In this edition of The Gift, we’ve rounded up the very best deals on gifts we’re seeing so far, including a satiny robe and a few special pieces of jewelry. Plus: what to give a tween.
I used to believe there were two types of holiday shoppers: the people who cross off their entire lists on Black Friday and their polar opposites, like me, who forgo the deluge of sales entirely and have been known to finish their shopping on Christmas Eve. (What can I say? I work best on deadline.)
But last year, I blessedly discovered there’s a third option. Use this week to ease yourself in. I ordered just one gift on Black Friday last year, a very cute and retro court bag for my pickleball-obsessed brother-in-law. It changed the trajectory of my December. Having a really good gift arrive so early—that I snagged at a great price, no less—made me feel like the kind of very-with-it person who handled the holidays with ease. And because I felt like that sort of person, I … was that kind of person.
So my advice to you: Don’t feel panicked if you don’t have your list buttoned up yet. Don’t get overwhelmed by the thousands of deals out there. (Most of them are manufactured and lousy, anyway.) Just try to check off even one present early. It’ll start you on a good path.
Here’s the gifts calling to me so far, all of them already on sale at an actually worth-it price, according to my brilliant deals-expert colleagues. (Friends and family, divert your eyes, spoilers ahead.)
- I am simply enamored by this darling 14k gold lock necklace, which has a vintage vibe and can be engraved with up to three initials. It’s a perfect not-too-delicate but very sweet sparkly splurge.
- These leather-like Crocs (yes, really) are quite handsome and would be perfect for anyone who likes to pad around the garden, or wants to look casual-cool on early-morning dog walks. I personally think they’d pair nicely with these sweatpants and a trench.
- In the category of “something they probably wouldn’t buy themselves but will use every day” (my favorite kind of gift!): Our beauty expert swears by this luxe face wash that she says provides an “all-around fantastic cleansing experience.” And while we’re talking skin care: This rubbery, deeply moisturizing Dr. Jart sheet mask would be an excellent stocking stuffer.
- I have basically been living in the men’s version of this super satiny robe the past few weeks. (Spoiler: It’s an new pick in our soon-to-be updated robe guide.) The mulberry silk and polka-dot pattern is all very old-school Hollywood glam.
- For any men on your list toying with becoming a “jewelry guy,” this chunky necklace from Mejuri feels like a very nice place to start. The curb chain design means the links lie in a flattened, subtle way, so they can ease into their new persona.
- Nearly every kid (and kid-at-heart adult) I know would enjoy smashing these regular-looking rocks to reveal what’s inside: sparkly, gem-hued crystals. The grab bag of 15 geodes also includes an illustrated booklet so your budding archaeologist can learn about their new treasure.
- A mini projector, like this one, would be a very good gift for anyone who doesn’t want the size—or the look—of a TV taking up permanent space in their home. It lacks a built-in battery, but if you really love your giftee, you could wrap up our top-pick USB-C power bank for them too, to make this projector truly portable.
- This silk sleep mask is the best gift deputy editorial director Maxine Builder has ever received. It’s basically a luxurious blackout curtain for your face, thanks to the adjustable eyecups and genuinely high-quality fabric. I will be adding one to my own stocking, thank you very much.
- Lastly, I love our gifts editor Hannah Morrill’s advice to think of what your recipient uses often and upgrade it for them. In that vein: The jet-setters in your life likely already have a personal-item bag, but it’s probably not as chic as this roomy, adaptable carry-all from Away, or as lightweight (and cute!) as this one from Baggu.
I’ll leave you with this, a few things that aren’t on sale yet but that I’ve got my eye on for tomorrow: this French hair brush pretty enough to leave out on a dresser, the Flamingo Estate sage candle editorial director Leta Shy convinced me I need, and this dreamy moisturizing stone.
