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It’s no secret that Katie is our north star for just about everything, which makes her a prime source for culling ideas for holiday gifting. Her knack for pinpointing exactly what a person likes, even if she only met them recently, is nothing short of supernatural.
And while she’s a pro at picking gifts for everyone (especially Molner), she really shines in finding treasures for the women we love. After all, we look to her for fashion, beauty, and home advice, so it’s only natural to collect her picks for the holiday season.
We’ve curated a delightful collection of items Katie has given to loved ones or herself in the past. This inclusive roundup has it all, from the cashmere wrap she always travels in to the fancy drinkware she hands out like candy to perfume so beautifully aromatic your recipient will want to bathe in it.
Whether the lady you’re shopping for is a skincare aficionado or a new mom who deserves a chic glass of rosé, Katie’s list is your one-stop shop. As always, absolutely no judgment if you decide to buy multiples (one to give and one to keep). If anyone asks, just say Katie Couric told you it was OK.
For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.
J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap
J.Crew
Is this the chicest way to keep warm? We think so, and Katie agrees. She loves wrapping herself in an oversized cashmere scarf when traveling because it keeps her feeling toasty and looking put-together. This one from J.Crew is affordable given its quality, large size, and versatility. It can be worn as a scarf or shawl, and it even triples as an airplane blanket.
ThirdLove Reversible Cuddle Fleece Set
ThirdLove
If you know someone who’s chronically cold, this lounge set was made for them. These wide-leg pants and mock-neck sweatshirt are reversible, with fleece “fur” on one side and a smooth knit fabric on the other. They’re available in black and taupe, so you could gift a coordinated set or opt to gift one of each color for easy mixing and matching.*
Henry Rose Discovery Set
Henry Rose
Unless you really know someone, it’s risky to gift a single perfume. Instead of going out on a limb and guessing what their favorite scent is, Katie recommends gifting a sampler. Henry Rose makes her preferred perfume (she’s currently loving Jake’s House, a bright, citrus-based scent). The brand is the first to create a fine fragrance collection that’s EWG certified, meaning every single ingredient that goes into making the perfume is rigorously vetted and follows the strictest standards for health and safety, so there are no icky additives involved — great for your skin and the air you breath.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Porter Turtleneck
Jenni Kayne
A timeless turtleneck will fit into anyone’s wardrobe, especially when it’s made from plush cashmere. An oversized fit and dolman sleeves elevate this one above your average silhouette, and it can be dressed up over a skirt or dress or made more casual by pairing it with jeans.*
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Zappos
Here at Katie Couric Media, we’re Hoka evangelists: Katie wears them, our staff wears them, and even our staff’s family members wear them. It’s all for a good reason though: Not only are these shoes incredibly comfortable, but they offer next-level support during walks, runs, or long days on your feet. We recommend getting them for anyone in your life who enjoys extended strolls or not having achy feet — which we’d argue is just about anyone.
Le Creuset Stoneware Oval Baker with Platter Lid
QVC
With this Le Creuset dish, you get two gifts in one: A gorgeous baking dish and a lid that doubles as a serving platter. The oven- and dishwasher-safe duo is sure to please any amateur chef in your life, especially if they haven’t invested in heirloom-worthy cookware for themselves. *
Barbour Saltburn Beanie
Nordstrom
Some of the reasons we gift knit hats: They don’t require knowing someone’s size, they’re practical for anyone who lives in a cold climate, and they’re an adorable way to literally top off an outfit. Barbour, a brand Katie’s shopped for decades, makes this chunky knit one, which would be irresistible peeking out of a stocking.
Eu’Genia Shea Butter
Credo
Shopping for someone you don’t know very well is a challenge, so Katie usually goes with this failsafe bet: all-natural hand cream. Because it’s unscented, you don’t have to worry about offending your recipient with a certain smell, and it’s ideal for those who have sensitive skin. The ultra-moisturizing formula is particularly perfect for the dry, cracked skin that comes with the winter months.
Aerotrunk Compressible Packing Cubes
Amazon
Frequent fliers and weekend warriors know the importance of staying organized while traveling, which is why they’ll appreciate a set of compressible packing cubes. These will help wrangle loose clothes and accessories into tidy sections, and they can be zipped up to really flatten the contents and make the most of the space in a suitcase or duffel bag.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Dermstore
No, this isn’t a space-age warrior mask, nor is it a Halloween costume meant to scare away children. It’s actually an LED light therapy mask that could become your recipient’s favorite skincare device. Beneath its slightly frightening facade, this mask performs magic: It’s packed with 162 LED lights (both red and blue) that boost collagen production to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and kill acne-causing bacteria to prevent and heal breakouts. It’s a splurge, but we guarantee buying it for someone will automatically land you the “best gift-giver ever” award — and that accolade is priceless.
Orvis 1856 Barn Coat
Orvis
Barn coats were seen on the Prada runway this fall, but Katie has always kept it classic with an actual workwear jacket by Orvis. Think of this as a gift for fashionistas and gardeners alike, or someone who is both, just like her!
Estelle Stemless Wine Glasses Set
Nordstrom
After receiving these gorgeous wine glasses from a friend, Katie can’t stop paying it forward and buying them for others. End your hunt for the hostess with the mostest and the recent college grad who desperately needs “grown up” drinkware — these colorful stemless cups are the way to go, and they come in a variety set of 6 glasses.
Jones Road Miracle Balm
Jones Road
Consider this skincare and makeup in one convenient package. Jones Road was born from Bobbi Brown’s desire to make clean, easy-to-use makeup for those of any age, and the Miracle Balm delivers. Any beauty aficionado in your life will appreciate how quickly and easily they can swipe on this multitasking lip and cheek color, and because it’s so easy to blend, it’s nearly impossible to mess up. The soft balm adds a buildable wash of color to skin, and it’s hydrating, too.
Alex Mill Cotton-Cashmere Chelsea Sweater
Alex Mill
Katie recently gifted one of her girls a timeless sweater from Alex Mill, and we totally see why. The cotton-cashmere blend is breathable, yet luxurious, and the nautical-inspired stripes are a classic pattern that will never go out of style.
Augustinus Bader 12 Days of Bader Skincare Set
Augustinus Bader
As adults, who would have thought we’d get this excited over an advent calendar? Augustinus Bader, maker of the famous Rich Cream that we can’t get enough of, just released a 12-day calendar that includes everything to create a custom skincare regimen, from cleansers to serums to lip balm. No matter who you give it to, they’ll be stoked to have 12 days worth of gifts to open, and they’ll get to enjoy weeks of using new skincare products after, too.
MAC Cosmetics Lustreglass Lipstick
Nordstrom
Finding small gifts for white elephant parties, stocking stuffers, or Hanukkah can be difficult, but for a makeup lover, there’s no such thing as too much lipstick. This neutral shade is Katie’s favorite, and the slightly glossy formula doesn’t leave lips feeling tight or dry after application. The color even has a name that could be Katie’s motto: ‘Hug Me’.
LAKE Pajamas
LAKE
Believe it or not, pajamas are Katie’s go-to gift. “No one’s ever complained before!” she says. This set from LAKE is made from extremely soft Pima cotton, and it’s amazing for the person who takes their nighttime routine super seriously.
32 Degrees Quilted Vest
32 Degrees
Okay, we know a vest isn’t the sexiest gift around, but it’s a great choice for those who are always chilly or spend a lot of time gardening, like Katie. This one is lightweight but surprisingly warm, and it’s a must-have for layering under coats when temperatures dip lower than we’d prefer.
*Denotes a paid placement.