InStyle Editors Reveal Their 42 Favorite Gifts to Give and Receive This Holiday

Gifts Under $50

I’m a pretty heavy makeup person, and with that has come a devotion to cleansing balms—I love how they melt from a solid oil to a milky wash and get every speck of glitter, waterproof mascara, and sunscreen off to give me a clean slate for my evening skincare. I consider myself an expert, having tested the best cleansing balms on the market, and this one quickly rose to the top of my list: Banila Co Clean It Zero Brightening Cleansing Balm. It smells like a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, and the texture is the ideal consistency; it’s thick and melty but not too oily. I’ve gone through two tubs (I repurchased myself, I loved it so much!) and would absolutely buy this as a stocking stuffer for any of my makeup-loving friends. — Shannon Bauer, Senior Commerce Editor

For all of us with mom friends thinking about what to get our children, this Big Presentation Mega Jewelry Set is it — an introduction to bling that includes all of the essentials. There’s a sparkly charm-like, pendant necklace, two rings, and two earring sets to mix and match looks. It’s a jewelry styling 101 kit! — Hayley Prokos, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

When I tell you my skin has never glistened in the winter more than it does right now…and it’s all thanks to this decadent body oil. My dry skin always needs some extra attention this time of year, and this powerful mix of coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E keeps me moisturized all day long. Bonus: The subtle notes of blackberry and vanilla will keep you smelling great for hours. — Ondine Jean-Baptiste, Assistant Social Media Editor

I’m such a huge fan of this L.L. Bean tote. It’s simple but sturdy and comes in many colors and sizes, so virtually every shopper can find one to suit them. I also love the monogram feature, which perhaps your giftee wouldn’t indulge in if they were buying it for themselves, and shows a bit of personalization on the gift-giver part. — Hayley Prokos

I absolutely can’t wait to tuck the pocket-sized Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray and Intensive Redness Relief Serum into my friends and family’s stockings this year. I’m stumped to find a better name for the duo because they have come to my, well, rescue, countless times. The latest instance was when I was on vacation and stupidly slathered my face in a random oil without thoroughly checking the ingredients (don’t blame me, it smelled delicious) and discovered a whitehead party along my jawline the next day. Luckily, I had these punchy little red bottles on hand to save my skin and, just like the times before, they effectively cleared my breakout overnight. I know gifting skincare can be pretty difficult (a bad reaction is much worse than a lump of coal), but since the brand formulated this set with gentle ingredients, it’s a safer bet than some of the harsher options out there. — Irene Richardson, Writer and Producer

My Holy Grail beauty item has been, will be, and always is the Laneige Lip Mask. It’s genuinely the best beauty product I’ve ever tested, and I’ve tested thousands of products. So when I saw they had this adorable minis holiday set I was stoked. It’ll be such a great gift and the price is pretty reasonable. The set comes with five mini versions of their iconic lip masks all in different flavors including Berry, Gummy Bear, Sweet Candy, Mint Choco, and Mango. I’ll obviously buy one for myself, but I’ll grab a few more for stocking stuffers. — Elena Garcia, Associate Testing Director

I started using this Malin+Goetz eucalyptus deodorant years ago and I was a little skeptical at first since it’s marketed as a natural deodorant. But like all the other products Malin+Goetz makes it surpassed my expectations. It’s definitely on the pricier side as far as deodorant goes but for a natural deodorant, I don’t have to worry about smelling and sweat. The eucalyptus works extremely well as an antiperspirant.  — David Carr, Associate Creative Director, Commerce

The Kérastase Curl Manifesto Gelée Curl Contour is a game-changer! With just one to two pumps, it transforms my thick, curly hair, making it soft, defined, and frizz-free. The scent is amazing, and it holds my curls without any crunchiness. The Manuka honey and ceramides keep my hair hydrated. It’s become a must-have for my curly hair routine — delivering beautiful, bouncy curls every time. I have a few curly-haired friends who are always looking for recs, so this is definitely going to them. — Alyssa Kingham, Production Manager

We all know by now that wearing sunscreen daily is probably the most important product you should be using to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer. I was given the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 by my wife the other year, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The majority of other sunscreens I would use always made my face feel a little oily or were too thick and left a white cast. Somehow this Supergoop! sunscreen goes on clear, doesn’t have much that sunscreen scent, and doesn’t make my skin feel oily like other clear sunscreens do. — David Carr

Gifts Under $100

I love perfume gift sets for holidays — the memories and emotions tied to scent make it a super sentimental present — but finding the right fragrance without the recipient trying it on can be tricky. For the last few years, a Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler Set has been my go-to. You receive 16 trial-sized vials, plus a coupon for a full-size bottle of your favorite one. It’s an incredible value and your loved one gets to pick a perfume that uniquely suits them. — Shannon Bauer

Whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift, the new Studs Sparkly Earscape set is the perfect plus one for any party filled with glasses of sparkling Prosecco, twinkling lights, and glinting ornaments. Despite their affordable price, they boast high-quality materials. Mine have yet to tarnish even though I wear them in the shower every day. And, despite the affordable price they boast a luxe look, so your friend will truly feel like you’re gifting them something divine. Since this delicate style touts versatility, they’re an ideal option for hard-to-shop-for family members, or fashion-forward friends who are always event-hopping and need a fluid option for accessorizing sweaters and cocktail dresses alike. P.S. You can skip the gift wrap and gift it in this limited edition box for the holidays. — Irene Richardson

I am telling you: These are the best slippers you’ll ever wear. The L.L. Bean Wicked Good Moccasins have been a staple gift in my family for over a decade. It started with my mom getting a pair and Minnesota snowballed into each member of our family asking for a pair (men and women!). I am requesting my third pair this year (I usually get about three or four years of daily wear out of them). You will not regret this purchase and your recipient will have the coziest feet around, too.  — Shannon Bauer

I’ve been eyeing these By Second Wind Bubble earrings for a while. They’re just under an inch and a half wide and tall and are made with rhodium-plated brass. I’m more of a silver girl but they come in 18k gold-plated brass too. I love how discreetly they make a statement. I’m always looking for Latina-owned shops to support and this one might just be my favorite. It’s filled with super elegant but stylish pieces, even if these aren’t your thing I’d give the shop a look! — Elena Garcia

One loose bottle of nail polish? That’s a big yawn of a gift, but Sundays packaged their non-toxic polishes in a sleek, minimalist box and added a couple of more colors so that anyone would feel special after unwrapping this present. What’s more important is that the product inside is equally impressive: The shades are rich and versatile, and the formula is super long-lasting, cruelty-free, and leaves out harmful chemicals. Though you can opt for a dreamy lavender-hazed colorway or chic set of nudes, what’s better for the holidays or more likely to impress your most on-trend friend, than this alluring set of reds? — Irene Richardson

I bought my first bottle of Byredo Gypsy Water when I was a 20-year-old intern making $8 an hour. I loved the unisex scent so much but I couldn’t afford the $290 regular perfume bottle so I went for the $80 Hair Perfume. It taught me about the romance and act of self-love a scent can be. I love the masculine-unisex, woodsy yet light scent and the way it gets embedded into the strands of my hair. Throughout the day when the wind blows or I tousle a curl, the scent wafts over me and makes me smile. — Tamim Alnuweiri, Senior Commerce Writer

I simply can’t quit gravitating toward oversized, chunky scarves, and the Never Fully Dressed Borg Scarf will be a gift from moi to myself this year. Not only is it the plushest, most deliciously soft fabric I’ve felt (I actually gasped when I first touched it), but the scarf is sold in the color du jour—a Kelly Green which happens to be very Gen-Z-approved. I love that it is so thick I’ll be able to bale on my heavy winter coat and skip out the door lighter, and looking like an ultra-cool off-duty Swedish model. — Irene Richardson

Living on the water is definitely a love/hate experience. I love the sunshine streaming through my windows, the sweeping views, and the boats that keep my toddler occupied for hours. What I don’t like? Hurricane force winds whipping around me in the winter, effectively dropping the real-feel temperature by at least 20 degrees. I have to bundle like I’m trekking to the Arctic, and a collection of enormous scarves that could actually double as blankets, are the only way I survive. Everlane’s Cashmere Scarf is my new obsession — I can wrap it around my neck and face half a dozen times for maximum warmth, yet it’s lightweight enough that if I start to overheat (another gripe) due to all the layers I’m wearing, I don’t feel sticky and gross. Best of all, the cashmere-wool blend isn’t overly delicate, so I don’t have to fuss with annoying laundry instructions. — Jessica Mahgerefteh, Style + Beauty Editorial Commerce Director

I absolutely love the Kevyn Aucoin Contour Stick! It’s incredibly creamy and blends like a dream. What I appreciate the most is its buildable coverage, allowing me to achieve the perfect contour for my desired look. The best part? It doesn’t accentuate my pores, giving me a flawless finish every time. I use it for my clean girl look, and it’s become a staple in my makeup routine. I’d gift the Kevin Aucoin Contour Stick this holiday season because it gives ME a luxurious and versatile makeup experience. As a preferred choice by makeup artists, Kevin Aucoin’s reputation for quality, combined with the stick’s creamy texture and flawless finish, makes it a thoughtful and pampering addition to my beauty routine. — Alyssa Kingham

Gifts Under $200

I’m big on multitasking (#momlife). Trouble is, most multitasking makeup is straight up underwhelming. By trying too hard to be two things at once, they end up not doing either very well. My first week back in the office after maternity leave, Kaitlin Clark insisted that I try this tinted moisturizer, promising that it would provide the full coverage that I like. Doubtful, but still game to try, I took it home and I’ve been wearing it daily since. It feels just like a luxuriously rich, creamy serum (it kind of is that, too), just loaded up with pigment. Now I can get ready in half the time without sacrificing the airbrushed finish I love. It’s truly a unicorn product — I even bought one for my mom, and she can’t believe it, either. — Jessica Mahgerefteh

The Mellie top from Hill House is beautiful, but still flirty. I love the unique pattern, which was inspired by vintage Parisian silks. Its tuxedo style mixed with sheer fabrics is the perfect combination of high-brow formal and sheer sexiness. I want to wear this to every holiday party this season. — Kelly Chiello, Associate Photo Director

There’s a way to do kawaii without going full-no cosplay and this A.P.C. Pokémon collab is the way to go if you love Pikachu but don’t want to look like you’re on your way to Comic-Con. The hat is made of the French label’s legendary denim and the little patch on the front lets you rep your favorite Pokémon all day, every day. I can’t wait to get it beat up and faded. — Christopher Luu, Senior News Editor

The most common question I get asked is: “Where are you going next, Bianca?” I’m kind of a frequent traveler, so I’m a big sucker for aesthetic travel gear. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Paravel has been holding a fat chunk of space in my mind lately. It’s one of those brands that every chic traveler wants, but feels too guilty splurging on — which is precisely why it makes a great gift! It can get pretty pricey over at Paravel, however, so to keep things on a budget, I would ask for this phone bag (hey loved ones, hope you’re reading this). — Bianca Kratky

I was recently gifted this and I’m surprised by how obsessed I am. I did not think that the Hatch Restore 2, which I previously thought of as a glorified alarm clock, could change my sleep this much. It’s a multitasking and good-looking addition to my nightstand. It’s an alarm clock but it’s also a night light and a white noise machine. The thunderstorm noises lull me to sleep and the sunrise light that builds up for half alongside the alarm noise wakes me up gently. It’s a nice change from my phone alarm which feels like being violently shaken awake every morning. This is a gift that at least a few people on my list are going to receive. — Tamim Alnuweiri

Once I started using Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream, it was over for every other moisturizer in my bathroom cabinet. This gentle formula has a soothing floral scent that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, but it’s also creamy enough to give you that rich, deeply penetrating hydration your skin craves — especially around this time of year. And with the Rice Wash and Dewy Serum thrown in, your skincare routine is in for a luxurious upgrade. I’ve told everyone I know about this now-on-sale trio, and plan on dishing out a few to a few lucky loved ones. — Christina Oehler, Senior Commerce Editor

If you want to take cozy season to the next level, get yourself a weighted blanket. As an admitted skeptic (is there really a discernible difference from your standard quilt?), I was immediately converted once I felt the gentle pressure of this massive hand-knit creation envelope my entire body. Okay, okay, I get the hype — and now getting under the Napper after work is the best part of my day. — Ondine Jean-Baptiste

I’d never really considered the importance of good sleepwear until I tried these buttery-soft, Oprah-loved pajamas. While a pair of $10 sweats does the job, this silky jersey knit style is perfect for nearly all seasons, feeling cool to the touch yet warm and snuggly to prevent overheating. Now, after recently adding a fourth pair to my collection, I’m giving Eberjey’s Gisele pajamas to everyone on my list. They’re an everyday luxury most may not think to spend on, but everyone could use the gift of better, more comfortable sleep. — Zarah Kavarana, Senior Commerce Editor

Gifts Under $500

I have in my Spice Girls Era for the last 20 years. I dressed as Scary Spice for two Halloweens in a row, which makes me something of an expert on Girl Power, and this fabulous-beyond-fabulous collection of Satin Kajal Eyeliners from Posh Spice herself is very much a grown up styling of modern Girl Power. Just like Posh, I am nothing without a smoky eye, but unlike Posh, I must create the look myself. Without a MUA on the payroll, I lean way, way into the messy-but-mostly-deliberate eyeliner look by taking one of these moody, rich shades and glide the smooth kajal-tipped point across my eyelid, before taking the other end of the liner, a sponged-tip, and buffing it out for maximum smokiness and dimension. I have a few of these liners already, but now I all eight (!) of VB’s favorite hues. I don’t think I’ve been this excited for such a special holiday beauty launch since the days I spent pretending that I was Posh Spice. — Kaitlin Clark, Senior Beauty Commerce Editor

Skincare is so individual. Even as a beauty director, gifting it during the holidays can be tricky. But there’s no set I’d feel more assured in giving my loved ones (of all skin types!) than The Outset’s Spa in a Box. The brand bridges luxurious self-care with no-frills, skin barrier-loving science, and its 8-piece set curated by celebrity facialist Cynthia Franco boasts the brand’s greatest hits for cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, including its Gentle Micellar cleanser (a fan favorite in my group chat), Purifying Blue Clay Mask, and the Ultralight Moisture-Boosting Oil. A bonus? The velvety soft Yves Klein Blue spa headband. So chic and special! — Lauren Valenti, Beauty Director

I’m really hoping someone will leave an Aupen bag under my tree this year — especially if it comes in a Nirvana-shaped package. Fine, I’ll admit I found the brand during my daily cyberstalk of Taylor Swift, who has carried the bag around in several styles, but when I realized so many other celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez, and Blake Lively also counted themselves as fans, I knew it must be something special. Admittedly, I’m also not into logo-fied looks so I love how the simplicity of each minimalistic design speaks for itself. Instead of a blabby label, each bag relies on its thoughtful design details, like distinct curvature silhouettes and delicate hardware, to showcase its luxurious appeal. — Irene Richardson

It’s true Chanel’s limited-edition Les Symboles De Chanel illuminating powders, embossed with iconic symbols in incredible detail, are almost too beautiful to use. But this is precisely why they make such an extraordinary gift for the makeup-wearers you want to spoil this season! ​From the unmistakable camellia flower to the ethereal comet, each design is more dazzling than the next. They’re a wonder in form and glow-imparting function that feels like an accessory. — Lauren Valenti

When it comes to facial tools, LED tools are my favorite. They’re easy to use, they don’t hurt, and they deliver results. This set from CurrentBody includes the brand’s iconic LED full-face mask in a festive silver shade. It also includes an antioxidant-rich green tea serum that’s designed to go on under the mask to up the efficacy. Apply a few drops of the serum and slap on the mask for a 10-minute, hands-free treatment. — Kara Jillian Brown, Beauty Editor

To know me is to know that my Dyson Supersonic hairdryer is the magic bullet of my haircare routine. It makes gently drying my curls a luxury instead of a tedious chore—and I can’t help but want to spread the wealth. That’s why I’m truly giddy about Dyson’s gorgeous array of new colorways. The Ceramic Pop design, featuring a retro palette of bright turquoise, topaz orange, and blush pink, really enhances the tool’s objet d’art effect. — Lauren Valenti

I’ll be honest: I don’t ski. However, a ski-adjacent activity I most definitely participate in during wintertime trips to the mountains is après-ski. And when it comes to style on the slopes, people are paying closer attention to their attire. This wool Tory Burch sweater is perfect for staying warm and looking chic. — Samantha Brash, Director of Content Strategy

I am seriously lacking in cool bottoms for winter and I am looking for a dark blue denim that will make me look put together without looking too “business casual.” This is why I am so drawn to these undeniably and effortlessly cool cut Chibi pants from Ilana Kohn. The silhouette will stand out from my other pants and the crisp denim will fit in with the other workwear-inspired pieces in my wardrobe. — Kelly Chiello

I have to say, I’m late to the diamond game, getting my hands on the sparkly gems for the first time ever just this year due to the lab-grown diamond story I was writing. I finally understand why people call these the girl’s best friend! I’ve since decked my neck, wrists, and ears out in diamonds — they simply light up a girl’s heart, which is why they make a great holiday gift. I mean, ‘tis the season of sparkles, isn’t it? But since real diamonds can be a bit extravagant for the holidays, we’re going the more attainable lab-grown diamond route. Take these earrings, for example, which are under $500 and would make a perfect sparkly gift for someone special. —  Bianca Kratky

Belt bags are an upgraded version of fanny packs, meaning they provide all the utility and double the fashion. This style from Senreve is the most versatile gift; it can be worn in five ways by swapping in different straps — including a chain strap for day-to-night wear. Bonus: There are 19 colors, materials, and hardware combos to choose from. — Samantha Brash

With two kids under three, the last thing I have time (or even want to spend time doing) is getting on my hands and knees to scrub noodles, Cheerios, and whatever else my kids threw from their high chairs onto my tiled kitchen floor. I think Dyson must have had mothers in mind when they launched the new vacuum, which actually isn’t just a vacuum — it’s a mop-vacuum hybrid — but really it’s like wearing a lifejacket in messy waters. When I use the mop feature, the motorized wet roller picks up spills, food, and even stains I’ve tried so hard to get out, like it’s no big deal, and when I want to zip over carpets, I just click a button and BOOM. I can clean the kitchen and living room in less than 20 minutes. — Jessica Mahgerefteh

Gifts $1500 and Under

Let’s just clear the air here: I never thought air purifiers were a necessity. I put them squarely in the “nice, but unnecessary and would probably forget I had it” category of my life, especially one as expensive as Dyson. That is, until the orange haze of smoke and smog drifted into NYC from the Canadian wildfires this summer. As a person who has never had a hint of allergy anything, I was shocked at the intense and highly unpleasant reaction I had to the new air. I needed an air purifier, and I needed one now. So I jumped on Amazon and ordered the second-most expensive option (you’ll do unusual things when you feel like you’re being squeezed by an anaconda, I’ve learned). It arrived the next day, and within the hour, my migraine subsided, my drowsiness lifted, and I was able to rejoin the land of the living. I haven’t turned it off ever since, and once it goes on sale this holiday, I’m buying one for both of my siblings. — Kaitlin Clark

Leave it to quirky-cool Loewe to team with ceramic artist Suna Fujita for a collection that includes penguins and pandas. The standout piece? Hands down, it’s this whimsical penguin-shaped bag that fits essentials (I swear it fits a phone) and adds a major statement to even the snooziest outfits. If it’s too much aquatic avian for you, there are coordinating bag charms and wallets adorned with sweet little penguins, too. — Christopher Luu