Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2017: 60+ Gifts For Women, Men, Pets, And Even... Yourself!
Tis' the season!
Holiday gift giving season is extremely stressful. We spend so much time planning and shopping that by the time we get someone a gift, we're kind of annoyed at them for all the effort we've wasted on a gift they probably don't even want. Especially if the gift they give us is pretty lame in return.
But ultimately, holidays aren't about what we'll get in return or even what we get another person — it's the thought that counts.
And if you are looking to really show that you were thinking about the person and get what they are into, the best Christmas gift ideas are those with a personal touch. Want to score some serious brownie points this holiday season? We've brought you the best holiday gift guide of 2017 to help you out.
These items are sure to be unique things no one else gifted, and you know they will actually want to hold onto.
For the nesters...
1. The Move-In Bundle
This is great for a first apartment, dorm room, anyone on your gift list moving. It's a full set of bedding, duvet cover, comforter, and pillows.
(BrookLinen, $619)
2. Slumbr Luxe Buckwheat Pillows
While we're ramping up our bedding, these luxe buckwheat pillows via Slumbr are super-firm and a great addition to anyone's bedroom.
(Slumbr, $65)
3. FarmHouse Fresh’s Gourmet Milk Soaps
These are made with goat’s milk or cow’s milk. Each soap includes gourmet ingredients such as pistachio, chia, lavender, blueberry, oatmeal, and honey.
(Farm Fresh Goods, $124)
4. Levitating Fern
This plant needs no soil or water, drawing enough moisture from the air to keep it looking beautiful all year. An electromagnetic base makes the pot “float” in mid-air.
(Sharper Image, $130)
5. BRINA Insulated Wine Sleeves
These are super-cute and come in two shapes: wine or champagne. But you can get them in many colors and textures.
(BRINA, $75)
6. Etsy Gold Moon Mug
This medium-sized, dark purple colored stoneware is decorated with a 22k gold moon pattern. Perfect for your daily coffee.
(Etsy, $50)
7. Coldwater Creek Snuggle Mug
For under $20, one can enjoy their favorite winter warmer in this clever mug with its own cable knit koozie.
(Coldwater Creek, $15)
8. Drybar Scented Candle
If someone you love lives from blowout to blowout, this lets her take the scent of her favorite spot home with her.
(The Dry Bar, $45)
For the beauty addicts...
9. Pure Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Oil
Pure supercritical omega-3 chia oil is for anyone who wants to deeply moisturize their skin, naturally. The all-day glow is just an extra perk. If you add one item to your skincare routine in 2018, let it be this.
(Maya Chia, $60)
10. Disney x Kiehl's Collection For A Cause
All your favorite Calendula formulations, packaged in a Mickey Mouse-adorned tin. And the best part? One hundred percent of the profits goes to Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity.
(Kiehl's, $45)
11. Tarte Treasured Tools Eye & Face 5-Piece Brush Set
A gift set of vegan, cruelty-free brushes in a magical mosaic brush holder. Includes five new, full-size, super-soft brushes with colorful handles adorned with lattice patterns.
(Beauty Brands, $44)
12. Elixir Lip Gloss
Kissable lips forever and ever? With a last-able gloss that's also organic and clean? Say no more! Available in 20 smooch-worthy colors, this thick-but-not-too-thick gloss that stays put all day will be your new favorite go-to to carry around.
(Vapour Beauty, $24)
13. Stop & Smell the Roses
Unwind with this bath soak, paired with a Rose Geranium Hand & Body Wash, and the fragrance of the miniature soy wax Vintage Rose Candle.
(KnackShops, $88)
14. Maxus Nails: Empower Collection
A perfect palette for the holidays, the Empower Collection couples a strengthener and color in one. The signature formula helps keep your nails shiny and promotes the longevity of your manicure. It's one less thing to worry about during the stressful holiday season!
(MaxusNails, $60 per set)
15. Brightening Serum with Glycolic Acid
Everyone wants brighter, glow-y skin — especially amid the harsh days of winter — and there's no serum that delivers better at evening your skin tone, brightening your dark spots, and boosting collagen production. Basically, a facial in a bottle.
(Skin Laundry, $50)
16. Blossoming Beauty Gift Set
Let your beauty shine with a new Sparkling Body Powder with a built-in brush and a prismatic Lilac Lip Gloss to show your inner sparkle on the outside. Super-cute pouch that can double as a pencil case included!
(Arbonne, $48)
17. RPZL Polisher Brush
This brush will rival the fancy big name professional salon brush you've heard of that costs triple, but it's even better. It's lightweight and great for brushing out extensions, but perfect for keeping natural hair sleek and healthy as well.
(RPZL, $40)
18. Pai-Shau Styling Trio Gift Set
This is the first tea-infused haircare brand that treats both the hair and the scalp with its Signature Tea Complex. The Styling Trio Gift Set includes Imperial Hold Hairspray, Opulent Volume Spray, and Style Souffle.
(Pai-shau, $60)
19. Omega 3 Facial Serum
Winter means one thing: Dry skin. Which means you need a moisture skin solution that works and won't make break out or feel like you're wearing a thick cream. Enter: Omega 3 Facial Serum, a lightweight oil blend composed of omegas 3, 6, & 9 and rich antioxidant cold pressed cranberry seed oil for optimum moisturizing power.
(Lipani Skincare, $64.98)
For the animal-lovers:
(Dogipack, $69)
21. K9 Sport Sack
This backpack dog carrier is adorable for a pet owner.
(K9 Sports Sack, $70)
(Vagabond Dogs, from $38)
For the foodies...
24. Sunday Morning Pancakes
These wonderfully fluffy and tender buttermilk pancakes have pleased hungry breakfast-ers for a century, and this mix guarantees you can have the same delightful meal in mere minutes. Topped with Woodinville Whiskey Co.'s Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup and enjoyed alongside a robust cup of Seven Coffee Roasters coffee, these famous pancakes are simply divine.
(KnackShops, $50.50)
(Joseph Grace Brands, $30)
(Boxxle, $99)
27. Barbecue Wife Bloody Mary Mix
A premium craft Bloody Mary mix that is infused with barbecue sauce, creating a slightly spicy, perfectly smoky taste that is unique and delicious.
(Four St. James, $15)
28. Golden Door Delightful Honey Collection
Includes three, 2.6 oz jars of peppermint honey, Applewood smoked honey and Spicy Serrano Honey). One hundred percent of proceeds go to children’s charities.
(HSN, $37)
29. Walker Martini Crate
Garnished with shimmery copper-tone swirls, these 8-ounce martini glasses are ready for your favorite gin or vodka served with Mediterranean olives and premium olive brine. A set of two glasses, bottle of brine and jar of olives all arrive gift wrapped together in a hand crafted wood crate with ribbon.
(Olive and Cocoa, $114)
(AstorWines, $24)
(Tank Garage Winery, $75)
(Amazon, $19)
(Bean Box, $68)
Cooking Spanish cuisine has never been more approachable. This attractive gift box is filled with seven staple items that evoke the distinct flavors of Spain, including intensely smoked pimenton de La Vera paprika, rich and crunchy Marcona almonds, wood-fire roasted piquillo peppers, sweet-tart membrillo quince preserve, solera aged sherry vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
(LaTienda, $90)
35. Le Creuset Cocotte and Maille Dinner Selection
Le Creuset and Maille teamed up to offer a limited edition pairing to offer everything you’ll need for a delicious dinner for two in a sleek gift set which includes: two Le Creuset round mini cocottes, Maille Dijon Original mustard in white wine in a stoneware jar, Maille engraved mustard tasting spoon, cornichons with cayenne chili peppers, cornichons with caramelized onions, and balsamic vinegar glaze.
(Maille, $88)
36. 6-Vial Salt Sampler with Branded Wood Holder by Jacobsen Salt Co.
Set in a branded wooden holder perfect for kitchen display, this tasting set features an array of infused salts, including Pure Flake Salt, Black Pepper Salt, Black Garlic Salt, Pinot Noir Salt, Habanero Salt and Rosemary Salt.
(Jacobsen Salt, $35)
37. Cashew Coconut Brittle
Cashews and coconut are cooked in small batches and hand stirred in copper kettles to a heavenly buttery crunch. Hilliards family brittle method may look a bit crazy, but it will make their next trip way more relaxed.
(Hilliards Candy, $6.95)
For the travelers...
38. ISSA Hybrid Toothbrush
No more plastic toothbrushes whose bristles whither after a few months forcing you to get a new one! ISSA Hybrid incorporates durable PBT polymer and ultra-soft silicone into one remarkable sonic toothbrush. This innovative cross-design offers an invigorating clean that is strong on plaque, but gentle on gums, for the perfect on-the-go brushing experience.
(Foreo, $149)
39. FOTO Leather Luggage Tag
A luggage strap that is personalized is a great way to have your luggage stick out in a turnstyle. A great option is the cognac luggage tag, and you can get them personalized, with gold letters, which would make the gift even better.
(Foto Strap, $25)
40. CliqueFie Glitter Selfie Stick
A selfie stick can be a great way to get better options of those selfies we all love to take.
(CliqueFie, $40)
41. Leather Wallet iPhone Case
Designed to hold 2 to 3 of your essential cards such as ID and bank cards, this leather wallet case eliminates bulky pockets and the need for carrying a clutch or a purse. Good thing, too, because these iPhones get bigger by the day!
(Mujjo, $37.11)
42. iFLY Rose Gold Luggage
We believe everything looks better in rose gold, and with luggage like this, you are guaranteed your bags will be the sexiest in the room.
(iFlyLuggage, from $69)
43. The Travel Halo Compact Travel Pillow & Mask
Sure, they may look a bit crazy wearing this, but it will make their next trip way more relaxed. This is a portable and comfortable alternative to bulky travel pillows. The Travel Halo cradles the head to allow for rest while traveling and it has a built-in eye mask that can be folded up or down.
(The Grommet, $19)
44. Drybar to Go
Yes, this is a beauty item, but it's also everything they need for their hair when they travel, from the blowout experts. It includes a Baby Buttercup Travel Blow Dryer, Detox Dry Shampoo, Detox Dry Conditioner, Lil’ Lemon Drop Detanlger, and Hold Me Hair Clips.
(The Dry Bar, $135)
For the techies...
45. Skyroam Solis
This gift is so fantastic, you'll want to keep it for yourself. A 4G LTE global WiFi hotspot and power bank that you can connect up to 5 devices to, so you don’t need to buy hotel wifi or roam on your cell phone.
(Skyroam, $150, includes free day pass)
46. Crosley T100 Turntable System
The two-speed turntable offers quality sound with a built-in amp, adjustable pitch control and 30 watts of stereo power from the included speakers. This vintage inspired gift is made of a modern music machine with its sleek design and Bluetooth receiver.
(Crosley Radio, $200)
47. Mighty
This may remind your loved one of their old iPod Shuffle days, but even cooler? It's the first device to play Spotify on-the-go without a smartphone.
(Be Mighty, $86)
48. Green Budz
Triple C Designs' soft silicon earbuds retract snugly into a mechanism that keeps wires from getting crossed or frayed, and a cool magnetic button lets you store them on your clothing in easy reach.
(KnackShops, $32)
49. Pendulux Phone Mount
This cool mount resembles a microphone stand that fuses 1940s showbiz style with today’s technology. The base of the stand supports a range of phones and tablets with a slot for charging cables. It adds unique style to a work desk (or any desk), while allowing you to Facetime with clients and vendors, hands-free!
(Pendulux, $65)
50. Kikkerland Shock Proof Solar Power Bank
This baby can charge up to 2 USB devices at once, includes charging cables, and features a built-in flashlight for emergency situations.
(Kikkerland, $70)
51. Keyport Pivot
If your loved one is always losing their keys, this is a great stocking stuffer. It’s part key organizer, part multi-tool, part tracker (so they never lose keys again), and it’s 100 percent awesome. The Pivot keeps everything from keys, a USB memory stick, pocket knife and flashlight stashed in a sleek modular stack. It’s got a grippable handle and an optional low-energy Bluetooth locator (like a built-in Tile fob), so finding lost keys will be a snap.
(MyKeyPort, customizable, starting at $20)
52. Google Home
The voice-activated speaker powered by Google Assistant provides hands-free help and access to information with the simple, “Okay Google...” prompt. It now supports multiple users, making Google Home the perfect gadget for the growing family, newlyweds or roommates!
(Store.Google, $129)
53. Sound of Sleep
Sleep machines with naturally recorded sounds that never loop and respond to ambient noise to ensure you get the best rest possible.
(Sound of Sleep, $100)
54. Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones
These headphones are made of soft silicone, and the StayHear+ earbuds remain secure and comfortable, forming a unique shape to fit your ear. Made to be sweat and weather-resistant, move as rigorously as you’d like with music and battery life up to six hours.
(Verizon Wireless, $150)
55. Minipresso Portable Espresso Maker
Minipresso is a compact, hand-powered portable espresso maker for coffee lovers on the move. Perfect if they have a long commute or love to go on road trips.
(The Foundry, $64)
For the honeymooners...
56. Rabbit Bullet
The bullet offers a one-of-a-kind experience that stands above all other competition on the market. Despite being adorable, the little ears have incredibly powerful vibrations which are sure to get the job done. Happy honeymoon! *wink, wink*
(Je Joue, $44.99)
57. Total Motion Trixie Shootie
A sassy stride calls for confident shoes like these booties and shooties. The block heel provides plenty of ground coverage, while the higher vamp transitions seamlessly from one season to the next. truTECH footpads absorb shock, and retention-foam footbeds make walking tall all day long a piece of cake.
(Rockport, $119)
58. Traveling Spoon
This cool service connects travelers to authentic culinary experiences with local cooking experts (in their homes) around the globe. Think of it as an Airbnb for culinary tourism except all hosts are personally vetted by the founders.
(Travelingspoon.com, gift packages vary)
59. The Blue Lagoon Algae Mask Box
Four little cubes perfect for travel (and can be applied discreetly on the plane) so you can each maintain that wedding glow on the flight to and from the honeymoon. The algae found in the Blue Lagoon’s seawater cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and as such, it is a patented ingredient.
(Blue Lagoon, $115)
60. Framebridge
Every newly married couple deserves to have a beautiful photo from their wedding, engagement, or Instagram feed displayed in their home. Offered in the perfect size for this kind of gift with the option for a foil-printed wedding date, monogram, or hashtag on the mat, you can’t go wrong.
(Framebridge, $39 to $199)
61. "Wake Me Up For Sex" Eye Mask and Travel Pouch
The only reason to be woken up for a nap on a honeymoon...
(Los Angeles Trading Co., $15)
62. Simple Rectangle Charm Necklace
For couples who want to personalize their new love and wear it around their necks, this gorgeous modern charm necklace featuring a sparkling 6mm charm and accent pyrite stones. Also great for new parents to show off their kids' initials.
(Isabelle Grace Jewelry, $52)
63. Le Wand
Want a happy honeymoon? Bring this in your checked-in luggage.
(Le Wand, $170)
For the readers...
64. The Museum of Broken Relationships: Modern Love in 203 Everyday Objects
A gorgeous gift book celebrating the objects that outlast love. It's a poignant, funny, sometimes bizarre and always delightful window into modern love and loss.
(Amazon, $27)
65. Philips Hue White Ambiance
There’s actually a “lighting recipe” on the app that’s specifically tuned to provide the best light for hours of reading pleasure.
(Meet Hue, $149.99)
66. Sleeping Beauties Book Lover's Gift Set
Horror writer Stephen King and his son Owen have produced their first co-written novel, a chilling contemporary fairytale about a mysterious sleeping sickness spreading among the women of a small town, transforming them into terrifying furies if they're awakened. This gift set pairs the novel with a set of gifts that encourage a far gentler napping experience for all: a silky, charcoal-infused eye mask, small rose-scented soy wax candle and a jar of "Detox" bath salts with purifying eucalyptus and Cambrian blue clay.
(KnackShops, $99.50)
67. Wise Women
This 144 page hardcover volume filled with stunning photos captured by Joyce Tenneson, one of the most talented and celebrated photographers of our time, comes packaged in Olive and Cocoa giftwrap with ribbon. Features some artistically composed images of unclothed models.
(Olive and Cocoa, $38)
68. Sacred Jewels Eyeglass Holder
Sophisticated and fashionable alternative to your average lanyard. Hold eyewear in style and beauty with freshwater pearls, metallic beads, crystals and two (side by side) fine 18k gold-plated chains. This piece has a 1” 18k gold-plated pendant loop that easily holds your reading or sunglasses and can also be worn as a necklace with a circular gold pendant.
(Sacred Jewels, $78)
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Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.
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