Paste BN staffers share holiday gift recommendations for 2025 🎁

These holiday gifts vary in purpose and price, but they all have one thing in common: They're gifts we swear by.

It's here, it's yours, it's mine, it's ours—it's Paste BN's official 2025 holiday gift guide and it is chock-full of the year's best gifting inspiration and product recommendations, including items that have been handpicked (and loved) by our very own team members across departments, publications and the country!

From trendy beauty gifts like the bubbly L'Occitane Shower Oil to new parent essentials like the Gunamuna Sleep Swaddles and even polarizing buys that double as great gifts—like the Apple iPhone Pocket that has divided the internet—these selects vary in purpose and price, but they all have one thing in common: They're gifts our editors swear by.

Below, peruse through our full gift guide and shop the year's most popular holiday gifts, with Paste BN staff-recommended essentials that are perfect for everyone on your list—no matter their age or interests:

Paste BN staff picks: Best holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list

Looking for something specific? Click below to jump through our different gifting categories:

Beauty gifts
Home gifts
Fashion gifts
Toy gifts
Lifestyle gifts
Fitness gifts
Tech gifts

Paste BN staff-recommended beauty gifts

Give the beauty-lover in your life a holiday gift they'll never forget, with editor recommendations that include a perfume sampler set, silk pillowcase and more.

The Skinny Confidential Mint Ice Roller

"This bite-sized ice roller offers a mini alternative to The Skinny Confidential's full-size beauty accessory, but with the same soothing benefits. Gift it as a beauty stocking stuffer!" - Kyley Warren, Shopping Editor

Maison Margiela 'Replica' Memory Box Fragrance Sampler Set

"For the hard-to-shop for mom or sister, give the gift of Replica's Memory Box Fragrance Sampler Set from Sephora for a stroll down memory lane of popular scents." - Jessica Moore, Digital Producer

Zimasilk Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

"Affordable and 100% silk—great for those with long and frizzy hair." - Shelby Line, Motorsports & Sports Marketing Team Lead

L'Occitane Cleansing And Softening Refillable Shower Oil With Almond Oil

"For my fellow shower-over-bath gals: This L'Occitane oil delivers an instant, bubbly glow, complete with a sticky almond scent that lasts all day (and smells deliciously luxe)." - Kyley Warren, Shopping Editor

Paste BN staff-recommended home gifts

Help them make their space their own with a thoughtful home gift; our editor's top gifting recommendations range from a compact ice cream maker to a plush bubble blanket.

Keurig HyperChiller Beverage Cooler

"Best way to make super fast [and] delicious iced coffee with a Keurig." - Callie Carmichael, Video Producer

Bedsure GentleSoft Twin XL Blanket

"The epitome of cozy vibes—this bubble blanket is the ultimate self-care gift (either for yourself or a loved one), as it's made from the softest material and boasts a ribbed texture that's totally unique. I own it in three colors!" - Kyley Warren, Shopping Editor

Our Place Tall Night & Day Glasses

"I already own these glasses and I'm obsessed. The tall and short sizes stack so neatly in your cabinet and they come in the cutest colors that add a subtle flare to any table. Plus, they're on sale at Our Place right now! Perfect for any hostess, someone who just moved to a new place or for yourself!" - Kasey Caminiti, Editorial Director

Cuisinart FastFreeze Frozen Treat Maker with Pints

"An ice cream maker is not really an essential in my mind, which makes it the ultimate gift for someone! They might not buy it for themselves, so you should! This one from Cuisinart is super compact, quiet and it comes in fun colors (yes, there's even a Wicked collab in there!)." - Kasey Caminiti, Editorial Director

WWF Bamboo Utensil Set

"Great gifts for any age, donating to a great cause." - Kelly Zwetzig, Marketing & Digital Media Manager

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

"The Ember mug is a thoughtful gift for busy parents since it acts just like a mug but means your coffee will never get cold again, even on those mornings when you don't have the time to drink it in peace." - Amelie Sutton, Product Manager, News Automation and AI

Paste BN staff-recommended fashion gifts

Fashion gifts can be tricky to shop for—what with pesky size variations and all. Luckily, there are still plenty of stylish fashion gifts to give this holiday season—from Barefoot Dreams, Apple and more.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Adult Robe

"Barefoot Dreams makes THE coziest products on the market—from socks to blankets and namely, this CozyChic robe that helps to enhance your post-shower experience. Gift it to the loved one who could use an excuse to relax a little more!" - Kyley Warren, Shopping Editor

Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Jewelry Box

"Help the fashion-obsessed in your life keep their most treasured jewels organized with this velvet jewelry box that comes in a variety of colors, and even includes a compact mirror on the inside." - Kyley Warren, Shopping Editor

Apple iPhone Pocket

"The accessory I have been waiting for. Really convenient when I dog walk, my phone is right at my fingertips. Lots of cute colors too." - Judy Hull, Events Sales Representative

Paste BN staff-recommended toy gifts

Shopping for a kiddo or avid gamer? No matter who's on your holiday shopping list, our editors compiled their picks for the best toy gifts, with selects from Lego, Amazon and more.

Lego Super Mario Game Boy

"This is going to be a flash back for my three adult children this year; they loved their Game Boys and Legos." - Craig Webber, Distribution Director

Smart Drawing Robot for Kids

"I bought this for my grandkids, and they absolutely love watching it draw! It’s easy to use on any flat surface and comes with a convenient USB charger, so no need to worry about batteries. A fun, creative way to keep kids entertained while sparking their imagination." - Michelle Ward, Customer Success Manager

Monopoly Buy Everything Expansion

"Puts a new twist on a classic game! Each expansion pack can be used with the original Monopoly game, creating new rules and new excitement!" - Brianna Reising, Senior Manager

Paste BN staff-recommended lifestyle gifts

Whether you're a new parent, a bookworm, a dedicated builder or just someone looking to give a more thoughtful gift this holiday season, we sourced tons of lifestyle-enhancing gifts, perfect for all ages (and hobbies).

Gunamuna Sleep Swaddles

"There are a few things that rule the life of a new parent. Obviously there are expected items like diapers and adorable baby clothes, but let's not forget that the most important thing for ALL members of the family...sleep! While we fight the uphill battle of trying not to spend on unnecessary baby items, paying a little more for a sleep sack that helped our daughter not only sleep through the night but transition to sleeping in her own room is one of the best investments we have made!" - Dylan Reffe, Commerce Editor

Bygonemark Leather Magnetic Bookmark with Pen Holder

"Perfect gift for friends, roommates, etc.—inexpensive but beautiful, personalized and beautiful packaging that makes it feel special. Plus, I love that it is handmade." - Shelley David, Talent Acquisition Manager

Funwhole Book-Cafe Lighting Building-Bricks Set

"Building block sets aren't just for kids—they're for creators! This is a stylish coffee bookstore with authentic touches, detachable accents and warm lighting throughout. Quick assembly, fun and interactive; you can combine it with other building sets to create a city experience." - Susan Mier, Infrastructure Analyst

Shutterfly Photo Jigsaw Puzzle

"Special photo made into a jigsaw puzzle. Meaningful and can frame to hang on wall." - Jamie Klika

Ragbrai 2025 Gingie Ornament

"This is the perfect gift for the cyclist in your life! RAGBRAI's annual gingerbread ornament is sure to light up any tree. Collect one from each year you ride! Bonus - check out our coordinating ugly Christmas sweaters or our RAGBRAI LII logo ornament!" - Andrea Parrott, Des Moines Register

Paste BN staff-recommended fitness gifts

Help them take their fitness game up a level with the year's best fitness gifts—per Paste BN staffers.

Sperax Walking Treadmill Pad

"For those who want to be more active while working from home, give the gift of this Sperax Walking Treadmill Pad from Amazon." - Jessica Moore, Digital Producer

Bala Bangles

"When you want to squeeze in some extra movement without committing to a full workout, you can't go wrong with these Bala ankle weights; they're effective, available in several different weights and perfect whether you're working at home or on a run." - Kyley Warren, Shopping Editor

LitFlask Smart Water Bottle

"I bought myself a LitFlask after seeing it on Oprah's Favorite Things last year, and I loved it so much I bought one for my husband, too. He uses it on the golf course and when he's grilling in the backyard. It's a great way to charge devices on the go and carry your favorite tunes with you. This is a great gift for teens, college students, husbands, and wives." - Renee Spencer, Community Engagement Editor

Paste BN staff-recommended tech gifts

Get the gadget-obsessive in your life something that'll help streamline their life—and bring out their inner nerd. Our favorites include the popular Kindle Paperwhite and Charmcast Portable Charger.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

"Changes how one reads." - Wheeler Cowperthwaite, Reporter

Charmast Portable Charger with Built in Cables

"It might seem boring, but everyone always needs a portable charger. This is the best stocking stuffer or white elephant/holiday gift swap idea; an easy win." - Kasey Caminiti, Editorial Director

HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer

"With this portable printer, you can sync your phone to the device and have Polaroid-esque photos printed within minutes. It's perfect for girl's nights, group travel or whenever else you want to commemorate a moment with a physical photo." - Kyley Warren, Shopping Development Editor

What are the best places to shop for holiday gifts?

This year's best holiday gifts are wide-ranging, with items that span categories like home, beauty, fashion, tech and more. When it comes to actually shopping for said gifts, you can score many of our favorite items at top retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Nordstrom and more.

Other ideas for more atypical brands: Uncommon Goods, Mark & Graham and the Paste BN store for local merchandise and gear.

More popular holiday gifts to shop:

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