Shopping·14 min read

Everything Our Founders are Giving as Gifts This Year

holiday gifts
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Food52, Petite Plume, Amazon
November 27, 2023

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Curated by theSkimm's founders

Carly and Danielle, here. While what would put us in the most festive spirit is for Santa to to be able to gift paid family leave and quality, affordable child care to every family he visits, we can’t deny that the holidays are one of our most favorite times of year (we’ve been known to refer to ourselves as Mrs. Clause on the day after Halloween).

But over the years, this season has become a bit more hectic as our list of who to gift keeps growing. That’s why we go to theSkimm’s own experts for their picks on all the holiday gift ideas we need. This year, we joined in and are sharing our own favorite gifts to give – from beauty products we love to stocking stuffers, homeware, and more. 

Charlotte Tilbury

A bestselling lip kit from Charlotte Tilbury…

Introducing the dynamic duo you or your giftee is about to be obsessed with. This bundle includes Charlotte Tilbury’s cult-favorite Pillow Talk Lip Liner and its matching lipstick. Keep it in your bag at all times for touch-ups throughout the day. PS: We recommend throwing a gloss on top. ($54, Charlotte Tilbury)

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Cariuma

Commuting sneakers you won’t want to change when you get there…

Big news: We worked with our friends at Cariuma to create two limited-edition sneakers that combine all our favorite parts of a shoe. We’re talking comfy, cloud-like soles that feel broken-in from the get-go, sleek, wear-with-everything designs, and natural, eco-friendly materials. They’re a must-have for winter — and beyond. (We tested them ourselves just to make sure.) Pro tip: Grab them while you still can. (From $89, Cariuma)*

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Bearaby

A weighted blanket for extra relaxation at the end of the day…

Here’s a gift they’ll likely brag about. The bestselling Bearaby weighted blanket is so cozy, and instead of using beads or artificial fillers, it’s made from 100% organic cotton. You can select from 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-pound versions, but if they’re new to weighted blankets, we recommend starting on the lighter side. ($199+, Bearaby)

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Brightland

A gift basket of tasty goodies you’ll want to stick around to try…

A gift of elevated snacking. This food basket comes with olive oil, Champagne vinegar, orange blossom honey, and a brushed gold spout for easy pouring. Whether your recipient is a gourmand or usually sticks with generic brand olive oil, they’re sure to love this drool-worthy gift pack. Here’s the lowdown: the olive oil goes well with pasta, soups, stews, and roast chicken. The vinegar can be drizzled over salads, seafood, and even cocktails. And the honey should be smeared on fruit, veggies, and hard cheeses. Chef’s kiss. ($88, Brightland)

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Victoria Beckham Beauty

A chic fragrance that’ll be their new go-to…

There’s something about getting perfume for the holidays that hits different. And if your giftee has been obsessed with “Beckham” lately, definitely check out this one from Victoria Beckham Beauty. Suite 302 is a woody scent with notes of amber, black cherry, leather, and tobacco. Add to cart. ($200+, Victoria Beckham Beauty)

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Bed Threads

Scalloped placemats to refine their table setting…

Crafted from 100% French flax, these scalloped placemats are stylish and sustainable. They’ll make any table setting look like it was meticulously (yet effortlessly) designed. The set of four comes in seven bright and fun color combinations, such as clay and turmeric, lavender and petrol, or a sage and olive that just screams holiday season. ($80, Bed Threads)

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M.M. LaFleur

An alpaca scarf to keep them extra warm…

This chunky scarf will look great with any jacket or sweater. It’s cozy and soft, and we love that it adds a pop of color while still looking neutral. ($225, M.M. LaFleur)

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Uncommon Goods

A New York cup of coffee, right at home…

For those who hate impermanence (or waste), here’s a classic takeout cup that won't disintegrate. Lovers of bodega and diner coffee will enjoy getting to reenact the experience of scalding black coffee at home. This ceramic cup also acts as a fun place to store knick knacks or pens if coffee isn't their thing. ($16, Uncommon Goods)

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Ooni

A perfect gadget for the pizza lover in your life…

This gas-powered pizza oven makes a 12-inch pizza in 60 seconds. And at just 20 pounds, it’s also compact enough to fit in a small outdoor space. It comes with a cordierite stone baking board, plus a gas regulator and hose to connect to their propane tank…not to mention infinite entertaining potential. PS: Add in their Infrared Thermometer to ensure the crust is cooked to perfection. ($399, Ooni)

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Food52

A multicolored set of wine glasses…

Fun fact: These eye-catching glasses are handblown by artisans in Poland and are inspired by the maker’s grandmother (who had an affinity for picking up colored glassware at antique shops). This set of six comes in three pastel jewel tones. You can pick from stemmed or stemless depending on your giftee's preferences. ($170+/set of six, Food52)

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Food52

A bouquet that never wilts…

Flowers are a great gift, but so fleeting. Give them something with staying power, like this handmade felt option. It comes in a variety of different flower combinations (our favorite is the cherry blossom bouquet) so you can pick one that best matches your giftee's home decor. This gift comes with a story, too. Each piece has been dyed, cut, and stitched by hand, by female artisans in Nepal. ($60+, Food52)

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Amazon

A deck of conversation cards for couples…

Perfect for those who just moved in together, are growing their families, or just want to talk about fairly delegating everyday tasks, you need this deck of cards from Eve Rodsky. To use them, your giftee and their partner will take a moment to sit together, laying out all the cards. The couple will take turns picking and choosing task cards to own, managing them for the week. At the conclusion of the week, the couple can check in with one another and their progress. ($18.99, Amazon)

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Hanni

A weighted razor for extra-smooth skin…

New essential alert. This razor is magic. It’s also a gift that they would never buy for themselves. It’s substantial, looks like art, and works well. ($42, Hanni)

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Votivo

A holiday candle they’ll be asking for year after year…

If you want your home to whisper ‘holiday’, this is the candle. Votivo’s Red Currant will burn for up to 75 hours and has notes of tart citrus, tropical fruit, and musk. It gives “The Holiday” vibes without the cashmere price. ($38, Amazon)

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Revlon

A blow-dryer brush that'll make everyday a good hair day…

You can’t put a price on the perfect blowout. And yet, this all-in-one brush can try. It does it all, at a really good price. We’ve been using it for years and can attest to how handy it is. It’s ideal for those of us who can’t quite handle holding the brush and hairdryer at the same time. ($27.90+, Amazon)

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Lunya

A cozy loungewear set they’ll wear all season…

This gift is a splurge. But it’s also totally worth it and will last for years. The top is a soft henley with ribbed cuffs and button detailing. The bottoms are a matching ribbed legging that are full length with a wide waistband. Both are made of a blend of plush cotton and silk. Whether they’re lounging on the couch, running a quick errand on chilly days, or working from home, they’ll be raving about these so much you’ll want to buy a pair for yourself. And that’s the real magic of the holiday shopping season. ($198+, Lunya)

Buy the topBuy the pants
Amazon

A clip-on light so they can read from anywhere…

This gift is ideal for being a good roommate if you have to bunk up during the holidays. Even from your childhood bedroom’s bunk beds. No one? OK. A thoughtful gift for any book lover, this LED reading light features adjustable brightness levels and an easy clip-on design. ($12.09+, Amazon)

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Petite Plume

Pajamas for the entire family…

The brand’s founder, Emily Hikade, is a former CIA officer. She now makes pajamas. Good ones that are well priced.. Bonus – if you give them early, you can make the whole family wear matching, cozy pajamas for a photo opp. (Price varies by style, Petite Plume)

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The Ordinary

A budget-friendly serum that’ll give them some extra glow…

Here’s a stocking stuffer for all the beauty fanatics in your life. This serum from The Ordinary is lightweight and water-based. It’s an exfoliating peel that targets dullness, uneven skin tone, and texture (all the stuff we deal with during the winter months). And the price? Too good, but it’s true. ($4.39+, The Ordinary)

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Tiny Tags

A locket that celebrates motherhood…

This women-, family-owned brand has been our favorite for marking life moments. This locket is a great pick for the women helping you through becoming a parent. All you have to do is pick the shape (square or oval), the chain length, and the metal of their choice (sterling silver or yellow gold). The front has space for a single initial, while the back has space for names. Plus, there is room inside for two pictures. ($175+, Tiny Tags)

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Papier

Trendy notecards that’ll have everyone asking “Where’d you get those?”...

Friends don’t let friends use overly formal stationery. This mostly blank design from Papier has a funky scalloped design and comes in nine bright hues. You can add their name or their favorite phrase to make things feel even more official. ($66/20 cards, Papier)

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Dagne Dover

A toiletry bag every frequent-flier will appreciate…

For all the jet-setters in your life, this toiletry bag from beloved brand Dagne Dover is a must-have travel companion. It doesn’t take up too much room or talk to you on the plane. The recycled fabric is water-resistant and incredibly durable, with a place for everything. Their makeup organizer is also a go to gift. ($45, Dagne Dover)

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The Class

The NYC-based workout class they can stream…

We love The Class by Taryn Toomey for the seriously good vibes. Think a mix of HIIT, cardio, and primal screams. PS: Add some sage into the mix for the ultimate relaxation gift. ($36.67/quarter, The Class)

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Studs

A mini pavé huggie to up their earscape…

Because we all tend to lose our favorite earrings at some point over the holiday travel season. This hypoallergenic, gold-plated huggie, will last through showers and sweaty workouts (without that annoying green residue left behind). Plus they can wear it alone, or as a pair. It’s the essential earring they’ll rock around the Christmas tree and all year long. ($24/single, Studs)

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Target

A nourishing hair mask that’ll keep them hydrated all winter…

We love this woman-owned, Latinx brand because of its hair-friendly hero ingredients (like avocado and rosemary oil). Your giftee’s hair will feel soft, silky, and ready for a commercial after just one use of this mask. Leave it on for up to 10 minutes and rinse it out. ($9.99, Target)

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