This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides here.
Practical holiday gifts conjure up images of unwrapping a pair of sad socks with an even-sadder frown. But let it be known: The sad sock is an anomaly, and we're here to stick up for all the truly useful presents out there.
This list of aesthetically fulfilling, actually practical gifts is for all those loved ones who aren’t fans of decorative candles or another mug to add to an ever-growing collection. From cozy bedding accessories to kitchen goods, these will support your pragmatic giftee in their sensible endeavors. Keep clicking for suggestions from Refinery29 readers, anonymous shopping data on top-bought items, and professional editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Touchland Limited Edition Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Seasonal Trio Set
As one Virgo (me) might say, the best gift is avoiding getting sick, especially at the height of cold and flu season. This seasonal Touchland trio keeps things fun, festive, and free of germs.
Touchland Limited Edition Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Set, $, available at Sephora
Boll & Branch Turkish Ultra Plush Robe
We love the plushness of a fluffy hotel robe, so why not gift someone that same luxury for their home? Made with 100% organic cotton, this super soft style will make them feel like royalty for years to come.
Boll & Branch Turkish Ultra Plush Robe, $, available at Boll & Branch
Cricut EasyPress Mini
If your giftee loves crafting, they probably already have the Cricut EasyPress Mini on their wish list. This little machine is a game-changer, able to heat-transfer designs on everything from stuffed animals to T-shirts. Get ready for a whole lot of customized swag in the new year.
Anyone who runs errands (so, all of us) will appreciate this handy running belt to stay hands-free while out and about. Made with Lululemon's sweat-wicking Nulux fabric, it’s lightweight, breathable, and the perfect size for necessities like keys, cards, and your phone.
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt, $, available at Lululemon
Beast Bundle: Glass
Making smoothies, soups, and juices has never been easier. The Tonal Bundle from Beast has everything your giftee needs, including a blender, a stainless steel bottle, a 500nL container, storage lids, a straw cap, and cleaning brushes.
Beast Health Bundle: Glass, $, available at Beast Health
Hoka Clifton 10
In the comfy shoe world, one practical sneaker brand currently reigns supreme: Hoka. Everything from the memory foam ankle collar to light & airy mesh construction, and maximal cushion makes these kicks a foot's best friend (and an amazing buy for your sensible bestie).
Free People's Quilted Carryall seems all fun and games (with its funky, puffy fabric), but don't be fooled: This tote's spacious interior, extra-cushy shoulder strap, and secure top-zip closure make it quite the practical purchase.
FP Movement Quilted Carryall Bag, $, available at Free People
La Bonne Brosse Large Brush No 3
While a bit pricey, this brush detangles hair, stimulates the scalp, and increases blood flow to the roots. They’ll be thanking you for years to come.
La Bonne Brosse Large Brush N03, $, available at Revolve
Merrell Coldpack 3 Thermo Moc Waterproof
Comfy, durable, and easy to style — the Merrell Thermo Moc is as sensible as it is fun.
Merrell Coldpack 3 Thermo Moc Waterproof, $, available at Zappos
Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket
No one really believes they need a weighted blanket until they try one and end up feeling so cozy and secure, they wonder how they ever slept without one. Made of buttery-soft organic cotton, this chunky-knit one is a stylish option that will help someone get some quality shut-eye.
Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket, $, available at Bearaby
Salt & Stone Mini Deodorant Discovery Set
How’s this for practical: Gift a friend the option to test out four of Salt & Stone’s beloved deodorants so that they can pick which one they like best before committing to a full-sized purchase.
Salt & Stone Mini Deodorant Discovery Set, $, available at Nordstrom
Lands' End Dog Puffer Jacket
Some people only have eyes for their pets, so what could delight them more than a gift for their furry friend? This adorable puffer vest will look cute on any pup while keeping them warm on winter strolls.
Lands' End Dog Puffer Vest, $, available at Lands' End
DedCool Milk DedTergent
Sure, this pricey detergent looks incredibly gift-worthy — but hear us out: Can you truly put a price on elevating an everyday chore? They’ll thank you once their sheets, towels, shirts, socks, and underwear are softly cocooned in a fresh, delicious scent that puts Tide to shame. (One of our writers tried it, and they can confirm that it's, indeed, heavenly).
A cutesy glass adorned with croissants is an easy way to infuse whimsy into your day-to-day life. If French pâtisseries don't match your loved one's style, try one of the 18 other adorable designs.
Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass, $, available at Anthropologie
Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Soap
Winter weather can be harsh on the skin, so treat your loved one to a luxurious goat milk soap, which hydrates and gently cleanses with a crisp, fresh scent.
Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Soap, $, available at Ulta Beauty
High Camp Flasks Engravable Parkside Flask
This customizable flask includes two detachable cups and can hold up to 750 mL (aka a whole bottle of wine). Bring it to campsites or outdoor hangs, and forget about the fuss and muss of things like corkscrews or cups.
High Camp Flasks Custom Engraved Parkside Flask, $, available at High Camp Flasks
Fluff Co Pillow & Comforter Kit
Even the most serious giftees need sleep — and who wouldn’t appreciate a brand-new comforter and pillow kit? Help your loved one crush those ZZZs with Fluff Co.'s bedding, which is made by the same manufacturer of hotel pillows, only without the markup.
Fluff Co. Pillow & Comforter Kit, $, available at Fluff Co.
AeroGarden Harvest Lite in Black
For the friend with a green thumb and not a lot of free outdoor space, this hydroponic garden will allow them to grow herbs, vegetables, or flowers inside their homes. All they’ll have to do is pop the seed pods in, add plant growth food from time to time, and turn the grow light on — boom, fresh produce they can use the next time you’re over for dinner.
AeroGarden Harvest Lite in Black, $, available at Amazon
Graza Glass Duo Gift Set
Fact: You can never have too much olive oil in your kitchen. Graza’s classic duo has been remagined in keepsake-worthy glass bottles that you can refill for years to come.
Your lucky giftee will be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with this reusable eye mask and eye serum bundle.
Dieux Angel Eyes: Reusable Eye Mask & Eye Serum Bundle, $, available at Dieux
Tushy Classic Bidet 3.0
Listen, everybody poops. Allow this aesthetically pleasing bidet to liven up the experience for your loved one. And if you want to go the extra mile, consider bundling it with the Tushy ottoman. It’s something your giftee will never know they needed until you gift it to them.
Williams-Sonoma Hold Everything Expandable Over The Sink Drying Rack
Chances are your sensible giftee is fairly orderly — this very clever over-the-sink drying rack will delight their clean-kitchen sensibilities.
Williams-Sonoma Hold Everything Expandable Over The Sink Drying Rack, $, available at Williams-Sonoma
Leatherology Slim Card Case
Treat your friend with a far-too-old ruggedly old card case to a new, beautifully crafted, full-grain leather one that can also be personalized. It’ll make them feel like a million bucks, regardless of what’s inside it.
Leatherology Slim Card Case, $, available at Leatherology
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow
Seeing as we're supposed to be tossing our pillows out every one to two years, a gifted replacement seems to be a pretty practical move. Brooklinen's customizable Marlow Pillow is filled with supportive memory foam, and fitted with a zipper that allows users to adjust its height. In short, this pillow is as crowd-pleasing as it gets.
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow, $, available at Brooklinen
Cadence Refillable Magnetic Capsules
For your sustainably minded giftees who are always on the go and in need of a convenient vessel to stash their self-care and toiletry essentials, there's Cadence's refillable containers crafted from recycled ocean plastic.
Cadence The Honeycomb (Set of 7), $, available at Cadence
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Not everyone has the gift of falling asleep anywhere, and that's why sleep aids were created. For your loved ones who are always on the go, this is the perfect gift so they can rest comfortably no matter the location.
OstrichPillow Go Neck Pillow, $, available at Free People
In Good Taste Wine Sampler
If they're into wine, gift them a virtual at-home tasting with In Good Taste's six-bottle samplers thoughtfully sourced from small-batch wineries across the globe.
It doesn't get more useful than this chic, eight-in-one pan from sustainable-cookware favorite Our Place. The magical do-it-all piece is nontoxic and incredibly nonstick, and it comes washed in an array of unique kitchen hues your giftee likely won't find elsewhere.
Our Place Essential Always Cooking Pan, $, available at Our Place
Minted Leafy Letter
For the earnest loved one who sends their heartfelt hellos and sentimental thank-yous to your mailbox, not your inbox, this personalized stationery is sure to be a hit.
Practical people are also usually big planners, too — so, it only makes sense that gifting one with the ability to book lodgings of their choosing on an upcoming trip would be pretty practical-pleasing stuff.
Airbnb Customizable Gift Card, $, available at Airbnb
Open Spaces Entryway Rack
Crafted from smooth painted steel, this three-tier entryway rack is a sharp-looking and useful dual-purpose home surprise. Whether your giftee wants to use the cool piece for Instagram-worthy shoe storage or as a side table for plants, books, etc., this rack will get the job done and look damn good doing it.
Open Spaces Entryway Rack, $, available at Open Spaces
Dyson V8 Absolute
Ok, this one is pricey — but, hear us out: this very expensive gift for your practical person is also potentially a gift for yourself (if you live with said giftee). Fast, lightweight, and a joy to slide on dirty surfaces, Dyson's V8 Absolute is a gadget so good it'll make any nonplussed person want to dance around with unbridled glee whilst cleaning on a Sunday. (I would know, I reviewed one and now we are in love.) Oh, it also happens to be $50 off right now, too!
Treat a sensible giftee (who definitely keeps their hands extremely clean) to this trio of travel-sized cleansing gel, evaporative mist, and hydrating balm, all wrapped up in a stylish recycled-cotton pouch.
A non-eyesore bedside gadget that's engineered to not only bring sunlight into your practical giftee's room on dark winter mornings but also to help them do everything from guided breathwork, meditations, pre-bedtime wind-downs, and snooze-through-the-night customizable sounds. In short, it's a personalized bedtime routine they can keep on their nightstands.
The entire shopping team audibly gasped when The ReNew Slippers emerged onto the scene last year (and we're all practical people!). The pair has already made its rounds in more than a few holiday gift guides, circulated on social media, and been added to our very own virtual carts just in time for the chilly holiday season. We can express with confidence that any no-nonsense giftee in your life would be glad to pop a pair of these 100%-recycled "duvets for your feet" slippers onto their tootsies.
It's a safe assumption that your practical pals like to plan ahead — and if anyone knows how to plan, it's Erin Condren. The designer's functionally and aesthetically designed schedulers are bestselling organization essentials that make A+ gifting material in advance of the new year.
The light dims, the temperatures drop, and suddenly the world asks you to become your own source of warmth. But joy in winter isn’t found — it’s self-initiated. It’s the glitter you swipe on for an office party, the text inviting friends over when the instinct is to hibernate, the little acts of glamour that lift your mood when the sun clocks out early.
Although I live in sunny Los Angeles now — and this will be my third winter here — the New Yorker in me will never forget what the season truly feels like. I know the sharp bite of wind on your face, the sprint to the subway in a full-length puffer, the way a great coat can change your entire outlook on a day that feels impossibly gray. Winter requires resourcefulness. It asks you to participate in your own delight.
For this year’s Winter Lookbook, we embraced that ethos and dreamed up five archetypes, each embodying a different response to the season: the woman who refuses to be cold yet refuses to look bad, the early-morning studio devotee, the holiday enthusiast, the effortless hostess, and the one who transforms entirely after dark. They each dress for the mood they want, not the weather outside; they layer textures, play with proportion, embrace metallics, and create their own glow in the darkest months.
To bring this world to life, we partnered with three extraordinary artists:
Stylist Christine Nicholson built a visual universe where winter dressing becomes totally reimagined. Think silver chainmail draped over soft knits, feathered headpieces that nod to another era, and sculptural accessories that redefine cold-weather glamour.
Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes reimagined holiday beauty with cool restraint. She showed us that luminosity doesn’t require heavy layers; sometimes, a shimmery lip and nearly bare skin is the boldest statement. Her rhinestone freckles for our Snowed Under look were nothing short of magical.
Nail artist Naomi Yasuda elevated winter manicures to high art, crafting everything from delicate reverse French designs to full-on disco-metallic sets that feel like jewelry in their own right.
And beyond the holiday parties, there is the quintessence of winter dressing: New Year’s Eve. It’s a night I take seriously: the ritual of it, the intention behind it, the desire to enter the new year as the fullest, most expressive version of yourself.
As you scroll, you’ll also find guides to braving the cold with style, ideas for hosting in chic winter whites, new ways to think about your nails and makeup this season, and fashion that helps you generate your own joy, no matter the temperature.
Because winter doesn’t hand you delight — you have to make it — and this season, we hope these images inspire you to create more of it.
Amid all the Cyber Monday sales, gift season frenzy, and new holiday collection drops, the shopping landscape may feel like an avalanche of too many new and shiny things to cart up. But we’re briefly plowing back all of that to shine a light on H&M’s latest (and coveted) collaboration. This time, the reader-favorite retailer has teamed up with luxury ski and lifestyle brand Perfect Moment on an après-ski-inspired winter collection.
“Après-ski has always had a certain energy: relaxed, comfortable, social, playful, and glamourous,” said Perfect Moment co-founder and creative director Jane Gottschalk, in a press release. “Together [with H&M], we’ve curated a collection that brings the spirit of both brands to life. The pieces are young, fun, [and] sporty, with a winter heartbeat and a nod to the mountains, but belong just as much in the city.”
The 28-piece capsule collection spans versatile knitwear, down-filled outerwear, and statement accessories — like cozy hats and puffer boots — in a chic winter color palette of black, white, silver, rich burgundy, and icy blue.
“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Perfect Moment on this winter collection — it’s unexpected, dynamic, and sure to spark excitement,” said H&M creative advisor and head of womenswear design, Ann-Sofie Johansson, in the release. “The silhouettes are glamorous yet laid-back — just like après-ski — but also have a real edge with the leather, faux fur, and textured knits.”
From down puffer jackets, mohair gloves, knit balaclavas, and polarized sunglasses you might actually wear on the slopes to matching sets, merino-wool sweaters, faux-fur boots, and trapper hats you’d wear around a ski lodge (or to simply channel après-ski energy), the collection has a range of functional and fashionable pieces.
And in addition to oversized hoods, waist-cinching toggles, jacquard trims, and pom-poms, Perfect Moment’s signature North Star logo is dotted across all the styles. “The North Star sits at the heart of the brand and part of our DNA — a constant from the inception of the brand in the 80s,” said Gottschalk. “It represents direction, focus, and the idea of finding your own way […] a reminder of where we started and where we’re heading.”
Every year, it seems like Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales simply aren’t what they were. In 2025, that’s not necessarily the case anymore though. Through our hours of extensive research, we’ve found the best Cyber Monday deals and can confirm the discounts are discounting!. But you still have to shuffle through quite a bit of noise. This is the Super Bowl of online shopping after all, and we’re here to set you up for the ultimate success.
Expect major savings this year, going up to 80% off everything from mattresses to beauty devices, sex toys, designer items, and more. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of sales happening, our organized list below is here to help. Think of it as a personalized roadmap to the best promos available now, helping you score a handful of shopping touchdowns this Cyber Monday.
Ahead, we rounded up the must-see markdowns from reader-favorite brands like Wayfair, Everlane, Nordstrom, Mejuri, Lelo, and more — most of which end tonight. So, grab your laptop, a snack, and a credit card. Get in reader, we’re going (online) shopping!
The brand, known for its duvets, is offering different percentages off its categories. Duvet covers and inserts will be 30% off while bundles will be on sale for 40% off.
Through Cyber Monday, save more when you spend more, plus save an extra $100 when you purchase any adjustable base or upholstered bed frame with a mattress.
Through December 1, the jeweler is offering 12% off orders over $500 and 15% off orders over $1,999. Shoppers can receive a free jewelry gift with every purchase when using the code GIFTANGARA.
Take an extra 50% off sale styles at Anthropologie for a limited time during Cyber Monday. Plus, take 30% off select clothing, home decor and furniture, and gifts.
Aritzia’s “Black Fiveday Sale” runs through December 2 and features between 20% and 50% off everything. The brand’s popular Super Puff will also be discounted. No code is needed.
Known for its hole-y tote bag, Bogg is offering 25% off sitewide until December 1. Its sports collection gets a higher markup, on sale for 50% off through Cyber Monday.
The New York-based accessories brand will have its entire site on sale up to 60% off following Black Friday. Starting December 1, full-price items will be 15% off, no code needed.
The celebrity-loved brand has its items, from earrings to Cartier-esque watches, on sale at 30% off until December 2. Shoppers also get a gift with their purchase after spending $100.
Take 50% off your J.Crew purchase on Cyber Monday, no code needed. There’s also 30% off cashmere, chinos, and suiting, with an extra 60% off sale styles.
The jeweler is offering 25% off sitewide through December 1. Shoppers will get a free gift with their purchase, while supplies last. The promotion excludes fine jewelry, and no code is needed.
The brand, known for its period underwear, has a sitewide sale through December 2 with items up to 60% off. Its most popular period undies and bras are included in the sale.
The jewelry brand is offering shoppers up to 30% off until December 1 on minimum purchases of $150. Higher end pieces like its serpentine chain necklace in white gold will be on sale for 30% off.
Nordstrom Rack is offering up to 70% off online and in store across big box brands and indie labels alike. Plus, it’s offering an extra 40% off clearance. The sale runs through December 2. Nordstrom is offering up to 60% off brands like Barbour, Ugg, Veronica Beard, TT Studios, and more through December 3.
The tulip-power skincare brand is hosting a 35% off sale across its products through December 2. Shoppers must use the code BLOOMVIP35 to receive the discount. Those who spend over $100 will also receive a gift.
The skincare brand, loved by beauty enthusiasts for its formulas and devices, is offering 30% sitewide until December 2, with some exclusions like kits. Its LED devices are on sale for 20% off.
The skincare label is having a brand-wide sale on Amazon through December 1, where select products will be 25% off. This includes some of its customer favorites, like its cleansing oil, sunscreen, and vitamin C serum.
The K-beauty brand, known for its skincare devices, will have discounts up to 31% off through Cyber Monday. Its popular Booster Pro tool will be on sale for $150, while other skincare products will go sub $20.
Through December 1, Merit Beauty is hosting its only sale of the year with 20% off sitewide. The brand is also offering a gift with purchases during this time.
The brand is offering 25% off sitewide starting December 1. The promotion includes its sets, and if you spend over $350, there’s a six-piece gift with purchase.
The haircare brand, which works on all hair types and is specially formulated for textured hair, is offering 30% off purchases under $50, 40% off purchases over $50, and 20% off sitewide until December 6. No code is needed.
The beauty retailer’s Cyber Monday bonanza runs until December 1 with over 400 items up to 40% off. Entire brands like Beyonce’s Cecred, Ulta’s in-house brands, and Tarte will be on sale for 30% off.
The brand, known for its sauna blanket and wellness tech, is offering 20% off sitewide through Cyber Monday with the code BFCM2025. Bundles will be 30% off, no code needed.
The tech giant is having sales across categories, from its smartphones to gaming monitors, TVs, and tablets. For example, you can save up to $1,000 on its Galaxy Z Fold7 with a trade in, or $600 off without one.
On Cyber Monday, Shark will have new products up to 45% off with the code MONDAY15. Then, starting December 2, the promo will continue with an extra 10% off sitewide with the code CYBER10. Sale items will include its vacuums and viral ice cream maker.
Through Cyber Monday, shop of tons of deals across furniture, decor, mattresses, and more — including up to 80% off area rugs. Plus, everything ships free.
Expect steep discounts on sex toys from Lovehoney on Cyber Monday. Everything from couples advent day calendars to bondage items and roses will be on major sale.
Known for its discreet sex toys and elevated intimacy essentials, all of Maude’s products are on sale for up to 40% off through December 1. Save more when you bundle through the brand’s Ritual Builder.
