the Gift issue
November 2024
Presented by
Featuring
Cristal
+
Page 4
Gifts That Keep On
Giving All Year Long
Valdes
Page 5
Cristal’s Favorite Gift Picks for the *Whole* Family
page 6
Gifts PureWow
Editors Are Hinting
for This Year
Page 3
Cozy Winter
Essentials for
Him & Her
This year has been…a lot. Between juggling work, family and everything else, it’s all too easy to let gift-giving slip to the bottom of the list—only to hit you like a ton of bricks when you realize it's mid-December and the panic is real.
And if your family is anything like some of our PureWow editors, they add little twists and surprises each year. One year, a PureWow editor’s family had an infamous Secret Santa, which seemed like a great idea until her Aunt Janet didn’t get the memo about the price limit and showed up with a designer handbag for her cousin, putting everyone else’s candle sets and cozy socks to shame. Or, there’s another PureWow editor whose family member gave them a card saying she made a charitable donation to the local zoo in her name (true story).
But the real challenge? Shopping for all the unique personalities in your life. Kids and teens can be the toughest to pin down. Then there are new partners—figuring out a gift that feels meaningful but not too over-the-top can feel like its own holiday puzzle. And let’s not forget the people who “don’t want anything” (dads), which means the goal shifts from “getting them something great” to “getting them something they can’t refuse.”
No matter the challenge or family tradition, it’s all worth it for that moment of true joy when you get it just right. This year, we’ve rounded up over 100 unique ideas for every type of recipient—including some from our cover star, Cristal Valdes, an influencer and mom we trust, especially when it comes to gift recommendations for the whole family. So whether you’re hunting for experiences, stocking stuffers, or the just-because gifts that say “I see you,” we’ve got you covered. You can nail that holiday moment, whatever the rules.
XOXO, PureWow Editors
Letter from the Editors
03 | His & Hers Cozy Winter Essentials
04 | Gifts That Will Make Them Think of You All Year Long
05 | Cristal Valdes’s Picks for the Whole Family
06 | The Gifts PureWow Editors Are Hinting for This Season
07 | Gifts That Add Some ‘Oomph’ to Your Look
08 | Low Stakes Gifts for Your Brand-New Boo
09 | Stocking Stuffers for the Kids (That Aren’t Just More Socks)
10 | Even More Games for the Person on a 300-Day Wordle Streak
11 | Gifts to Get Teens to Put Their Phones Down 12 | Activities to Do with the Person Who Doesn’t Want More Stuff
13 | Gifts for the Wanderluster Who Would Rather Be on a Plane
Writers | Madeline Merinuk, Samantha Stallard
editors | Kelsey Paine, Angela Pares
Designer | Victoria Parrotta
Inside the Issue
Credits
Add some trendy fringe to your repertoire with this cute pullover. ($34)
a.n.a Women’s Fringe Turtleneck Sweater
Add holiday cheer (and max out
on comfort) in your living room
this winter. ($42)
North Pole Trading Co. Family Blanket
Indulge the men in your life with this extra-warm flannel PJ set. ($44)
St. John’s Bay Men’s Flannel 2-Piece Pajama Set
Style doesn’t have to be a challenge this winter with this versatile hooded flannel. ($42)
Arizona Men’s Hooded Flannel Shirt
It’s French girl winter. ($34)
a.n.a. Women’s Striped Turtleneck Pullover
With an adorable, classic pattern and cozy knitting, you can’t go wrong with this chic pullover. ($34)
a.n.a. Women’s Fairisle Pullover Crewneck
Warm. Fuzzy. Comfy. All the things you want in a slipper. ($17)
Mixit Women’s
Slip-On Slippers
Pair this with your favorite tee and jeans for
a fail-proof winter outfit combo. ($20)
St. John’s Bay Men’s Long Sleeve Flannel
Get your full eight hours in
style this winter. ($20)
Sleep Chic Women’s Flannel Pajama Pants
Designed with a classic cable-knit pattern, this sweater is comfy and easy to style. ($27)
St. John’s Bay Cable Men’s Crewneck
Add a soft, personal touch to
your bathroom. ($34)
Avanti Monogram
3-Piece Towel Set
From sweaters and flannels to soft-as-can-be bath towels and blankets. Warning: Coziness level may reach maximum capacity.
His & Hers
Cozy Winter Essentials
Don’t worry, there’s an “easy care” option for the novice plant parents out there. ($55+)
The Sill Plant Subscription
Make dinner easier, courtesy of
a Blue Apron meal subscription. ($20+)
Blue Apron Meal Subscription
With monthly deliveries of new coffee brands to try, you’ll keep the caffeine lover in your life wired all year long. ($189)
Atlas Coffee Club Subscription
Help them find calm and balance all year long. ($70)
Headspace Mindfulness Annual Subscription
Our favorite subscription box that curates products specifically for women of color. ($341)
Cocotique Beauty Box 12-Month Subscription
Be sure to load it up with photos of yourself first. ($149)
Aura Digital
Picture Frame
For anyone who loves setting intentions, staying organized, and syncing their life with the magic
of the moon. ($54)
Many Moons
Lunar Planner
They only need to worry about which candy and soda to get. ($100)
MoviePass
Annual Plan
Come for the award-winning journalism, stay for the gorgeous cover art. ($78)
New Yorker Annual Subscription
Give a dose of shopping and style inspo in between work emails. ($80)
Harling Ross’Gumshoe Substack Annual Subscription
For every paid membership,
Thrive Market donates a free one
to a needy family. ($60)
Thrive Market
Annual Membership
The gifts that keep on giving
(for at least the next 12 months).
Gifts That Will Make Them Think of You All Year Long
For a simple and chic makeup
look, every single time. ($29)
Too Faced Precious
Gems Palette
Whether out doing some holiday shopping or heading to dinner, this pullover will keep him warm. ($33)
St. John's Bay Quarter
Zip Pullover Sweater
This fragrance, with floral and woody notes, is perfect for the hopeless romantic in your life. ($135)
Ralph Lauren Romance Eau De Parfum Intense
Make his day-to-day smoother
with this convenient and easy-to-use shaver. ($139)
Norelco Wet/Dry Trimmer
A good fragrance set never
goes unappreciated. ($45)
Coach Poppy Eau De Parfum 2-Piece Gift Set
Blend your makeup to
perfection with this holiday set
from beautyblender. ($11)
beautyblender House
Of Bounce
A tried-and-true hairstyling
staple that truly just *works.* ($50)
Revlon One-Step Volumizer & Dryer
Dress this one up or
down with ease. ($48)
J. Ferrar Men’s Long Sleeve Mock Neck
Bring the joy of camping home
for the kids, Disney-style. ($30)
Disney Happy Campers Mickey Mouse Toy Playset
The little artist in your life will be totally enamored with this one. ($20)
Discovery Kids Neon Light-Up Drawing Board
Help your kiddo sort out items
and stay organized. ($38)
Learning Resources
Super Sorting Pie
Shopping for the fam can be
tricky. Luckily, Cristal rounded up some great gift picks from JCPenney that are perfect for the kids, the man in your life and your BFFs, so you can take the guesswork out of gifting.
Cristal Valdes’s Picks for the Whole Family
The ultimate statement earring. And our statement is that it's time for appetizers. ($155)
Susan Alexander Shrimp Cocktail Earrings
TikTok made us want this viral sensation for migraine headaches. ($60)
RENPHO Eyeris 1 Eye Massager with Heat
Created in celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary, this playful cap lets you show your design (cough, cough, Shea McGee) team spirit wherever you’re headed. ($34)
McGee & Co.
Baseball Cap
The brand’s collab with Grammy-winner Kacey Musgraves blends mushroom and raspberry with eucalyptus, sage and lavender. ($56)
Boy Smells Deeper
Well Candle
Who says a tissue box holder can’t be a statement piece? ($40)
Dusen Dusen Everybody Tissue Box
The ultimate luxury item, just don’t let the dog steal this pair from the laundry pile! ($30)
Quince Cashmere
Trouser Socks
Add a dash of whimsy to those sleepy girl bedtime mocktails. ($25)
Ichendorf Milano Fantasia Animal Tumblers
We’re seated for the debut novel from author, content creator and journalist Danielle Prescod. ($17)
The Rules Of Fortune
This yellow mustard color will brighten up even the gloomiest winter days. ($106)
Portuguese Flannel
Lobo Shirt
For those days when you might
not feel fresh and rejuvenated, but want to look the part. ($149)
TheraFace
Depuffing Wand
Throw your hair up with ease, a lá chic Parisienne. ($255)
Lie Studio The
Frida Hairpin
From luxe beauty buys to dreamy home upgrades, these are the wish-list-worthy gifts we’re not-so-secretly hoping for.
The Gifts PureWow Editors Are Hinting for This Season
Add sparkle to any holiday look
with this matching set. ($20)
2-Piece White Diamond Necklace and Earrings
Give your skin a workout (aka,
get an at-home facial massage) with this handy set. ($44)
Skin Gym Rose Quartz Facial Kit
Give the gift of a seriously chic, designer-inspired watch. ($98)
Caravelle Designed By Bulova Brown Leather Strap Watch
The perfume lover in your life
is going to adore this selection
of minis. ($35)
JCPenney 12-Piece Fragrance Vault
Achieve a flawless complexion with just one palette. ($32)
Smashbox Halo Sculpt
+ Glow Palette
Nothing says ‘let’s add some
subtle sparkle’ like a simple and elegant bracelet. ($59)
Gemstone Sterling Silver Bolo Bracelet
A tried-and-true hair care product that just works. IYKYK. ($14)
Sexy Hair Hair Spray
The Sabrina Carpenter Resurgence is in full swing—so why not smell like her too? ($30)
Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth Perfume
Give your under eyes a little pick-me-up this holiday season. ($13)
Patchology Eye
Gel Sampler
Spruce up any outfit with these trendy yet timeless hoops. ($209)
14k Gold Twisted
Hoop Earrings
PureWow editor and beauty influencer-approved, these lip glosses are viral for good reason. ($20)
NYX Fat Lip Oil Trio
We all have that friend who has 18 different nude lipsticks and loves to wax poetic about their latest hoop earring or tennis bracelet purchase—this is for them.
Gifts That Add Some ‘Oomph’ to Your Look
If your boo has a green thumb (and a penchant for disco), they’ll love this mirror ball planter. ($26)
SCANDINORDICA
Disco Ball Planter
Wake up tired skin with this affordable and effective ice roller. ($15)
ESARORA Facial
Ice Roller
You really can’t go wrong with a cozy, sustainably-made beanie. ($62)
NAADAM Signature Cashmere Beanie
A behind-the-scenes look at their favorite movies with beautifully crafted scripts. ($60)
A24 Screenplay Collections
Sleek and weatherproof, this stylish backpack will protect their laptop on their daily commute and coffee shop runs. ($125)
Rains Laptop Backpack
This Snoopy-inspired set is playful yet practical, perfect for keeping essentials organized with a touch of nostalgic charm. ($40)
Baggu Go Pouch Set
If you get the dog to fall in love with you, the owner won’t be far behind. ($45)
Dusen Dusen Green
Bean Onesie
So they can take their favorite music anywhere, making every moment feel like a personal concert. ($120)
Marshall-Willen Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Add some serious Danish style to their morning caffeine routine. ($22)
Bodum Caffettiera
French Press
Perfect for those who like to keep
it clean—practical, eco-friendly
and totally helpful. ($28)
Keith Haring Touchscreen Cleaners
Regular wall calendars are so last relationship (and we’re upgrading in more ways than one). ($48)
MoMA Sliding
Perpetual Calendar
Fun, no-pressure gifts that
say “I’m into you” without going overboard.
Low Stakes
Gifts for Your Brand-New
Boo
Small-scale gifts that still pack a big, playful punch.
Stocking Stuffers for the Kids (That Aren’t Just More Socks)
With 60 coloring pages of scenes
from Bluey, your kids will be more than occupied over winter break. ($60)
Bluey Merry Christmas Coloring Book
Create different shapes and structures to keep their hands busy and imaginations active. ($16)
Magnetic Fidget Pen
A fun, fast-paced way to practice math (while still feeling like playtime). ($20)
Mobi Numerical
Tile Game
The adventures between a boy and his pet fly are quirky and fun, making these books a perfect mix of giggles and heart. ($6)
Hi, Fly Guy!
Let them rock rainbow hair while school’s out for the holidays. ($10)
Hally Hair Temporary Hair Color
Never underestimate the power of an extra bouncy ball. ($16)
Spalding High Bounce Handball
With just 27 exposures, they might fill up the whole camera by the end of the day. ($14)
Fujifilm Fujicolor QuickSnap Flash Camera
The super soft and stretchy fabric continues to fit them as they grow. ($44)
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Disney Mickey Mouse Ears Kids Beanie
Sometimes, a kid needs a bunch of tiny, adorable squishies…to launch at their siblings. ($60)
Squishmallows Mini Plush 8-Pack
Create a dreamy, out-of-this-world vibe in any room—perfect for space lovers of any age. ($25)
West & Arrow Galaxy Astronaut Projector
After seeing the kids get their
hands into these, you may need one for yourself too. ($15)
Crazy Aaron’s
Thinking Putty
With a Nintendo Switch, they can choose between hundreds of games (and take them on the go). ($300)
Nintendo Switch
A good old-fashioned game like Scattergories never goes out of style—especially not in this sleek, vintage-inspired storage case. ($40)
Scattergories Vintage Bookshelf Edition
Get deep this holiday season with this introspective card game. ($25)
We’re Not Really
Strangers Card Game
A fun word search game where players roll the die, flip letter chips, and create words (just remember where the unused letters are). ($10)
Bananagrams
Word-A-Melon
Get your team to guess as many words as possible in a minute using sounds and movements—just keep your hands behind your back!
($30)
That Sound Game
A globe-trotting, brain-bending celebration of language and culture. ($18)
The Language Lover’s Puzzle Book
Players try to get their teammates to guess words and phrases, but here’s the fun part—they can only use single-syllable clues. ($20)
Poetry for Neanderthals Word Game
This takes the addictive solo
word puzzle and turns it into a
lively group challenge. ($20)
Wordle: The
Party Game
For those nights you want to do an escape room without putting on outside pants. ($35)
Mattel Games Escape Room in a Box
A playful decor piece that adds both entertainment and elegance to any coffee table. ($225)
Jonathan Adler Brass
Tic-Tac-Toe Set
From the creator of Murdle, a Wordle-esque site where true
crime meets logic puzzles. ($16)
Murdle: Volume 1
Addictive puzzles and brainy games to keep their streak—and their competitive spirit—going strong.
Even More Games for the Person on a 300-Day Wordle Streak
Because seriously—what teen (or person, generally) doesn’t love cookies? ($30)
Zoe Bakes Cookies Cookbook
If kept unopened in its sealed bag, the clay will stay fresh for 3 to 6 months, ready for whenever inspiration strikes. ($65)
Sculpd Pottery Kit
Help them fall in love with a new read every month and discover stories handpicked to entertain and inspire. ($180)
Cratejoy YA Book Annual Subscription
Cool Aunt/Uncle status instantly unlocked. ($32)
Crushed Ice Gemzeez Starter Kit
Being a Swiftie—and learning to crochet—never goes out of style. ($23)
Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet Kit
Like Pinterest IRL, this journal is a creative way to relieve stress, unwind and create art. ($25)
Snipping the Stress Away: A Collage Activity Journal
An easy and educational way for mystics-in-training to tap into their intuition and explore the magic of tarot. ($19)
Beginner Learning
Tarot Deck
Perfect for the Drive to Survive
fan in the family in between race days. ($17)
The Ultimate Formula
1 Trivia Book
Help them save up for that Billie Eilish concert they just can’t miss.
StubHub Gift Card
OK, this does require the phone a bit, but then they get to flip through and share their real-life photographs. ($100)
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer
A less embarrassing build for the teen who isn’t quite ready to part with their old LEGO sets. ($50)
LEGO Succulent Set
Cool activities and creative
finds that’ll keep them entertained IRL—no screens required.
Gifts to Get Teens to Put Their Phones Down
Take a loved one on a romantic picnic in the park—everything you’ll need is already packed in this handy basket.
Harry & David Picnic Basket Set with Wine
Have a movie lover in your life?
Say less.
AMC Gift Card
Create an omakase experience right in your own home with this fresh sushi-making kit from Blue Ribbon.
Gold Ribbon Special
Sushi DIY Kit
Whether a staycation or a long weekend at a relaxing cabin, there’s something to explore in practically every location.
Airbnb Gift Card
Explore 2,000+ national parks—all while supporting conservation efforts.
America the Beautiful National Park Pass
The ultimate self-care splurge with access to massages, facials and wellness experiences at thousands of locations.
Spafinder Gift Card
With over 180 classes, you can do everything from cooking with Gordon Ramsay to writing with Margaret Atwood together.
MasterClass All-Access Subscription
Find your flow together whenever you need a boost.
CorePower Yoga
Gift Card
From guided hikes to breathtaking campsites, these are the kinds of experiences you can share forever.
REI Hiking Classes
Never underestimate the
healing powers of a long dinner with friends.
Amex Red Resy
Gift Card
Learn culinary skills you can
both use (and brag about) well beyond the class.
Sur La Table
Cooking Class
Memorable experiences from classes of all kinds that bring you closer without adding clutter.
Activities to Do with the Person Who Doesn’t Want More Stuff
These boost circulation, reduce swelling and feel ridiculously
soft—perfect for staying comfy on the go. ($40)
Bombas
Compression Socks
A travel essential for tired eyes—hydrating and reviving after long flights or late nights. ($25)
Loops Rejuvenating Hydrogel Eye Mask
Compact, spill-proof and TSA-friendly. ($75)
Diptyque Eau Capitale Refillable Solid Perfume
Durable, roomy and stylish, this bag is the ideal carry-all for everything from weekend getaways to beach trips. ($45)
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
The fewer cords to travel with—and detangle—the better. ($40)
Twelve South AirFly
Soothe and revitalize tired, swollen legs after long flights or busy days exploring. ($56)
Thalgo Gel for
Feather-Light Legs
Perfect for freshening up on flights, trains, or any adventure. ($10)
Aesop Resurrection
Rinse-Free Hand Wash
This “bottle” folds flat when empty. The perfect excuse to pack an extra pair of shoes. ($14)
Vapur Collapsible
Water Bottle
For the traveler who can’t be confined to one sleeping position (but can be confined to a transatlantic red-eye). ($45)
Infinity Travel Pillow
Even the carry-on queens need to accessorize abroad. ($69)
Mark & Graham Travel Jewelry Case
The bright and bold floral prints make these easy to spot in an overstuffed travel bag. ($30)
Rifle Paper Co.
Passport Holder
For the globe-trotter who’s always dreaming of their next adventure—whether they’re jet-setting or just counting down to their next takeoff.
Gifts for the Wanderluster Who Would Rather Be on a Plane
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