Editors favorite gifts to give and get, Woman´s hands wrapping Christmas presents on brown paper decorated with painted snow, fir branches and pinecones on a rustic wooden board. Top view
Gift Guides

JS Editors’ Favorite Holiday Gifts to Give and Get

At Jetsetter, we love giving holiday gifts just as much as we love getting them. From the perfect cashmere sweater to a snug pair of slippers, here are the top items JS editors have on their shopping lists and wish lists. Hint, hint.

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Gretchen Dorosz, Senior Photo Editor

To Give: Aesop Hand Soap

“This Aesop hand wash is one of my favorite gifts to give. The mix of mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedar atlas smells amazing, and it instantly makes any bathroom look a little bit chicer. Due to the price it’s one of those things you may put off buying for yourself, making it a nice gift that feels a little luxurious, but isn’t over the top.”

To Get: Fun Socks

“You know you’re getting old when socks are an exciting holiday gift, but I really do love receiving a fresh pair of fancy socks. Hansel from Basel is my current favorite brand—I think they’re so fun! With stripes, fruit, flowers, and more, there is something for every style.”

 

Lindsey Olander, Senior Editor

To Give: Monogrammed Gifts

“Certain items make people’s wish lists every holiday season, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of trial and error, it’s that everyone loves a personalized gift—especially if it’s practical. These gold-trimmed monogram coasters from Anthropologie are beautiful to look at and to use, and can be bought as individual stocking stuffers or as a set.”

To Get: J.Crew Wallet

“When I find something I love, I use it until it literally begins to fall apart—boots, bags, coats… By December, though, I’m ready to say goodbye and build a whole new wardrobe. That’s why I’ll always get excited about a new wallet. It’s a fresh start to spending (or saving) in the new year. I love that you can add a custom monogram to this chic black one from J.Crew—one of my go-to brands and colors.”

 

David Hattan, Photo Editor

To Give: Card Games

“I love finding new card games to give to friends. It might not be the most thoughtful gift, but it will certainly ensure plenty of good laughs and memories in the future.”

To Get: Vinyl Records

“There’s nothing better in the winter than curling up with a hot toddy and listening to a great album. I’m always trying to expand my vinyl collection so I can properly hibernate all winter long. This Lana Del Rey record is on my list this year.”

 

Jackie Homan, Style + Travel Editor

To Give: Books from Anthropologie

“I always think it’s nice to gift an artful book or two related to the person’s interests or hobbies—it shows that you’re paying attention to what they like, and you can write a personalized message inside. Anthropologie has a gorgeous selection of high-quality cookbooks and coffee table reads on everything from travel to astrology.”

To Get: Pajamas

“I can be sort of picky and hard to shop for when it comes to clothing, but pajamas are my exception—I love pretty much every PJ set I can find, whether it’s soft and comfy or smooth and silky.”

 

Clara Sedlak, Executive Editor

To Give: A Cozy Pair of Slippers

“I’m all about being warm and cozy over winter, and I think everyone should feel the same! I could literally spend all day hanging around the house in these snug booties.”

To Get: La Mer Moisturizer 

“I’m a sucker for good skin care, and you really can’t go wrong with La Mer. The brand is pricey—which is why it’s always on my Christmas list from my husband :)—but it lasts me at least 6 months.”

 

Elizabeth Mullen, Marketing Strategist

To Give: Allbirds Wool Runners

“I gifted Allbirds Wool Runners to both of my parents, who loved them so much that they got them for each of my siblings. These are pretty close to the universally perfect gift—they are light, warm, washable, perfect for travel, great for running errands, and have been a hit with every member of my family from age 21 through age 60.”

To Get: Cashmere Sweaters

“I love to get warm sweaters over the holidays. My mom got me a cashmere one a few years ago that became a staple for me throughout the chilly season. This one from Everlane is an updated take on a cashmere pullover, and the rust color makes it just a little bit interesting.”

 

Saman Westberg, Style Correspondent

To Give: Polaroid Camera

“I’ve always thought that Polaroid cameras make great gifts. There’s something magical about watching each picture develop, and people always get excited when I pull mine out. I have an older model, but the new ones are just as cool. Plus, getting film for them is much easier.”

To Get: Philippe Starck Chair

“As far as gift-getting goes, I wouldn’t mind one little bit if I found this Philippe Starck chair sitting under the tree.”

Kerry Sainato, Director of Product

To Give: Lonely Planet Travel Guides

“It’s been a tradition to travel with my family to a warm, tropical place in March to escape the New England winter for a week. My favorite gift to give is a travel guide for that trip—my father particularly takes to these guides and spends the winter reading and marking up the interesting bits. It’s part research and part escapism to get through cold months!”

To Get: See’s Candies

“I absolutely love it when a large box of See’s chocolates shows up in the mail from one of my West Coast friends. My husband and I spend the winter rationing our chocolate treasure while bingeing shows on Netflix.”

 

Melissa Sciorra, Marketing Manager

To Give: Kendra Scott Jewelry 

“I own two pairs of Elle Drop Earrings by Kendra Scott. Not only do they match everything, but I constantly get compliments whenever I wear them. I love that her jewelry is reasonably priced and I can find a bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings for my friends and family that have even the most unique of styles.”

To Get: Fun Hair Accessories

“Hair accessories can immediately glam-up my lazy-girl style days and help me get through three-day-old dry-shampooed hair days (I know I’m not the only one). Get me scrunchies, headbands, hair scarves, or oversized rhinestone barrettes; I’ll love them forever and even let you borrow them.”

 

Tyler Schoeber, Production Specialist

To Give: Custom Phone Cases

“Now that I’m getting older and feeling more like an adult than I ever have, gift giving is becoming an exciting priority that I’m ready to tackle this season. I recently stumbled upon Alyssa Pangione’s website through a friend’s Instagram Story and fell in love with the custom smartphone case designs she makes—they’re filled with illustrations of whatever your giftee loves the most. I immediately thought it’d be an amazing gift for my boyfriend. As probably one of the most unique and thoughtful gifts I’ll ever give, I’m really excited to see the reaction on his face!”

To Get: Everlane Pocket Tees

“When it comes to receiving a gift, I’ll be happy with just about anything. However, I’d love a couple long-sleeve pocket tees to go along with any outfit I throw together this season. They fit in perfectly with my style.”

 

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Here at Jetsetter, our editors curate everything you need to travel—and live—smartly, fashionably, and consciously. All of our market picks are independently selected. If you buy something we link to on our site, Jetsetter may earn commission.

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