Here at Business Insider Reviews, we spend all year testing products. Our discerning editors carefully test everything from cashmere to candles with journalistic scrutiny — examining fabric contents, real-world usefulness, and value based on cost-per-use. But there's also an X-factor that can't be charted on a testing rubric: a surge of dopamine, an excitement to wear something, or the buzzy pleasure of a true luxury good.
So we've rounded up our favorite joy-bringing products that make great gifts. These are products we love that strike a balance: small luxuries that brighten their day, fun products that spark delight, and a few truly useful items that make life easier without feeling overly practical.
Whether you're shopping for a partner, sister, friend, or someone who swears they "don't need anything," these gifts add a little joy in a way that feels personal and thoughtful. We've tested all of these products ourselves and can safely say that they make our days a little more fun or luxurious.
This gift guide includes a sponsored product that has been suggested by Spanx. It also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.
Our favorite socks ever
"I've tested a lot of brands over the years, but my Bombas socks reviews consistently come with high praise. In fact, about a year ago, I cleared out my entire sock drawer and filled it exclusively with Bombas because all my other socks had been shoved to the back of the drawer anyway!" says Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider reviews, in our Bombas review.
Spanx's famous sweatsuit
AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant ($118) and Half-Zip ($128)
Spanx's AirEssentials sweatsuit is popular for a reason. The material manages to be both thick and light-as-air, which you have to feel to understand. Our writer Talia Ergas tried 22 sets for her review of the best sweatsuits and this one came out on top. And the whole team is a fan of the breathable yet cozy material that has taken the internet by storm.
A subtle yet sophisticated winter scent
Orebella Nightcap perfume, $72 for 50ml
It's easy to be skeptical of celebrity scents, but Bella Hadid's perfume brand has turned into my go-to — especially for cold weather months. The Nightcap scent is a spicy, complex vanilla flavor with notes of ginger, chai tea, and subtle woody undertone that smells like you just got back in from a winter walk among snow and pines. And my favorite part: it's not overwhelming at all. The scent is buildable, not cloying in the slightest, and doesn't give me a headache like many other perfumes.
A digital camera that produces film-like photos
Over the past few years, I've gotten into taking photos on an old-school disposable camera. The photos look imperfect and nostalgic, with that signature Kodak film look. But buying these cameras and paying to develop the photos is both expensive and inconvenient.
Enter: the Camp Snap camera. Not only does it make the photos look just like the disposable ones, but I can also plug it right into my phone to transfer the images — no wait time or expense required. I took it to Greece with me and was amazed that the photos I snapped looked just like film images. I liked these shots so much better than the ultra sharp photos from my iPhone.
A quirky claw clip
Claw clips from Jenny Lemons, starting at $12
If you're on the hunt for a cute, personal stocking stuffer, these claw clips from Jenny Lemons are a quirky pick. They come in tons of different food items — like waffles, tinned fish, hot dogs, pickles, you name it. I have the dirty martini clip and love wearing it to girls' nights as a celebration of our favorite drink.
The sleep mask that will make you a believer in the power of silk
Clementine in NY Silk Sleep Mask, $108
I have tested tons of silk — from discount brands on Amazon to the highest tier of luxury — but no other brand can hold a candle to Clementine when it comes to quality. The material is expertly sourced, sandwashed for the perfect finish, and decorated with hand-drawn figures. I sleep with this mask every night and relish the sensation of the cool fabric on my eyes and the full blackout that it provides.
A tennis necklace without tennis necklace prices
Riviere Necklace, starting at $560 from Dorsey
I have long admired the diamond tennis necklaces on celebrities and influencers, but it's just not feasible to spend thousands of dollars on a statement piece.
This necklace from Dorsey is crafted from lab-grown sapphires, which are less expensive than lab-grown diamonds but just as sparkly and luxurious. It even has a fancy and secure clasp. Every time I put this necklace on, I feel like a Gilded Age heiress.
A luxury brush that instantly makes your hair shiny
I've recently become a convert to boar bristle brushes. Unlike plastic bristles, the boar fibers distribute your scalp's natural sebum from root to tip. This makes your hair look shinier and more hydrated. Plus, the bristles lift dirt and product from your locs, exfoliate your scalp, and can even lengthen the time between washes.
Since I've been using this boar bristle brush, I've noticed a huge difference in my hair's texture and volume. It looks bouncier, is markedly shinier, and feels softer than I've ever felt it. Yes, this brush is an investment, but boar brushes are a luxury for a reason.
Our favorite cashmere sweater
The Original Cashmere Sweater from Naadam, $98
We've tried cashmere sweaters from all the top brands for our guide to the best cashmere sweaters, and this relatively affordable option from Naadam came out on top. Cashmere sweaters like this typically go for $200 or more, but this one is a great deal for the quality. Here's what our resident associate style editor and cashmere expert, Gabrielle Chase, has to say about it:
"I even sleep in mine, it's that smooth. The knit is breathable and insulating all at once, which is unique to cashmere. Another thing I love — this one sweater is unisex (just size up for a looser fit) and comes in dozens of colors, from versatile neutrals to vibrant pastels."
A personalized necklace
Herringbone Engraved Chain Necklace, $125 at Oak and Luna
We love Oak and Luna for their endlessly personalizable, yet relatively affordable jewelry. You can get nameplate necklaces, engraved pendants, initial jewelry, and more. The herringbone necklace above allows you to engrave a full message (up to 60 characters!), and it can be flipped around to keep the message close to your heart.
The silk pajamas I swear by
Washable silk pajamas in a printed version and solid color version, $298 from Eberjey
I tried luxury silks and budget silks for my article on the best silk pajamas, and these came out on top. They're miraculously soft, temperature-regulating in a way that only silk can be, and easy to care for. I've washed my set about a dozen times, and it still looks as good as the day I bought it, which is something you can't say about many silk pieces.
The set is so great that I even got my fiancé a men's version. Now he looks forward to slipping it on at the end of every day and has been dropping hints that he wants another set for Christmas.
The best work bag we've ever tested
We tested approximately four dozen totes for our guide to the best work bag for women, and this one came out on top. You can read our full thoughts in our Dagne Dover Allyn Tote review, but here's the short version: it has a padded laptop sleeve, the best internal organization we've ever seen, a slim silhouette, and more practical bells and whistles than we could name here.
The fanciest faux fur
Faux Fox Fur Stroller, $523 at Lyla Grant
I've been looking for a coat like this in every thrift store I find. Once, I tried one on that I thought would be perfect — but I quickly realized that my allergies were aggravated not only by the dust caked into the coat, but also by the fur itself.
This one from Lyla Grant gives me the look of a great vintage fur without the allergies, dubious ethics, and maintenance that a fox fur would require. It sheds minimally, looks fantastic over a dressy outfit, and gets me endless compliments.
A bag from a brand that discerning purse enthusiasts love
I first learned about Strathberry from the subreddit r/handbags. The forum is full of dedicated purse enthusiasts who are sharp critics of leather and construction. Again and again, I saw Strathberry mentioned as a big standout when it came to value for quality. So, I knew I had to test the brand for myself — and once I did, I came to the same conclusion as many Redditors: these purses really are all they're cracked up to be.
A bed for my favorite creature
Floof Donut Pet Bed, starting $169 from Unhide
My very particular poodle knows good quality when she feels it. She constantly steals my fur throws or takes naps on only the softest of sweaters. So I knew it was time to upgrade her Amazon donut bed to something more luxurious. This bed is not only impossibly soft, but also looks great with my decor.
A pretty toothbrush that makes brushing fun
SURI sonic toothbrush 2.0, currently $114 at SURI
I recently switched from a manual toothbrush to this minimalist electronic one and never looked back. My teeth are whiter, they feel cleaner, and I love using such a pretty product. Plus, one single charge lasts over a month.
A ritual on your nightstand
Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment, $62
This luxury hand cream comes in a beautiful container with refillable pods. The dispenser has a push pump that feels great to use and looks even better on your nightstand. It contains a touch of retinol, which helps keep the skin on your hands looking youthful and healthy.
Colorful gripper socks
Plaid Stripe House Socks, $36 at Verloop
These are the most fun, most colorful house socks around. Whenever I wear mine, I get a little spike of dopamine.
Glasses to romanticize your life
Wavy Glassware, from $38 at Choice Blooms
From iced coffee to wine to fancy cocktails, these glasses make any beverage more fun. You can choose from a 15-ounce or 24-ounce version, along with a variety of fun colors. I love using them for homemade iced matchas, and would be delighted to receive on as a gift.
A customized tote
The iconic Boat and Tote from L.L. Bean, $49.95 for the large
This canvas bag from L.L. Bean is one of the most recognizable totes around. But the best part is that you can customize it with a name or phrase of your choosing. Though it's typical to stick with initials, the TikTok generation has taken to monogramming these classic bags with jokes like "Unhinged" or "Contraband" — or my personal favorite, just emblazoning designer names like "Prada" or "Hermes" on the front.
A way to preserve fancy candles
Candle warmer lamp, $26 on Amazon
This warmer lamp is perfect for luxury candles (like Diptyque above) that you want to preserve. It melts a thin layer of wax at the top, so the candle becomes warm enough to release its scent. This helps you enjoy candles without issues like fire, tunneling, and smoky air.
A Lego Ferrari
- Women’s shoes, particularly heels and boots
- Petite fashion
- Workwear
- Swimwear
- Jewelry