28 Best Gifts to Buy for Yourself
Self-care starts here with some of our favorite picks
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Whether your idea of self-care involves heart-pumping workouts, freshly brewed cups of coffee, or winding down with a good book, we have you covered with a host of options from our tests and at-home evaluations. The best part? You can feel good about any of these expert-backed items for yourself or a loved one on your list.
For more ideas and inspiration, we’ve got great gift ideas for everyone.
Gifts for Foodies and Entertainers
Estelle Colored Champagne Coupe Stemware, Set of 2
Cocktail hour just got a whole lot more chic, thanks to Estelle Colored Glass. Available in a variety of colors, the delicate stemware is sure to elevate the everyday. Pass the bubbly, please!
East Fork Everyday Bowl
Holiday entertaining is better with beautiful dishes and serveware. East Fork pottery has been a favorite of mine for years; I love the artistic approach to the everyday. This versatile bowl, available in 10 inspired colorways, is a regular on my dining table, whether I’m using it as a soup bowl or as a vessel prime for entertaining.
Quincy Brine and Olives
The secret to a great dirty martini lies in the brine. Cue this combo from Quincy that’s poised to take your cocktail to the next level. Featuring a delectable combination of gourmet olives and a brine that can go straight into the shaker, all you need to do is add the spirit of your choice and you’re all set.
HAY Patterned Tapered Candles
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 from three color palettes—or grab them all to mix and match.
Fredericks and Mae Small Cutting Board
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 a 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.
Big Night Olive Party Cocktail Napkins, Set of 4
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.
Wonder Valley Olive Oil
When it comes to cooking essentials, good olive oil almost always comes out on top. This one from Wonder Valley was a standout in our evaluation. It has a fruity flavor balanced with pepperiness and bitterness. Its strong taste makes it good for drizzling on food and adding to salad dressings.
Bokksu Japanese Snack Box Subscription
Elevate your snacking repertoire with this subscription snack box from Bokksu. Each one is shipped directly from Japan and includes an assortment of Japanese sweet and savory snacks, candies, teas, and more. A one-month subscription starts at $34.99, but for more variety, go for the three-month option.
Each month features a unique theme. Past versions have been a “Sakura Story” box, an ode to Japan’s famed cherry blossom season, and a “Night Out in Osaka,” which had snacks made in there and inspired by its street food.
Dash Hot Air Popcorn Popper
Upgrade movie night at home with freshly popped popcorn. 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 kernel. It takes the machine about 2 minutes to pop a whole bowl, and it has a capacity of 16 cups.
Gifts for Coffee and Tea Lovers
East Fork The Mug 4-Pack
Give yourself the gift of a better cup for your morning brew. East Fork’s two-toned mugs are equal parts beautiful and durable. Available in a set of four and in a wide array of fun colorways, these dishwasher- and microwave-safe mugs will be a welcome addition to your morning. Made in North Carolina, each mug can hold 10 to 12 ounces, the latter when filled to the brim.
Go ahead—treat yourself to a better brew each morning. If you’re looking for a more versatile coffee maker that delivers great performance, the Nespresso CitiZ EN267 Coffee Maker fits the bill. Using Nespresso capsules, this machine can brew coffee and espresso, as well as lattes and cappuccinos with its milk frother. It receives top-notch ratings for first-cup speed, repeat speed, and size consistency in our lab tests.
For more options: Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers
Palais de Thés Tropical Garden Tin Teas
Palais des Thés teas are the ultimate little luxury, and this tropical brew is not to be missed. Featuring a blend of mango, pineapple, papaya, and peach, this caffeine-free tea is refreshing and delightfully fragrant. Choose from a loose-leaf version that comes in a metal tin, tea in a pouch, or tea in standard tea bags. Take it to the next level by pairing it with a set of teacups.
Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler With Lid and Straw
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,” she says. “I know it might sound silly, but it really makes a difference.”
Looking for a better brew? Intelligentsia’s house blend is a light-bodied, bright-tasting coffee that’s great for those who love it black. It has a little bitterness and a bold citrus flavor.
For more options: Best and Worst Coffee Blends
The Bunn HB Heat N Brew Programmable receives strong marks across the board in our performance tests. But its features are a bit bare-bones. While it offers an auto-shutoff, a cleaning indicator, and programmability, it lacks essential features like a brew-strength selector and a small-batch setting, despite its relatively high price. Still, you’re likely to love this machine. Bunn drip coffee makers have earned an excellent reputation for owner satisfaction, and they’re more reliable than most, according to data from our latest member surveys. Its unusual design has all the brewing mechanisms above the glass carafe.
For more options: Best Drip Coffee Makers
Gifts for Travelers
Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet
If you feel as if you’ve seen this one all over social media, you might be right. The viral dual wristlet from Lululemon features two zippered pouches that can also be used as a stand-alone wallet. It’s available in a variety of bright and fun color combinations.
Assouline Publishing Mykonos Muse
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 book is a visual treat and will have you dreaming of your next trip.
Lands' End Medium 5-Pocket Open Top Canvas Tote Bag
A sturdy tote never goes out of style, and this canvas version is built to last. I’ve had mine for 10 years and it’s still going strong. Whether you use it for produce from the farmers market, as a diaper bag, or as a simple tote for traveling, this versatile carry-all is a classic for a reason. Choose from 23 different colorways and four sizes. You can also opt for an open or zip top and select a custom handle length.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Few things in life feel as great and refreshing as a spritz of Caudalie’s iconic Beauty Elixir, especially after a long flight or a workout. This versatile mist, made from grape extract and essential oils like rose, peppermint, and rosemary, can be used as a setting spray for makeup or a little pick-me-up whenever you need it.
Béis The Dopp Kit
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 to reveal every item inside, making it easy to access. The bag is divided into a top and bottom compartment, and there are two side pockets in the top compartment. Elevate this present by pairing it with your favorite beauty essentials.
Cheodin Toiletry Travel Bottle Set, 5-pack
Looking for an easy way to travel with your skin care? These silicone travel bottles are up to the task. The compact bottles hold 3 ounces, they’re TSA-approved, and they even come with a handy, see-through case for added protection. The wide mouth makes them a cinch to fill, even with thicker products like hand lotion or conditioner. And the flip-top caps made them easy to use, especially with one hand, when needed.
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
If you’re treating yourself to a little getaway, 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.
With its relatively low price and admirable test performance, the expandable Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner is a worthwhile pick for those who don’t care about bells and whistles. It aced most of our durability tests (though a pointed hammer swung from 90 degrees did substantial damage). In tests of usability, carrying and pulling, construction quality, ergonomics and design, and safety, the Amazon Basics racked up strong scores.
For more options: Best Hard-Shell Suitcases From Our Tests
Gifts for Lounging at Home
Quince Luxury Faux Fur Throw
Once the weather cools, few things can compare with snuggling up on a couch with a warm, oversized throw. Cue this faux fur version from Quince, which is equal parts aesthetically pleasing and luxurious. At under $100, this one seems too good to pass up.
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
“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,” said Joanne Chen, a former deputy home editor at CR. 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.
Diptyque Figuier Refill for Home Fragrance Diffuser
Diptyque’s Figuier (or fig tree) diffusers and candles are popular for a reason: The scent will instantly transport you to a lush, verdant garden. This bottled refill comes with six diffuser sticks and can be decanted into a container of your choice if you prefer not to spring for a $110 version from the company.
Buffy Cloud Comforter
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.
Alpine SleepSoft Earplugs
A better night’s sleep just might start with pure silence. The Alpine SleepSoft earbuds come 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 may also allow the plugs to pry themselves free during sleep.
For more options: Best Earplugs