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The 71 Best Christmas Gifts

Pick out the perfect gift for the most wonderful time of the year.

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Duet Spruced Candles

Southern Living

Christmas is right around the corner, and with it comes the search for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Whether you’re a planner or more of a last-minute shopper, our comprehensive list will help take some of the stress out of shopping. Before you begin your search, be sure to think about who all is on your list this year and plan your budget accordingly.

“Christmas is a great time of year to show the ones around you that you appreciate them,” says Katie Jacobs, art director and creator of StylingMyEveryday.com, a food and lifestyle blog. “I give little Christmas gifts to the mailman, the trash man, the security guard, coworkers, you name it…I’ve got bows for everyone!”

We spent hours perusing the internet to find the perfect gifts for all ages, budgets, and interests. In addition to Jacobs, we also spoke with etiquette expert Amy Rainer for tips on how much to spend on Christmas gifts, when to send them, and more.

After a long day, they'll love using this massager gun to ease their back pain. This pocket-size massage gun makes a great stocking stuffer or white elephant gift. They can shuffle through different levels based on speed and power, and the ultra-quiet motor makes it so that they can use it while watching TV without disturbing others. It takes about two to three hours to charge up this device and automatically powers down after 15 minutes of not being used.

After everyone has eaten Christmas dinner, this cream cheese pound cake is a great way to complete the meal. Sugaree’s has created made-from-scratch cakes in New Albany, Mississippi, since 1997, and this pound cake is among the brand’s most iconic flavors. Each pound cake serves six to eight people and can be frozen for up to six months.

Named to Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2023, this beanie and gloves set is just what the kids need for nightime snowball fights. The headlight is USB-rechargeable and lasts up to eight hours on a full charge. Kids can toggle between three different brightness settings depending on how much light they need. To wash the beanie, simply pop out the headlight and toss it in the washing machine. The hat and matching glove set is made from knit acrylic and designed to fit over the ears to keep them warm and cozy.

Everyone needs a good toothbrush. This Philips Sonicare Power Toothbrush has a pressure sensor to protect from over brushing and a two-minute brushing timer. Once they charge the toothbrush up, they won’t have to do so again for another two weeks. It comes with one replacement brush head and is available in black, white, and pink.

This transmitter will allow them to watch their favorite movie using wireless headphones while on the road, on a plane, at the gym, or anywhere else they might need it. The small size allows the recipient to easily pack this Bluetooth device up and take it with them as they’re traveling on a plane. And the 22-hour battery life ensures it will last the duration of any flight.

This festive jigsaw puzzle from creative designer Ana Hard is perfect for family game night. With 450 pieces, they’ll be able to spend hours putting together this puzzle. It comes with a reusable glass jar,a tube of puzzle glue, and a straight-edge tool, so they can preserve their hard work.

They can stream their favorite music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more from this portable speaker. Not only is it compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but the speaker is also weather resistant, so they can use it outside. This smart speaker can play music for up to 11 hours on a single charge. 

These chic slippers can easily transition from lounging around the house to going out to dinner. Choose from a variety of colors including chestnut, lilac, red, dark green, light grey, and more. They have a suede exterior and a sheepskin lining. The platform soles provide excellent traction, so they can wear the shoes out and about with a pair of jeans or simply around the house without slipping.

Help the jetsetter on your list avoid added fees with this innovative carry-on bag. Simply pop-off the wheels before boarding, and this suitcase transforms into a below-the-seat personal item that they don’t have to worry about placing in the overhead bin. It’s no wonder Oprah added it to her Favorite Things list in 2023.

For all the coffee fanatics in your life, this machine will allow them to make coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos from home. All it takes is three steps to make specialty drinks with this machine: Brew a coffee shot using any K-Cup pod, froth the milk with the dishwasher-safe frother, and add it to the coffee. It can brew single servings ranging from 6 ounces all the up to 12 ounces and has a large, 60-ounce water reservoir for fewer refills. 

For the avid reader on your list, consider getting them these felt bookmarks. Each bookmark has a floral design and, if you like giving personalized gifts, you can add an initial of your choosing. Plus, you have the option to choose from four different designs—one for each of the four seasons (you can choose their favorite season or the season of their birth month). Their size makes these bookmarks great stocking stuffers, too. Each bookmark is handmade, so no two are alike. 

The South’s pickleball craze is here to stay, so a long-lasting and stylish paddle will make a great gift for just about anyone on your list. Made from durable fiberglass with a honeycomb polypropylene core, this paddle is available in several unique prints, including botanical, floral, and geometric options. The sweat-proof grip band on the paddle will help them to keep a secure hold on the paddle as they’re playing, and the included canvas carrying case makes it easy to take on the go.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is perfect for those who want to quickly view and respond to messages, use Apple Pay without pulling out their phone, easily scan their boarding pass, track their health data, and much more. Compared to the Apple Watch SE, the Series 9 has an always-on display so they can see the time at a glance, as well as advanced health features like ECG, blood-oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensors. You can choose from a variety of colors, including a vibrant red, pink, navy blue, and more.

Another Oprah’s Favorite Things pick, the Party in a Palette set comes with four makeup palettes, each with eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, and bronzer—everything needed for a day-to-night look. Plus, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions so she can create a look for any occasion. Laura Geller’s formulas have a silky, crease-proof texture designed to work for mature skin. You can give the entire set as a gift or break it up and put one palette in each stocking. Either way, you can’t beat the value of this set that makes a great gift for your daughter-in-law or honestly anyone in your life who likes makeup.

Squishmallows are all the rage, and this seasonal Cam the Cat plush will make the perfect Christmas gift for kids of all ages. The ultra squeezable, pillow-like stuffed animals make great companions in the car, for movie nights, and on the plane. This holiday version features Cam the Cat in an adorable Christmas sweater. The best part? Squishmallows are entirely machine washable and dryable.  

Whether they need to put together a bookshelf or a small table, this drill will make things easier. This kit comes with a power drill, charger, batteries, and a contractor bag. This drill is part of Dewalt’s 20V system of cordless tools, so the charger can be used with more than 300 products.  

This Spruced fragrance from Duet Candles has notes of evergreen, crisp apple, and winterberry. You can select from several dust cover options and even add a custom gift message with every order. Each candle comes with a box full of matches with matching color tips for a ready-to-gift set. Hand poured in the U.S.A., the candles have a burn time of 50 hours. And for every candle purchased DUET donates $2 to the IDDeal Foundation. For a more warm, spicy scent, be sure to check out the brand’s Merry & Bright candle.

This festive mixing bowl and whisk set will aid them in all their holiday baking. Inside the mixing bowl, there are measurement markings so they can measure ingredients in the bowl itself. If needed, they can pop this bowl in the microwave to melt butter or other ingredients. And come time for cleanup, it’s dishwasher safe.  

For the college student, this multifunctional toaster oven and air fryer can do it all. They can toggle through 10 different preset options: toast, bagel, air fry, broil, bake, pizza, cookies, dehydrate, warm, and reheat. Designed with small kitchens in mind, this toaster oven is a great way to help them maximize their space—so much so that it made Oprah’s list of Favorite Things. 

This wireless facial humidifier will soothe dry skin, cracked lips, and irritated sinuses. It can run for up to eight hours on a single charge, and its size makes it a great addition to a nightstand, an office desk, or even the cup holder of a car. Choose from five different colors, including blush, sage, white, stone, and ocean.

If you're looking for a Christmas gift for your brother, husband, father, or any man who seemingly has everything, Southern Scholar’s Sock of the Month Club is the answer. Each month, he’ll receive seasonally designed socks delivered right to his door. The first box includes a custom gift message, and he has the ability to preview and swap any pair he doesn’t love. And most importantly, Southern Scholar’s socks are designed to stay up all day long, so he won’t be tugging at his new socks throughout the day.

Blankets are a great gift for college students, homebodies, and anyone who likes to wrap themselves up in a blanket while watching a movie. And out of all the throw blankets we’ve tried, we named this one our favorite. On one side of the blanket, there’s plush fleece, and on the other side, there’s faux shearling. You can even monogram the fleece side for a personalized touch. Choose from two different sizes and five colorways.

An upgraded blender can make a big difference in their daily lives. This Fresh & Furious Blender is the perfect appliance to make fruity smoothies, savory soups, and delicious cocktails. The contoured bowl and blade design whips up from the bottom and pulls down from the top, so all the ingredients are blended together smoothly. There are nine different program settings such as auto pulse, crushed ice, smoothie, and even a specific setting for green smoothies. And when they’re done, there’s an auto clean function that will clean the interior with a little warm water and soap.

Help them quell those ice cream cravings this holiday season with the Dash My Pint Ice Cream Maker. They can make frozen yogurt, sorbet, and of course ice cream in this machine. If they’re the type of person who likes to have control over ingredients in a recipe, this ice cream maker will allow them to add only the ingredients they desire. 

As you pick out your Christmas tree, consider purchasing this Olive Tree Frantoio for the plant lovers on your list. The trees can be grown both indoors and outdoors (although it prefers full sun for six or more hours a day). The tree produces olive fruit which can in turn be used to make olive oil. For an additional cost, you can add a burlap bag that can be personalized with a monogram. 

If you know someone who recently moved into a new home or apartment, a new Dutch oven is an excellent way to welcome them into their new home. It’s an heirloom-quality piece of cookware that can be used to make everything from stews to casseroles to even freshly baked bread. The 5.5-quart size is great for families, but you can find it in six additional sizes, too. Le Creuset’s Dutch oven is easy to clean and evenly distributes heat. 

This barbecue tool set makes a great gift for Dad or any grill master in your life. The set comes with a spatula, fork, tongs, basting brush, and a stainless steel storage case. The utensils feature extra-long handles to keep them at a safe distance from the heat, as well as leather loop for hanging. 

This compact camera bag is just right for everyday use, with enough space to fit an iPhone, wallet, keys, and other essentials. The two separate zippered compartments keep things organized, and the long adjustable strap keeps hands free. Made from full-grain leather, the bag is available in over a dozen color options and features numerous personalization options. 

With this Morning Meal Station, they can make breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and paninis using the interchangeable plates. Due to the nonstick cooking plates, they won’t have to worry about your food getting stuck to the maker. Once their meal is ready, the cool touch handles will prevent them from burning their hands. 

If they have a hard time keeping track of their toiletries, consider buying them this toiletry bag for Christmas. It can be used for travel or just to store toiletries in the bathroom. The terry fabric is machine washable and dryable for easy cleanup and features the brand’s signature piped edge. For an additional cost, you can have it personalized by Weezie’s in-house embroidery team in Atlanta. 

This AllTrails+ subscription is perfect for your friends or family members who are always on the go or who love being outside. With AllTrails+, they can download maps without service, receive wrong-turn alerts, keep friends and family informed, and more, all from the AllTrails app. Subscriptions like these are especially great when you need a last-minute gift.

Whether they love to sit by the pool and enjoy this classic treat or just on the couch, this ice cream bowl is insulated and will keep everything from melting. The bowl comes with a non-slip silicone base, a shatterproof lid, and a sweat-proof exterior, so they won’t have cold, wet fingers. This also makes a great white elephant gift, because anyone could benefit from less melty ice cream. 

This heated neck wrap is a great way to relax those muscles after a long day spent in front of a screen. They can either microwave it in the included protective pouch for heat therapy, or freeze it for a cooling sensation. Plus, the gentle weight of the clay filling helps to stimulate different pressure points. Whether they choose to use it throughout the day or at the end, they won’t be disappointed. 

If they love going on weekend getaways, then this Weekender Bag will help them keep track of all their items. From toiletries, a hair dryer, shoes, and other travel essentials, they can easily pack everything they need in this bag. Choose from a variety of colors ranging from neutrals like beige and maple to bright colors like pink. 

This is a great gift for your friends who are always on the go or just need a new pair of shoes. The Royale shoes are handcrafted in Portugal and designed to feel comfortable right out of the box. The classic design is versatile enough to fit with any wardrobe. Choose from over a dozen colorways. 

With this bagel brunch set from Zucker’s, they can start the day with a real New York bagel. You have the option to add cream cheese, smoked fish salad, seasoning, sweets, and other add-ons. This makes an especially great gift for your child’s teachers, your coworkers, or even your neighbor — the type of gift for foodies that's bound to be a hit.

Although Hoka is most commonly associated with sneakers, its slides are just as comfortable. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, these slides have a foot-cradling insole that provides both comfort and stability. Plus, they have four air flow channels for breathability. They’re versatile enough to wear around the house, to run errands, and much more. 

Besides Christmas, macaroon are a delicious gift to give anyone for their birthday, graduation, anniversary, or other occasions. From the New Orleans-based sweet shop, this set includes a total of 35 macaroons in five different flavors. Choose from almond, chocolate, pistachio, strawberry, blackberry citrus, vanilla, cafe au lait, and salted caramel. 

This gold-tone watch can be worn with any outfit. Whether he likes to wear professional outfits or more casual looks—this watch will complete each one. The watch arrives in a Michael Kors box that’s ready to gift. 

Anyone, but especially students or remote workers, will love these headphones when they’re trying to study for their exams or work on a project. While these are expensive headphones, they do come with all sorts of features. They’re able to cancel out any noise, connect to Siri, make phone calls, and play music. But where they really stand out is the attachable travel visor that can channel purified air directly into their nose and mouth while on their daily commute or when traveling. 

If you know someone who is a fan of musical snow globes, then consider getting them a musical Christmas train instead. They can look inside the train and see different snowmen, trees, and other Christmas decorations. With the timer, the lights inside of the train stay on for six hours and off for 18 hours, cycling every 24 hours. There’s a button on the bottom of the train that controls the timer and the music.

This Omni-Glide vacuum is the best vacuum to use on hardwood floors. Whether the recipient has a new pet, a new baby, or just needs a new vacuum, this is a great purchase either way. Since this is a lightweight vacuum, they can easily navigate around furniture and up and down the stairs. It even transforms into a handheld vacuum for quick spot cleans. 

From appetizers to casseroles, the Southern Living 2023 Annual Recipes contains every recipe from an entire year of the magazine, as well as helpful kitchen tips and creative menus for entertaining. Among this year’s recipes are bake-and-take casseroles, Southern grandmothers' favorite no-cook recipes, and much more.

This is a great gift for those who love to work out at home. This rubber mat will prevent them from slipping as they’re doing pushups, pilates, or yoga. The grippy top layer will help them stay grounded no matter how much they sweat, and the rubber base provides ample cushioning and a textured grip for more low-sweat endeavors—they can flip between the two as needed. 

All those who are fans of cocktails will love this cocktail smoker kit. This set comes with a smoker, torch lighter, a filter, a spoon, a cleaning brush, four different kinds of wooden chips, and four stone ice cubes. They can use the smoker for just about anything—whiskey, bourbon, wine, liquor, sodas, meats, cheese, and more. 

Written by Kelsey Barnard Clark, this cookbook is full of Southern recipes and hospitality tips. From gumbo to cornmeal catfish, key lime pie to icebox cookies, this cookbook has every Southerner’s favorite recipe. Clark is a Top Chef winner and Southern chef hailing from Dothan, Alabama. 

From dirty laundry to smelly shoes, this room spray will overpower any bad smell within a room. Since this is such a small bottle of spray, they can take it with them when they travel and use it on hotel linens. Featuring Kai’s signature scent of gardenia with white florals, it brings a relaxing feel to any space.

This Super-Plush Robe will make them feel as though they’re at an actual spa. Made from combed, long-staple Turkish cotton, this rope is an everyday luxury that anyone on your list can use. Choose from several different colorways, including limited-edition colors for the holidays.

Stanley tumblers are guaranteed to be a hot gift this season, and we particularly love the limited-edition Winterscape collection. Available in cranberry and white versions, each tumbler has a glimmering, festive design in either silver or gold. Be sure to act fast, because Stanley’s limited-edition collections are known to sell out quickly. 

Out of all the stand mixers we tested, the Bakery Chef was our favorite, proving itself to be powerful with intuitive presets (including a whipping setting), a built-in timer, and a double-sided scraper that gets every last bit of dough out of the bowl. But you wouldn’t know how powerful it is by the noise it makes—it was one of the quietest we tested. The manufacturer includes both a 4-quart stainless steel bowl and 5-quart glass bowl with etched measurements. Also included are a double-sided scraper beater, flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk, splash guard, pouring shield, and spatula.

Looking for the perfect gift for the women on your list? These pearl hoop earrings from the Houston-based brand make for a Southern twist on a classic hoop earring. They can be paired with everything from a dress, a t-shirt and jeans, or a blouse and a skirt. They’re available in two different sizes, and for $5, you can add gift wrapping. 

Though expensive, the Apple AirPods Pro come with many features to justify their price point. These AirPods feature active noise cancellation and transparency mode, conversation awareness to enhance the voices of those interacting with you, and adaptive audio that tailors noise control to your environment. The silicone tips provide a more custom fit, unlike those of traditional AirPods. When purchased through the Apple website, you can engrave them with a mix of emojis, names, initials, and numbers for free. 

This mock turtleneck will keep them warm in the winter months to come. It has a relaxed, oversized fit, making it comfortable and versatile enough to wear from the office straight to the gym, on an airplane or while commuting, and much more. Choose from either black or burgundy. 

They can sip on a cup of chocolate mint tea as they watch their favorite holiday movies this year. Each tea bag contains chocolate bits, rooibos, peppermint leaves, sugar, and hazelnut bits. The brand describes the flavor as reminiscent of a Thin Mint cookie or a peppermint patty. Plus, you’ll be supporting a Memphis-based nonprofit that supports jobs for women of color in the Orange Mound neighborhood.

If they work from home a lot, then they could always use an upgraded chair for their home office. Featuring eight points of adjustment, the Branch Ergonomic Chair is designed to provide ergonomic support for all shapes and sizes. The lumbar support and upper backrest encourage healthy posture, and the breathable mesh allows for plenty of airflow. Plus, the modern minimalist design and numerous color options will blend in seamlessly with any office decor.

This American-made apron is a wonderful Christmas gift for any home cook or baker that you know. Made from North Alabama-grown cotton, this is an heirloom-quality piece that’s made to last. They can store utensils and other items in the front pockets for easy access. The ticking striped design is limited edition, so be sure to snag it this holiday season before it’s gone. It’s even available in a kids size for the little chef on your list.

This coffee sampler features a collection from Washington’s best Black artisan coffee roasters: Boon Boona Coffee, Jett Fuel Java, and Campfire Coffee Co. It’s the perfect gift for the coffee lover on your list. Choose from several different grind types depending on their preferred brew method. For a more complete gift, try gifting it with a unique mug. 

For the homebody or the person on your list who has everything, this wearable blanket is sure to be one of their favorite gifts this year. The wearable design keeps their arms free for reaching into the popcorn bowl, reading a book, or just lounging around the house. It also comes with deep side pockets where they can keep their phone and other essentials. And with a flannel fleece exterior and faux shearling interior, this hoodie is exceptionally soft and warm. It’s also available in a kids version.

This soft cooler bag would make a great gift for the parent always bringing snacks to soccer games or the outdoor enthusiast who needs to carry drinks to the campsite. The bag comes with both a shoulder strap and handles, as well as a pocket for carrying essentials. It features lightweight insulation that will keep items fresh for up to 24 hours, and it holds 38 cans (without ice). 

Not only do these eye-catching canisters add a pop of color to any kitchen counter, but they can be used to store just about anything. Choose from three different sizes, or purchase all three and give them the complete set. They can use them to store everything from dry beans to flour, paper clips to electronic accessories. 

This snowflake ornament is a great Christmas gift that they will cherish for years to come. You can add a first name, last name, or a word with a special meaning for a custom gift. And with over 650 hand-set crystals, this ornament is sure to stand out on any tree.  

Crown & Paw’s custom pet portraits can reimagine pets as nobility, beloved TV characters, superheroes, and much more. Choose from over 400 different options. You can choose a certain portrait size and framing option for the recipient. All you have to do is choose a style, upload an image, and your custom portrait will be ready to preview in one to two days. 

While you could get dog food for the dog lover in your life, this dog biscuit gift is more fun. It comes with everything they need to pamper their pooch, including dog biscuit mix and a dog bone cutter to make bone-shaped dog biscuits. It includes two delicious flavors their pup is sure to love—pumpkin and apples or carrots and beef bone broth. Plus, a plush dog toy is included to keep their furry friends occupied while they bake (it’s made to look like a bag of all-purpose flour!).

Regardless of how she works out, this dress will stay in place as she moves. It features a built-in bra, inner shorts, and a slip pocket where she can keep her phone or other essentials. Choose from four different colors: black, hot pink, blue, and blue cheetah print.

If you know someone who is always hosting and needs placemats, consider purchasing this set for them. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns, including several gingham options. Made from stonewashed European linen, the placements come pre-washed so they are extra soft and won’t shrink after purchase. 

For the family that’s always on the go, this scratch-off bucket list will help inspire more adventures together. Each square features a different activity such as going camping, making ice cream, visiting the beach, going fishing, playing mini-golf, and other fun activities. Once a task is completed, they can scratch it off to reveal the illustration underneath. 

Eucalyptus is known for treating cold symptoms, reducing pain, and aiding in relaxation. With this spa gift set, you can help them to relax. In this set, you’ll find a eucalyptus plant, a pot, eucalyptus seeds, and soaking salt. They can plant the eucalyptus seed in the bamboo pot and let the self-watering system get to work. Soon, they’ll have fresh eucalyptus to hang in the shower or use in a relaxing soak. 

Inspired by the original Nap Dress, the Delphine Nap Skirt is a versatile piece that could benefit any wardrobe. It’s comfortable enough to wear around the house or pair with a t-shirt for an instantly polished look. The skirt is made from 100% cotton and comes in six different colors. 

This 2024 desktop calendar features a 5- by 7-inch card for each month of the year, each with original artwork created by Dogwood Hill artists. The gift arrives in a keepsake box and includes an easel for displaying the cards (or you can purchase just the cards). This Birmingham-based brand is an editor favorite. 

This bundle includes a bottle of Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Bourbon and Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup. All they have to do is add ice and an orange peel to garnish, and they’ll have a classic old fashioned in no time.  

If you’re not sure what to get the experienced chef in your life, consider purchasing this Italian Chili Olive Oil. The chili-infused oil can be used for pizza, pasta, salad, and more. Not to mention, it comes in a black and white splatter bottle hand-painted by Italian artisans. For $15, an oak bottle stopper is also available. 

Questions and Answers

How early should you send Christmas gifts? 

“I think the timing of gift giving depends on what you’re giving. If you’re giving something that is holiday decor related, like a mercury glass Christmas tree or hand-painted Santa, you’ll want to gift it earlier in the season so the recipient can use it over the holidays,” says Jacobs. Gift baskets can generally take from a few days to a week to ship. If you’re mailing holiday gifts, be sure to ship them by mid-December at the latest—the earlier the better. The United States Postal Service’s recommended send-by date for ground and first-class mail is December 16 for delivery by December 25.

Should you give Christmas gifts to your coworkers?

As you go through your Christmas checklist, be thoughtful when choosing gifts for your coworkers, managers, your child’s teacher, etc. Rainer mentions that sometimes when you give a large gift to a coworker or manager, they may feel as though they need to reciprocate the favor later on. Instead of giving them a gift, she recommends that you come together and sponsor a child in need or donate items to a charity. A smaller or handmade gift may also be more appropriate for coworkers. 

How much should you spend on a Christmas gift?

Rainer says, “Each family has a different budget for gifts during the holiday season. Rather than setting an exact dollar amount for each person on your list, consider listing the people you'll be gifting this season. Try listing them in order, beginning with the recipient on whom you plan to spend the most money.” Jacobs also suggests making homemade gifts to save money this holiday season. 

Why Trust Southern Living


This gift guide was created by Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living. For this article, she researched all kinds of Christmas gifts and selected the best ones across different age groups, budgets, and interests. She also contacted etiquette teacher Amy Rainer, as well as Katie Jacobs, art director and creator of StylingMyEveryday.com, a food and lifestyle blog, for their tips on finding the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list.    

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