“The husband-and-wife team behind Girlfriend Collective (Gayle, a huge fan, told me about them) is making activewear more inclusive with this design that comes in sizes XS to 6XL. The pieces are sweat-wicking, high-compression, and high-waisted, and 79 percent of the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles.”

Also available at girlfriend.com

“I put this shirt on when I saw it, and that was it—love at first sight. This cotton design is lightweight and soft, and the simple stripes work on anyone, whichever color you go for.”

Also available at kule.com

“I often pick my glasses to match my outfit, and these specs are terrific. Used as readers or to filter the blue light from your devices, the oversize frame with tortoise on top and color on the bottom will flatter most faces. At $29, you might want to treat yourself to a pair, too.”

Also available at peepers.com

“A jumpsuit is my living, working, traveling uniform. I think I own more jumpsuits from this L.A. brand than any other. This one is made from the softest French terry. And since it zips up and down, bathroom breaks are a breeze.”

Also available at rivetutility.com

“These gloves are from a female-owned business called Top It Off Accessories, and I am going to top them off by giving them with some hand cream. The plaid print is a crowd-pleaser, and you can keep them on while you use your phone thanks to touchscreen capabilities.”

Also available at topitoffaccessories.com

“Made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles fashioned into lightweight, water-resistant nylon, its party trick is that it can fold up into a zippable pouch you can stow away in your luggage, so you have an extra bag.”

Also available at tourparavel.com

“These boots may look like slippers, but you can wear them out in the world. They’re made of a teddy-bear fabric on the outside and warm, moisture-wicking sheepskin on the inside for a comfy, cozy fit.”

Also available at emuaustralia.com

“Have someone on your list whose cell is always attached to their hip? This crossbody makes life easier. It fits most phones, has slots for credit cards, and comes in cheery colors.”

Also available at jwpei.com

“With a real-deal baroque-style pearl, these elegant earrings are substantial in size and look just as good with jeans as they do with a little black dress.”

Also available at shopshashi.com

“Travel is baaaaack! This smart carryall makes schlepping your stuff for an overnight getaway goof-proof. Fill up the garment bag first, then add a couple of pairs of shoes to the side pockets and zip it all up so it transforms into a duffel bag before you put in the rest of your essentials.”

Also available at broukandco.com

“Nobody wants their jewelry jingle-jangling freely in their suitcase. This jazzy velvet travel case keeps your prized pieces stylishly contained with spaces for rings, bracelets, and necklaces. And it’s small enough to stash in your purse.”

Also available at benevolencela.com

“This coat has a classic yet updated look that feels high-end, with quilting and big front pockets. It’s water-resistant and made from recycled insulation that was tested for warmth in temps as low as -13 degrees F.”

Also available at landsend.com

“We all have a friend who carries a sizable amount of stuff around on a daily basis. (I’m talking to you, Gayle!) Not too big or too small, this vegan suede tote is just the right size for your on-the-go loved one in need of a stylish solution.”

Also available at k-carroll.com

“Come rain, sleet, or slush, these boots will get you through with a water- resistant, durable design made from recycled polyester. My favorite part: The zipper makes them easy to get on and off.”

Also available at sperry.com

“Hoops are my thing. So we curated the Five Days of Hoops (in silver or gold tones) in order to have an earring for every occasion, whether it calls for something understated or large and in charge. Fun to open and fabulous to wear—a win-win.”

Also available at sterlingforever.com

“The makeup lover in your life will surely be into these woven cosmetic cases. They look luxe and are just the right size to stash makeup and some skincare. You also really get bang for your buck with one big top handle mama case plus two baby pouches.”

Also available at trvldesign.com

“You can’t go wrong giving the gift of cashmere. This versatile design can be a scarf, a wrap, or even a travel blanket. Plus, the stripes give it some oomph. It’s hard to choose a fave color combo—they’re all so great.”

Also available at alpinecashmere.com

“Take this water-resistant, machine-washable blanket anywhere! It’s part of the National Parks Collection and is made from recycled plastic bottles. Also nice: Every purchase gives back to the National Park Foundation.”

Also available at rumpl.com

“If a scarf, a hat, and earmuffs had a baby, you’d get this warming wonder. A design I’ve never seen before, it has special coverings on the side so ears aren’t left out in the cold. It also comes with a separate neck warmer that can be pulled up to keep your nose nice and toasty.”

Also available at tourance.com

“I know what I’ll be getting Gayle’s daughter, Kirby, and family. From Jessica Alba’s Honest Baby, these photo- worthy pajamas are sustainably made from organic cotton, and there’s sizing for everyone from grown-ups to toddlers, and even a matching bandanna for your pet!”

Available at honestbabyclothing.com

“The blend of Epsom and mineral sea salts, Brazilian white clay, and earthy wood notes in these bath salts calms muscles, skin, and mood. Plus, the canister looks so nice sitting on your counter. What more could you possibly ask for?”

Also available at livecostabrazil.com

“Some days you need your slippers to go the distance, like from the house to the mailbox. With quilted nylon on the outside and memory foam insoles, this plush pair, perfect for both moms and dads, makes it feel like you’re walking on a cloud.”

Also available at dearfoams.com

“When Gayle saw this, she immediately said, ‘I’m definitely getting this—the gray one and the blue one!’ I live in Softies, and this ultra-soft lounger (it’s called Marshmallow fabric for a reason) works as well for running errands with some boots as it does for a cozy night in with a pair of snuggly socks.”

Also available at softiespjs.com

“Slippers should always be an aah moment for feet. These easy-to-wear, indoor-outdoor slides show your toes but are still nice and cushy, courtesy of a toasty cloudlike faux-fur lining and cushioned footbed.”

Also available at minnetonkamoccasin.com

“At my house, we often infuse vodka or tequila with ingredients from my garden for fun cocktails. This company, founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs, makes it easy for you to make your own. The set comes with an infusion bottle and seven different infusion packets in flavors like smoky, citrus, and more. You just mix one with your spirit of choice, let it sit for a few hours, and it’s ready to go.”

Also available at onepartco.com

“Have a holiday party on your schedule? This Santa cookie jar would make a sweet hostess gift. The jolly guy comes in three different skin tones, and each jar is hand-painted. Fill it with your favorite treats before gifting.”

Also available at glitterville.com

“Latte? Cappuccino? Macchiato? Whatever strikes your fancy, this machine is like having your own personal barista at home with you. The best part? All you have to do is roll out of bed and touch the button with the drink you want.”

Also available at delonghi.com

“Meet the more eco-friendly way to do disposable dinnerware. With these sets, you get pretty plates made out of metal or woven seagrass. Then you get disposable parchment-paper liners to place on top. Not only does it look pretty, but when people are done eating, you can compost the liners.”

Also available at plateandpattern.com

“It’s always good to have a few no-brainer hostess gifts up your sleeve. Here’s one of those. This oil-and-vinegar set comes in handmade ceramic bottles that are made in Peru using a traditional technique that can take up to 15 days. I own a few pieces from this brand and can tell you they’re top-notch.”

Also available at montesdoggett.com

“No one expects pieces like these to be so fancy-schmancy-looking! This set comes with a pizza cutter and an ice cream scoop that are made from stainless steel and have ergonomic handles.”

Also available at midnightkitchentools.com

“Picture this: You pour yourself a nice glass of chilled wine. But pretty soon, it’s warm. This crafty little device solves that problem. Keep the cradle in the freezer until you pour your wine into a stemless glass, which you place in the cradle to keep your wine crisp from first sip to last.”

Also available at vochill.com

“This toaster lives up to its name. It’s revolutionary. Consider this the iPhone of toasters. You can use the touchscreen to select one of seven brownness levels, and special heat technology means your bread gets crispy on the outside but stays soft and moist inside. Need to throw frozen slices in there? No prob! Craving a panini? It even has an attachment for that.”

Also available at revcook.com

“Know a passionate home cook? With this gadget, they can push a button and freshly grind spices. Fill it with peppercorns, coarse salt, toasted garlic—you get the idea.”

Also available at finamill.com

“These durable pots and pans don’t just look chic—they work hard, too! Each one in the 12-piece set is coated in nontoxic, nonstick ceramic and is oven-safe up to 550 degrees. Two of the pans included in the set even come with ceramic steamers, so you can easily make healthy veggie sides in a flash with little to no oil.”

Also available at bloomhousecollection.com

“Lay a baguette on this board, and the notches tell you exactly where to cut for even slices. I’d put this out next to a nice creamy Brie, so guests can take a piece of bread and slather it with cheese. It’d also be great for a family-style meal.”

Also available at casafinagifts.com

“Put this perfect charcuterie tray out for a party, and you’ll get lots of oohs and aahs. The board is made from acacia wood and has the word gather carved into it. Use the larger ceramic plate for cheeses and the smaller dishes for things like olives, nuts, and fruit.”

Also available at sophistiplate.com

“These nesting bowls are well-crafted, and the neutral color will go in any kitchen. They even come with a handy spout to make pouring pancake batter (or anything else) easy to do without drips or spills.”

Also available at citrine.us

“Homemade pizza night is a regular occasion at my house. I like mine with fresh truffle shaved on top! This pizza oven lets you bake restaurant-grade pies from the comfort of your backyard. Attach it to the gas burner, or use the wood-burning function—the choice is yours!”

Also available at solostove.com

“This gadget allows you to open a bottle of wine and pour a glass without ever removing the cork (yes, really!). The result: You can keep a bottle of wine for much longer, having a glass here or there. Along with the wine preserver, you’ll get an aerator and a bottle sleeve, too. Cheers to that!”

Also available at coravin.com

“I have set up many of my daughter- girls’ new homes, and I wish I’d known about this 44-piece dinnerware set. It comes with big and small plates, bowls, water glasses, wine glasses, and cutlery. In other words, everything someone starting out needs. Plus, it looks great.”

Also available at leewayhome.co

“Stocking stuffer alert! These ponytail holders are cute enough to double as bracelets until they’re needed to swoop up hair. They come in a set of three, and the yellow or white gold will suit any style.”

Also available on mayajnyc.com

“These natural beeswax, sunflower, and coconut oil balms are making their return to Favorite Things, but now they come in six new tints. Hand-poured in Idaho with recyclable cardboard packaging, these sheer colors would be great for a young person in your life.”

Also available on poppyandpout.com

“Some people learned to make sourdough bread during lockdown; I learned to tie a headscarf. If you’re still working on your wrapping skills, Grace Eleyae’s knotted turbans make it easy. They help reduce frizz and retain moisture, thanks to the satin lining.”

Also available on graceeleyae.com

“These decadently creamy body butters are hard to beat. They’re so easy to apply and contain shea butter, cocoa butter, and royal jelly to hydrate, strengthen, and protect skin—including extra- rough spots. Original is scented with blackberry and rose; Rosemary Lavender is calming; and Chamomile & Myrrh and Tupelo Honey are extra gentle for sensitive skin. Split them among you and your friends.”

Also available at savannahbee.com

“Not sure what to get for someone? Hand creams are my go-to. They’re a thoughtful gift, especially for someone who has been kind to you. These Australian aloe-vera-based formulas feel silky, absorb quickly, and come in a tin box that was designed just for us.”

Also available on murphyanddaughters.com

“I’m very particular about makeup brushes. These are cruelty-free, soft, and easy to clean, and they come in a case that keeps them organized on your vanity and makes travel easy. The set includes the five brushes makeup pros reach for over and over again: a large powder brush, a brush for blush or bronzer, an eyeshadow brush, a tapered blending brush, and a concealer brush.”

Also available at larucebeauty.com

“Stedman and I love a big bar of soap. These are generously sized and inspiring, with words like kindness and hope etched into them. Plus, you’ll be supporting a woman-owned company that hires women in recovery, people with disabilities, and those who have lived in chronic poverty.”

Also available at museebath.com

“This is how I keep my skin glowing. My favorites are the cleanser, which is a gentle foam that takes off all my makeup, the enzyme cleanser, which is a powder that I mix with water to exfoliate, and the hydrating Glow Drops, which I love the most and use on days I don’t want to wear makeup.”

Also available at drsturm.com

“Makeup artist Laura Geller has been helping women of all ages feel and look their best for decades. Her latest palettes take the guesswork out of makeup; each contains six eyeshadows, a blush, and a highlighter in shades that look flattering on all skin tones.”

Also available at laurageller.com

“Gloria Williams, a.k.a. the Footnanny, has been caring for my feet for years, and she has a new bodycare collection. She knows I love the smell of eucalyptus, so she made this sugar scrub scented with it. It’s divine!”

Also available on footnanny.com

“If you, like me, have ruined a few towels from washing off makeup, then you need these eco-friendly, reusable makeup removers. Wet one with water, swipe, then place it in the included bag and toss in the wash.”

Also available on us.dockandbay.com

“Gloss is back in a big way, but this time, it’s not at all sticky, thanks to brand founders Feven and Helena Yohannes, who are twins and political refugees from Eritrea. Their set comes with six hues that are perfect for all skin tones.”

Also available at 241cosmetics.com

“Keep precious hands toasty for trips to the skating rink and walks to school. I can just hear the squeals of delight when little girls open these and see that the gloves aren’t just functional— they’re covered in jewels at the cuffs and on a finger to look like a ring!”

Also available at supersmalls.co

“Encourage a budding artist (and keep kids busy sans screen time) with one of these bright and cheery paint-by-number kits. Of all the fun design options, I happen to think the ice cream cone and robot are particularly cute. Each kit includes a template-printed canvas, a four-brush set, and handy little pots of acrylic paint.”

Also available at pinkpicassokits.com

“Keep your kids’ feet dry while they splash around in the rain. These all-natural rubber rain boots come in fun designs and are lined in absorbent cotton. Plus, the handles at the top make them easy to pull on and off. Gayle has already nabbed a pair for Luca!”

Also available at westernchief.com

“I know a lot of parents and grandparents who will get a kick out of this gift. Give it to a child and let them doodle with the drawing kit, then their parent sends their masterpiece to the company and it will be embroidered on a 100 percent cotton canvas apron and sent back.”

Also available at cecedupraz.com

“Forget matches. This rechargeable lighter creates a small electric spark that allows you to light candles, your fireplace, or even a campfire. To help you see what you’re trying to light in the dark, it also contains an LED flashlight.”

Also available at theusblightercompany.com

“When the first iteration of this virtual reality headset came out, we made it a Favorite Thing because we loved the way it allowed you to play games, take fitness classes, and explore far-off places. This updated version allows you to do all that and more. Now you can explore every inch of the metaverse with a pal who also has a headset.”

Also available at store.facebook.com

“No more messy cables! This wireless charging mat is big enough to hold your phone, earbuds, and Apple watch—meaning you only need one cord to charge three things. It’s available in a variety of shades (I like the off-white) and comes with a sleek travel pouch.”

Also available at broukandco.com

“Point this smart projector onto any wall to turn it into a big screen. You can use your favorite streaming apps from it, and it’s got powerful speakers, just like a movie theater.”

Also available at samsung.com

“Whether you’re a late-night jogger or have a furry friend who needs a before-bedtime walk, these clever caps from a Chicago-based women-owned company won’t leave you in the dark. Great for women and men, they have a rechargeable light with three brightness levels and come in a bunch of colors.”

Also available at roq-innovation.com

“Now, this is cool—in fact, it might just be the gift of the year! They look like classic, streamlined Wayfarer sunglasses, but they actually connect to your phone. You can listen to music or podcasts, answer calls, and even take pictures and videos. A simple tap or voice command is all it takes to do these things. And they charge in their case!”

Also available at ray-ban.com

“Adam Glassman hung the latest Echo Show on the wall of his kitchen and uses it every day. The 15.6-inch HD screen has a sleek frame, so it almost looks like a piece of art. You can use it to sync family calendars, write digital notes to one another, and create to-do lists. Or, like Adam, you can stream your favorite show while you cook.”

“This gadget quickly presses both sides of a shirt, dress, or pair of pants and reaches its highest temperature in three minutes. You can also use it to steam or refresh clothes. And with people traveling again, it’s ideal to throw into your suitcase.”

Also available at nori.co

“Whether it’s a natural disaster or a local power outage, you never want to be caught unprepared. This waterproof backpack comes with a 53-piece emergency kit, including essentials like a first-aid kit, water, and more. It also contains two rechargeable lanterns, which each have 20 hours of battery life.”

Also available at judy.co

“The founder of this company fell in love with puzzles as a form of stress release and meditation—and she wanted to help others enjoy the pastime, too. The 800-piece puzzles feature artwork by emerging female artists and come in a reusable glass jar that includes a tube of jigsaw puzzle glue and a straight-edge tool to spread the glue to transform the finished product into a piece of art.”

Also available at jiggypuzzles.com

“I take bathing very seriously—and having a great towel to wrap yourself in afterward is key. This set comes with a waffle texture on one side that looks good hanging in your bathroom, while the other side is terry cloth that’s soft and absorbent.”

Also available at cozyearth.com

“You know I love to garden! This affordable set is perfect for someone who is just starting to embrace their green thumb. It comes with a spade, a cultivator, and a weeder—plus instructions on planting an herb garden.”

Also available at sb-designstudio.com

“Give the gift of a tension-relieving massage anytime, anywhere with the new Theragun Mini, which is even more compact and lighter than the original mini—and just look at the desert rose hue. Connect it to the Therabody app for guided recovery routines.”

Also available at therabody.com

“Know someone who spends their days on their feet? Or who is about to walk into the next phase of their life? Gift them this classy footcare set: a foot scrubber to tackle dry, rough soles and a foot roller to massage sore areas.”

Also available at sb-designstudio.com

“Superstar Venus Williams is a co-owner of Asutra, the brand that makes this weighted silk eye pillow. It blocks light and is filled with lavender to help you relax. Adjust the strap for fit, remove the inner pouch if you want to make it lighter, or slide in the included gel mask (store it in the freezer) to depuff your eye area.”

Also available at asutra.com

“I add these fizzy peach-flavored capsules to water for a daily dose of vitamins (one capsule equates to 15 cups of broccoli, six oranges, six cups of spinach, three cups of peas, and seven cups of milk). The new peach-flavored gummies are also delicious!”

Available at 8greens.com

“Sure, socks are a practical present, but these feel special—and nostalgic. They remind me of the ‘seven days of undies’ I wore as a kid. Each pair has an inspirational saying (like Be Mindful and Be Happy) to bring a little pep to your step.”

Also available at stickybesocks.com

“This woman-led wellness brand is beloved by my neighbor Meghan—and I’m a big fan, too! The set comes with an energizing chai blend and a nighttime blend that tastes like hot cocoa. There’s even a frother included, so you feel like you’re getting a coffee shop latte at home.”

Also available at clevrblends.com

“I am a firm believer in the power of nature. So one of my go-to gifts is an olive tree—which just so happens to be a universal symbol of friendship. PlantOGram will ship an olive tree that can be placed inside or outside to anyone you want. They’re about two to three feet tall and come wrapped in a rustic burlap sack. I have one growing by my tub!”

Also available at plantogram.com

“Gotta love a good innovation! This company took the idea of loose-leaf tea and took the mess out of it. Each serving of tea comes in a little disc. Place it in the infuser, pour in your hot water, and you’ve got the perfect cup. This set wins extra points for how sleek it is.”

Also available at ilolatea.com

“I dare you to find a better hot sauce. Truff’s black truffle hot sauce is one of the most-used condiments in my house—it’s been on my list many times! This set includes my go-to, along with black truffle oil and truffle salt. Yum!”

Also available at truff.com

“Made in small batches by a husband-and-wife duo in upstate New York, these jams pack a ton of flavor. This set comes with hot pepper jelly, lemon curd, and strawberry-rhubarb jam. A fun tip Adam Glassman shared with me: Put a little jam in your cocktail to add sweetness.”

Also available at mrpsplacecards.com

“Just outside of Corleone, Sicily, is Bona Furtuna, an organic farm that promotes sustainable farming and heritage food. This beautiful set includes busiate pasta, marinara sauce, and herbs—so you’re essentially giving the gift of a hearty Italian dinner.”

Also available at bonafurtuna.com

“Use this maple syrup to sweeten beverages, on top of pancakes and waffles, or on plain Greek yogurt. Just as great, it comes in such a statement-making box—I wouldn’t even bother wrapping it.”

Also available at laurelandash.farm

“Not just your average chocolate chip cookies (though they have those, too!), this San Diego–based business offers fun flavors like birthday cake, red velvet, and lemon bar. This 18-cookie pack comes with a mix of its bestsellers, which are baked to order and so soft, ensuring that the lucky recipient gets the freshest possible treats.”

Also available at thecravory.com

“’Tis the season to curl up with a steaming mug of hot cocoa! This family-run business offers a variety pack of options that make it even more fun to whip up a cup. The hardest part? Figuring out what flavor you’ll try first—the toasted marshmallow and salted caramel are especially yummy.”

Also available at peppercreekfarms.com

“Give the gift of grazing. Boarderie was founded by two caterers who had to pivot during the pandemic. So they started selling already assembled charcuterie boards. Shipped overnight, this beautifully arranged board arrives with 35 hand-selected artisanal cheeses, meats, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, and three boxes of crackers—all laid out on a keepsake acacia board.”

Also available at boarderie.com

“I’ve highlighted some of the other goodies from this bakery in years past, but lately Gayle is loving the sweet potato cake. The Southern classic is surprisingly light and not too sweet, and the cream cheese frosting adds just enough tang.”

Also available at carolinescakes.com

“How fun are these?! They look like colorful croissants, but they’re actually ricotta gnocchi! Linda Miller Nicholson is the brains behind this operation. Based in Seattle, she spent years teaching pasta-making classes and was known around town for selling rainbow-colored pasta dough. These bright little gnocchi are her latest offering.”

Also available at saltyseattle.com

“Roy Shvartzapel spent a decade perfecting how to make this Italian sweet bread—and boy, did he ever! He’s updated the classic baked good so it’s the lightest and airiest thing you’ll ever taste. And he offers it in flavors like pumpkin maple pecan and pistachio amarena cherry. I use it to make French toast on Christmas morning.”

Also available at thisisfromroy.com

“When my daughter-girls come to visit, we almost always do a movie night. And, of course, a big bowl of popcorn is a must. This gorgeous gift box comes with high-quality kernels harvested in Alabama, rosemary-infused olive oil, and sea salt, so you can make a gourmet treat to snack on.”

Also available at stonehollowfarmstead.com

“A present that looks as good as it tastes? You can’t go wrong with that. This set includes four different olive oils—one infused with lemon, another with garlic, one with basil, and one with a mixture of chili, jalapeño, paprika, and chipotle. Use them on salads or dunk crusty slices of French bread in them. Each sleek white bottle has a label specially crafted by an artist—so they look pretty sitting out on your counter, too!”

Also available at brightland.co