My 2023 holiday gift guide

‘Tis the season, and I have no shortage of present recommendations.

Here you’ll find giftable goodies I either personally have or want listed by price (because let’s be honest, most of us have a budget). OK, this round-up is a bit fragrance- and bodycare-heavy, but there’s no underestimating the power of scent and the soothing benefits of a self-care ritual.

Salt & Stone (starting at $10)
I am by no means suggesting that you gift someone you actually like (or love) with deodorant (unless they need a subtle hint), BUT I’ve tried so many natural options and this is the one I’ve landed on. The “Santal & Vetiver” scent is a dead-ringer for Le Labo’s Santal 33, so if your intended gift recipient is a fan of this fragrance, The Santal Set of deo, hand cream and body wash is sure to put you in their good graces. Salt & Stone also provides this sought-after scent in the form of a body cream and candle as well for the full dupe monte—and although I haven’t tried any of the other fragrances, I wholeheartedly believe Salt & Stone is a smart gifting bet.

Homecourt (starting at $22)
A long, long time ago, my mother told me that any appliances or products designed to facilitate home cleaning were 100% unacceptable gifts. After trying Homecourt, I am making an exception. I scored the Neroli Leaf Surface Cleanser at 75% off during Shen Beauty’s going-out-of-business sale and my kitchen currently smells like Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino ALL THE TIME. This was the gateway drug that led me to buy the Mini Candle Discovery Set to experience all of the scents first hand. On Black Friday, I ordered the Neroli Leaf Hand Wash because I need this scent to surround me at all times. Trust me, Homecourt is the ideal gift for any clean-freak or scent-obsessed person in your like. (Sorry, Mom.)

Le Labo (starting at $35)
Whether you’re a fan of Santal 33 or any of Le Labo’s other incredible scents (Thé Noir 29 is my current favorite), they have A LOT going on for holiday. From perfume discovery sets and skincare travel sets to brand-new ultra-luxe concrete candles and more, I guarantee your gift recipient will be happy.

Kate McLoud Daily Stone Lotion Bar ($45)
Body moisturization can feel like a chore, but it becomes a treat with this solid hydration bar—and there’s definitely someone on your gift list that will absolutely love this. The ritual begins by swiveling the fabulous bamboo canister open (which can be reused for jewelry or containing any other small bits and bobs) and unwrapping the muslin cloth to reveal the bar itself. From there, warm the bar between your hands and glide it along your skin for an ultra-hydrating massage. There are several scents (as well as unscented) and intents (such as sleep, grounding, clearing and sex) to choose from, plus the option to order the bar alone for $38 when it’s time to refill. P.S. The muslin cloth can be used for gentle facial exfoliation while cleansing as well.

Oribe Côte d’Azur Scented Candle ($78)
If you know that intoxicating Oribe scent you know… Don’t hate me, but I scored this at 75% off during Shen Beauty’s going-out-of-business sale. But I will tell you that it has brought me so much olfactory and visual joy that I highly recommend it as a gift this holiday season.

Oura ring (starting at $229 plus $5.99/month)
I’ve officially had my Oura ring for two years, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. It tracks my sleep, steps, exercise (which is automatically added from my Lululemon Studio or Apple Health app), menstrual cycle, body temperature and more. Honestly, sometimes it makes me feel like I’m failing at living (i.e. a low “Readiness” score for the day ahead), but this serves as a great reminder to work in some restorative time when my body needs it. I love the gold finish because it works with my other jewelry, and I also get a kick when I see celebs wearing one on Instagram (which happens a lot).

Gardyn (starting at $999)
Yes, this is an investment, and yes, it requires a bit of upkeep, but we’ve had our Gardyn for one year and it’s the gift that literally keeps giving. I’m currently growing about five different lettuces, jalapeno and bell peppers, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, mint, oregano, thyme, cilantro and rosemary. The monthly membership gives me virtual gardening assistance (such as messages that it’s time to add water) and credits to buy new pods as I need them—which I germinate in the Gardyn Sprout Nursery until they are ready to join the rest of their friends. I’ve never had a green thumb but tending to my Gardyn and reaping/eating its benefits is both fulfilling and rewarding. (You can also get 20% off by using my referral code.)

For more gifting inspo, check out my recent posts about Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals (which very well may still have holiday promotions going on) along with the clothes and accessories that are in high rotation at the moment!