The Gift: 7 gifts we’re really, really into right now
Plus, the best gifts for husbands and wives
View in browser
The Gift

November 13, 2025

Good evening. Tonight we’re sharing the gifts we’re most excited about this year. Plus:

Zero Japan, Stone and Strand, Parallelle; illustration by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter

The gifts we’re most excited to give this year

Author Headshot

By Brittney Ho

Brittney is a newsletters editor. The best gift she’s ever given was being born on Mother’s Day.

It’s easy to tell when you’ve knocked a gift out of the park. It’s the difference between an “Oh, this is nice! Thanks!” and a jaw dropped. Gifting is, by no means, about winning. But doesn’t it feel good to make someone else feel good?

Each of the gifts that Wirecutter’s experts recommend — a gobsmacking 1,800 or so — seek to create that magical moment. But these? These are the ones we’re most excited to recommend (and bestow) this holiday season. Loved ones, look away!

  • Both of my older sisters are beauty aficionados with chaotic bathroom countertops (said lovingly), which makes this chic makeup bag pretty perfect for them. It comes in several lovely understated tones, and its pouches, pockets, and loops pack down a cluttered beauty bag into a compact, organized dream. But my favorite feature is how it stands upright and folds out to expose all the contents at a glance.
  • Having bought this well-designed butter dish for her boyfriend’s house, writer Mari Uyehara is now considering getting one for herself, too. This ceramic vessel comes in several sweet colors, including banana and jeans blue. Plus, it comes with a handy, sleek stainless steel knife that slots right into the side.
  • Yes, these hand-dyed mulberry silk pillowcases are a splurge. But they look (and feel) even more expensive than they are, says head of newsletters Sofia Sokolove, who treated herself to a pair earlier this year after an in-person dyeing class at Upstate, the New York City studio responsible for these beauties. Hers are a rich sunshine-yellow, but they come in everything from lovely muted pinks to deep indigo — each one is varied, show-stopping, and worthy of keeping your giftee’s skin and hair smooth.
  • And on the subject of splurges: Sofia is lusting over this impossibly delicate, diamond-studded cuff bracelet. We love it as a gift for wives, but it’s pretty classic and timeless. The row of tiny white diamonds would look at home adding subtle sparkle to nearly any wrist.
  • Each of these one-of-a-kind tie-dye beanies, beloved by writer Samantha Schoech, is made of a double layer of incredibly soft cotton yarn, so it’s very cozy and blessedly itch-free. “I’m in love with its elegant-boho looks and its practical personality,” says Sam, who’s planning to gift one to her beanie-loving bestie.
  • Editor Hannah Morrill recently loaded these sturdy packing cubes with nearly a week’s worth of clothes in a carry-on — nary a jammed zipper in sight. Because the bright, durable fabric is made from repurposed scrap material, every set is a little different. “Meaning when I give them to everyone, they’ll still feel unique,” says Hannah. An excellent choice for any and all jet-setters on your list.
  • “I didn’t know I was missing anything from my collection of dinner party essentials until I saw these stainless steel dessert cups,” says newsletters producer and amateur baker Isoke Samuel. These sleek, elegant coupes are simply asking to be chilled and filled with cucumber gelée or a bright sorbet. Why not bring them to Thanksgiving, alongside some of our favorite vanilla ice cream, for a unique hostess gift?

The 100 new gifts we’re most excited about this year→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more

More of what’s new from our gifting experts

A collection of items including a red Pendleton flannel, vinyl records, and knives lies on a green background. An open book shows illustrations of vintage diving gear.

Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

The best gifts for husbands

Including a sweater that’s equal parts cool and classic and a watch made entirely of wood→

Article Image

Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

What to get your wife

Our handpicked offerings — including an heirloom watering can and an excellent wooden fruit bowl — are beautiful and practical→

Dozens of stocking stuffers including hand sanitizer, soap, maraschino cherries, gummies, and small vases.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Our very favorite adult stocking stuffers

Including better-than-gum digestives and pretty mini hairpins→

Under $10 gifts against an orange backdrop, featuring cat chopstick holders, Noshinku hand sanitizer, Fishwife anchovies, and more.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

52 great gifts under $10

You don’t have to spend a lot to score an excellent gift→


What to give: A winter-weather first-timer?

Wirecutter summary icon

My 23-year-old son has just moved to Chicago and will experience a true winter for the first time. What survival gifts do you suggest? — S.F.

From gifting expert Hannah Morrill:

As a native Mainer, I feel called to help your son out! I’d start with an Aritzia Super Puff — I own one and have gifted two — which contain 700+ fill down and have kept me comfy through at least a couple of polar vortexes. They’re expensive but a buy-it-for-life type of purchase. I swear by Sorel Caribous snow boots, which have a purposefully clunky look a Gen Zer like him could get behind. A great merino wool base layer would be another sound investment, as would at least a couple of pairs of Smartwool socks. And as for having some good clean indoor fun, I’m a big fan of Cards vs. Gravity, which is sort of like the card version of Jenga.

Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here.

The best wrapping paper

These rolls, sheets, and bags are so pretty, your giftee almost won’t want to tear them apart.

One last gift (for you): Made from velvety machine-washable silk, this PJ set — with an oversize tee and wide-leg pants — feels airy and modern. It’s currently nearly $100 off.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

An image of a gift.

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for The Gift from The New York Times.

To stop receiving The Gift, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018