Michelle Manetti |
So, I know what you’re thinking: this set is over $50, not coming out of the gate strong, Michelle. But hear me out. I had to include because so many people on Amazon are calling this the ultimate dupe. The Spanx version is great, it’s just pricey. This is a cheaper, but still quality alternative that comes in 12 different colors, runs from sizes XS to XXL and is completely machine washable.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
One of our editors said this is a must-have bag for the person on the go. “This bag is stylish, but I love it for its versatility. Anyone who loves to travel absolutely needs this bag — it holds an impressive amount and is so comfortable to carry for hours,” says Alyssa Gautieri, Associate Lifestyle Editor. It comes in so many pretty colors — the one you see here is the brown, perfect for winter. And the brand says that the material is water-repellent, which can “protect against light rain.”
I always believed that a signet ring should come from someone in your family, since, traditionally, it symbolizes family heritage, or the family’s last name. I have a few pieces from Abbott Lyon, and while on the more affordable side, the pieces have weight to them that make them look and feel really impressive.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Ugh, she wishes she had time to go for a manicure, but we all know how hard it can be to get to the salon. In fact, one of our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute has gone full DIY gel mani after getting this kit. “I used to pay over $50 for a set in a salon every few weeks, but I now can achieve the same salon quality manis at home,” said Emma Seymour, Senior Textiles Analyst.
I have never met anyone who didn’t want a gift from Bath & Body Works. If you know what scent your sister loves, go with that. But if you’re not sure (or if she needs to take a chill pill), go with the eucalyptus spearmint scent. It’s clean, it’s refreshing and it’s spa-like. This kit is great, especially for the price, because it comes with a candle, soap and shower steamers.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
It’s just so chic. And I don’t even use the word chic. But more than that, it’s perfect for pour over coffee or tea, and when one of our editors tried it, they said it brews quickly and has a “graceful pour.” Needless to say, you’re about to make her mornings so much better. It also comes in a sleek silver.
Who doesn’t love a good lip balm? This one in particular received high praise from Danusia Wnek, our senior chemist in the Beauty Lab. “It is so creamy and comforting on the lips, and I love that it comes in a squeeze tube. It also comes in a few different flavors that are tinted and not tinted, so you can pick the right one for your loved one.” As Danusia mentioned, there are a few different flavors, but if you want one that feels special for the season, go with Hot Cocoa.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Oprah named these clogs one of her Favorite Things this year. Here’s what she had to say about them, “Give a knit slipper with a faux-fur cuff and a memory foam insole—and you’ve just delivered relaxation-in-a-box to your nearest and dearest.” You can give them in black, cream, mauve, slate, blue, green and two pretty patterns.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
I’m sure you’ve seen prettier and even slimmer portable charger options out there, but you want to make sure you get one that works, so she can always be reachable when you need her most. The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute named this the best portable phone charger, and they really liked that it comes with a built-in USB-C cable, so she won’t need to carry around any wires.
RELATED: The Best Portable Chargers
Our experts are big fans of Bedure, a company known for its soft yet affordable throw blanket, so it makes sense that one of the experts in our Textiles Lab named this wearable blanket from the brand as one of her top gifts. “I pretty much live in this once temperatures drop! I like how it’s roomy and relaxed, but not too overwhelmingly large or long,” said Grace Wu, a product analyst. It’s available in small, standard or oversize, and it comes in a ton of colors. The one you see here is sky blue, but I also really like the Burgundy and mellow rose.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
One of our editors called this her “favorite wish list” item. It’s all about taking your relaxation up a notch. It’s a pillow, it’s a bowl, it’s a phone and tablet holder, all in one. The stand comes in white gray, pink and green, and reviewers say it arrives exactly as advertised. “What can I say? Finally, my hands can get a rest from holding my phone when on the couch or in bed. My phone fits perfectly, it’s sturdy, and the claw adjusts well with movement. The little bowl in the middle is perfect for my eyeglasses’ case and I love how the fur feels,” one said.
If she’s a Stanley lover (and who isn’t?), just get her one or two of these silicone stoppers that will really make her tumbler fully leak-proof. As any Stanley user knows, while the cups are great, they will spill, but when our editors tested out these stoppers, they found even when turned fully upside down, nothing spilled out of the cup. Plus, unlike other solutions, the clear design didn’t impact what the Stanley looked like.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
You might be thinking, “what is she going to do with a hand warmer?” Well, we’ll tell you: stay warm. Seriously, after all these years, this little gadget is still a top-seller amongst GH readers. It comes in four different patterns, and after it charges (it takes about four hours to get fully vamped up), it’ll work for just as long.
You probably haven’t heard of the brand Loveps, but you’ve likely seen this viral product of theirs. Amazon reviewers are calling it one of the best hair dryers out there, especially for the price. “I’m so happy I chose this dryer. It’s light, powerful, the barrel is a comfortable length so my arms don’t get tired, and the magnetic attachments are great,” one wrote.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Our readers absolutely love giving this pretty tree as a gift. For nearly four years, it has been a top-seller, and this year, we found out it now comes in a kit style, with everything they need (even scissors) to help their tree grow. It will start to blossom in the spring.
There are a couple of Taylor Swift books that came out this year, and while some people might favorite the Eras Tour Book that was released in November, one Swiftie on our team said this one is the way to go. “Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs is a more in-depth book, with longer written portions giving insight to Swift’s writing and creative processes,” Isabella Cavallo, our assistant commerce editor said.
RELATED: Fan-Approved Taylor Swift Gifts, Recommended by Actual Swifties
Michelle is the deputy director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she helps oversee multiple brand’s strategy efforts on digital. Previously, she was the deputy editor and managing digital editor for Good Housekeeping. She has over 10 years of experience writing and editing lifestyle content.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below