I’m an Expert Gift-Giver—These Are the 17 Most-Loved Holiday Presents I Gave This Year
From the unexpected successes to the fail-safe finds.
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Courtesy of Brands / InStyle
I take immense pleasure in buying gifts, it tickles my shopping itch without adding clutter to my life. But then there is the wait; I sit steeped in anticipation hoping that the receiver will love and appreciate the thoughtfulness I’ve put into the selection.
I’m a famously great gift-giver so I, of course, did well across the board. Still, there were 17 gifts I gave that really stood out—they’re the ones that elicited squeals, half a dozen thank you texts, and that I’ve seen used in the week(s) since.
Chanel Look Sharp Makeup Kit
Chanel
The Most Popular Gifts Overall:
Everyone Spent the Holidays Snapping Away With These: Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera, $65; urbanoutfitters.com
Hulken Foldable Rolling Bag
Hulken
Unfortunately, I am going to be that person and tell you that I was years ahead of the Hulken hysteria. I can’t leave the house with it without family, friends, and strangers alike asking me what this wonderful invention is. As such, I gift Hulken bags often, like truly this year I think I’ve given five. The receiver is always thrilled, they tell me about how much easier it’s made trips to the laundromat, grocery store shopping, and schlepping what have you across town and even on weekend trips.
ExceptionalLab We Are Happy to Serve You Cup
Amazon
Shop More Receiver-Loved Gifts
For the Marathon Runner: Therabody Wave Roller, $149; therabody.com
Been Told It’s “Skin-Changing”: U Beauty The Essential Skin Care Set, $248; ubeauty.com
Cotton x D.S. & Durga The Cool Calm Cotton Blanket Set, $200; dsanddurga.com
Cemented Me As the Favorite Aunt: Baublebar The Ultimate Custom Bead Kit, $58; baublebar.com
The White Elephant Hit: ExceptionalLab We Are Happy to Serve You Cup, $17 (Originally $20); amazon.com
Was On a Few Wishlists: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo & Coconut Oil Conditioner, $54 (Originally $60); amazon.com
Fredericks & Mae Multicolor Plastic Cutting Board, $95; food52.com
The Laundress Everyday Laundry Starter Kit, $59 (Originally $84); thelaundress.com
Bala The Power Yoga Mat and Weights Kit, $246 (Originally $273); shopbala.com
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag
Coach
This was the splurge gift of my holiday shopping—yes, it made me wince when I paid but it was worth it. It’s a classic Coach style, everyday wearable but can also be dressed up and fancy. When I gave it to my cousin, her face beamed so bright it rivaled the moon. Seeing her wear it immediately also made me realize I need one of my own.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Set
Amazon
This Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Set did not go all that smoothly but that’s because it was too successful. In the future, I will be purchasing and gifting several of these. It’s an obvious hit, anything mini is immediately cute and everyone loves these lip masks (it has nearly 40,000 five-star ratings).
Bala The Power Yoga Mat and Weights Kit
Baia
My brother’s girlfriend is a home workout maven but I’ve seen her set up and I thought it could use an upgrade. I got her this design-forward Bala set that includes a yoga mat, power ring, and wrist/ankle bangle weights. She was thrilled, she didn’t know workout equipment that was so useful yet so cute even existed. My brother says she hasn’t stopped video calling friends and family to show them.
Baublebar The Ultimate Custom Bead Kit
Baublebar
Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase
Quince
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo & Coconut Oil Conditioner
Amazon
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