Shopping·12 min read

Cozy Gifts for Anyone Who’s Happiest When Plans Are Canceled

the best cozy gifts for this holiday season
Photo: Brittany Sturrett | Credit: theSkimm
November 1, 2021

For some, couch surfing is just how to spend a low-key Friday night, but for others it’s an Olympic sport. The people who value their downtime know exactly what to stream next and prefer sweats to literally anything else. So we’ve got ideal gifts to help them make their time at home even cozier. From things to keep their feet warm to an adult-sized sleep pod, these products prove that comfort is always king. Or queen.

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out The Sleigh List — our guide to the perfect gifts for everyone on your A-list.

HotCoco_

A hot chocolate kit that’s a major step up from store-bought packets... 

When it comes to hot chocolate, a microwave moment is fine. But nothing compares to the real thing. This convenient kit not only comes with a jar of homemade hot cocoa, but it also includes a mug and bag of mini marshmallows. So sweet. ($34, Food52)

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A massive throw

A massive throw to make movie nights even cozier… 

A comfy blanket is basically a prerequisite for a night in. This machine-washable chenille throw comes in 12 colors and 11 sizes. So no one has to fight over getting their fair share. Though we have a feeling they’ll still want this warm and chunky winner all to themselves. ($43.99+, Amazon)

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A sleep pod

A sleep pod for the best snooze of their life… 

There are few things quite as peaceful as a sleeping baby. Enter: this sleep pod, which is essentially a giant swaddle that applies a gentle, calming pressure just like a hug. Yes, please. It’s made with breathable materials to prevent overheating and even has a space to stick their foot out if they get too warm. ($69.99, Hug Sleep)

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Saks OFF 5TH Sweater

A sweater for couch-bound fashionistas...

Who says they can’t have it all? Surprise. They can, thanks to this featherweight cashmere knit. It gives off alllll the luxe vibes — even if no one else is around to see ‘em. And the super flattering, pullover style just happens to pair perfectly with leggings. Or jeans, if they’re into that kinda thing. Plus, the neutral, beige color makes it a great layering piece if they do have to leave the house at some point. Shopping for more than one cozy aficionado? No problem. Browse here for more cashmere styles.* (Under $100, Saks OFF 5TH)

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Genius heated slippers

Genius heated slippers to keep their toes toasty all winter… 

Turn their feet into literal baked potatoes with these unbelievably cute slippers that are USB-powered. They’re the perfect pair to keep under a desk as they work from home. The slippers heat up pretty quickly and will stay warm for hours on end. Trust us — we’ve tried them. ($48, Urban Outfitters)

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A pair of long pajamas

A pair of long pajamas that can also be worn outside...

Jambys are not quite sweatpants, not quite joggers. They’re more like a must-have pair of PJs that can be worn to run errands, grab the mail, or lounge on the couch. They’re lightweight and breathable, with more than enough give. And because of the relaxed fit, they don’t pinch or squeeze.  There are 14 color combos available, and sizing goes up to 3XL. Get ready for your loved one to wear ‘em all the time. ($73, Jambys

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A tea subscription

A tea subscription without the steep price tag...

We’ve all got someone in our life who prefers tea over coffee. While we may not totally agree, we’ve gotta shop for them too. This gift card grants them a monthly subscription so they can try different flavors from all over the world. Options range from 3 to 24 months, with four teas in each box. The filters are reusable and biodegradable, and shipments come with steeping instructions and tasting notes. Your friend will be able to rate which ones they like best and check out recipes by experts. Pinkies up. ($48+/3 months, Sips by)

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Old Navy Sherpa

Something soft and statement-making to wear over sweats...

Bright colors? For winter? Yep, we’ll consider it groundbreaking. Just like this too-cute-to-be-true sherpa pullover from Old Navy. It’s got relaxed, drop-shoulder sleeves, an elastic hi-low hem, and a mock neck collar. Oh, and pockets. It’s the kinda piece that spreads joy no matter what you’re doing. And yes, that includes watching movies at home all. day. long. Done and done. ($44.99, Old Navy)*

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Bathtime Tray

A tray that makes bathtime much more relaxing… 

This bamboo tray turns even the tiniest of bathrooms into a spa-like destination. It’s expandable to fit standard-sized tubs and has designated areas to hold a wine glass and to keep a  book or tablet safely in place. They’ll be able to keep their phone within reach, along with their favorite body scrub. Now they can finally lie back and enjoy their time spent soaking. ($34.99, Amazon)

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A lavender-scented pillow

A lavender-scented pillow that will help melt away the stress of any long day…  

The inside is packed with barley, while the case is filled with lavender. They can pop it in the microwave for two minutes or place it in the fridge so it turns into a cooling pack. The scent of calming lavender can soothe them as the hot (or cold) effect can reduce pain. It’ll especially come in handy on any sick days. And for more holiday gifts from Uncommon Goods, shop here. ($35, Uncommon Goods)

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An all-purpose jumpsuit

An all-purpose jumpsuit that can go from day to night... 

Jeans are so over. This jumpsuit is essentially an adult onesie. It won’t dig in, cling, or ride up in unwanted places. It’s made from super-soft knit materials and has a drawstring. Best of all, it can absolutely be dressed up in the event they actually want to leave the house. ($29.99+, Eloquii)

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Festival of Lights candle

A candle that will help them celebrate the Festival of Lights… 

Its top notes are baked apple, potato, and butter. Yes, butter. They may not have known they needed this scent in their lives, but here we are. Did we mention the mid notes include pound cake and pomegranate? Oh, and the base notes include vanilla and sugar. Pair this with a rousing game of dreidel and they’ll be set for the holiday. ($34, Homesick)

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A pair of waffle booties

A pair of waffle booties that should be paired with breakfast in bed… 

Made from Turkish cotton with a waffle weave, these booties are what dreams are made of. They even have a rubber sole so technically they could be worn out of the house. We’re not here to judge. ($59, Parachute)

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incredibly soft pair of joggers

An incredibly soft pair of joggers that come in many cute colors… 

Consider this the one pair of pants they’ll want to wear every day if they work from home. The sustainably produced yarn is ethically made in a family-owned mill in Los Angeles. Oh, and the sweats are pill-resistant and won’t awkwardly stretch. The guy in your life will be obsessed. Score. ($97, Softwear

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A crew-neck waffle sweatshirt

A crew-neck waffle sweatshirt that can be tossed over anything… 

Adorable on its own or layered over a tee, this sweatshirt is a wardrobe staple. It’s available in nine colors and in sizes XXS–XL. Really, it’s just a basic that everyone should own. ($32.97, Aerie

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A super plush, Turkish cotton robe

A super-plush, Turkish cotton robe to put on after showering…

It's got an oversized fit and wide sleeves. Aka it’s the perfect thing to cozy up in once they step out of a steamy bathroom. They can throw it on after a long day of wearing office clothes too. Thanks to the durable Z-weave, it won’t pull or pill. It’s here to last. ($83.30, Brooklinen)

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Organic cotton sheets

Organic cotton sheets that serve up a luxurious hotel experience at home… 

Get them ready for more mornings spent in bed. These sheets are incredibly soft and made with organic cotton (and no toxic chemicals). Which means production uses 91% less water than conventional cotton’s. They’re our favorite to date: We’ve been sleeping on them for months and can’t get enough. They hold up wash after wash with no pilling. We won’t blame your giftee if they wind up buying themselves a second set. ($130+, Pact)

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Fleece-lined socks

Fleece-lined socks that will make them feel all warm and fuzzy… 

Ah, the gift of toasty toes. These fleece-lined socks are the answer to creeping down hardwood stairs on Christmas morning unnoticed, or curling up on the couch to get lost in a good book. They come in multiple colors and with rubber soles for added grip. ($14.99, Amazon)

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A wavy lamp

A wavy lamp with just the right amount of ambient light… 

Let the glow of this jellyfish-inspired lamp wash over them. Produced in New York City, this 3D-printed lamp gives off the perfect amount of light for a cozy nightstand scene. It’s basically a nightlight and piece of art all in one. Psst: These are made to order and take a few weeks, so make sure to plan accordingly so it arrives in time. ($130, Goldune)

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A quintessential holiday pajama

A quintessential holiday pajama set to wear all season long… 

What kind of list would this be without a pair of plaid flannel pajamas? These soft PJs are designed to be extra warm, but without that stifling, thick fabric that can make someone overheat. So they’re not only a practical pair to own when the temp drops, but also a style classic. With seven fun colors to choose from, these will never not be useful. ($79, L.L.Bean)

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*This denotes a sponsored section.

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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