Alex Apatoff, Lifestyle Director: My parents were impossible to shop for … until I had a child. Now all they want is photos of the kid. This year I’ll upgrade my usual “six prints from Walgreen’s in your stocking” situation with some pretty photo art from Minted, which I’ll get at the same time I order all my holiday cards. (The true joy of the holidays is checking things off my list.)
Buy It! Minted photo art, prices vary by size; minted.com
Zoë Ruderman, Editor of PEOPLE Digital: I have three Echo Dots in my apartment (yes, I said three and yes, I said apartment). Whenever family members stay with us, they initially think it’s excessive. But after they realize they can use it to turn off the lights without getting out of bed or start music without getting off the sofa (or do a gazillion other things), they’re won over. So I’m gifting Echo Dots to a few family members. Mostly for selfish reasons: so I can use theirs when I go visit them.
Buy It! Echo Dot, $49.99; amazon.com
Sarah Ball, Market Editor: Whenever I have people visit (mostly my parents) or I host a brunch (which is surprisingly pretty often), I always break out this Brim cold brew coffee maker. I’m not a cook in the least, so I have to impress my guests somehow. It makes really amazing home-made cold brew coffee — and I must say, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Buy It! Brim Cold-Brew Coffee Maker, $59.95 (orig. $110); williamssonoma.com
Kate Hogan, Features Director: In my opinion, kids can never have enough books, not only so their little minds can grow but so I don’t lose my own mind reading the same handful of stories at bedtime every night (I kid … kinda). My soon-to-be 3-year-old has recently developed an obsession with the Dr. Seuss classics Green Eggs and Ham and Fox in Socks so I’m expanding his library with this convenient box set, which includes five favorites.
Buy It! Dr. Seuss’s Second Beginner Book Collection, $35.49; amazon.com
Jackie Fields, Beauty Editor: I have a weakness for fragrances (I own upwards of 55). But for the last year, I have worn this exclusively. The scent is so intoxicating (to be honest, I haven’t bothered to read up on the notes, I actually appreciate the air of mystery about it) that I have have had strangers approach me in my aqua-cycling class, elevators and restaurants, to name a few, demanding to know what it is. And in New York City, where all any of us inhabitants want is space away from strangers, it’s saying quite a bit that they’re inching closer to me. My suggestion: invest in this set, so you can carry it with you always.
Buy It! Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Travel Sprays, $140 (for three .37 oz EdPs); neimanmarcus.com
Lindsay Kimble, Staff Editor: My fiancé travels almost every week for work — sometimes places that don’t warrant taking his entire carry-on bag. The everywhere bag is the perfect mid-size travel duffel, and its made of a nice, durable nylon fabric and comes with perfect pockets sized to fit your laptop and phone, among other things. There’s even a flap on the bag’s outside that lets it fit perfectly over your suitcase’s handles, if you need to pull double duty!
Buy It! The Everywhere Bag in Black Nylon, Away, $195, awaytravel.com
Alex Apatoff, Lifestyle Director: It’s hard to get some of the stylish women in my life something they don’t already have but somehow still need. These Parisian teas always get a huge response: They’re stylish and refined, really delicious and are a little less expected than a bottle of wine.
Buy It! Kusmi tea essentials, $27.90; kusmitea.com
Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: If you can’t help but spoil your furry best friend, indulging them in this cloud-like puff will make you their favorite human, ever. The 100 percent soft, recycled fabric is so cozy, your dog or cat will never want to leave it. And the best part? All the profits from each sale are given back to help animals in need, through donations to organizations including Best Friends Animal Society, Stray Cat Alliance, Walks & Wags and more.
Buy It! ModernBeast Grey Pod, $120; modernbeast.com
Andrea Lavinthal: Style + Beauty Director: As far as I’m concerned, there are only two good things about entertaining during the holidays. The first: You don’t have to leave your own house. The second: Hostess gifts! And if you’re really lucky, one of your guests might be thoughtful enough to bring you this chic, beach-scented candle.
Buy It!: Bleusalt x LAIT Candle in Beechwood, $40; bleusalt.com
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Sharon Kanter, Deputy Style Director: My three closest friends moved away and I miss them so much. I love to gift them stationery, like this monogrammed set from Rifle Paper Co., and send it to them with a cheeky note that says “I hope one of these lands in my mailbox next year.” There’s nothing like getting a beautiful handwritten letter from someone you love who lives far away — even if you do text them everyday. Bonus points if you include stamps.
Buy It! Rifle Paper Co. Monogram Stationery, $16 for 8 cards; riflepaperco.com
Lindsay Kimble, Staff Editor: Have a friend whose closet is so enviable you’re not even sure what could be added? How about a vintage leather jacket, hand-painted with beautiful flowers or trendy stripes? Once Upon a Laurén sources unique vintage pieces, and then makes them one-of-a-kind with her painting skills. Now that’s an outfit topper!
Buy It! A custom leather jacket from Once Upon a Laurén, $200 and up, Etsy.com
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: This new “mood balancing” beauty brand is serving up skin care products with a side of emotional support. Each product contains a blend of essential oils and comes with a special mantra to help enhance mental well-being. The popular mood mist set features two blends — one for promoting mindfulness and the other for encouraging happiness. And after the year that was 2018, who couldn’t use a little spritz of bliss?
Buy It!: Essential Rose Life Mood Mist Set, $55; essentialroselife.com
Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: I know spending $150 on a blanket sounds like a lot, but this one’s worth the price tag. It comes with glass pelettes inside to weigh it down, which provides a calmer, soothing sleep session. Gift this to your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife so you both can cozy up beneath it all winter.
Buy It! Therapedic Reversible 12 lb. Small Weighted Blanket in Taupe, $149.99; bedbathandbeyond.com
Andrea Lavinthal: Style + Beauty Director: Each one of these rollerballs contains an essential oil blend to help ease a specific symptom of pregnancy (ginger for nausea, eucalyptus for exhaustion and lavender for stress).
Buy It!: Hatch Pocket Spa Trio, $68; hatchcollection.com
Madison Roberts, Home + Travel Assistant: As someone who absolutely loves wine, but hates the headache that always inevitably seems to accompany two glasses of it, this tiny gadget changed the game. It fits perfectly on top of your glass, filters out sulfites and aerates your wine. Every friend who’s come to my apartment has become obsessed with this wine purifier, and I’ll definitely be gifting a few of these this holiday season. (Pro Tip: it’s worth the splurge for a pack of extra filters to make your gift extra special.
Buy It! Ullo Wine Purifier, $79; amazon.com
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member who owns a boat, secure yourself a permanent invitation on board by gifting them this limited-edition waterproof wireless speaker box decked out in Vineyard Vine’s fun patchwork print.
Buy It!: DemerBox Speaker, $399; vineyardvines.com
Ana Calderone, Associate Food Editor: Any Ina Garten cookbook is basically the food bible in my eyes (and I get sent a lot of cookbooks as a food editor). I know almost without a doubt that any recipe of hers will work like a charm before I’ve even tried it. Seriously, if you’re ever in a bind to find a good recipe for a particular dish, just google “Ina Garten” and whatever you’re looking for, and I guarantee it’ll be delicious. Her latest book, Cook Like a Pro, delivers that same level of trustworthy food, plus beautiful images and useful tips. Nothing she makes is too complicated, so even the most novice of cooks will thank you for this one.
Buy It! Cook Like a Pro by Ina Garten, $21; amazon.com
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: This piece is classic enough to wear every day, but the touch of rose gold makes it feel extra-special.
Buy It!: Charriol Two-Tone Cable Bypass Bangle Bracelet, $195; macys.com
Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: Allbirds wool runners have gained a cult-following for good reason. They’re super comfortable, look crazy stylish, can be tossed in the washing machine (without ruining them!) and cost under $100. In other words, they’re the perfect holiday gift for any shoe lover on your list.
Buy It! Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners, $95; allbirds.com
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: The NBA’s Atlanta Hawks teamed up with Boy Meets Girl on a unisex collection that promote inclusion for all genders and sexual orientations. The super-cool hoodies, tees and totes make a great gift for anyone on your list that wants to make a social statement with their fashion.
Buy It!: Boy Meets Girl x Atlanta Hawks PRIDE collection, $20-$56; hawksshop.com
Sophie Dodd, Editorial Assistant: Each year, as the weather gets colder, I find myself coming up with various excuses to stay home and watch Love Actually for the 35th time. Many of my friends do the same, hibernating with their favorite films well into the New Year. This year, to up the coziness level (and cover the smell of takeout) during our home-screenings, I’ll be gifting them scented candles from the A24 x Joya collaboration, inspired by six classic Hollywood film categories: Horror, Western, Thriller, Noir, Adventure and Musical.
Buy It!: A24 x Joya Genre Candle, $48; www.joyastudio.com
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: Thanks to apps like Screen Time and Moment, we’re all hyper aware of just how much time we’re spending on our phones. With the new credit card-sized Palm device, you can leave your phone at home when you go for a run or out to dinner (CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE?!) but stay as connected as you want to be via the “Life Mode” feature.
Buy It!: Palm, $349; verizonwireless.com
For Grandparents: Minted Photo Art
Alex Apatoff, Lifestyle Director: My parents were impossible to shop for … until I had a child. Now all they want is photos of the kid. This year I’ll upgrade my usual “six prints from Walgreen’s in your stocking” situation with some pretty photo art from Minted, which I’ll get at the same time I order all my holiday cards. (The true joy of the holidays is checking things off my list.)
Buy It! Minted photo art, prices vary by size; minted.com
For Family Members: The Echo Dot
Zoë Ruderman, Editor of PEOPLE Digital: I have three Echo Dots in my apartment (yes, I said three and yes, I said apartment). Whenever family members stay with us, they initially think it’s excessive. But after they realize they can use it to turn off the lights without getting out of bed or start music without getting off the sofa (or do a gazillion other things), they’re won over. So I’m gifting Echo Dots to a few family members. Mostly for selfish reasons: so I can use theirs when I go visit them.
Buy It! Echo Dot, $49.99; amazon.com
For Family Members and Friends: Brim Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Sarah Ball, Market Editor: Whenever I have people visit (mostly my parents) or I host a brunch (which is surprisingly pretty often), I always break out this Brim cold brew coffee maker. I’m not a cook in the least, so I have to impress my guests somehow. It makes really amazing home-made cold brew coffee — and I must say, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Buy It! Brim Cold-Brew Coffee Maker, $59.95 (orig. $110); williamssonoma.com
For Toddlers: Dr. Seuss's Second Beginner Book Collection
Kate Hogan, Features Director: In my opinion, kids can never have enough books, not only so their little minds can grow but so I don’t lose my own mind reading the same handful of stories at bedtime every night (I kid … kinda). My soon-to-be 3-year-old has recently developed an obsession with the Dr. Seuss classics Green Eggs and Ham and Fox in Socks so I’m expanding his library with this convenient box set, which includes five favorites.
Buy It! Dr. Seuss’s Second Beginner Book Collection, $35.49; amazon.com
For Women: A Luxe Fragrance Set
Jackie Fields, Beauty Editor: I have a weakness for fragrances (I own upwards of 55). But for the last year, I have worn this exclusively. The scent is so intoxicating (to be honest, I haven’t bothered to read up on the notes, I actually appreciate the air of mystery about it) that I have have had strangers approach me in my aqua-cycling class, elevators and restaurants, to name a few, demanding to know what it is. And in New York City, where all any of us inhabitants want is space away from strangers, it’s saying quite a bit that they’re inching closer to me. My suggestion: invest in this set, so you can carry it with you always.
Buy It! Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Travel Sprays, $140 (for three .37 oz EdPs); neimanmarcus.com
For the Frequent Flyer: Away’s The Everywhere Bag
Lindsay Kimble, Staff Editor: My fiancé travels almost every week for work — sometimes places that don’t warrant taking his entire carry-on bag. The everywhere bag is the perfect mid-size travel duffel, and its made of a nice, durable nylon fabric and comes with perfect pockets sized to fit your laptop and phone, among other things. There’s even a flap on the bag’s outside that lets it fit perfectly over your suitcase’s handles, if you need to pull double duty!
Buy It! The Everywhere Bag in Black Nylon, Away, $195, awaytravel.com
For a Chic Hostess: Kusmi Tea Essentials
Alex Apatoff, Lifestyle Director: It’s hard to get some of the stylish women in my life something they don’t already have but somehow still need. These Parisian teas always get a huge response: They’re stylish and refined, really delicious and are a little less expected than a bottle of wine.
Buy It! Kusmi tea essentials, $27.90; kusmitea.com
For Your Pet: ModernBeast Pod
Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: If you can’t help but spoil your furry best friend, indulging them in this cloud-like puff will make you their favorite human, ever. The 100 percent soft, recycled fabric is so cozy, your dog or cat will never want to leave it. And the best part? All the profits from each sale are given back to help animals in need, through donations to organizations including Best Friends Animal Society, Stray Cat Alliance, Walks & Wags and more.
Buy It! ModernBeast Grey Pod, $120; modernbeast.com
For the Hostess: Bleusalt x LAIT Candle
Andrea Lavinthal: Style + Beauty Director: As far as I’m concerned, there are only two good things about entertaining during the holidays. The first: You don’t have to leave your own house. The second: Hostess gifts! And if you’re really lucky, one of your guests might be thoughtful enough to bring you this chic, beach-scented candle.
Buy It!: Bleusalt x LAIT Candle in Beechwood, $40; bleusalt.com
For Your Best Friend (Who Lives Far Away): Rifle Paper Co. Monogram Stationery
Sharon Kanter, Deputy Style Director: My three closest friends moved away and I miss them so much. I love to gift them stationery, like this monogrammed set from Rifle Paper Co., and send it to them with a cheeky note that says “I hope one of these lands in my mailbox next year.” There’s nothing like getting a beautiful handwritten letter from someone you love who lives far away — even if you do text them everyday. Bonus points if you include stamps.
Buy It! Rifle Paper Co. Monogram Stationery, $16 for 8 cards; riflepaperco.com
For the Girl Who Has Everything: A Hand-Painted Jacket by Etsy Shop Once Upon a Laurén
Lindsay Kimble, Staff Editor: Have a friend whose closet is so enviable you’re not even sure what could be added? How about a vintage leather jacket, hand-painted with beautiful flowers or trendy stripes? Once Upon a Laurén sources unique vintage pieces, and then makes them one-of-a-kind with her painting skills. Now that’s an outfit topper!
Buy It! A custom leather jacket from Once Upon a Laurén, $200 and up, Etsy.com
For the Self-Care Enthusiast: Essential Rose Life Mood Mist Set
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: This new “mood balancing” beauty brand is serving up skin care products with a side of emotional support. Each product contains a blend of essential oils and comes with a special mantra to help enhance mental well-being. The popular mood mist set features two blends — one for promoting mindfulness and the other for encouraging happiness. And after the year that was 2018, who couldn’t use a little spritz of bliss?
Buy It!: Essential Rose Life Mood Mist Set, $55; essentialroselife.com
For Your Significant Other: Therapedic Weighted Blanket
Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: I know spending $150 on a blanket sounds like a lot, but this one’s worth the price tag. It comes with glass pelettes inside to weigh it down, which provides a calmer, soothing sleep session. Gift this to your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife so you both can cozy up beneath it all winter.
Buy It! Therapedic Reversible 12 lb. Small Weighted Blanket in Taupe, $149.99; bedbathandbeyond.com
For the Mom-to-Be: Hatch Pocket Spa Trio
Andrea Lavinthal: Style + Beauty Director: Each one of these rollerballs contains an essential oil blend to help ease a specific symptom of pregnancy (ginger for nausea, eucalyptus for exhaustion and lavender for stress).
Buy It!: Hatch Pocket Spa Trio, $68; hatchcollection.com
For Wine Lovers: Ullo Wine Purifier
Madison Roberts, Home + Travel Assistant: As someone who absolutely loves wine, but hates the headache that always inevitably seems to accompany two glasses of it, this tiny gadget changed the game. It fits perfectly on top of your glass, filters out sulfites and aerates your wine. Every friend who’s come to my apartment has become obsessed with this wine purifier, and I’ll definitely be gifting a few of these this holiday season. (Pro Tip: it’s worth the splurge for a pack of extra filters to make your gift extra special.
Buy It! Ullo Wine Purifier, $79; amazon.com
For the Boating Enthusiast: DemerBox Limited Edition Speaker
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member who owns a boat, secure yourself a permanent invitation on board by gifting them this limited-edition waterproof wireless speaker box decked out in Vineyard Vine’s fun patchwork print.
Buy It!: DemerBox Speaker, $399; vineyardvines.com
For Foodie Friends: Ina Garten's Cook Like a Pro
Ana Calderone, Associate Food Editor: Any Ina Garten cookbook is basically the food bible in my eyes (and I get sent a lot of cookbooks as a food editor). I know almost without a doubt that any recipe of hers will work like a charm before I’ve even tried it. Seriously, if you’re ever in a bind to find a good recipe for a particular dish, just google “Ina Garten” and whatever you’re looking for, and I guarantee it’ll be delicious. Her latest book, Cook Like a Pro, delivers that same level of trustworthy food, plus beautiful images and useful tips. Nothing she makes is too complicated, so even the most novice of cooks will thank you for this one.
Buy It! Cook Like a Pro by Ina Garten, $21; amazon.com
For the Jewelry Lover: Charriol Cable Bangle Bracelet
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: This piece is classic enough to wear every day, but the touch of rose gold makes it feel extra-special.
Buy It!: Charriol Two-Tone Cable Bypass Bangle Bracelet, $195; macys.com
For the Sneakerhead: Allbirds
Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: Allbirds wool runners have gained a cult-following for good reason. They’re super comfortable, look crazy stylish, can be tossed in the washing machine (without ruining them!) and cost under $100. In other words, they’re the perfect holiday gift for any shoe lover on your list.
Buy It! Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners, $95; allbirds.com
For the Social Activist: Boy Meets Girl x Atlanta Hawks PRIDE Collection
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: The NBA’s Atlanta Hawks teamed up with Boy Meets Girl on a unisex collection that promote inclusion for all genders and sexual orientations. The super-cool hoodies, tees and totes make a great gift for anyone on your list that wants to make a social statement with their fashion.
Buy It!: Boy Meets Girl x Atlanta Hawks PRIDE collection, $20-$56; hawksshop.com
For the Netflix Binge-Watcher: A24 x Joya Genre Candle
Sophie Dodd, Editorial Assistant: Each year, as the weather gets colder, I find myself coming up with various excuses to stay home and watch Love Actually for the 35th time. Many of my friends do the same, hibernating with their favorite films well into the New Year. This year, to up the coziness level (and cover the smell of takeout) during our home-screenings, I’ll be gifting them scented candles from the A24 x Joya collaboration, inspired by six classic Hollywood film categories: Horror, Western, Thriller, Noir, Adventure and Musical.
Buy It!: A24 x Joya Genre Candle, $48; www.joyastudio.com
For the Person Who's Conflicted About Their Screen Time: Palm
Andrea Lavinthal, Style + Beauty Director: Thanks to apps like Screen Time and Moment, we’re all hyper aware of just how much time we’re spending on our phones. With the new credit card-sized Palm device, you can leave your phone at home when you go for a run or out to dinner (CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE?!) but stay as connected as you want to be via the “Life Mode” feature.
Buy It!: Palm, $349; verizonwireless.com