (crucial) cuticle stick, 10 gel polish removal wraps, and a mini nail file — in other words, everything you need to take your manicure into your own…hands. One happy reviewer writes, “I’m a nurse, so I wash my hands a million times a day. This has not budged and saved me tons of money and salon time. I’ve purchased many kits as gifts too, that’s how much I love it.” 

$38 at Le Mini Macaron

Recovery Pills

Flyby

It’s no secret that the holidays can get a little rowdy. These recovery pills fit perfectly in a stocking and will facilitate a smooth bounce-back after a night of boozy eggnog. Packed with electrolytes and antioxidants, all they’ll have to do is pop a pill before bed and absorb the benefits in their sleep. Goodbye, hang-xiety!

$31+ at Flyby

Luna Hot/Cold Weighted Eye Mask

Luna

If you’re shopping for someone who needs some extra relaxation in their life, this eye mask will help them achieve that. This eye cover has a weighted insert that can be warmed in the microwave or chilled in the freezer, depending on the user’s needs. As one reviewer says, “I use the mask from the freezer and it’s the perfect end to my day.” Not only will the temperature cool them down or warm them up, but the soft fleece will feel like a hug for their face, and the wide coverage will block out light while they sleep (but if they use it for sleep, make sure the weighted insert is removed). 

$23 at Luna

VoChill Wine Cooler

Amazon

Some of us like to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner but are such slow sippers that the wine loses its chill before we can finish. That’s where this chic cradle comes in — simply set your stemmed glass in the cooler and it’ll stay at an optimal temperature. It helps that it’s got a swanky sculptural look that’ll serve as a conversation starter, and also comes in a stemless version. One buyer says, “This is perfect! It keeps your wine glass chilled even on hot summer days. These make the best gift! I’m stocking up on them.”

$50 at Amazon

Drift Car Freshener

Drift

Shopping for someone with a long commute? There’s a decent chance they’re sick of buying garish gas station air fresheners. Give them something they’ll appreciate every day with this subtle air freshener that releases natural scents. This starter pack comes with one fragrance, and refills are $9 per month, which is a small price to pay for a car that’s actually inviting. 

$17 at Amazon

National Parks 2024 Calendar

Parks Project

There’s no denying that a calendar is a timeless gift, but it’s also time-sensitive, so it’s best to give it as an end-of-year-present, not for some other mid-year celebration. Rather than picking up something cookie-cutter (cute puppies, sexy fireman, flowers, vistas, that sorta thing), opt for this bright, cheerful, and heavily detailed calendar. Each month features a fun and informative illustration of a national park, making it a great choice for nature and art lovers. 

$25 at Parks Project

Tom’s Perfect 10 Holiday Granola Tin

Tom’s Perfect 10

If you think granola is boring and tasteless, you’re in for a surprise. This holiday tin contains four bestselling granola flavors from Tom’s Perfect 10: mint chip, mangonada, tiramisu, and golden apple cider. Yep, you read that right — this granola is anything but bland. In fact, trying out-0f-the-box flavors is such a fun adventure, this gift will be the star of any holiday breakfast spread. 

$75 at Tom’s Perfect 10

*Denotes a paid placement.