The 9 Best Gifts to Give for Any Occasion, According to a Gift Guide Editor

Two years ago, enough people gifted me olive oil in December that I did not need to buy more until mid-July—and what a welcome boon that was! I rarely ever splurge on really nice olive oil for myself, but appreciate it deeply whenever a bottle finds its way to me. And while there are differences between those blends best for cooking and frying, and those best for salad dressings and drizzling on toast, according to Food Editor Taryn Pire, those differences are subtle enough that you’ll be just fine buying whatever EVOO you like best.

I learned the term “analog bag” from Senior Editor Dana Dickey earlier this year and immediately fell in love with the concept. An analog bag is simply a nice reusable tote filled with little tech-free treats like crossword puzzles, beading kits, disposable cameras and more—essentially a Christmas stocking you can gift any time of year. And because it’s so customizable, it can feel highly specific to the person you’re giving it to. For example, for my sister’s birthday in June I’d opt for a tote that can double as a beach bag and toss in nice sunscreen, a charming new beach read or an insulated mug to keep her drinks nice and cold on pool days. And if you’re particularly crafty, you can deck out the tote with pins, patches or embroidery for a unique finish.

Of all the luxuries one could gift, few are better received than cashmere (at least in my experience). A good cashmere sweater can last for years and years, only getter softer with age, and if you opt for a classic silhouette, like a crewneck pullover or simple cardigan, your gift will never feel dated or out of style. You don’t have to spend a ton to get a quality knit either—in fact, PureWow editors have given their stamp of approval to multiple cashmere sweaters under $150. As for sizing, ask their partner, sibling or parent if you’re unsure. And if they’re between two sizes, I suggest opting for the larger, though you should try to include a gift receipt just in case they want to exchange the size or color.

A cashmere sweater isn’t always within budget, but you can score some truly luxurious cashmere socks for as low as $30 at brands like Quince or $40 at Garnet Hill. They circumvent the issue of sizing and are just as cozy, comfy and comforting as a pair of winter-ready slippers. Socks that are 100 percent cashmere cost more than blended fabrics, but a blended style can feel just as soft and sometimes comes with the added benefit of being machine washable and/or dryer safe.

Unless you know for sure what wine or liquor someone likes to drink, I don’t necessarily recommend gifting alcohol, especially with the current rise in sobriety as a lifestyle choice. But coffee and tea are a different story. Gifting coffee beans or grounds from your local coffee shop is a great way to support local businesses while sharing a taste of your hometown, which is why I particularly love to give coffee to friends who live far away. Similarly, nice tea can be something of a splurge depending on the brand, making it a welcome treat folks are unlikely to buy for themselves. Same goes for high-end cold brew, luxurious hot chocolate or a mix of masala chai spices.

As much as I love the idea of a totally personalized, one-of-a-kind gift, they’re not always a very practical or affordable option. But you can still give a gift with a bit of a personal touch with jewelry that reflects their zodiac sign, birthstone, first initial or even birth month flower. It’s an easy way to make your gift feel special and specific to them without the extra fees or shipping delays that too often accompany unique engraving. P.S. For parents, you can also consider getting them a bracelet with their children’s birthstones or initials as a nod to their wonderful family.

Every single time a gift giving holiday comes around I put Vegamour shampoo and conditioner on my wish list. I adore the haircare brand, and feel like it’s really made a difference with the health of my hair, but it costs far more than I usually like to spend on shampoo. Find out what beauty products they love most and treat them to a refill so they can continue their routine without missing a beat. Or select something from the same collection or brand so they can experiment with a new serum, blush or face mask that you know will work well with the items they already own.

As cheesy as it may sound, I really do think of friends and family every time I pull out my box of ornaments. That’s because they’re almost all gifts I’ve received over the years—a mini pint of Guinness from my family’s trip to Ireland three years ago, a ball of yarn in honor of my cats, two mice perched on a ski lift given to me just before my spring wedding (an odd one, yes, but a favorite nonetheless). There are ornaments of literally everything you can think of, meaning there’s bound to be some icon, symbol or item to represent the bond between you and your giftee.

A wise mantra to live by is “make your needs known.” Of course, there are many different levels on which it can be applied. But when it comes to gift giving, the best way to ensure your gift will be well received is to just ask them what they want. (And the same goes for ensuring you get the gifts that you want.) Maybe they’re in need of a new toiletry bag to replace their grody old favorite, or perhaps they’re eagerly awaiting a new book release and would love someone else to pick up a copy for them. Maybe all they really want is to have dinner with a dear loved one to catch up and connect without distraction. When in doubt, simply ask what gifts would make them happiest, then do your best to check one (or two) off their list.