Shopping·10 min read

Skimm'rs Favorite Holiday Gifts of the Season (So Far)

Wine, plant, Anthony Bourdain book
Photo: Brittany Sturrett | Credit: theSkimm
December 1, 2021

In case ya missed it, theSkimm has been hard at work this season curating the Sleigh List (aka the best holiday gifts for everyone on your A-list). We rounded up the cutest stuff under $15 for your stocking-stuffer needs, unique items for your friend who has everything, splurge-worthy presents to split with your fam, and more. Oh, and we created a 3D shopping experience with some of our favorite holiday finds too. 

So we decided to pull together a list of the most popular items from our holiday guides so far. Think of these as the crème de la creme when it comes to gifting season. So whether you’re looking to buy yourself a lil’ something something or still need help shopping for your loved ones, check out these Skimm’r-approved items — and get ready to hit the gifting game out of the ballpark.

Courant charger that doubles as a tray

A charger that doubles as a tray for treasures… 

What is it about a charging tray that feels so much fancier than just plugging your phone into a charger? This leather tray disguised as decor can charge multiple items at once and looks great on a nightstand. For 10 extra bucks you can even have your giftee’s initials engraved. And you'll receive 25% off your first purchase with code SKIMM25. ($175, Courant)

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Barefoot Dreams cozy throw blanket

The coziest throw blanket to make any night in feel luxurious... 

It’s hard to find a comfy blanket that also looks good displayed on the couch. Enter this super-soft throw, which comes in 15 colors to match any home decor. (Even Olympian Allyson Felix is a huge fan.) It can be thrown in the wash without risking pilling. And it makes an ideal travel blanket, too. ($147, Nordstrom)

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Indoor putting mat

An indoor putting mat that will keep your giftee's golf game solid… 

Whether their upcoming golf trip was canceled or they’re trying not to get rusty this winter, this professional putting green will satisfy their need for green. Fitted with an automatic ball return and two different-sized practice holes, it’s a perfect way to provide hours of stress relief and entertainment to the stuck-at-home golfer. ($139.99, Amazon)

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Tushy bidet

The bathroom accessory we’re secretly coveting for ourselves… 

With this bidet they’ll use less toilet paper (which we love for the environment) and they’ll leave the restroom with a cleaner rear. It takes less than 10 minutes to install, doesn’t require electricity or special plumbing, and is fully adjustable — plus it’s available in a handful of colors. That’s a win-win-win, if you ask us. ($129, Tushy)

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Personalized children’s book top sellers

A personalized children’s book all about their favorite pet...

Every pet owner wonders what their dog or cat would say if they could talk. This funny book tells kids what those barks and meows might mean. You can personalize it with their child’s name and their pet’s name — and the rest of the book writes itself. Trust us, they’ll ruff this. And for more great holiday gifts from Uncommon Goods, shop here. ($35, Uncommon Goods)

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Lululemon fanny pack

An elevated fanny pack that holds all the essentials... 

No one could have predicted the return of the fanny pack would be so strong. But here we are, with plenty of great options. The Lululemon version is perfect for walks or toting the essentials to workouts — but sleek enough to wear out to brunch after, too. It’s also made from water-repellent material, so their stuff will be safe no matter what the elements (or a spilled mimosa) bring. ($38, Lululemon)

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Our Place always pan

Cookware that will bring them one step closer to Instagram stardom...

Chances are you’ve seen the Always Pan all over your social feed. The impossibly cool-looking pan comes in 10 colors. And can replace eight other pieces of cookware in the kitchen, including a frypan and a steamer, to name a few. Basically it’s more eye-catching and takes up way less room than whatever their current kitchen situation looks like. And it makes everything from omelettes to steamed dumplings. Yes, please. ($145, Our Place)

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Vuori joggers

Athleisure your guy won’t ever want to take off… 

Move over, groutfit. This’ll be his new uniform. These stylish pants bring the comfort — whether he’s running errands, lounging on the couch, or playing ball. The soft tech fabric is resistant to pilling and fading, which will be highly necessary considering all the wear and tear they’re gonna get. ($84, Nordstrom)

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Microfiber kitchen towels

Punny dishcloths to add some personality to their kitchen...

These absorbent microfiber kitchen towels are both funny and functional. Choose from sayings like “I like big bundts and I cannot lie,” “Don’t go bacon my heart,” or “Let’s give them something to taco ‘bout.” Ideal for the home chef who loves mixing a little humor in with their ingredients. ($11.95+, Do Take It Personally on Etsy)

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Vaccine card and passport holder

A vaccine card and passport holder for their next big trip…

They may have a passport holder, but this leather case is made specifically for travel in the COVID-19 era. A leather flap holds their passport while a plastic pocket hangs on to their vaccine card. It comes in a bunch of colors and can be personalized, so you can find one that fits your fave globetrotter. ($19.90+, EvtodiCom on Etsy)

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Peppermint essential oil roller

A peppermint essential oil roller that’ll provide some sweet relief… 

It can help stop the beginnings of a headache in its tracks when applied to the back of the ears and neck. A sniff of the pocket-sized roller, made with therapeutic-grade peppermint oil, can also aid them with easing congestion and quelling nausea. Because of the menthol, the oil can help relax muscles and decrease pain. So they can get back to enjoying their day. ($9.99, Amazon)

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Silicone makeup brush mat

A silicone mat to keep makeup brushes cleaner...

It’s the beauty tool your friend never knew they needed. Just run brushes over the ridges on the 4-inch mat to remove caked-on makeup. Each section has a different design with varying textures for different types of brushes. Plus a suction cup backing keeps the mat firmly in place. Helloooo, bristles that’ve been hiding under all that powder. ($5.99, Amazon)

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10-piece ear cuff set

​​Mix-and-match earcuffs for easy accessorizing… 

No piercing? No problem. This 10-piece ear cuff set could fool anyone. Since they adjust with a bit of tension, finding the perfect fit is easy-breezy. And because they’re lead- and nickel-free, the hypoallergenic set is less likely to irritate — a win for those with sensitive skin. ($14.99/10 pack, Amazon)

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Shared journal for couples

A sentimental shared journal for couples or friends… 

Each page features a prompt and enough blank space for two people to each craft a short response. Prompts range from the more abstract (“When I first heard your name, I thought you might be…”) to the more concrete (“What made me feel loved today…”). They’re all meant to inspire a moment of reflection and some deeper conversation. Aww. ($11.66, Amazon

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Anthony Bourdain book

A must-have book for anyone who loves to globe-trot…  

Even the most well-traveled can take a tip or two from the GOAT. Anthony Bourdain’s posthumous release chronicles his many travels and offers tips about what to eat, where to stay, and what to avoid when hitting the road. It also includes essays from friends and family members, which will help your giftee get a deeper look at the man behind the screen. Bon voyage. ($7.99+, Amazon)

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If you buy anything from this article, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) when we published. Thanks.

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