What PureWow Editors Are Buying as Holiday Gifts This Year (All On Sale for Prime Day)
Santa came early
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Sydney Meister for PureWow
If Amazon October Prime Day is the Super Bowl of online shopping, consider me the offensive coach who spent hours researching deals to find the real winners. Running through today, Prime Big Deal Days is stacked with markdowns across every category (home, beauty, tech, fashion—you name it). And while you could get lost in a sea of air fryers and phone chargers, the real gold lies in the gifts—the items you’ll be proud to wrap up come December, knowing you scored them for a fraction of the price.
I’ve sifted through the chaos and pulled the best of the best, including tons of PureWow reader favorites: the Breville Espresso Machine (a splurge-worthy upgrade for coffee lovers), Giorgio Armani Code (the cologne Denzel Washington swears by), the Beats Studio Pro Headphones (a sleek upgrade for music junkies) and the Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer (a lifesaver for new parents). From there, I’ve broken things down by recipient—the homebody, the tech obsessive, the beauty lover, the kids, and more—so you can knock out your gifts now and coast into December like a holiday MVP.
Here, find the 29 best gifts for everyone on your list. (Reminder: you’ll need a Prime membership to snag the deals, but you can always sign up for a free 30-day trial).
For The Ultimate Host
For the friend who treats their morning latte like a ritual, this machine delivers café-level espresso without the barista training. It has a built-in grinder and an automatic tamping system, so even total beginners can pull a smooth, crema-topped shot in under a minute. Former food editor Katherine Gillen awarded it 90 points out of 100 in her review, noting it “virtually eliminates the learning curve” and makes a drink “as delicious as the lattes I can get from my neighborhood coffee spot.” And at $600 (down from $750)? It’s a deal-worthy splurge that will be used every day.
This is less of a throw blanket and more of an at-home luxury experience. When I first pulled it out of the box, I thought it was folded in half—it’s that thick and plush. The pile is so soft and dense, it feels closer to a fur coat than a couch accessory (I’ve even mistaken it for my Sheepadoodle’s fur). At 10 to 15 pounds, it also drapes over you like a hug—and the bubble texture adds subtle dimension with three dreamy neutral hues available. Bonus: I’ve washed mine on cold and air-dried it countless times, and it hasn’t shed or matted once.
Beautiful multi-cookers are the gift of the season—especially when they’re as chic and user-friendly as the Dream Cooker. With four versatile modes (pressure cook, slow cook, sear + sauté and keep warm), it covers weeknight dinners and holiday feasts without taking up precious stove space. The toxin-free nonstick pot makes cleanup easy, while the intuitive control panel means you can actually relax while it does the work. And of course, it comes in the brand’s signature matte finish, so no need to shove it in a cabinet between uses.
Gifting a vacuum might sound unromantic, but I guarantee: this Dyson is the gift that keeps giving. It runs up to 40 minutes on a single charge, detangles pet and human hair as it cleans (godsend if they live with a black lab), and it easily converts into a handheld for cars and couches. The attachments are actually useful, too—the hair screw tool for pet beds and the dusting brush for shelves and blinds. It’s lightweight, cordless and sleek enough to mount on the wall without killing a kitchen’s aesthetic.
All-Clad is the kind of cookware you buy once and never have to replace, which is why it’s worth snagging at $100 off. This 7-piece set covers every base—two frying pans, a sauté pan, a saucepan and a stockpot, each with lids where you need them. The tri-ply construction (stainless steel bonded with aluminum) means fast, even heating whether they’re searing scallops or simmering soup, and it’s oven- and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, if cooking is their love language, expect squeals when they unbox this guy.
For The Beauty Snob
If they’re running on espresso shots and concealer, this pack of 18 eye masks will feel like a luxury reset. You get all six of the brand’s cult-favorite formulas—hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide, firming peptides, energizing caffeine and more—three pairs of each. Take it from our Beauty and Cultures Editor, Chelsea Candelario, who called them “an energy drink for your eyes” in her review. “ I feel more energized (like the name suggests) and the area looks brighter than ever. I appreciate how they reduce my dark circles and maintain moisture. I also love how Grace & Stella offers a variety of pack options to choose from, and honestly, the price is pretty reasonable.”
If they’ve been eyeing the Dyson Airwrap but can’t stomach the price, Shark’s FlexStyle is the next best thing (and in some cases, better). The genius is in the twist: rotate the base to switch from a powerful hair dryer to a styling wand, then pop on one of six included attachments—two auto-wrap curlers, a paddle brush, oval brush, diffuser, or styling concentrator. It works for every hair type (straight, curly, coily) and uses intelligent heat control that monitors temperature to prevent damage. Not to mention that former editor Jenny Jin swore by it in her review: “I can get a smooth blowout in under 15 minutes, and it feels so much lighter than my old dryer. The curls actually hold, which never happens with my thick hair.”
If you’ve ever wondered what Denzel Washington smells like, here’s your answer: Armani Code. The Oscar-winning actor has been wearing this fragrance since it launched in the early 2000s, and honestly, could there be a better endorsement? With notes of green mandarin, nutmeg and tonka bean, it’s equal parts fresh, spicy and warm—the kind of scent that feels timeless and commanding without trying too hard. That’s also what makes it such a foolproof gift: it flatters anyone, from your dad to your partner. After all, if it’s good enough for Denzel, it’s definitely gift-worthy.
The internet’s favorite lip duo, now dressed up like a campfire treat. Laneige bundled their bestselling Lip Glowy Balm in Vanilla with a mini Lip Sleeping Mask in Chocolate, making this set equal parts indulgent and practical. The balm gives you that glossy, hydrated shine on-the-go, while the overnight mask works while you sleep—leaving lips soft, plush and kiss-ready by morning. It’s an under-$25 gift that works for anyone, whether you’re tossing it in a stocking, slipping it into a Secret Santa or just treating yourself.
There’s a reason why this serum has a cult following. Packed with advanced Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate), the formula is bolstered with ingredients that are clinically proven to calm redness, reinforce your moisture barrier and smooth fine lines. “Its two hero ingredients, vitamin C and turmeric, work to give my complexion a sunny glow that I can see all day,” says Stephanie Maida, Senior Commerce Editor. “The oil formula also makes my face feel like it’s basting in nourishment. But worry not, even on combination skin like mine, it doesn’t coat your face in a slick layer of oil; I’d say after about 20 minutes, it’s fully soaked in, leaving a bright, bouncy finish behind.”
Celebs, editors and reviewers alike highly recommend this skincare tool for targeting any concerns. It has five modes to firm, sculpt, brighten and calm skin. As Wu writes, “After the treatments, my skin always felt (and looked) more hydrated, and I believe that in conversation around wrinkles and fine lines, etc., moisture is a big part of the equation. I think that for firming, I do feel a difference right after a treatment, but it’s a temporary fix and not permanent, so you need to do it consistently over a long period of time if you want results. You can't expect to use something like this for a few days or even a few weeks—I'd say give it a minimum of eight weeks. But I did notice that it helped with scarring I had, and keeping my t-zone more clear of breakouts.”
For The Techie
For the person who appreciates both form and function, these matte Beats strike the balance. They deliver personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking (so the music feels like it’s happening around you) and two modes—active noise cancelling when they want silence, transparency when they don’t. The 40-hour battery life is impressive on its own, but a 10-minute quick charge adds four extra hours. The gift-worthy extras? A matching carrying case, USB-C cable and 3.5mm audio cord are all included in the box.
If you’re shopping for someone who still has an ancient smart TV, this little stick feels like a major life upgrade without the major price tag. As VP of Editorial, Candace Davison says, “Phew, this is delightfully simple and intuitive to set up…it couldn’t be easier, even if you’re not tech-savvy.” She tested it on her 13-year-old TV and was shocked: “It was like I’d upgraded my entire TV, just by adding the Firestick.” The picture comes through crisp and fast (no laggy load times), and the Alexa voice remote makes searching for shows as easy as talking. It even comes with extras most gadgets skip these days, like an outlet adapter. Definitely a gift that looks small but makes a huge difference.
The Hatch Restore 3 takes everything people loved about the Restore 2 and makes it sleeker and smarter. Our content creator Kate Kesselman tested the previous model, saying, “It really helps me feel more at ease at night. I fall asleep faster and wake up without that groggy feeling.” She also loved how it mimicked natural light, adding, “It’s like having a sunrise in your bedroom—even when it’s pitch black outside.” The Restore 3 builds on that with upgraded soundscapes, a more intuitive interface, and refined sunrise/sunset lighting designed to sync with your circadian rhythm. In short: a present for better mornings (and nights).
Here, a four-pack that basically gifts peace of mind. Each Tile tracker attaches to keys, bags, even water bottles, and pairs with the free app to ring whatever’s missing. With a 350-foot Bluetooth range, up to three years of battery life and water resistance, it’s also built to keep up with real life. But here’s the kicker: it’s the only Bluetooth tracker with a discreet SOS button that can ping your Life360 Circle if you’re in an unsafe situation. Whether you’re shopping for a frequent traveler, a freshman in college or a perpetually forgetful roommate, this set covers all the bases.
The Fire Max 11 is Amazon’s most powerful tablet yet, and Candelario noticed the difference right away. “It’s wider and taller than the Fire HD 10, but still felt light in my hand,” she wrote, adding that the brighter, crisper screen and faster performance made it a standout. With up to 14 hours of battery life, upgraded cameras and accessories like a magnetized keyboard and stylus, it’s as ready for work as it is for streaming. Chelsea summed it up best: “It’s way cheaper than the competitors out there (by at least $200 less, FYI)... at this price, why not grab a device for you and a friend?”
For The Kids
The Barbie DreamHouse is nothing short of iconic—and this updated version takes playtime to the next level. With a three-story spiral slide that leads straight into the pool, a pet elevator and over 75 storytelling pieces, it’s designed to spark hours of fun. The house itself spans ten different play areas—including a kitchen with lights and sound effects, a living room that converts into a sleepover space for four dolls and even a top-floor balcony with a palm tree. Kids can host movie nights, pool parties or puppy playdates (there are adorable accessories like a pet bed and doggie door included). No wonder it holds a 4.8-star rating with thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon—parents say it’s the toy their kids never tire of.
The Disney Bitzee is giving major Tamagotchi nostalgia with a very 2025 twist. Tucked inside the pod are 30 digital Disney and Pixar characters—everyone from Mickey and Minnie to Nemo, Stitch, Moana and Elsa’s Bruni—ready to react to your swipes, tilts and taps. Kids can unlock iconic movie moments (think: Bruni nuzzling Elsa’s hand) and collect new characters as they go. And because it’s small enough to slip into a stocking or gift bag, it’s one of those under-$25 finds that will keep kids (and low-key Disney adults) entertained for hours.
This bottle washing system is basically the Rolls-Royce of baby gear. It washes, sterilizes and dries bottles, pump parts and even tableware—all in one sleek, touchscreen machine. With 26 spray jets and nine cleaning modes (including a 19-minute rapid wash and 72-hour sterile storage), it’s designed to save time and sanity. As former PureWow commerce editor Olivia Dubyak put it in her review, “The setup of this marvelous machine was incredibly simple. It came basically fully assembled with the exception of the plug and drain tube, which just needed to be popped into their respective outlets and, boom, ready to wash.” She especially loved the automatic drain tube that empties straight into the sink—no heavy tanks to dump. Yes, it’s a splurge, but as Olivia noted, “When efficiency equals time, and time equals more chances for mom to get things done, well, I’d say that’s pretty priceless.”
Year over year, these giant magnetic tiles sell like hot cakes during Prime Day—and for good reason. The 102-piece set lets kids build everything from castles to rocket ships, while secretly sharpening their STEM skills (think: spatial reasoning, color recognition, fine motor coordination). The magnets are strong enough to hold up elaborate towers, and the translucent rainbow colors make every build feel like a stained-glass masterpiece. If you’re looking for a gift that keeps kids entertained (and parents thankful), this is it.
These bento snack boxes by Paris Hilton make packing lunch feel like playtime. With seven compartments (plus a removable dip container), they can pack in everything from fruit to sandwiches without the dreaded food-mixing meltdown. The pink heart print adds a pop of fun to any backpack, and the built-in phone stand makes after-school snacking even cooler. Not to mention that they’re as practical for parents as they are for kids—perfect for birthday gifts or holiday swaps.
For the Fashionista
These Meghan Markle-approved, snow-ready Sorel boots are marked down to as low as $109 right now for October Prime Day, making it the perfect time to pick up a pair for yourself. Made from a vulcanized rubber shell that has a herringbone outsole for enhanced durability and traction, one buyer writes, "I purchased these boots for the fit, form and function. They are appropriately heavy, but not 'oh my goodness I’m doing a leg workout in the snow' heavy." Available in a string of colors, you won't regret scooping these up.
Trust me when I say you can never go wrong with a classic pair of Adidas sneakers, and these skate-inspired ones are sure to elevate your casual fall outfits. They feature a textile upper for breathability and comfort and a rubber outsole, making them comfortable enough for work, school or play. "Very comfortable and provides good support," writes one buyer, who adds that the shoes also fit true-to-size. And at just $32 (down from $65), you can definitely grab more than one pair without breaking the bank.
Sweater weather is here, and I, for one, am quite fond of this pullover for its chic tie-waist design and flirty fall colorways. Currently on sale for as low as $31 thanks to October Prime Day, it has a slightly loose fit for a more casual vibe, and the sleek finish means you can wear easily dress it up for an elevated style as well. Reviewers say it's well-made and flattering, and with so many colors to choose from, there's no question I'm grabbing this sweater in multiples.
"I absolutely love it! The chunky knit feels warm and cozy without being too heavy, making it perfect for layering during cooler days," raves an Amazon customer, who notes that the oversized fit is both flattering and comfortable. "The V-neck with the button-down front adds a classic touch that pairs well with both casual and dressier outfits. The sleeves are just the right length, and the overall quality is impressive for the price."
For the Impossible-to-Shop-for Guy
Faster than a mobile order?! You better believe it. The Aeropress espresso machine features combines three brewing methods in one small gadget—French press, pourover and espresso—and can whip up a cup of coffee in two minutes flat. "I'm really happy with the quality and brew process," writes one buyer. "I love this. No more to add than what has already been said. I’m enjoying trying to find my perfect grind and steep time for my coffee," adds another. Best of all, it's portable, meaning you can take it with you to work or on your travels.
Former Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak called the Apple Watch Series 10 a "lifesaver," writing in her review, "I was in a bad car accident and my phone was thrown from the car, but luckily my Apple Watch detected the crash and called 911 for me, and alerted my emergency contacts to my accident. It truly was a lifesaver for me." Lifesaving capabilities aside, the 10 comes with Apple Pay, fitness tracking and a battery life that lasts up to 18 hours, according to the brand, making this a great addition to your day-to-day life.
Life (and power outages) are unpredictable. That's why it's always handy to have a portable power station for emergencies. The investment is definitely worth it with this Jackery Explorer, which comes with three AC ports that, according to the brand, are capable of delivering a whopping 2200-watt output. What's more, you can get an 80 percent charge in just a little over an hour with the AC Fast Charging mode, or a full charge in just under two hours with the Emergency Charging Super Mode through the app. And if that isn't enough, the battery is built to last ten years, so you won't have to worry about it not working after only a few months. Normally $1,499, you can now snag it for $699 for Prime Day.
I personally own this laptop power bank from Anker and have been impressed by how durable and efficient it is. I'm not alone either, as one five-star reviewer writes, "This has become my favorite power bank I’ve ever used. I travel weekly for work. On some trips, I even find myself in a position where I have to edit in the back of a car or entirely remotely away from the hotel or media center. This power bank balances size, weight and design as close to perfect as I’ve ever seen. The dual USB-C charging cables add so much convenience that I don’t believe I will ever use any power banks that don’t incorporate a quality, retractable cable(s)." And don't get it twisted, you can also use this to charge phones and tablets, making this the ultimate multi-functional device.
Associate Lifestyle Editor
- Writes across all lifestyle verticals, including relationships and sex, home, finance, fashion and beauty
- More than five years of experience in editorial, including podcast production and on-camera coverage
- Holds a dual degree in communications and media law and policy from Indiana University, Bloomington
Associate Commerce Strategist
- Covers all things commerce and entertainment
- Has over a decade of editorial experience in both fashion and entertainment, and was previously with ONE37pm before joining the PureWow team in March 2024
- Studied journalism and marketing at Columbus State University in Georgia
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.