The Best Christmas Gifts to Shop in 2023, Sourced From SPY Editors – SPY

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The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and time is running out to shop for gifts that aren’t sold in a big box store or a rest stop mid-road trip home. Sourcing great gifts for everyon….
“I got this electric kettle for my dad a few years ago for his daily pour-over decaf coffee, and he’s obsessed with it. He’s used it every day since, and when I’m home I’m impressed with how well it works,” says SPY wellness editor Taylor Galla. “It heats water to the exact degree you specify, and it keeps it warm for up to an hour. It also looks super sleek on the counter, and the gooseneck spout keeps you from spilling boiling hot water anywhere except the cup.” .
“I implore you to name a cozier gift than a hand-knit weighted throw,” says Avery Stone, SPY's deputy editor. “This one, from Bearaby, comes in several weights and an array of neutral hues that would compliment any décor scheme.”.
“Anything from Le Creuset is a welcome gift for foodies, but these mini cocottes are a more affordable alternative to their infamously pricey stoneware,” says Galla. “They’re great for mini soufflées, bite-sized mac and cheese, or storing salt on the countertop.”.
In her role as SPY’s wellness editor, Galla has tested over 15 different massage guns from all of the top-selling brands, and this mini version from Theragun remains one of her favorites. “I love the triangle shape,” she says. “It’s palm-sized and great for digging into tough muscle knots all over the body. This one comes with three foam attachments and is a compact size designed for travel.”.
“Snapping photos? Of course you are. Printing photos? Probably not. Printing photos died when mom’s 2005 point-and-shoot digital camera did. Purchase your favorite amateur (or professional) photographer the gift of instant photography with this Polaroid bundle,” says Tyler Schoeber, SPY’s junior art director. “It’s time to make memories tangible again.”.
“Bose speakers are known for their excellent sound quality,” says Stone. “This mini speaker is proof that truly great gifts can also come in small packages. Bonus: It’s waterproof and comes with a tear-resistant strap for on-the-go listening. Gift it to any music lover.”.
AirTags are the kind of thing that everyone thinks they’re too responsible for, but are a lifesaver when they actually need them. “On a recent flight to San Francisco, the airline lost my luggage (their fault) and I lost my wallet (my fault),” explains SPY staff writer Jason Lalljee. “It was an Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day kind of day, but one that would’ve been solvable with a few of these. I keep them on everything now — my keys, my wallet, my luggage. They’re small enough to fit anywhere.” .
“This is both a single- and multi-cup brewer, which means that on a busy work day, you can brew a cup and head out the door — or, on a more relaxed weekend, you can give yourself a little more time to settle in,” says Emma Wenninger, SPY's assistant managing editor. “The Hamilton Beach app allows you to connect to your Alexa or other smart home device to program brew time and strength, or the single brewer allows for 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-ounce cups of hot coffee (or just hot water if you’d like a tea instead).” .
“There’s probably a puzzle-lover on your list. Give them an Ordinary Habit puzzle,” says SPY contributor Leslie Horn Peterson. “Take it from a frequent puzzler: they’re charming and of the highest quality, and this one just dropped in time for the holiday season.”.
This seltzer-maker is a must-have. “I think everyone could use an Aarke Carbonator, which is just a grown and sexy SodaStream,” says Reynolds. “It communicates luxury and a dedication to hydration that’s essential in a season full of eggnog and holiday parties.”.
“No, this is not a gift specifically tailored to an individual, but yes! This is a crowd-pleaser,” says Horn Peterson. “Who wouldn’t love a three-pack of Babka? New York City’s Breads Bakery makes some of the best, and you can mail it to anyone, anywhere on your list thanks to Goldbelly.”.
“Don’t let anyone tell you differently — Lego is not just for kids! Just look at this 2000-plus-piece replica of the Concorde jet,” says Horn Peterson. “Aviation fanatics (and general Lego enthusiasts) will go bananas for this one. That said, if there’s a Lego-loving kid you need a gift for, searching Lego’s site by age level (or interest) will yield plenty of options.” .
“Art makes for a unique, thoughtful gift,” says Horn Peterson. “Just think of something the recipient really likes, whether that’s travel, or in this case, nice-ass cars. This poster is unique and super affordable. Go the extra mile and get it framed.”.
“Socks as a gift are sort of played out, but we’re only talking tube socks,” says Horn Peterson. “With a stylish pattern that evokes a classic ski sweater, this Merino wool set will keep the toes of skiers and snowboarders nice and toasty on the slope — even if they’re just in it for the après ski.”.
“When I was in college, I worked at Williams Sonoma every holiday season. And the peppermint bark was always a top-selling item. Why? Because this shit is genuinely good. Buy it as a gift, but don’t forget to save some for yourself,” says Horn Peterson..
“A birthday-themed gift on Christmas might seem strange, but this custom book from the New York Times is a thoughtful gift with a built-in personalized spin,” says Galla. ‘It’s a compilation of every newspaper cover from your birthday, as well as some key highlights from history for the month you were born. It’s a great gift for in-laws, older folks who love nostalgia, and anyone who’s obsessed with their birthday. .
“Cooking restaurant-quality pizza at home requires high temperatures that most home ovens can’t muster,” says Galla. “The Ooni Koda 16, a gas-powered pizza oven, gets the job done at temperatures up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit. It can cook a fresh, stone-baked pizza in as little as 60 seconds and comes with an extra-large 16-inch cooking surface inside for large pizzas, breads, meats, and more.”.
“To be honest, I don’t know where I’d be without my Kindle. It makes reading such a fast and friction-free experience. You can download any book from anywhere, and the page-turning function helps me fly through books,” says Galla. “I’ll always buy paper books and embrace a hybrid lifestyle, but damn if the Kindle isn’t a perfect accessory for travel and reading on-the-go. Any bookworms in your life who haven’t succumbed to the pressure need this for Christmas.” .
“We bought the Always Pan at the beginning of the pandemic and have used it pretty much every day since. It’s honestly incredible how well it’s held up, and how versatile it is,” says Galla. “It steams, sautées, sears, and is perfect for morning eggs. The non-stick has worn off over time, but I don’t mind adding a bit of extra oil. Every cook, or person with a kitchen, needs one of these. No matter how often you cook, it’s useful.”.
“First Leaf is the kind of subscription you wouldn’t necessarily treat yourself to, unless you’re a huge wine drinker, but anyone who loves popping a bottle open on a Friday afternoon will love it,” says Galla, who was a subscriber in 2020. “They curate excellent selections for each box of six, and each bottle comes with a card describing its blend, geographic origins, and the food to pair it with. The membership is very flexible with the ability to pause or skip anytime.” .
“Having a little extra juice on hand is never a bad thing, and Anker’s portable charge is a great gift under $20 for anyone with a smartphone,” says Galla. “It provides 2.25 charges for an iPhone and a full charge for an iPad, and is a must-have for travel. Any time I’m on a plane, I have one of these in my bag.”.
“These water bottles got a lot of hype this year, and they earn every second of it. It’s a perfect cup, period,” says Galla, a hydration enthusiast. “The narrow button means it fits in all cup holders, the handle makes it easy to grab and sip on even at full capacity, and the straw is removable for airport trekking or regular washing.”.
“There are a lot of excellent blenders out there, but this one’s unique design and smaller size make it perfect for solo or small households,” says Galla, who tested it out a few years ago and has been using it for solo smoothies, salad dressings, and soups ever since. “The compact size is great for blending smaller amounts of food where the Vitamix’s large pitcher doesn’t work. The base is strong and sturdy, and the speed auto-adjusts based on how blended the mixture is. I love it.” .
“I’m a huge fan of gift sets of smaller perfume bottles, especially as gifts, so folks can try a bunch of different options, or change their scent based on their mood or the time of year,” says Galla. “This set from Joe Malone comes with five of their best-selling unisex scents in travel-friendly bottles. My boyfriend’s mom got this for me last year as a gift, and I’ve worn these perfumes for almost every special occasion since. They’re excellent.”.
“The holidays mean indulging on giant sweets, and Levain’s monstrous cookies fit the bill,” says Galla. “These are infamous in New York for being more of a cake than a cookie in the best way possible, and they sell boxes that ship nationwide so distant family can enjoy as well. Gifting to folks far away can be tricky, but sending delicious dessert across state lines is a safe bet.” .
“Boarderie is a quintessential gift for lazy people who love to host — we all know at least one,” says Schoeber. “Not everyone can master a charcuterie board; creating one takes time, patience, and precision. Boarderie takes out all the hard work by shipping fully-formed, gorgeous charcuterie boards nationwide. Pick up a classic array of meats and cheeses or spice it up with a baked brie board. The options are endless.”.
“With room for six different plants, the AeroGarden Harvest is the ideal indoor gardening tool for those of us who, well, can’t have an outdoor garden,” says Schoeber. “Enjoy fresh veggies and herbs year-round with this sleek grower that eradicates the need to ever purchase overpriced baby tomatoes again. Built with a 20W LED grow light that mocks natural sunlight using an included timer, giftees will have an abundant, in-home harvest in no time.”.
“Take holiday gifting up a notch with something that will fully transform any living space. The hand-woven and colorful Masaya Rocking Chair is in a full-fledged category of its own,” says Schoeber. “Each is handcrafted in Nicaragua using reforested teak. Chairs come pre-built to kill the set-up process and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Try getting that from IKEA.”.
“There is no way to express just how important this cheesecake is to me,” says Schoeber. “I cannot go a Christmas without it. I do not want to go a Christmas without it. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it. It is truly the best cheesecake this world has to offer. New York cheesecake could literally never. Cotton Blues supremacy!”.
“Circles are out. Squares are in,” declares Schoeber. “The Caraway Squareware Set reframes everything we ever knew about cookware by ditching the traditional round design and cutting corners. Featuring four pieces total (an 11-inch square griddle pan, 11-inch square grill pan, 19 x 12-inch double burner griddle, and a 16 x 13-inch roasting pan and rack), this set has everything one might need to do just about anything in the kitchen. Each piece is designed with a non-stick ceramic coating that’s oven safe and induction compatible. Plus, colors are available in multiple shades under the rainbow.”.
“Salt and pepper? It’s 2023. We can do better than that,” says Schoeber. “Gift your go-to foodie something a little out of the box this holiday season with the Best Sellers Collection from The Spice House. This Chicago-based spice brand is known for the serious level of flavor packed into every tiny glass container. By purchasing this variety pack, giftees will receive four of The Spice House’s top selling products, including Back of the Yards Garlic Pepper Butcher's Rub, Vulcan's Fire Salt, Lake Shore Drive Shallot & Herb Seasoning, and Gateway to the North Maple Garlic Seasoning.”.
“Stop buying dress shirts from department stores. They’re dreadfully uncomfortable, they pill like crazy, there is no stretch, and those pit stains… we don’t even want to talk about ‘em. Mizzen+Main creates a flawless dress shirt perfect from the office to a wedding. It’s no cheap tee, but it’s worth every dollar,” says Schoeber..
“Gifting a shaving set is one of the smartest options to consider this holiday season. Why? Well, your giftee will use it. There is no question there. Additionally, buyers will almost always get a deal on their purchase. For example, this gift set from Harry’s contains $30 worth of product at just $15. That’s a steal we can’t ignore,” says Schoeber..
“Vinyl is having its moment as both an a) charmingly vintage, tantalizingly tangible way to listen to music in the streaming era and b) an interior design trend,” says Lalljee. “A thousand TikToks have been dedicated to how to display vinyl, how to store it, how to grow a goatee and make it your whole personality. It might not be the kind of thing that a lot of people buy for themselves, though, which makes it the perfect gift. It’s both a neat addition to a living room and also an incentive for a new hobby (vinyl collecting). We like this turntable from Audio Technica as a sub-$200 option.”.
“Polaroid cameras were popular again in 2013 (if Taylor Swift has soured on them since the last time she did 1989, so has everyone else), and disposable point-and-shoots are all the rage now. We all wish it was the 90s again. At the end of the day, taking photos on anything that’s not your phone is kind of gimmicky and unwieldy; the best memories happen on a front-facing iPhone photo in a poorly lit bar. For those who like the aesthetic of a polaroid but not the experience of taking one, Polaroid’s converter lab makes a perfect present,” says Lalljee. .
“I know not everyone’s into the whole MOMA Design Store, carefully-calibrated overpriced quirkiness thing, but I’m a big fan of the slightly edgier, vibrant maximalism of the stuff that Coming Soon New York curates,” says Lalljee. “In particular, I love the trays that come in and out of stock, and I really like this blue square one they’ve got right now. A perfect pop of color to elevate a room full of IKEA furniture.” .
“Few guys know how to choose their scent well. Part of the problem is, they’re all going for the Calvin Klein and Farenheit scratch-and-sniffs that smell like a new car. Or the cast of Billions. Unisex scents are popular but underrated, and a great entry point into not smelling like Mountain Steel or Bluest Lagoon is Olfactory, the custom scent maker in NYC that works with top perfumers at Tom Ford and Le Labo,” says Lalljee. “It’s really a way to make someone feel special and discover their taste (gender regardless). If they’re not in NYC, a gift card can be applied to a discovery scent online, after which someone can finalize their choices and order a full size.” .
“I got my mom this for Christmas when I got my first big boy job out of college,” writes Lalljee. “Best thing I ever got her. She loves it, and it’s a timeless garment. I have friends my age who adore this for-those-who-know-know women’s sweater, too, classy and elegant but with a tasteful, modern fit. If you troll Reddit forums and haul vids about the Parisian brand, the Gaspard is by far the fan favorite, and for good reason. And everyone looks good in the sage.” .
“This is my favorite thing I’ve ever gotten on Grailed, which I nabbed for a little under $90,” says Lalljee. “$250 for a velvet overshirt isn’t in my personal price range, but if it’s in yours, this would make a fantastic statement shirt for anyone in your life you care $250 about. Probably the most complimented thing I own.” .
“I love Perte D’Ego. I want everything they own,” says Lalljee. “The great thing about the brand — with their gorgeous, colorful, textured pieces — is that they look more unique than anything else you could buy in that price range. I’m a big fan of a statement jacket or shirt with a modern, boxy fit, and this is exactly where to get either. I’m especially into the subtlety of this one fireworks shirt they’ve got.” .
“There are a lot of cool candles you can get someone — this round personal fireplace, though, takes it up a notch with something that looks like it belongs in the supervillain island from The Incredibles, says Lalljee. “They’re also great for simulating an indoor bonfire if you lean in reaaaaalllllyyyy close.” .
“My most extravagant regular splurge is legendary Parisian tea maker Mariage Freres’ breakfast tea,” says Lalljee. “Although all of their flavors are great, I always have a tin of this in my kitchen. The next time I actually go to Paris, where they’re much cheaper, I’m coming back with a suitcase full of these.” .
Lalljee says these are the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift — either way, they’re pretty much the coolest thing you can nab for less than $20. “These tablets dull your taste buds for a little bit, so that everything tastes weird, in a good way — it makes lemon juice taste like sorbet,” he says. “It sounds like drugs, but it’s not; it’s a simple science trick using a glycoprotein called (aptly) Miraculin. A great ingredient for a memorable party trick.” .
“Price-wise, cashmere is quite literally, all over the board. Some sweaters get all the way up to $500, while some dip as low as $50,” says Wenninger. “Quality isn’t guaranteed at either price point, but Quince has found a great middle ground: high-quality, sustainably made cashmere sweaters, shirts, and pants, at a price point that doesn’t break the bank, but still feels like a solid investment.”.
“A little left-field, but My Paper Dolls is perfect for your fashionista friend,” says Wenninger. “You can upload photos of the recipient’s face, and they will send you an illustrated version of a doll, with interchangeable outfits. Depending on the price point, they can even be customizable to the recipient’s own wardrobe.”.
“These days, it seems like everyone’s got an opinion on the best seltzer/soda/fizzy waters saturating the market,” says Wenninger. “Some like sharp bubbles, while others like soft. Some like limoncello, while others have functioning taste buds. The Soda Stream, the at-home soda maker we all watched long Saturday morning infomercials for, has a new ‘stream’ of business. It’s also an at-home water carbonator, and it makes a delicious cup of bubbly.".
“Dyson vacuums come in at a high price point, and are, we’re sad to report, worth every penny,” says Wenninger. “The brand takes everything that makes vacuuming a chore — heavy equipment, cords, clunky accessories — and makes it easy to do. The products are so sleek and high-powered that it almost becomes hard not to vacuum.”.
“Spotify has become as ubiquitous to music-listening as those early aughts Apple commercials,” Wenninger says. “Spotify allows users to stream thousands of artists, millions of songs, and even curates specific daily, weekly, monthly, vibey, or mood-based playlists based on listening patterns and styles. Plus, the end of year wrap up is always a fun way to look back on a year in music — the good, the bad, and the soundtrack to it all.”.
“The average makeup lover might splurge on a $50 eyeshadow palette if they feel like getting themselves a treat. The average makeup lover might not splurge on a $130 eyeshadow palette, as that is roughly the cost of a month’s worth of groceries,” says Wenninger. “But they will know who Pat McGrath is, and they will lose their shit when they find her under the tree, with their name on the box. Hot tip: Go with the Mothership line of palettes, made by the Mother herself.”.
“Owala has dared to ask the question: What if everything annoying about a water bottle just… wasn’t?” says Wenninger. “They have a built-in, easy-to-clean straw, they’re insulated (to prevent annoying water rings and sweating), and they have lids that actually lock and are actually tight. Thanks to a solid marketing campaign, the Owala’s virality rivaled the Stanley Tumbler for a moment, but unlike the Stanley Tumbler, it is 1) not $40 and 2) worth it.”.
“We’ve all grown more eco-conscious, as temperatures continue to climb and the plastic island in the ocean gets steadily bigger,” says Wenninger. “Package Free’s reusable utensil set makes a surprisingly good Christmas gift. It’s small enough to fit in a stocking, and easy to use, sanitize, and clean, and has a carabiner to make sure it doesn’t get lost in a backpack on the way to work.”.
“An absolute classic, the Beats Studio Pro headphones remain unbeaten in both sound quality and gift-ability,” says Wenninger. “They’re lightweight, so they don’t crush or hurt the ear or the top of your head, and the battery provides a 40-hour charge, which means these headphones can last for a week and a half’s worth of commutes.” .
“Subscription and subscription box trials are a surprisingly slept-on Christmas gift,” says Wenninger. “Porter House Road gives you the option to send three-, six-, or nine-month subscriptions of six of their butcher boxes. All of their meat is pasture-raised in Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as produced sustainably.”.
“Most aerosol perfume wears off within an hour or two. This scented oil is crazy cheap, and lasts much longer,” says Tim Latterner, SPY’s style and home editor. “The cap is attached to an applicator so that a swipe across the collar is enough to leave anyone smelling great for the rest of the work day.” .
“Everyone loves flowers in their home. Being hyper allergic to pollen, or flowers being out of season, shouldn’t stop anyone from living that dream. OKA makes really beautiful faux flowers,” says Latterner. “Mix and match with a few of their options. Give them to your sneezing friend who still likes good décor choices.”.
“A small catch-all tray is a great place to show people right as they enter your home that you’ve got good taste,” says Latterner. “At this price, though, buy six of these and use them as dessert plates at your next dinner party. Give it to your friend who just moved.”.
“Forget about incense and candles. Everyone’s absolutely sleeping on piñon wood,” Latterner says. “This little burner and the bits of wood to burn are all only $13. That’s a steal at twice the price. Give it to your vibiest friend.”.
“Does anyone need an apron for their wine bottles? Probably not. But everyone should want one, which is why this is the perfect gift since it's impossible to justify buying for oneself,” says Latterner. “This apron acts as a drip cloth for the last drops of wine that always seem to land right on the white linen. It secretly doubles as a cover for the wine label though. Give it to that friend who always brings the cheap stuff.”.
“For every nerdy tech friend that needs a style boost, there is a vintage Apple tee from the early 2000s,” says Latterner. “Here’s this one — an absolute jawn.”.
“Art is great but wildly overshadows the importance of a good frame,” says Latterner. “This one, from Maison Flâneur, is a fun pop of color and style. Give it to your girlfriend with a photo of you both in there. Alternatively, give it to your Gen-Z coworker who’s never had an actual desk to work at before and needs to decorate his.”.
“Those tiny tea lights always end up burning out of their oil. Give them a bit more vibey glow with these orange lanterns. They come as a set,” says Latterner. “Give this to your friend who loves natural wine and dinner parties.".
“After the wine magazine Glou Glou embarked on making their own juice, represent the craftsmanship of weird, cool, funky French natural wine with some equally cool merch,” says Latterner..
“Every cool grown up needs their own custom stationerym” says Latterner. “That’s just…one of those things a cool vibey person has. Papier has excellent selection. This French bulldog one has a nice balance of fun (dog) and color (green).”.
“I received Alo’s Warrior Mat as a Christmas gift a few years ago, and ever since, it’s been a staple in my yoga and workout routine,” says Stone. “It’s beautiful (I love the matte finish and chic neutral colors) and functional — the non-slip grip on both sides is a game-changer. For all workout enthusiasts, this mat would be a thoughtful gift.”.
“The quality of Arc'teryx cold-weather gear is unmatched,” says Stone. “This insulated hoodie is warm enough for a serious winter outings but lightweight enough to pack down easily. Any outdoor enthusiast would be thrilled to receive it.”.
“For minimalist, heirloom-quality jewelry, do not sleep on Abel Objects,” says Stone. “All pieces are hand-made in New York by Kelsey Lim, the brand’s founder, with a remarkable attention to detail. Gift this stamped pendant necklace to a jewelry lover or anyone who would appreciate a piece that’s truly unique and will last a lifetime.”.
“I’m just putting this out there: I am usually not a board game person. (Hot take: I have never been able to wrap my head around the allure of Settlers of Catan.) That said, a friend introduced me to the strategy game Ticket to Ride this year and I am hooked,” says Stone. “It’s versatile (between two and five people can play). It takes about an hour to finish a game. It requires some brain power but is simple enough to teach and learn quickly. Gift it to board game enthusiasts, or even a skeptic, with the next game night in mind.”.
“Birthdate Co. offers one candle for, predictably, every day of the calendar year — perfect as an actual birthday present, yes, but also as a holiday gift with an extra personal touch,” says Stone. “Ideal for candle lovers and astrology lovers alike.”.
“I’m aware that a bath towel set is not the sexiest gift on the planet, but hear me out — Onsen’s waffle-weave towels are worth it for anyone in need of a bathroom upgrade,” says Stone. “They’re soft yet durable, and they dry in a snap. I’ve had my set for nearly three years and I’ve never looked back. ” .
“For those with a bar cart that already has (most) everything, this five-pack of bitters from New York-based Hella Cocktail Co. will take it up a notch,” says Stone. “The set includes smoked chili, aromatic, orange, and ginger, and Mexican chocolate bitters. Break them open immediately to zhuzh any holiday cocktail.”.
“Nothing elevates even the most simple drink like a round ice cube,” says Stone. “This silicone ice tray from W&P produces the most satisfying spherical cubes, and they’re super easy to make.”.
“Olive oil is a kitchen staple, yes, but this four-piece olive oil set from Brightland — which includes oils infused with lemon, basil, chili, and garlic, respectively — imparts an instant serotonin boost not normally associated with the pantry mainstay,” says Stone. “Gift it to any frequent (or aspiring, like myself, if I’m honest) cook.”.
“The winter season is the season of perpetually dry skin,” says Stone. “Enter this hydrating skincare set from Kiehl’s, which includes a facial moisturizer, a body cream, an eye cream, and a hand salve. I’ve tried all four of these products and each one is a staple during the colder months. You can’t go wrong.”.
“The humble ankle weight has had a bit of a come-up in recent years, thanks in large part to fitness accessory brand Bala,” says Stone. “The brand’s Bangles — sets of one- or two-pound wrist or ankle weights — are as aesthetically pleasing as they are effective at toning the arms and legs during exercise. Run, don’t walk (sorry, I had to) to gift these.”.
“What’s better than a regular wine opener? A cordless wine opener that works with the press of a button — no elbow grease necessary,” says Stone. “This one from Cuisinart can uncork up to 80 bottles per charge, according to the brand, and also works as a vacuum-sealer for unfinished bottles.”.
“A towel that’s specifically designed to dry hair may seem a little extra, but I was introduced to these, recently, and I’ve never looked back,” says Stone. “This one from Crown Affair is made with a custom blend of microfibers to absorb moisture and smooth strands. It’s technically extra, yes, but in all the right ways.”.
“I have long been an Aesop hand soap enthusiast,” says Stone, “But the brand’s Resurrection hand balm is the perfect post-wash treatment, especially during the colder months. It includes mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedar for a scent that’s part citrus, part woody, and 100% delicious. It’s a great stocking-stuffer.”.
“Any coffee enthusiast will appreciate this gift box from Cometeer,” says Stone. “It includes 32 frozen coffee capsules from New York-based Joe Coffee, including medium and dark roasts. The boxes are shipped to your gift recipient’s door on dry ice; all they need to do is add water and heat (or not) to their desired temperature.”.
“The office Christmas present is extremely underrated and the office desk Christmas present is always a winner,” says Andrew Burmon, SPY’s Editor-in-Chief. “The desk name plate is perfect because it’s respectful, but also, unless the recipient is doing a middling job as a middle management at a mid-tier bank in middle America, it’s clearly a bit. It looks dumb as hell in an open-plan office and doubles as a nice way to protest open-plan offices, which are dumb as hell.”.
“The 2023 F1 season wasn’t the best. Max ran away with the thing and Ferrari did the Eric Andre meme, making murderously awful strategy decisions and then wondering just how things went so wrong. That said, Charles “Shaaaaaaaarl” LeClerc and Carlos “Carlos Sainz” Sainz remained likable even as they cursed out their coworkers. It was all very Step Brothers so… the shirt makes sense,” says Burmon..
“Carrying a duffel always makes me feel like I’m headed to an away game. The unwieldy shape and the big strap have a real Slap Shot vibe, especially when paired with a statement overcoat. The Porter Yoshida duffle has a bit of a Y3 gym goth thing going on,” says Burmon, “which makes it feel just a bit more sophisticated and urban; a bit less brawling in rural Pennsylvania, and a bit more skiing in Hokkaido.”.
“Stanley Kubrick was a great American crazy person who made great genre movies about the myriad genres of American crazy. The Shining, which is as odd as it is revered, might be the most successful of these movies. On one level, it’s a movie about a haunted hotel. On a second level, it’s a movie about Stanley Kubrick haunting a hotel (and his actors). This book captures both levels,” says Burmon. “Huge books are the new DVD extras.”.
“The famous society photographer Slim Aarons, best known for his photos of Mediterranean pools and famous women, summarized his career thusly: ‘Photographing attractive people who were doing attractive things in attractive places.’ His work was, like the pools, vividly shallow. The cabana feels like a touch of Aarons in an all-too-often glamor-less world,” says Burmon..
“A lot of people don’t identify as gamers for one simple but ridiculous reason: They don’t play video games. Here’s the thing — they do,” says Burmon. “Instagram is a video game. So is Twitter. Scrolling is gameplay. This simple Atari setup elevates that behavior microscopically, creating a calm space where pixelated threats can be handled one at a time. So, the opposite of a phone.”.
“It seems like 2023 was the year of switching to tea,” says Burmon. “That tends to be good — great if you go the Countess Grey route — but leads to some logistical challenges. If the goal isn’t to burn away fingerprints in advance of a heist (no judgment), it’s best to step back from the stove and employ a more genteel European solution, albeit one that doesn’t look like those horrible beige water heaters that seem to be legally required in England (and work about as well as the NHS).”.
“The GAP has spent more time in the wilderness than most wolves, but now seems to be coming back to the pack. Is the outerwear exciting? No. Are the shirts exciting? No. Are those the right questions? No. The GAP was never supposed to be exciting,” says Burmon. “The GAP was supposed to make shirts you could accidentally leave in a Holiday Inn Express and not think twice about. We’re back baby!”.
“The quiet majority of Americans still attempting to balance their prescriptions are going to need something to do with their hands in 2024, which is shaping up to be an anxious, sweaty sort of year. The ONO Roller is designed for people who take apart pens, small appliances, or themselves while waiting for the other shoe to drop,” says Burmon. “Consider it self-care for people who don’t do candles.”.
“Buying diamonds for someone seems incredibly stupid (captured market operating as a cartel, tokens of human suffering, kinda plain) until you’ve done it. If diamonds are the girl in question’s best friend, get her a corgi. If she’s got the dog and her values in order, get her something shiny,” says Burmon. “Why does this cuff stand out? To quote the inimitable Lindsey Bluth: “Can you believe it, Michael? A million fucking diamonds!”