When you shop for a living (as I do), you develop a keen sense of what products are worth buying in any given season. There's the usual suspects: new beauty launches [1], viral TikTok products [2], and Amazon bestsellers [3]. But with each new season comes a bevy of new product inspiration. As the assistant shopping editor at PS, I have the unique fortune of getting to learn about, test, and inevitably fall in love with the best of the best on the product-front — from hype-worthy essentials to hidden gems from up-and-coming brands. And heading into the holidays, my list of bookmarked products is longer than ever before; hey, a girl's gotta shop!
I love the holiday shopping season because it gives me the opportunity to put all of my product knowledge to good use — both in what I gift to others and what I buy as a treat for myself. I mostly gravitate toward gifts that are thoughtful [4], steeped in functionality, and designed to help me (or a loved one) usher [5] in the upcoming new year with ease.
I also like to take time to reflect on and celebrate my personal wins from the past year — namely by gifting myself a little present (because of course). They say the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself, which is why indulging in a "treat yourself" buy is so worthwhile, especially during the holidays when our busier schedules often afford less time for self care. Among my favorite self-gifting ideas: a stylish yoga mat to embrace TikTok's cozy cardio trend [6], a plush H&M sweater, a travel watercolor kit that'll inspire more creativity, and a soothing milk-tea latte blend that's sure to elevate any self-care routine.
Ahead, I've curated a complete guide of the best gifts to give yourself — because you deserve a little extra love this holiday season. Treat yourself to any one of these products and you're sure to end your year on a high note.
A Soothing Body Serum
Being Frenshe Soothing and Hydrating Body Serum Stick [8] ($17)
Some people like to keep lip glosses and hand sanitizers in all of their purses or travel bags, but I like to have this serum stick handy — whether it be in my nightstand, car, or even a personal carry-on suitcase. The self-care essential is formulated with magnesium and designed to help soothe sore or tense muscles. It reminds me of Icy Hot but with a vanilla scent that relaxes my body and feels incredibly nourishing on skin.
Fuzzy Socks
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Socks [9] ($18)
If you're looking for something that's budget-friendly with a big impact, you can't go wrong with a pair of fuzzy socks. I love this style from Barefoot Dreams because it's made from the brand's signature polyester and spandex blend that feels so luxurious and cozy — despite costing less than $20. The charcoal and white colorway is my favorite because it plays into the season's color palette, but the socks are also available in seven other shades, so it's easy to shop out your dream style.
A Cozy Sweater
H&M Oversized Turtleneck Sweater [10] ($35)
Crafted from a plush knit material, this cozy sweater is a style you'll want to wear on repeat throughout the fall and holiday season — especially once the temperature drops. I love its oversize silhouette, which offers a more lived-in feel and provides plenty of extra room for layering. The turtleneck design elevates the style with a formal flair, so you can comfortably wear it at the office or while you're lounging at home. Plus, it looks so luxurious, despite costing less than $50.
A Travel Watercolor Kit
Funto Pocket Watercolor Kit [11] ($20)
A moment of inspiration can strike anywhere, which is why I always like to keep my favorite creative tools handy — including a pen, journal, and this portable watercolor kit. The compact set comes with nine primary paint colors and two foldable palettes that make it easy to embrace your inner painter on the go. Simply tuck it into your purse or suitcase, and should a creative spell strike, you'll be ready.
A Portable Door Lock
Passdone Portable Door Lock [12] ($20)
Frequent travelers can't go wrong with this smart buy. The portable door lock might not be as sexy as a new suitcase or packing cube, but it is a sound investment in your safety that'll ensure extra protection while traveling. I recommend it for any solo traveler (especially women), and it's easy to slip into the door jam of a hotel room or AirBnB for added security.
A Gratitude Journal
Intelligent Change The Five-Minute Journal [13] ($25, originally $29)
Even if you have a hectic daily schedule, you can still set intentions and find time to practice gratitude with this cool guided journal. The stationary has daily prompts which task users with listing out goals and things that they're grateful for. I make a point of buying myself a new one at the beginning of every year, and have gifted the journal to plenty of loved ones, too. Read our review of The Five-Minute Journal [14] to learn more.
A Tea Latte Blend
Kola Goodies Sri Lankan Milk Tea Latte [15] ($35)
What better way to show yourself some love than with a rich tea latte that'll elevate your self-care routine for the better? This blend is one of the most unique I've ever tried, with ingredients like raw coconut sugar, whole milk powder, and Ceylon black tea. It offers an authentic taste of Sri Lanka and feels so soothing to drink in the mornings. See why it's an editor-favorite in our review of Kola Goodies Tea Lattes [16].
A Colorful Weekly Planner
Papier New Beginnings Hardcover 2025 Weekly Planner [17] ($36)
As a bonafide planner, nothing says "I love you" like a new organizer that'll help you prep for the new year and stay on top of your most important responsibilities — from work to relationships and beyond. I find that writing things down helps make stuff more tangible and limits unexpected stressors. Plus, this planner boasts a vibrant design that'll infuse a fun pop of color into your work bag [18].
A Self-Watering Plant
EasyPlant Small Pink Fittonia Plant [19] ($49)
If you (like me) are notoriously bad at keeping plants alive, let me introduce you to EasyPlant — the company behind some of the best self-watering plants on the market. It makes it so easy to have lively greens perched throughout your home, and only requires you to water them once a month. I detail my experience using the home essential in this EasyPlant Self-Watering Plant review [20].
A Yummy Perfume
Maison Margiela 'Replica' Afternoon Delight Eau de Toilette with Vanilla & Sandalwood [21] ($85)
Atypical as it may be, my absolute favorite gift to give or receive is a new perfume. I love introducing new scents into my beauty cabinet that I can experiment with in different seasons, especially aromas that pair contrasting fragrances. This decadent perfume from Maison Margiela features stark notes like sandalwood teamed with a lighter option like vanilla. It's the perfect transitional scent that can take you from winter to spring and beyond, wrapped in a stylish bottle that you'll be glad to have displayed on your vanity.
Whimsical Decor
Anavrin Holiday Garden House Book Nook [22] ($90)
Instagram is getting a little too good at recommending products, because I saw this advertised on my feed and immediately sent it to my parents as a Christmas gift idea. While it's a little niche and atypical, I'd argue that it's a great gift for book lovers or anyone who fantasizes about escaping to other worlds — even ones nestled within the empty spaces of your bookshelf.
Nap Earrings
Maison Miru Gaia Nap Earrings [23] ($95)
With this unique jewelry, you can wear stylish earrings to bed sans the usual discomfort of sharp backs poking into your skin. Unlike other pieces, this pair has a patented flat back design which promises poke-free wear. To hear me wax poetic about the comfortable accessory, read my full review of Maison Miru Nap Earrings [24].
A Yoga Mat
Bala The Play Mat [25] ($99)
My daily workout routine is kind of all over the place, so I like to invest in multifunctional fitness products that can keep up with my ever-changing regimen. This Play Mat from Bala ticks all of my boxes with its FSC-certified, natural rubber composition, which is designed to provide a comfortable base for all types of workouts — from yoga to Pilates and beyond. It's so cute, it might even incentivize you to work out more.
A Titanium Pan
Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro [26] ($215)
True story: I use this Our Place pan so often, I'm planning on buying myself another one this holiday season just to keep up with my daily food prep — and mitigate any further wear on the OG. It's become as much of a staple in my kitchen as a sharp cutting knife or recipe book, but with even more importance because it's responsible for cooking some of my favorite dishes to perfection — from salmon to a savory Shakshuka. Check out my full review of the Our Place Titanium Always Pan [27] to learn more.
A Statement Ring
Yaa Yaa London Love You Forever Gemstone Gold Vermeil Ring [28] ($240)
I love commemorating special events in my life by purchasing rings that reflect the significance of a moment; I find that jewelry is such a treasured investment. Before attending New York Fashion Week this past season — a longtime goal in itself — I purchased this darling piece and have worn it on repeat ever since. It looks so divine when paired with my other staple rings, and its star flourishes remind me to dream big. Plus, it's from a woman-owned brand that I love.
Kyley Warren [29] (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PSShopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.