The Best Gifts of 2023

What the Katie Couric Media Staff Is Gifting This Year

team kcm staff picks

This might sound biased, but we have pretty good taste.

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To put together our 2022 holiday gift guide, we wanted to hear from all types of experts — purely for reporting purposes. (We’re not immediately stealing all their suggestions to buy as gifts for friends and family, we swear…)

And while we’re already drooling over Katie’s gift suggestions, we wanted to hear what others at Katie Couric Media will be giving and asking for this year. Last year, you were pretty curious, too: Our most popular gift from the 2021 gift guide was actually from this list of staff picks. (It was a set of pajamas from LAKE, and don’t worry — we have another PJs suggestion this year.) We don’t mind doing the research — it’s always fun to gather around the (virtual) water cooler and gush about our favorite brands, gifts from years past, and cool things we’ve discovered while hunting for inspiration for ourselves and others.

Below you’ll find everything the staff is giving or hopes to receive this year, from a hydrating body gloss to a pack of infused olive oils to a perfect everyday pair of hoops from Hey Harper. (And while you’re at it, check out more of the KCM staff’s recommendations and reviews.)

For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2022 holiday gift guide.

Thread & Supply Plaid Flannel Shacket

Nordstrom

Since shackets are officially here to stay, a color refresh is a must. I invested in the neutral staple from Nordstrom last season and the latest styles will be first on my list for gifting this year. This one has a lightweight lining that’s perfect for between seasons or layering in the cold months (and it’s a reasonable price).” —Corinne Brown, Graphic and Brand Design Associate

$49 at Nordstrom

L.L.Bean Ultralight Primalight Slip On

L.L.Bean

If you have a man in your life, and/or in your house, there’s a good chance he’s been wearing the same pair of slippers since Obama first took office. It’s high time for an upgrade, and these cozy-yet-functional quilted numbers are as good for walking the dog as they are for puttering around indoors. Plus, since they’re L.L.Bean, they’re pretty much guaranteed to be high-quality. (Now go throw those grimy old flattened slippers in the trash.)” —Molly Simms, Editorial Director

$60 at L.L.Bean

Uwila Warrior Soft Silk Underwear Set

Uwila Warrior

“The silkiness of this set will make you put it on and never want to take it off. It’s perfect for sleeping, and keeps you cool if you tend to run hot at night. The bottoms don’t have tags, so there isn’t an uncomfortable itchy experience, either. Highly recommend.” —Alissa Bell, KCM Marketplace Manager

$106 at UW

Brightland Mini Artist Series Infused Olive Oil Set

Brightland

I love infused olive oils, whether mixed into a vinaigrette, drizzled over fresh tomatoes or roasted veggies, or used as a finishing touch on soups (who knew how much of a difference that makes!?). Brightland’s Mini Artist Capsule is such a special gift for anyone who loves to cook — and you can opt to give the full size option or even individual bottles as well. It includes 100mL bottles of Brightland’s super-flavorful garlic, chili, lemon, and basil olive oils, all made with olives hand-harvested from a family farm in California. It’s a difference in quality you can really taste.” —Ciara Hopkinson, Katie’s Shop Associate

$85 at Brightland

Mini Projector

Amazon

In the last couple years, my husband and I have spent more time outside than ever before. That includes having friends and family over to have drinks and hang around our fire pit. This year, I’m getting my husband this mini projector for the holidays so he can add ‘watching games with the guys’ to the list of activities he can do in the backyard. It’ll also be great for having company over to roast marshmallows and watch movies while bundled up in front of the fire!” —Mary Agnant, Senior Producer

$90 at Amazon

Our Place Perfect Pot

Our Place

“If you know of someone moving into a new place, a couple moving in together, or someone who loves to cook, this pot is an amazing gift. It can be used on the stovetop and in the oven, and I swear nothing ever sticks to the ceramic coating. I use it almost every day.” —Katie Pittman, commerce editor

$165 at Our Place

Natural Glow Essentials Dior Lip Set

Dior

This lip set has a pink gloss that looks good on nearly everyone and a hydrating lip balm, which you can never have too many of. It also comes with the cutest reusable makeup pouch, which you can use for much more than the products it comes with, so it’s essentially three gifts in one.” —Victoria Umpierrez, Partnerships Senior Associate

$80 at Dior

KitchenAid Immersion Blender

Amazon

I recently turned 30 and decided it was time to step up my kitchen tool game. I’ve been put off by recipes that involve a lot of blending because I’ve only had access to a mini smoothie blender and mini food processor (if you’ve ever tried making pesto in batches, you know my pain). Along came fall with its delicious recipes, and I saw @justine_snacks‘s butternut squash mac and cheese and thought, ‘Enough is enough.’ I promptly ordered this KitchenAid Immersion Blender and my world changed. Now I’m making all the soups, dressings, purees, and baked goods you can imagine. It’s so easy to use and clean and very easy to store.” —Julia Lewis, Producer

$40 at KitchenAid

Oui the People Featherweight Body Oil

Oui the People

“I’ve been a fan of Oui the People for years, not only because of its beautiful and effective safety razor design, but because of the company’s message. The woman-founded brand focuses on bucking traditional beauty standards and embracing what makes you feel beautiful, all while focusing on taking care of yourself. This quick-absorbing body oil feels great on the skin, but it also forces you to take a moment to connect with yourself. I’ll be giving it to friends as a reminder to take a second and give themselves some love and care.” —Katie Pittman, Commerce Editor

$65 at OtP

Diaspora Co. Haldi Doodh Kit

Diaspora Co.

“At my core, I am a beverage girlie. Whether it’s a pour-over coffee, ceremonial grade matcha, or orange wine, I love a nice drink, and haldi doodh is one of my favorites. It’s an ancient Indian beverage with roots in Ayurvedic medicine made primarily of turmeric, an antioxidant that contains serious anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been westernized into what many minimize as “Golden Milk,” but Diaspora Co. is happily here to remind us to honor the land and culture from which the things we love come from. (The brand ethically sources their ingredients to create a more equitable spice trade.) This giftable set includes their insanely delicious haldi doodh blend, a beautiful cup from North Folk Pottery, Madhur Jaggery Powder for added sweetness, and a cute little strainer. It’s a present that looks as good as it tastes, and does good for the people involved too.” —Justine Carreon, Affiliate Content Manager

$70 at Diaspora Co.

Stanley Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler

Amazon

It was time to give in to the $40 water bottle trend. I resisted this one for a while, since the water bottle collection in our house is already excessive and absurd, but I finally caved and I’m so glad I did. They’re so handy, don’t spill, come in so many colors, and are a great gift for anyone on your list.” —Sara Sajadi, Director of Strategy and Operations

$40 at Amazon

LAKE Pima Long-Long Weekend Set in Midnight Star

LAKE

My mom is the kind of person who deserves to be treated like royalty year-round, but especially during the holiday season. She works tirelessly from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve preparing an elaborate feast for our family and outdoes herself by decorating the house to the nines for her six grandkids to enjoy. To treat her like the queen she is, I’m gifting her this 100 percent cotton LAKE set so she can unwind on her throne in ultra-comfy jammies after all the celebrations are over.” —Alaina Mancini, Managing Editor, Brand Content 

$124 at LAKE

Hugimals Weighted Stuffed Animal

Amazon

The comfort of a weighted blanket in a cute stuffed animal form — what could be better? This will be my go-to gift this holiday for people of all ages, not only because I enjoy my own Hugimal, but because it gets compliments every time I have guests over. Hugimals combine the science-backed calming benefits of a weighted blanket with the emotional connection (and portability) of a beloved stuffed animal. They have a patent-pending removable weighted inner body for even weight distribution (so it feels like they’re hugging you back) and machine washability. I love that there are different animals to choose from, and I can only imagine how great it will be for the kids I gift it to who deal with anxiety during travel or during storms. It’s the gift they’ve ‘weighted’ for. (Sorry, I had to.)” —Aneri Desai, Associate Director of Account Management

$64 at Amazon

KITSCH Shampoo Brush and Exfoliator

KITSCH

It may seem a little ridiculous, but this is a great stocking stuffer for your loved one who’s a self-care maven, or anyone who appreciates a good head scratch. This KITSCH shampoo brush not only leaves your scalp feeling nice and scrubbed, but also adds a ton of va-va-volume to your hair. No shower is complete without one.” —Julia Lewis, Producer

$34 at KITSCH

Sunday Riley Vitamin C Morning Buzz Trio Kit

Sephora

“If I could only use one skincare product for the next 50 years, it would be the Sunday Riley Vitamin C Serum. I’m no skincare guru, but this serum is unlike any other. You will glow. You will get compliments. Your skin will even out. You’ll have the skin texture and dewiness of Jennifer Aniston. This set comes with the serum, face oil, and gel cream, which is a steal, given how much you’d pay for them separately.” —Adriana Fazio, Producer

$74 at Sephora

L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag

L.L.Bean

“I’m the proud owner of not one, but TWO L.L. Bean Boat ‘n Totes. I use them for just about everything — hauling groceries, trips to the laundromat, taking stuff to and from the office. Aside from the utility and customization options (there are literally a million ways to make them your own), they’ll never go out of style so they’ll stand the test of time.” —Sam Vastis, Account Management Associate

$35 at L.L.Bean

Birkenstock Boston Genuine Shearling Lined Clog

Zappos

My feet are always cold, and now that I work mostly from home, I’ve been looking for the perfect shoe that feels like a slipper. These Birkenstock shearling lined clogs are just that: I put them on first thing in the morning and rarely take them off. In addition to their warmth and coziness, they have just the right amount of arch support. While they’re not cheap, they’re really the only shoe you need and last pretty much forever (though don’t forget to spray them with the Birkenstock Water-resistant spray if you’re planning on taking them outdoors).” — Stacey Stambleck, vice president of audience and strategy 

$170 at Zappos

Ethan+Ashe Vagnbys Wine Decantier & Wine Stopper Set

Nordstrom

For the self-proclaimed sommelier in your life, or just someone who wants to up their vino game, this decanter can filter and aerate the wine (plus much more), and the stopper preserves its flavor and aroma so you don’t feel pressured to finish a whole bottle in one night.” —Sara Levine, newsletter editor

$60 at Nordstrom

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan

Quince

This cashmere cardigan is great for layering and comes in multiple colors. I got this one myself and it’s super soft and great quality.” —Victoria Umpierrez, Partnerships Senior Associate

$140 at Quince

Compartés Best Sellers Chocolate Bars Gift Set

Compartés

“If you want to get someone a sweet treat, this is the top of the line option. Not only is the chocolate absolutely delicious, but all of Compartés’ products come packaged beautifully, which mean they make for a great gift for anyone on your list (including people you want to impress, and people you don’t know all that well).” —Alissa Bell, KCM Marketplace Manager

$50 at Compartés

Monogram Mary Customizable Fanny Pack

Monogram Mary

I’ve always been obsessed with monogramming, which is why I was ecstatic when Monogram Mary became one of our Katie’s Shop brands. Her fanny pack is great on its own, but the ability to customize it makes it the perfect gift. I tailor the colors to both the person I’m giving it to and the season I’m giving it in, and it’s so much fun to design.” —Stacey Stambleck, Vice President of Audience and Strategy

$58 at Monogram Mary

NuFace Toning Device

NuFace

This portable toning device lifts and contours facial muscles, plus it feels pretty cool while you’re using it. The whole process takes just 5 minutes and you can use the NuFace while you’re watching TV, waiting for a load of laundry to finish, chilling in bed, etc. It’d make a great gift for any beauty lovers in your life.” —Sara Levine, Newsletter Editor

$209 at NuFace

Courant Catch:3 Wireless Phone Charger and Accessory Tray

Courant

I’m obsessed with everything monogrammable, which is why I love this Courant charging station that you can have monogrammed for free. If you have a partner like mine who often has lots of objects strewn across their nightstand, then this gift is perfect.” —Mary Agnant, Senior Producer 

$75 at Courant

Hey Harper Inez Necklace

Hey Harper

“I think every woman needs a simple statement necklace in her arsenal. I know that sounds like an oxymoron — simple and statement — but it’s a real thing, and I found it in this necklace from Hey Harper. If you know someone who can appreciate both a show-stopping look and an understated stunner, this is the necklace to gift them this year. The Swarovski crystal in an oversized gold setting is ultra-elegant on its own and perfect for a more formal evening outfit, but if you layer it with other simple chains, it turns into a casual statement piece. Hey Harper’s jewelry is waterproof, rust-proof, and insanely affordable.” —Maggie Parker, senior digital editor

$77 at Hey Harper

Vuori Joggers

Vuori

“These are the most comfortable joggers I’ve ever tried, and they come in men’s and women’s styles. They’re perfect for travel, working from home, light workouts, or a day of running errands. I originally got these as a gift from a friend, but I’ve since bought more for myself.” —Lisa Tanzer, president of KCM marketplace

$94 at Vuori

For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2022 holiday gift guide.