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The 70 Best Christmas Gifts of 2023

‘Tis the season for great gift-giving.

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Collage of Christmas gifts we recommend on a teal background

Real Simple / Alli Waataja

It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping. In fact, getting a head start can put you in a solid position to get everyone in your life a little something. However, if you have a list that’s either too long or full of people who are too hard to shop for, finding the right gift can be a challenge. While everyone has their own personal taste and interests, we gathered a list of Christmas gifts that are general crowd pleasers to help provide you with some inspiration as you complete your holiday shopping.

To further aid you during your Christmas shopping this year, we reached out to Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president and owner of Mannersmith, for a few gift-giving pointers. Smith recommends practicing “preemptive etiquette,” which means checking in with your friends, family, and coworkers to establish what the gifting guidelines are within different circles so everyone is on the same page. “If you have friends and family that you’ve exchanged holiday gifts with in the past, there is a good chance you will do so again this year,” says Smith. 

Whether your loved one is a foodie, makeup aficionado, avid reader, or coffee lover, we found the best Christmas gifts for everyone on your list, no matter your budget. Keep scrolling for the best gifts for moms, dads, brothers, sisters, best friends, and more.

If you rarely see the person on your Christmas gift list without a beverage on hand, this Stanley Quencher is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their love of refreshments. The double-insulation will keep drinks cold or hot for hours, and it comes in sizes ranging from 14 to 64 ounces. Like other items on this list, you can also choose your recipient’s favorite color for an added personal touch.

Do you know someone who's always hot, even when the temps drop? Gift them this useful neck fan, which blows air around their head, not directly on their face. The hands- and blade-free design is super convenient and safe, while the three speeds ensure customizable cooling. It can run for 3-16 hours and has a surprisingly quiet motor.

One of the best gifts you can get someone is the gift of silence. If you know someone who’s a light sleeper, they may benefit from these reusable earplugs. The Loop Earplugs are able to reduce noise by 27 decibels and are made of silicone that feel soft in the ears. 

What really stands out about these earplugs is the attached handle, which makes for easy removal and prevents them from lodging too far into the ears. The set comes with four sets of silicone ear tips and a little carrying case that can be attached to a key ring.

A nice bottle of olive oil can dress up any ordinary meal, and these bottles of cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil are no exception. Brightland’s The Duo includes their Awake olive oil, which pairs well with roasting, soups, and bread, and their Alive oil, which can be used in baking or on salads. Gift this set to your favorite host or hostess this holiday season.

This is the perfect gadget for someone who needs some extra TLC. This device massages the area around the eyes, and can even provide heat therapy between 104-107 degrees F. It can even act as a Bluetooth speaker, so they can totally relax listening to their favorite tunes as they unwind at the end of the day. Just note that it's not suitable for anyone who has had an eye operation, retina condition, or cataracts.

The candle lover in your life probably has enough candles, but what they might not have is a stylish candle warmer. This gadget looks like a lamp but is designed to melt the candle without a flame, improving both safety and the quality of the fragrance. They can adjust the temperature and the light, giving them a customizable experience they wouldn't get with typical candle burning.

This iconic mug is a great option if you’re looking for something personalized and affordable. The Margot Monogram Mug is a standout for its elegant design; the honeycomb pattern is reminiscent of tiled interiors found in Parisian cafes. It comes in all the letters of the alphabet and can hold about two cups of coffee (or tea!). Just keep in mind that this mug is not dishwasher-safe or microwaveable due to the gold detailing.

Environmentally friendly and stylish, the Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool Throw Blanket makes a great addition to a bed or couch. It comes in two different designs, has fringed edges, and your giftee can easily toss it into the washing machine in case spills occur.

Getting a book for your giftee can be a hit or miss depending on how well you know their taste. But if you do know they’re an avid reader, getting them a Kindle Paperwhite allows them to store all their favorite books and audiobooks onto one device. It’s lightweight, has a glare-free display, and is waterproof so your recipient can read almost anywhere.

This pan has a cult-like following, thanks to its good looks, versatility, and effective nonstick surface. The Always Pan lives up to its name, as it truly can be used all ways. It’s 10.5 inches wide so it can handle larger recipes, such as stir fries, and has a 2.6-quart capacity, making it deep enough to boil a single serving of pasta. 

The pan also comes with its own spoon, a built-in spoon rest on the pan, and a steamer basket. What’s more, it’s compatible on multiple cooktops, including induction, and is oven-safe up to 450°F.

This may not be the most exciting gift, but it is truly one of the most useful tools you can give anyone. The Apple AirTag is a tracking device that can be attached to most important items, including luggage, keys, a wallet, and even a car. The AirTag automatically syncs up to the owner's iPhone, allowing people to track its whereabouts at all times on the Find My app. Plus, if the tag is attached to something that does get lost, whoever has it is unable to access their information via the AirTag.

This super cool mini stove provides the ambiance of a fire pit without any major maintenance. The Solo Stove Mesa is small enough to fit on a table, and can be used to add warmth while outside chatting with friends, for s’mores, or for simply creating a cozier atmosphere on your patio. This little fire pit produces a smokeless fire that can be powered by either pellets or small sticks of traditional firewood. It also comes with a carry bag for easy storage.

This unique photo album from Artifact Uprising is a gift that your loved one will cherish for years to come. The brand allows you to submit either 30, 40, or 50 photos of your choosing, with one photo per page. The pages are thick enough that they will lie flat when open, while the exterior features a linen cover that can be customized with foil-stamped letters. Get this book to commemorate a memorable vacation, a year of your loved one’s life, or just some favorite photos through the years.

With a portable and waterproof design, the Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker will allow your recipient to bring their favorite tunes on the go. The device has up to 12 hours of battery life, and your giftee can make and receive calls via Siri or Google Assistant.

If your recipient loves fitness and has joined in on the pickleball craze, the Nettie Pickleball Set makes for an excellent gift to support their new hobby. This set includes everything they need to play—two paddles, two balls, and two sweatbands—and it’ll give them a great excuse to invite you for a game.

Treat your favorite bird watcher to the Bird Buddy, a smart bird feeder that has a camera for ultimate birdwatching. It comes with an app that will alert them when a bird has landed, and can take photos of the visitors to share with others. Weather-resistant, lightweight, and educational, this is a major upgrade from their typical bird feeder.

Add a little spice to your giftee’s holiday meals (and beyond) with the Momofuku Chili Crunch Variety Pack. These trio of oils can pair with countless different dishes, and the variety pack includes original, black truffle, and extra spicy versions.

Functional and fashionable, the Free People Rangeley Bouclé Knit Scarf will help make your giftee’s wintry days a little less chilly. It’s big enough to comfortably wrap around the body when they need an extra layer in a pinch, too. The scarf is also partially made with sustainably sourced materials, has stitched edges, and comes in four different chic colors (black, gingerbread, slate blue, and pinot noir).

For the couple who just moved into a new home, gift them this super convenient projector. Small and portable, it can be used indoors or out to broadcast movies, TV shows, and more. They'll love the 360-degree speaker, four-hour playtime, and 100-inch picture—not to mention the size, which is similar to a can of soda.

The Mejuri Bold Letter Necklace is the perfect gift for your BFF or loved one. Each necklace has a 20- to 22-inch chain and an attractive handcrafted initial that’s made in 18-karat gold vermeil. Choose any letter of the alphabet to personalize it for your giftee.

No more tepid coffee or tea! The Ember Mug 2 (one of our tested favorites) will allow your recipient to leisurely enjoy their favorite hot beverage at their desired temperature (between 120°F and 145°F) for up to 80 minutes on the go or all day on the charger. The mug also has a safety feature and automtatically turns off when empty or after a couple hours of inactivity. It's a unique tech gift for anyone on your list.

This small pouch is able to hold cards and cash while the larger version is big enough to fit a smartphone, makeup, and more. In addition to the fine leather construction, what stands out about the Leather Tassel Zipper Pouch is the available monogramming. You can get two to three initials monogrammed in 10 different styles, ranging from two-toned shadow script to cursive and even sports-themed logos.

There are plenty of color options available for the monogramming as well as the pouch itself, including neutrals, such as white and caramel, as well as vibrant shades, such as hot pink and orange.

Everyone can use a massage after a long day, and the Theragun Prime can help soothe some achy muscles. This device is ergonomically designed to be easy to hold, comes with four massage attachments, and can connect to an app for more guided routines.

One of the best gifts you can get your work-from-home friend or family member is a pair of cozy bottoms to help them get through the workday. These Quince sweatpants are perfect for that, or simply just lazing around the house. The pants are made from Mongolian cashmere, which is considered premium for its long and resilient fibers. You can choose between five colors, including navy, oatmeal, burgundy, grey, and black.

Dry, chapped lips are almost inevitable during winter, so buy your giftee not one, but three, hydrating Glossier lip balms for their stocking. Each one is made with a vegan formula and contains antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients to keep lips feeling smooth and soft. There are nine different formulas to choose from, including rose, wild fig, lavender, mint, and more.

Papier’s Gratitude Journal is filled with exercises that make practicing gratitude easier than ever, including daily gratitude prompts, mindful challenges, monthly reflections, and uplifting affirmations. It’s available in a range of different styles, but we especially love the Idyll version, which features illustrations done in the style of Portuguese azulejo tiles.

If your giftee’s wallet is constantly on the verge of bursting, the Cuyana Duo Small Zip Wallet can help keep all their belongings in one precious pouch. The wallet has a zip around design and a removable card holder for days where they only need the basics, and the whole thing is crafted in luxe Italian leather.

People may initially think this is a book about Wes Anderson’s films, but in actuality, it’s a travel book. Accidentally Wes Anderson started as an Instagram account and grew into a large community of people who follow along as its creator shares spots around the world that are beautiful and intriguing enough to be featured in a Wes Anderson film. The book features 368 pages of exactly that, along with stories to accompany the stunning photographs. It also includes a foreword by the filmmaker himself, which helps set the reader up for the journey they are about to embark on in the pages.

Silk pillowcases are cool and breathable; plus, they protect your hair and skin from the damage that comes along with tugging from other fabrics. This one from Brooklinen is one of our favorite silk pillowcases of all time.

Plants make great gifts, and this philodendron from The Sill is very low-maintenance. It only requires infrequent watering and indirect light, so even your green thumb-challenged friends can enjoy its heart-shaped leaves in their home. You can also customize the pot it comes in if you’d like to make this gift a little more personal.

Candles are a great gift, but it's hard to choose a candle if you're not sure what scent they like. That's why it's good to get a variety pack, like this set of three votive candles from Boy Smells. It includes three of the brand's most popular scents and encompasses three different scent profiles (woody, floral, and fruity), and will have your special one’s space feeling warm and relaxing all day long.

Upgrade your recipient’s nighttime attire with this matching set of Lunya Washable Silk Short Pajamas. They’re breathable, which is perfect for hot sleepers, and they’re low maintenance since you can toss them into the washing machine.

Give your favorite person the gift of comfort with this ultra-roomy Parachute Waffle Robe. This 100% Turkish cotton robe has a cool, waffle texture, two pockets, and a waist tie to let them lounge around all day with ease. You can also choose from four different colors to better match your recipient’s style.

Away The Everywhere Bag makes a great Christmas gift for someone who’s always on the go. The bag is the ideal size for a planned (or unplanned) weekend getaway, sporting both a laptop laptop pocket and detachable shoulder strap. It’s also water-resistant, and It has a sleeve that allows your recipient to slip it over a suitcase handle for longer trips.

Keep your special one’s head warm and cozy with the Everlane The Cashmere Beanie. This simple hat comes in a variety of neutral colors that’s easy to pair with most outfits, and it’s made with 92% recycled cashmere.

If you really want to get your foodie friend something special this holiday season, surprise them with a piece of All-Clad stainless steel cookware. All-Clad is known for being popular among the pros, and when we tested their stainless steel cookware set, we found it to be the best too. The aluminum sandwiched between the two layers of stainless steel gives this frying pan even heat conduction, while the wide circumference allows for frying, sautéing, and searing large recipes.

Keep the holiday spirit going for all of December with the In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar. This gift includes 24 mini bottles of wine from all over the world, including Italy, France, and California. This variety also applies to the types of wines as well, allowing your recipient to sample reds, whites, and more.

The coffee or tea lover in your life will be thrilled with this high-end kettle. The Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle allows them to get the exact water temperature they like for their tea or pour-over coffee. They can watch as the temperature rises on the device’s LCD screen, and if they want to have their coffee later on, the kettle can maintain the water temperature for up to 60 minutes. Another standout about this kettle is the super sleek design and cool color options, including white, black, pink, a dazzling copper color, and more.

Made of organic cotton, the Bearaby Cotton Napper is soft, breathable, and machine-washable. You can select from three different weights (10, 15, or 20 pounds) to better fit your recipient’s desired pressure. Generally though, you should choose a blanket that’s 10% of the recipient's overall body weight.

Every day can be a great hair day for your gift recipient with the splurge-worthy Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. The dryer has intelligent heat control to protect hair from damage and comes with an attachment to help style with ease. The hair dryer also has three different speed settings, four heat temperatures, and a cold shot feature that helps set hair. Not to mention, it looks cooler than a regular hair dryer sitting on the bathroom counter.

Sipping on Christmas wine out of these colorful Estelle Stemless Wine Glasses will feel special for your giftee. These cups are handblown, come in various colors, and are stemless so your vino-loving recipient can fill up on any drink without worrying about spilling it.

A foot massager is the kind of product you don’t realize you need until you’ve experienced it. The popular Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager is equipped to help anyone with tired or achy feet with its five massage modes, including rolling massage and heat therapy, and three different intensity levels. In addition to taking care of feet, this machine can also massage ankles and calves, adding to its overall value.

Get this luxurious hand cream from Augustinus Bader for the beauty queen in your life. The Hand Treatment contains plenty of ingredients that keep hands hydrated, including glycerin, vitamin E, and shea butter, the mother of all moisturizing ingredients. This product is also fragrance-free, has a non-greasy feel, and is compatible with all skin types, though those with dry, chapped skin will benefit the most from this product.

The Fujifilm Instax will allow your giftee to turn precious holiday phone photos into physical keepsakes. The Fujifilm instax is compact enough to travel everywhere, and it can print out memories on the spot. You can also choose from a handful of pastel colors to better match your recipient’s style. Give it to the college student in your life who loves taking pictures.

Connect to your Apple or Android with these wireless, noise-canceling Beats headphones, which also feature transparency mode and spatial audio. Get up to 40 hours of listening on a single charge, and don't worry about background noise on calls: voice-targeting mics filter distractions right out.

Spread holiday cheer with the Sugarfina Pop The Champagne 4-Piece Gift Box. These sweet treats come in adorable packaging that makes for a thoughtful gift for any major foodies in your life. This set comes with Champagne bears, strawberry Champagne bears, bubbly bears, and freeze-dried strawberries.

Help keep their face and neck warm on the ski slopes and walks to the store this winter with Verloop's Hi-Low Stripe Knit Balaclava. This fun headwear is made from hypoallergenic and repurposed deadstock yarn. There's even a matching scarf.

For groceries, impulse shopping trips, and more, reusable totes always come in handy. The Baggu Set of 3 Reusable Totes are colorful bags that each one hold up to 50 pounds. Additionally, each bag folds down flat, and is machine washable, making them endlessly useful.

If you want your giftee to feel a little more cozy this holiday, the Ugg Plushy Slippers will feel like little hugs for their feet. The slippers are made of a fuzzy, recycled polyester/wool blend and have a moisture-wicking lining to keep things dry. The slippers also have a rubber sole in case your giftee wants to wear them outside.

Consider skipping the Christmas PJs this year in favor of this playful set from Printfresh. There are tons of different styles to choose from, including animal motifs like dragons flying around castles or jaguars roaming through flowered bushes. There are also pajamas depicting botanicals and objects, including kitchen utensils. The Long Sleep Set boasts a relaxed fit that features a roomy top and mid-rise bottoms. Plus, unlike holiday pajamas, it can be enjoyed year-round.

When we tested robot vacuums, we found this model from iRobot Roomba to perform the best. The 694 Robot Vacuum was able to pick up all of our testing debris with ease, including sand, hair, and cereal from both our carpet and our floors. This can be attributed to the robot vacuum’s three-stage cleaning system, which consists of two counter-rotating brushes that lift and suck messes away, as well as a dedicated brush designed for corners.

Just because chess is a serious game doesn’t mean that your board has to be. The vibrant colors and fun figures present in this Keith Haring chess set will no doubt put a smile on players’ faces, especially as they move babies and dogs instead of traditional pawns to make their next move. This set is made for ages six and up, and is a great gift for a couple who loves to host game night. The board can be folded in half and comes with a small tote bag to store the pieces, so it’s easy to transport to a fellow player's house for a friendly game.

The Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit will allow the gardener on your Christmas gift list to always have fresh herbs year round. They’ll be able to choose from 50 pre-seeded plant pods and the garden is nearly foolproof thanks to its LED grow lights, built-in timer, and a self-watering tank.

Whether your giftee is an amateur or pro chef, an apron is a must in the kitchen. The Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron is lightweight, adjustable, and has pockets for a variety of small utensils. The apron also comes in several colors and patterns to match your recipient’s personal style or kitchen aesthetic.

Gift subscriptions are always hits, and your favorite coffee drinker will always have their pantry stocked with beans with a Atlas Coffee Club Subscription. With each delivery, your recipient will get a bag of single origin coffee from around the world (along with tasting notes and facts about its origin) delivered straight to their door. You can gift three-, six-, or 12-month subscriptions, giving you and your giftee a little flexibility with their coffee restocks.

Your giftee will thank you for helping them enjoy more beauty sleep with the Slip Mayfair Pure Silk Sleepover Set, which includes a silk contour sleep mask and two scrunchies (one large, one skinny). The eye mask is designed to give your eyes and eyelashes room to rest comfortably, and the delicate silk material is less likely to leave creases on the face in the morning. Likewise, the silk scrunchies are less likely to cause hair breakage or leave indents in the hair (or wrist) afterward.

For travel or everyday use, a backpack is great to have on hand. Consider gifting the person on your Christmas gift list the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack to give them a sporty bag to tote around all their essentials. The bag comes with plenty of pockets, is insulated, and is made with sturdy neoprene fabric for extra stability and durability.

‘Tis the season for layering! The Madewell Quilted Oversized Bomber Jacket will protect your giftee from the elements. The jacket is made with recycled nylon, has a snap front, and two roomy front pockets for convenient storage. It also comes in True Black, Classic Olive, and Smoky Grape to help you personalize the gift to suit your recipient’s style.

Socks are very much a necessity during winter, so you might as well make them fun. Give your recipient a pair of Wshop Studio Custom Socks adorned with the face of their partner, pet, or even you, to remind them of who they truly love this season. These socks also make a great white elephant gift.

Whether your giftee needs an extra layer for indoors, outdoors, or road trips, the Rumpl Original Puffy blanket will deliver. This blanket is easily packable, and is made with recycled insulation to keep your recipient cozy and warm. It's also water- and odor-resistant, making it ideal for all sorts of outdoor adventures.

Goldbelly knows the way to someone’s heart is through their stomachs. If your recipient is a foodie, they’re sure to enjoy a Goldbelly Digital E-Gift Card which grants them access to food from iconic restaurants and chefs all over the country. While you can certainly pick a dish from their hometown favorite, giving them a gift card will allow them to choose their own meal.

If the baker in your life has always wanted to make their own chocolate croissants, this kit from FarmSteady will make that dream a reality. It comes with all of the dry ingredients needed to make the flaky French delicacy, including baking mix, 12 dark chocolate batons, baking yeast, and a parchment forming envelope. They'll just need to grab their own egg, butter, and milk or cream. Instructions are included.

A Boos Block is so reliable and long-lasting that it’s not something that’s meant to be stored away and taken out for slicing and dicing, but rather a staple that remains on your countertop. This cutting board is heavy enough that it won’t move while chopping, and features indented grips on either side to make the heavy block easier to transport. It’s also reversible, adding double the amount of life to the product.

Cold fingers are a pain in the winter for many reasons, especially if one of those is being unable to use your phone. However, the Moshi Digits Winter Touchscreen Gloves will keep your recipient’s digits warm, while also allowing them to scroll, text, snap, and post even when it’s cold out.

Phone chargers don’t have to be unattractive, as is evidenced by the sleek Courant Catch:3 Wireless Charging Station. One side is a wireless charging base for your Qi-certified devices, and the other side can hold accessories like keys, wallets, and more. The whole product is also finished with either linen or leather to create an elevated look.

If the person on your Christmas gift list loves jewelry, but doesn’t have anywhere to store it, the Anthropologie Venice Monogram Trinket Dish is an elegant solution.This monogram trinket dish offers ample space to stash jewelry, trinkets, or other small valuables, and it even comes in different colors and designs depending on your recipient’s initial.

Out of all the steak knives we tested, we think that this set from Material is the best. During our testing, the Material Table Knives proved to be super sharp, resulting in effortless cuts made through our thick-crust steak. These knives can be used exclusively for steak, or can also be used as paring knives for food prep. They’re available in multiple colors, including two shades of blue, persimmon (a light orange), and beige.

This Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker will let your recipient enjoy six delicious cups of coffee whenever they want. It’s made out of non-porous glass, and its stylish design will make it look attractive on any tabletop as they sip away.

This convenient organizer holds everything they need to dive into a good book, including a spot for their reading glasses, beverage, and phone. The peak of the triangle serves as a place to rest their latest read, marking their page without the need for a bookmark. The front says "Save My Spot," while the back says "To Be Continued."

Air fryers have emerged as one of the most popular cooking products on the market for their ability to make crispy food without using excess oil. This coveted cooking item would make a great gift for anyone who wants to cut down on their cooking time, oil use, or both. This Black + Decker air fryer has a two-liter capacity that is good for serving between two and four people. This appliance also has a convenient basket separator, which allows someone to cook two different foods at once.

Questions You Might Ask

How much should you spend on a Christmas gift?

Regardless of how much money is in your bank account, Smith recommends reflecting on the relationship you have with your recipient, and choosing something thoughtful or meaningful to give as a gift. Note that this doesn’t necessarily need to cost anything either.

“If you and your cousin were in Girl Scouts together where the two of you sold more cookies than anyone else in the troop, you can gift beautifully handwritten cards of your favorite cookie recipes,” she explains. “Or, if you met someone at college, you can make a donation of whatever amount you can afford in their honor to a scholarship fund.”

What are some of the most popular Christmas gifts this year?

It’s hard to say what will be the “most popular” Christmas or Hanukkah gifts this year, as a lot of these gifts will vary depending on current trends. That said, instead of trying to go for something everyone else is trying to gift this year, Smith recommends coming up with a customized gift for your recipient. Of course, before you purchase this gift, make sure it’s something they’re going to actually like.

“Pay attention to what subject they talk about often, or what they do when they’re not working,” Smith suggests. Don’t be afraid to do a little investigation and ask questions about their interests so you really get a sense of what they’ll be thrilled about receiving.

What are some creative Christmas gifts?

If you’re looking for a unique way of bringing a smile to someone’s face this Christmas, Smith recommends gifting experiences rather than objects. “You may not be able to hop on a plane to Paris, but you can dine at a French restaurant,” Smith suggests.

Creativity doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either. Smith says that if your budget is small this year, homemade baked goods make for a thoughtful gift. However if you aren’t well-versed in the kitchen, but you love to sew or you’re an excellent writer, Smith also suggests that you use your talents as a means of providing someone with a gift (i.e. fixing up someone’s favorite clothes or writing them a heartfelt letter or card).

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Real Simple who covers commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. To compile this list, she researched various gift options for different interests and at different prices. For expert advice, Lesley spoke to Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president and owner of Mannersmith.

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