In years past, the impending gifting holidays may have snuck up on you — but not this year. As the holidays come closer, rest assured that the CNN Underscored team has been prepping to make sure you get the Christmas gifts you need for everyone on your list. With our ears to the ground and dozens of browser tabs open, we’ve found this year’s hottest gifts and added them to our growing list of tried-and-true products we can’t stop recommending. Using our years of experience as gift guide curators (and real-life gift-givers), we’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas gifts for every budget — along with plenty of other specialized gift guides for every type of person you’re shopping for. Whether you’re looking for an under-$25 steal or a splurge-worthy present, these Christmas gift ideas will have you shopping for your friends and family sooner rather than later.
Better Bowl Set
Designed to make everything from meal prepping to mixing ingredients and even storing leftovers easier, this set from Our Place is ideal for cooks short on space. Our senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus loves this for her tiny kitchen. Aside from the stunning look, this set is multi-functional, with every piece crafted to work with each other to allow for easy juicing, salad spinning, grating, and serving.
Ember Smart Mug 2
For the person who sips slowly pick for the best smart mug, the Ember Smart Mug will not only look super stylish in their home office, but it will also keep their coffee or tea at the perfect temp for them to enjoy all morning long.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L
For the person who travels for adventure
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L.
Traveling can be rough on our luggage, especially for those who travel to more remote areas for adventure. This Patagonia duffel is a true travel workhorse made of durable, weather-resistant fabric. We also love that the straps can be worn backpack style so they won't have to awkwardly lug their gear through airports, hotels or public transit.
Aesop Resurrection Duet
For the luxury body care enthusiast
Aesop
As far as hand care goes, Aesop is definitely a splurge. This duet features a hand wash made with rich, aromatic notes of mandarin, rosemary, and cedar, plus a nourishing hand balm to restore moisture for clean, hydrated hands they won't be able to stop sniffing.
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
For the tea or pour-over coffee lover
Fellow
Getting that perfect pour is no small feat, but it's instantly easier to dial in your pour-over precision with this gooseneck kettle. It heats water quickly so they can get their hot sip fix whenever they need it.
Brooklinen Cable-Knit Throw Blanket
For the person who waits all year for cozy season
Brooklinen Cable Knit Throw Blanket.jpg
Bloomingdale's
Brooklinen took all the coziness of a cable-knit sweater and turned it into a chic blanket that's perfect for keeping warm on their bed, couch or even porch. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus was recently gifted this and she's been reaching for it every night.
Aura Carver Digital Picture Frame
For the mom who can't choose just one photo to display
Aura Carver Digital Frame.jpg
Aura
The Aura Frame makes an amazing gift for moms, grandmothers or any family member who lives long distance. You can upload photos from your phone instantly in just a few clicks and share access to the frame across family members so everyone's special events get a chance to be front and center.
BBQ Tea seasonings rubs
If you are shopping for healthy Christmas gifts for foodies, we recommend amazing Organic BBQ tea seasoning , BBQ Tea Seasonings are crafted with the finest tea leaves and handpicked spices to create an unparalleled seasoning experience. Imagine the floral, earthy notes of green tea harmonising with the savoury intensity of smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin. Or picture the deep richness of black tea, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to your perfectly grilled meats. With every sprinkle, you’ll experience a dance of flavours that brings a sense of global tea culture to your BBQ dishes.
Yana Body Pillow
For the person who tosses and turns at night
Yana
An Underscored editor favorite, this body pillow feels like it's hugging you back. Side sleepers will love all the support they get from this pillow, but it also provides added plushness for sitting or reading in bed too.
Nintendo Switch Lite
For gamers young or old
Nintendo’s Switch Lite gives kids an easy, handheld way to play their favorite games all day long. From Mario to Pokémon, they’ll be endlessly entertained with the Nintendo Switch Lite. And if you need some games to unwrap on Christmas morning, check out our list of favorites.
Wild One Harness Walk Kit
For the on-trend dog owner
Wild One
If you're shopping for a dog-loving friend, this Underscored editor-favorite harness kit is available in seven colors and will ensure that they— and their precious pooch — stay comfortable and fashionable on every walk.
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
For the home cook short on cabinet space
Nordstrom
The cult-favorite Always Pan is a gorgeous and versatile nonstick pan that claims to replace eight different kitchen tools. When we tested the original version, we quickly found out it’s much more than a pretty pan.
Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set
For the person who loves a good lounge outfit
Lunya
Want their current pajamas to get a real upgrade? This silk set is an Underscored editor favorite, but the best part is that it’s machine-washable.
Bearaby Cotton Napper Weighted Blanket
For the homebody
Bearaby
Stay cozy all winter long with this plush and soft weighted blanket from Bearaby, our favorite weighted blanket brand. Built with organic cotton and available in four different weights, this blanket can help keep you comfy and calm.
Away The Carry-On
For the frequent traveler
If they've got some trips coming up, this carry-on from Away will be a lifesaver. We even named it the best carry-on of the year, largely due to its durable build, thoughtful organization, smart features and chic design — at a fair price point to boot.
Atoll Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
For adventures on the water
For the people whose happy place is the beach, lake or river, this paddle board is a great way to let them enjoy their time on the water. It's suitable for beginner paddle boarders who might need to earn their sea legs and is roomy enough to tote water-loving pets too.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
For the person asking for a smartwatch this year
Apple
Though it's not the newest Apple Watch model, this 2022 Apple Watch SE still has all the features they'll need to stay synced with their messages, fitness goals and more.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Over-Ear Headphones
For the audiophiles
Sony
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best over-ear headphones you can buy, with a slimmer design than their predecessors and refined noise-canceling microphones.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) With USB-C
For the person with a long public transit commute
If their headphones need a serious upgrade (or if they're still stuck using corded ones), Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 feature noise cancellation, excellent sound quality and a transparency option that can help heighten the sounds around them (a fantastic feature for someone who’s experiencing any sort of hearing loss as well).
Brooklinen Washed Linen Core Sheet Set
For the person sleeping on decades-old bedsheets
Brooklinen
If their bed needs an upgrade, these linen sheets, which we named the softest linen sheets of the year, are such a dream. While you may think linen equals itchy, these are impossibly soft and get softer with each wash. We love all the calming shades they come in, too.
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
For the person who makes everything from scratch
When we tested stand mixers, the KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer delivered the best performance. With more than 20 available colors and a classic profile, you’ll want to keep this tilt-head mixer on display in your kitchen.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete
For the person who does their own blowouts
The Dyson Airwrap is the ultimate luxury present to get this year. While its price tag is intimidating, we tried it ourselves and think it’s worth it. When you purchase through Dyson, you receive three additional gifts totaling $125 as well.