I’m a Picky Editor, but I'd Lose It If I Received the 34 Gifts on My Holiday Wishlist

Even your most particular giftee will approve of these finds.

Eva Thomas
·8-min read

Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Nordstrom / Le Prunier / Naadam / InStyle

Nordstrom / Le Prunier / Naadam / InStyle

I was on a three-way FaceTime call with my mom and sister, as we so often are, discussing holiday plans and prepping our plans for Christmas gifts. I told them what I had for my husband, brother-in-law, and then sneakily tried to uncover some things I could buy for them. We all agreed that less is more; as in, fewer gifts and just a handful of bigger, more meaningful ones. I immediately had things in mind for them, but then my sister said, “Eva, what do we get our real life Weihnachtsmann?,” to which we all giggled. I’m Weihnachtsmann, which is Santa Claus in German, a nickname my sister’s given me because of the top-tier gifts I’ve handed out over the years.

I’m hard to shop for, even my sister said so, so this inspired me to make an (online) wishlist—kind of like I used to when I was younger—of all the fashion and beauty things, home goods, and experiences, I, the person who has everything and is picky as heck, would love to receive. You’re welcome.

Top 15 Picky Editor Holiday Gifts

Whether you want to give a gift to someone or get something for yourself, because that’s important, too, I think you’ll find something for everyone on your list, whether that’s the coffee lover who’s done spending so much hard-earned money at coffee shops or the overworked friend who keeps saying they need to go on vacation but hasn’t officially booked anything yet.

Slip Pure Silk Queen Pillowcase & Scrunchie Set

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Fashion Gifts:

When it comes to fashion gifts, I like a lot, but I don’t love a lot, which means I wouldn’t want to give or get it (sorry if that sounds harsh). However, there are a handful of essentials I’d be excited to unpack (ahem, mom, sister, hubby!) like cashmere knits, and silky PJs that are so luxe.

Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip

Spanx

Spanx

Cozy? Yes. Cute? Yes. Totally worth it? Yes. I own this in navy blue, but I wouldn’t be mad if someone gave it to me in another color (wink, wink).

M.Gemi the Tina Boot

M.Gemi

M.Gemi

Obsessed. That’s the only word I can use to describe my feelings about these perfect, chocolatey boots from my go-to brand, M.Gemi. They’re pricey, but dang, they’re good.

Jenny Bird Nonstop Earrings

Jenny Bird

Jenny Bird

Jenny Bird makes great pieces at totally reasonable prices, and these statement picks are certainly going to win over your most stylish friend.

More fashion gifts:

Best Under $50 Gifts:

Prefer to keep your spending to a minimum? That’s totally okay and fair, and there are still many winning gifts you can snag for under $50. A Dior lip oil will always wow, as will this game-changing Shinery kit that’s also Oprah-approved and will make everyone's jewelry sparkle like new again.

Dior Lip Oil

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I love a more low-key gloss on the lips, so this Dior glow oil that adds a shiny, hydrating touch with a subtle tinge of color is on the top of my wishlist.

Shinery Jewelry Wash

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Shinery landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things List last year, and since then, it’s been on my radar. If you own lots of jewels, like me, and wear them a lot, like me, this jewelry wash will change the game.

Nordstrom Rib Cashmere Beanie

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

There’s nothing a cashmere beanie can’t fix, and this one from Nordstrom is on sale and so perfect for anyone on your list.

More under-$50 gifts:

Best Beauty Gifts:


Beauty might be harder to shop for when it comes to gifts, but I’m confident the below will make everyone on your gift list glow, literally. I swear by Westman Atelier’s blush sticks for a quick flush or color, while I’ve been so eager to try the famous Dr. Dennis Gross face mask (ahem!!).

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I’m a blush stuck girlie through and through, and these from Westman Atelier have become my most-used since. They’re creamy, but so pigmented, and even if you’re not a makeup pro, you can use these with ease.

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil

Credo

Credo

My mom raves about this Le Prunier Oil all the time, and she’s picky about her beauty. But, this plum oil is now a staple in her routine, as it is in mine, and if you want something yummy and hydrating to cure dry winter skin, this is it.

More beauty gifts:

Best Home Gifts:

Home gifts are always a win. People love candles (me!), plus other practical staples, like this Dusen Dusen Apron. But if you want to go all out (like, all out), this Oprah-approved coffee machine will save your coffee-addicted friend so much money in the long term. A cozy cup of harmony tea in a busy, hustle and bustle world, or a funny but extremely helpful robot vacuum are pretty cool to get, too.

Dusen Dusen Pattern Apron

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I think an apron is always a fun gift, even if someone isn’t spending 24/7 in the kitchen, and this Dusen Dusen find is the ideal buy for someone who loves design and food. Me!

Le Prunier Harvest Smoke Candle

Le Prunier

Le Prunier

If you could bottle up a warm, smokey, winter-perfect scent into a candle, it’d be this Le Prunier option. You’ll want to burn this all season long.

More home gifts:

Best Adventure Gifts:

When someone asks me what I would like, I almost always say “an experience." I love receiving “stuff,” but honestly, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the most valuable gifts people have given me are those that are physical; it’s an adventure to a cabin in the woods, it’s a spa experience at a luxury hotel! These are always a hit. Round it out with all the travel essentials, like giving them a top-tier luggage piece.

Away the Everywhere Bag

AWAY

AWAY

An everywhere bag is an essential for everyone. Pack what you need and feel safe knowing it’s, well, safe in a water-resistant, personal item-approved bag from Away.

Postcard Cabins Getaway

Postcard Cabins

Postcard Cabins

A getaway is the gift that keeps on giving. Escaping to a remote place, like those you can find on Postcard Cabins, is a must for the soul (for me, at least!). If you want to gift someone some R&R, this is a surefire win.

Apple AirTags Four-Pack

Amazon

Amazon

I don't travel without AirTags, and I officially need more (to put in all of my bags that leave my side when I board the plane). Everyone would benefit from these, trust me.

More adventure gifts:

No matter what you buy on this list, I promise you’ll earn the title of best gift giver this year. The only problem is, you’ll have to keep it up next year—but stay tuned for that list in 2025.

Read the original article on InStyle

Latest stories