23 Great Gifts to Buy for Yourself

HAY can do no wrong in my book, and these color-blocked candles are no exception. Featuring a motif that pays homage to the brand’s Danish roots, these artful accent pieces are perfect for entertaining during the holidays. Choose among three different color palettes—or grab them all to mix and match.

Holiday entertaining is made better with beautiful dishes and serving ware. East Fork pottery has been a favorite of mine for years—I love their artistic approach to the everyday. This versatile bowl, available in 10 inspired colorways, is a staple of my dining table, whether I’m using it as a soup bowl or as a vessel prime for entertaining.

I received these cocktail napkins as a housewarming gift and they are by far one of my most prized possessions. Made from reclaimed denim, the hand-embroidered pieces spark joy each time I pull them out for a party or an everyday occasion.

There’s something to be said about splurging on the basics with the intention of elevating the everyday. Case in point: This speckled plastic cutting board can easily transition from a prep station to the dinner table. Its eye-catching composition, with the bright yellow handle, is just one reason to love it. It also happens to be quite sturdy and is available in a variety of equally fun colorways.

Cocktail hour just got a whole lot more chic thanks to these colorful vessels from Sophie Lou Jacobsen. Available in an array of colors, the delicate stemware is bound to elevate the everyday. Each glass comes with a stainless steel stirrer that’s prime for your garnish of choice.

When it comes to cooking essentials, good olive oil almost always comes out on top. This olive oil from Wonder Valley was a standout in our evaluation. It boasts a fruity flavor balanced with pepperiness and bitterness. Its strong taste would make it good for drizzling on foods and added to salad dressings.

Elevate your snacking repertoire with this subscription snack box from Bokksu. Every box ships directly from Japan and includes an assortment of Japanese sweet and savory snacks, candies, teas, and more. A one-month subscription starts at $40, but for more variety, go for the three-month option.

Each month will feature a unique theme for the treats. Past versions have included the “Sakura Story” box, an ode to Japan’s famed cherry blossom season, and a “Night Out in Osaka,” which includes snacks made in Osaka and inspired by its street food.

Upgrade movie night with freshly popped popcorn right from the comfort of your kitchen. This model was a standout in a recent evaluation of the best popcorn machines because it delivered a lighter, toastier flavor with a pleasant snap in each piece. It takes roughly 2 minutes to pop a whole bowl and has a capacity of 16 cups.

Give yourself the gift of a better vessel for your morning brew. According to Bernie Deitrick, a CR test engineer, compact mugs for multiple small servings (rather than one big pour) can optimize the flavor and retain the heat of coffee. Jiyoon Han, the founder of Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters, recommends this mug from NotNeutral. “Made from high-quality porcelain, it has a wide mouth to enhance aroma, a comfortable handle for a secure grip, and a modern design,” Han says. Choose from a range of vibrant and pastel hues or mix and match to your heart’s content.

For more options: Best Coffee Mugs for Keeping a Brew Warm

Claire Chan, founder of The Elk, a specialty coffee shop and general store in New York City, prefers drinking cold-brew with a straw and over a lot of ice. So whenever she’s whipping up a batch at home, the coffee pro makes sure to put it in an insulated tumbler like this colorful option. “The insulation keeps it cold for much longer, and the straw is built in,” Chan says. “I know it might sound silly, but it really makes a difference.” 

If you can’t make it to that dream getaway, revel in its beauty from afar. Assouline’s Mykonos Muse depicts inspired scenes from the Cyclades and beautifully curated passages from various tastemakers around the world. The tome is a visual treat and will have you dreaming of your next trip.

Few things in life feel as great and refreshing as a spritz of Caudalie’s iconic Beauty Elixir—especially after a long-haul flight or a workout. This versatile mist, made from grape extract and a variety of essential oils such as rose, peppermint, and rosemary, can be used as a setting spray for makeup or a little pick-me-up whenever you need it.

The Béis Dopp Kit is made of cotton and vegan leather and comes in a variety of colors. It’s a bag you’ll enjoy holding because of how comfortable the material feels. It can be opened wide enough that every item inside is in full view, which makes it easy to access. The bag is divided into a top and bottom compartment, and there are two side pockets in the top compartment. Take this gift to the next level by pairing it with your giftee’s favorite beauty essentials.

Looking for an easy way to travel with your beloved skin care? These silicone travel bottles are up to the task. These compact bottles hold 3 ounces, they’re TSA-approved, and they even come with a handy, see-through case for added protection. The container’s wide mouth made it a cinch to fill, even when attempting to dispense liquids with higher viscosity, like hand lotion or conditioner. And the flip-top caps made it easy to use, especially with one hand, when needed. 

Treat yourself to a little getaway. And while you’re at it, why not snag a new weekender as well? This Dagne Dover bag was a favorite in an evaluation of the best weekender bags. It features six large mesh pockets, a smaller zippered pocket, and two removable sleeves. Made from neoprene (a material commonly used to manufacture wetsuits), this water-resistant bag is a choice option for traveling during rain or shine.

This fragrant duo, comprised of a candle and room spray, will instantly transport your mom to a lush summer garden. When she catches a whiff of Flamingo Estate’s now-famous heirloom tomato scent, she’ll feel like she’s standing in front of a ripe tomato hanging on a vine. The beautiful packaging is a bonus.

Buffy’s Cloud Comforter was the softest choice in our at-home assessment. Thanks to its smooth, silky feel and fluffiness, the duvet is comfortable enough to use without a duvet cover. Made of recycled materials, it’s uniformly stuffed in layers to prevent clumping and shedding. The shell material is 100 percent sateen-weave Tencel lyocell.

“I bought this when a dermatologist I interviewed told me that cotton pillowcases are thirsty and drink up everything, including the cream I spend way too much on for my face,” says Joanne Chen, CR’s former deputy home editor, who has spent 15 years digging into health trends, including the quest for better sleep. And while less expensive satin or silk pillowcases are available, Chen knew she had to splurge on this one the moment she saw it. 

“I love fluffing up my pillow (I have the Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate, which is recommended by CR) each night before bed, admiring the swirls of stars, which never fail to put me in a more blissful state,” she said.

A better night’s sleep might just start with pure silence. The Alpine SleepSoft comes in a cute little container designed to attach to a keychain. They also come with a tiny insertion wand, but a long tentacle reaches out from each bud, so you don’t necessarily need this tool. That tentacle also seemed to become a fulcrum during sleep, allowing the plugs to pry themselves free.

For more options: Best Earplugs