Archives: Gift Guides

If you’re stuffing stockings or just want to treat the beauty lover in your life to something special, look no further than Laneige’s Sleeping Lip Mask, a viral Amazon find. It’s thick and moisturizing, but not sticky, and because a little goes a long way, one pot of this can last for months.

The famous furry UGG slippers aren’t in everyone’s budget, which is why we love this lookalike pair that costs less than $25. If you have a ton of people on your list, these soft slippers are sure to be loved by the masses. (They have almost 30,000 glowing reviews.) So consider your shopping done!

Katie loves playing tennis and pickleball, so it’s no surprise she enjoys the fashion that comes with the sports. This lightweight skort is great for hitting the court or for warm days, and right now, it’s on sale for less than $10.

Finding a brow pencil that doesn’t become a glorified crayon after five uses can be difficult, but not impossible. This one from Jones Road isn’t only easy to sharpen and keep a fine tip on, but it’s also completely waterproof, so you won’t wipe your brows away accidentally during the day. 

Katie loves her lululemon belt bag, but it’s constantly sold out online. This one is nearly identical in style, costs less than half the price, and comes in a variety of colors.

For those who travel often, suitcase space is a precious commodity. This puffer jacket will keep them warm in the coldest of environments, but it can easily be compressed and packed away in a tiny pouch when not in use. Plus, it rings in at under $30, so it’s a great stocking stuffer (literally).

Men on the go (or the ones who always forget to pack face wash, shampoo, or other travel necessities) will appreciate this one-and-done toiletries set from Malin + Goetz. It’s full of fan-favorite items including the woodsy bergamot hand and body wash, tingly peppermint shampoo, fresh grapefruit cleanser, herbal conditioner, and vitamin-packed moisturizer.

If you can’t literally wrap your arms around a loved one, this shoulder wrap is the next best thing to a warm hug. The furry fabric is filled with lavender-scented beads that can be warmed in the microwave or chilled in the fridge to deliver relief to sore shoulders or painful headaches.

If you’re a recent empty nester, it’s only natural to want your children to be safe. Let this keychain alarm deliver some peace of mind to you: It’s small and discreet, and if your kids ever find themselves in a situation they need out of, they can pull on this to activate a loud alarm and strobe light that won’t go off until the top of the alarm and base are put back together.

It’s no secret that we love Jones Road here at Katie Couric Media. Apparently, you do, too! This balm lives up to its name, and we recommend stocking up for yourself and sharing it with others this holiday season. One jar can be used on your lips, cheeks, eyelids, or anywhere else you want a subtle swath of color. 

Aches, pains, and long days are unfortunately unavoidable, but a hot bath can help make them a little better. Most bath soaks are just epsom salts, but this one from Foria also includes soothing CBD to help maximize relaxation.

Yes, it’s Chanel, and yes, it costs less than $100. This luscious lipstick rings in at under $50, but feels and looks like it costs so much more. Whether you opt for the classic red or go for something more neutral, your giftee will be wowed by a chic designer gift.

Don’t forget to set some time aside for yourself during the stressful holiday season. A pointed tip on this vibrator provides precise vibrations wherever you want them, whether you’re using it alone or with a partner. 

Gently nudge him to finally let go of the ragged sweats he’s been wearing since college by getting him these sleek joggers from Everlane. Right now, they are 60 percent off, and they have outstanding reviews. One person even goes as far to say they’re the comfiest sweatpants for men — period.

We argue that this would make a great gift for everyone, but it’s especially amazing for a fashion-forward guy. Made from 100 percent recycled polyester, it’s not only durable, but environmentally friendly. It can also be worn sling-style or as a belt bag.

Peanut butter lovers will adore this fun subscription. Once per month, this service ships out peanut butter — but these aren’t your average jars. Instead, you’ll enjoy unique flavors like toffee, pecan pie, and salted caramel. Plus, one reviewer says that the package will often arrive with other treats: “​​There were other very nice items included, such as a mini donut maker and a recipe one month, a high quality dish towel, cookie cutter, and a large silicone spatula another month, and a stainless steel tumbler and metal straw the third month.”

Michelle Pfeiffer founded her fragrance line because she knew that if she wanted a perfume with safe ingredients, she would have to make it herself. She created a variety of scents that are all free of harmful substances (like certain natural ones, which can be irritating to the skin) and approved by the Environmental Working Group and the Cradle to Cradle Innovation Institute and Henry Rose was born. Yes, it can be hard to gift a fragrance because a scent responds to every person’s skin differently. That’s why we recommend opting for a sampler of small vials so your giftee can figure out what they like best; this one contains 11 genderless scents, ranging from fresh to warm.

If you’re still stumped on the perfect gift, remember that buying someone a bottle of their favorite beverage is a tried-and-true method to making them smile. Make your favorite whiskey lover’s day by gifting them a bottle of the good stuff. We love Uncle Nearest’s bourbon for its warm notes of granola, light brown sugar, and apricots. Nearest Green was the first known African-American master distiller, so a whiskey-drinking history buff will be extra intrigued. 

A Keurig is a great addition to any coffee-fiend’s kitchen — but they can also easily squeeze this little coffee maker into their office or workplace. Heck, since this coffeemaker is only 5 inches wide you could fit it pretty much anywhere. Plus, who can deny the convenience of being able to make a single cup of coffee instead of brewing a whole pot that goes to waste?

For the sustainable fashionista, consider this faux leather handbag made from recycled plastic bottles. It comes in 15 different hues, ranging from neutral to neon, and is just big enough to hold the essentials. Katie Couric Media’s digital editor Maggie Parker has it in brown and likes that the unique structured yet scrunchy shape toes the line between casual and formal.

If you do want to splurge on some UGG slippers, this is the pair to get. Right now, certain colors are up to 40 percent off full price. They’re made with the same soft shearling UGG boots are made of, so these are sure to please any feet.

As long as you don’t wait until the last minute, creating a custom gift is easy. Tiny Tags offers engraved necklaces in a variety of shapes and sizes, like this silver circle pendant. You can add a date, name, initial, or Roman numerals to the charm, and it can be made in silver, yellow gold, or rose gold. Katie rarely takes hers off these days.

Even if they don’t wear a robe immediately after bathing, it’s still a nice thing to have available should the mood strike. They’re cozy enough to wrap yourself up in on a lazy day, and this one from Ettitude is cute enough to wear outside of the house in a pinch — we consider it a house coat.

Don’t turn up your nose at bouquet of flowers as a gift. No matter how many you’ve received in your life, flowers will always bring a smile to your face (unless you’re is allergic), especially when they’re delivered to your door on a monthly basis. Whether you know a floral fanatic or just want to share the beauty of a bouquet in the dead of winter, Urban Stems will curate a gorgeous arrangement with the freshest flowers available.

Encourage your giftee to ditch the old Folgers can and celebrate variety. This coffee subscription sends four new, carefully curated samples of artisan coffee beans per month, starting at $68 for three months. Don’t want to commit to a whole year? A single box option is available for $24, too. 

Shopping for someone hard to impress but also incredibly picky? Bespoke Post is a unique subscription box service because they designed a personality quiz to recommend a carefully curated selection of gifts with the recipient in mind and will send you recommendations each month. Plus, you can easily swap one box for another. Perfect for chronic mind changers!

We love our devices, but some photographs are too special to confine to Instagram. This photo collage accomplishes that analogue feel but nixes all the annoying parts of framing photos: Namely, getting your photos printed and framed. This service allows you to simply upload shots off of your computer, and once purchased, your photos will be printed, framed, and shipped to you. 

Beauty gurus will appreciate this high-shine lipstick from makeup great Pat McGrath. A simple swipe will give them instantly kissable lips — or at least photo ready ones. Might want to lay off the kissing to keep the color in place.

If their mani “system” is just a bottle of nail polish, then it’s time for an upgrade. This manicure in a box includes a brush grip, cuticle serum, clean-up brush, polish remover pot, nail clipper, buffer, file, top coat, and nail polish color of your choice.

A solid, basic cashmere sweater can last for years, and it’s a luxurious gift to share with others. This one costs less than $100, so you can snag one for yourself and a loved one without blowing your budget. 

When it comes down to it, no one needs 50 different winter coats. Gift this tried-and-true puffer that can be worn anywhere to someone who could use an outerwear upgrade or to someone who travels often, as it packs up into a compact bag for easy storage.  

Sure, cucumbers over the eyes work similarly to some eye masks, but these are much more luxurious. They’re packed with hyaluronic acid to visibly plump and moisturize the under eye area, and they also deliver a cooling sensation that feels divine upon application.

For the fashion lovers, a bold dress is a great choice for a gift. The organic cotton material this one is made from is breathable and durable, and the ruffled collar and puff sleeves elevate it from your average shirtdress.

Picking out the perfect gift for a makeup guru can be a full-time job, so why not give them a little bit of everything? This makeup set comes with nine different products, from fan-favorite brands like Urban Decay and Fenty Beauty, and it costs less than $60.

UGGs have a reputation for being rather costly, as they’re normally made from genuine shearling, but these are almost half off right now. Any giftee will love these plush slippers with a thick sole that can be worn both in and out of the house.

Everyone needs a good night’s sleep, which is why Cushion Lab set out to make the perfect pillow for everyone. Made from dual-density memory foam, this pillow has bolstered sides to support the neck in all positions, whether you tend to sleep on your side, back, or belly.

Cashmere for under $100 is basically unheard of, so snatch this deal up while it lasts. A basic crewneck is a versatile wardrobe staple, and having it made out of such a plush material makes it that much better. He can wear this alone or with a dress shirt layered underneath.

It’s never too late for him to play out his Stanley Tucci Instagram bartender dreams, and he’ll finally be able to once he gets these tools in his hands. All housed neatly in a wooden stand, this bartending set comes with 15 different tools, including a shaker, spoon, jigger, muddler, ice tongs, pour spouts, and an assortment of strainers.

And what will he serve those cocktails he’ll be making in? Perhaps these mountainous rocks glasses. Sure, these are technically meant for whiskey, but we’d venture to guess any drink will look amazing in these. Ideal for the outdoorsman (or anyone who appreciates a vast view), there are six different mountain ranges to choose from, like the Rockies, which are pictured above.

If his worn-out slippers require shuffling to stay on, it’s time for an upgrade. This puffy pair from Chaco are heavy duty enough to wear outside around a campfire, yet comfy enough to don while sitting on the couch reading the paper. An elastic ankle band cinches for a custom fit, and the nylon material is lightweight on the foot.

Hauling gym shoes, a laptop, and a change of clothes in the same bag can be tricky, but not when it has pockets in all the right places. With outer compartments that keep stinky clothes and shoes away from work essentials, this lululemon bag will become his best friend on days when he needs to go from a workout to work without his button down and training shorts smelling one and the same.

Barbecue sauce, grease, and hot grills are just some of the things this apron can protect a cook from. Pockets on the front are perfect for holding napkins and spatulas, and there’s even a tong holster on the side.

The lululemon Align leggings are a cult favorite, and for good reason: They’re buttery soft, stay in place all day long, and look amazing on everyone. If you know someone who wouldn’t invest in a pair for themselves, take the holidays as an opportunity to treat them to a pair they’ll wear for seasons to come.

Constant vibrations and pressure to close exercise rings aren’t for everyone, and that’s OK. Sometimes a simpler smartwatch is best. This chic watch has a sweat-proof, comfortable silicone band, and a minimal, yet refined face. Despite the sporty strap, the dressed up face makes it appropriate for work and play. There are also nearly 20 different colors to choose from.

Give the gift of serenity with this lavender-infused spa kit. It comes with bath salts, linen spray, body lotion, and a scented candle, making it easy to completely envelope oneself in a lavender oasis. This set will remind your recipient that they need to take time for self-care, and even better, the proceeds will help take care of survivors of abuse: Thistle Farms helps house and employ those in need, giving them a safe space to live and a meaningful job.

Skincare and makeup can be tricky to gift. You don’t always know what people have in their collections, what they like, or what they need. Cover all your bases with this set from Jones Road that’s part a little bit of everything: a hydrating lip gloss, creamy eye pencil, blendable eyeshadow, and shimmery eye tint. Not only are all of these products multipurpose, but they’re almost everything anyone would need to stash in a travel makeup bag.

Sometimes the best gifts are practical ones, especially if you have a wine lover in your life. This set of stemless glasses is hand-blown and comes in a variety of colors. They have a nice weight to them, so they feel almost as nice as the first sip of wine. Katie appreciates this style because stemmed glasses are much easier to break.

We love UGG slippers, but we love this mule-slipper hybrid even more. Not only is it made of the same soft shearling as the brand’s beloved boots and loafers, but they are just as cozy with pajamas indoors as they are with jeans or a dress out and about.

Not only are these Caraway pans extremely Instagrammable, but they make cooking just about anything a breeze. This mini duo is perfect for cooking single servings or heating up small portions, and they take up less space in small kitchens. Theses can be used on both gas and electric cooktops, and they’re oven safe up to 550 degrees.

Whoever said “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” never owned a pair of Eberjey pajamas. These pajamas are life-changing. They’re comfy, they’re sophisticated, they’re sexy…they’ll almost have you hoping a fire alarm goes off during the night so that everyone on your street can see how adorable your jammies are.

Scarf, shawl, airplane blanket, wrap — there’s not much this oversized cashmere number can’t do. It comes in more than 10 colors, all equally soft and snuggly, and it’s so versatile that you may find yourself wearing it year-round.

Katie plays a mean game of pickleball, and playing it with friends is the best part. Share the sport with loved ones by getting them a custom paddle set like this one, which comes with everything but the court: balls, paddles, and sweatbands are included.

It’s official: Yoga pants are the new leggings. If you know someone who wants to try the trend without investing a ton, opt for these stylish flares from 32 Degrees. They cost less than $20, but they look like a thousand bucks.

Not all crossbody bags are created equally, and the thoughtful design on this Dagne Dover one is what helps set it apart. Made from water-resistant neoprene, this phone sling will survive whatever life throws at it, from drink stains to dirt. If it does start to look grimy, it can be tossed in the wash and will come out looking good as new. On the inside, there are plenty of pockets to keep you organized and a key leash to keep them close.

Who doesn’t need a sturdy and stylish duffle bag? A duffle is easy to lug to work, the gym, or to a weekend away with no fuss. Handsome faux-leather shoulder straps elevate this bag from being a functional workhorse to subtly striking arm candy.

The best way to describe these slacks is that they are the masculine equivalent of traditional leggings. They’re stretchy, soft, and comfortable, but they also look nice enough to wear to work or dinner. They come in five different lengths and 16 different colors. 

Sommeliers and casual wine drinkers agree: This stuff is delicious. Founded by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power, Avaline set out to create tasty, organic wines without any unnecessary additives that enhance meals and bring people together. This intro set comes with six different bottles, each from a core category (red, white, rosé, sparkling, Cabernet, and Chardonnay).

We firmly believe you can never have too many pairs of slippers. You need a pair solely for inside, another pair for walking the dog or checking the mail, and then another pair for when you can’t find the others. (How do they always end up under the couch?) These mule-style slippers are lined with soft and plush shearling material, and the outside is made from a durable suede. A thick sole makes them grippier than socks, and they can be worn outside without fear of your feet getting wet. (Although we recommend spraying them with a waterproofing spray before wearing them out in wet weather.)

What if you could wear your heart not on your sleeve, but on your chest? Stick with us here: This sweatshirt features a custom embroidered photo of your recipient’s fur baby (or babies). It’s available in a variety of colors, and you can even have the pet’s name added in script if you’d like.

Most runners get annoyed by bouts of rain that interrupt their workout time. These running shoes make a wet run safer thanks to water repellent wool, all condition traction that grips slippery surfaces, and reflective details that increase visibility. Plus, they’re pretty easy on the eyes.

“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 

Combine the support of a running shoe and the softness of a slipper, and you get this amazing recovery sneaker. The footbed is made from Oofos’ patented foam, which absorbs more shock than other shoes, keeping your joints happy and your feet happier.

Orolay’s warm coat has been on the scene for a few years now, but that won’t stop us from recommending it to everyone we know. Buyers rave that it makes going out in the chilly weather purse-less possible — there are enough pockets in this coat that you’ll never need a bag while wearing it. So if you’re familiar with the struggle of trying to get the strap of your bag over your puffer coat sleeve, this is the coat for you.

A vest is an incredibly useful tool to layer during colder months. We like this down vest because of its versatility: Buyers say that it’s comfortable and appropriate for athletic activities, but can also be dressed up for casual jaunts about town. Plus, the neutral colors and smooth, unfussy texture pair well with a variety of other colors and fabrics.   

Upgrade their Apple watch with a chic band. This leather band is cut and sewn in America, and adds an elegant appeal to the techie gadget.

Belt bags are all the rage, but sometimes they lean too casual to wear out to dinner or on a date. This one from Hyer Goods is made from upcycled leather, giving it a chic and elevated look, and it can be worn four different ways: As a belt bag, shoulder bag, crossbody, or clutch.

Are your friends and family dispersed across the country? A digital picture frame is the perfect for your long-distance giftees. They’ll be able to set this frame up within minutes of opening it, and they can invite their loved ones to upload their own photos so the memories will continue on.

A massage gun is a popular gift year after year, and we totally understand why. This powerful personal gun is great for athletes or anyone with tight muscles (which to be honest, is probably all of us). Theragun in particular has a reputation for making some of the best massage products out there, so despite its steeper price tag, it’s a great gift for just about everyone.

Part sweater, part sweatshirt, this quarter zip is as soft as his favorite collegiate crewneck, but it’s certainly more elevated. He can pair it with a basic T-shirt for casual days or layer it with a collared shirt for a dressier look.

No matter what kind of workout they prefer, these supportive shoes will ensure they’re comfortable while doing it. This version of On’s Cloud shoe is Molner’s favorite, especially because it’s waterproof and doesn’t require fiddling with laces. 

Practice makes (putting) perfect. Enhance your game with this narrow putting green that you can roll out in your living room or office when you want to practice. Bonus: It’s easy to stash away once you’ve mastered your hole in one. 

Give the gift of restful, cozy sleep with these soft pajamas. Made of jersey-knit, this midweight pair is incredibly warm but still breathable (because no one likes night sweats). Reviewers say that they’ve invested in multiple pairs to keep them comfy all winter long. 

You’ve probably seen Katie wearing this Spanx set, and it’s still one of her favorites. The tapered pants are an elevated take on sweatpants, and the hoodie has a pleat in the back that adds a bit of shape to it. But it’s the length of the hoodie that has us hooked. A little extra material is always welcome, especially when it comes to comfy clothes.

There’s a big difference between a knife, and a good knife. Having the right tools will transform one’s cooking skills, so gift this to an aspiring chef. It comes with six essential knives set in a beautiful acacia wood block, so they’ll be proud to display it on their kitchen counter.

If the man in your life has been sporting the same walking shoes for years, it’s time to surprise him with a comfortable yet stylish new pair. We love that these supple leather sneakers straddle the line between “office-ready” and “bar-ready.” In other words, this is prime “day to night” for men. 

Buying for a foodie? Help them take their home cooking game up a notch by gifting this multipurpose cooking set. The very elegant, hardy duo includes Our Place’s Perfect Pot and the Always Pan, which are both made of nontoxic, nonstick ceramic. You can use these tools to boil, crisp, bake, braise, roast, steam, strain, serve, and pour.

Apple’s latest AirPods Pro drop is set to be one of the top gifts of the year. You can read our full review of them here, or just buy them now and let your lucky recipient decide whether they are worth the hype. (Spoiler alert: They are.)