Good evening. Tonight we’re rounding up what Wirecutter journalists gifted themselves this season, including:
For many of us, the holiday magic for our loved ones is powered by our own haywire cortisol spikes behind the scenes. My month has entailed arguing with AI bots about receiving a wrong product, stalking shipment tracking that hasn’t moved in five days, and frantically texting neighbors to grab packages that were left on our steps instead of in our delivery box. That’s why I also play Santa to myself all December long. This year, I inadvertently went all in on high-end Japanese beauty products, including this round boar-and-nylon bristle brush beloved by hair stylists for its firm hold and shine-inducing effects, and this natural-looking, cult-favorite eyebrow pencil that purportedly lasts for years. Perhaps after trudging to UPS with a sack over my shoulder and wind in my face for the umpteenth time, my subconscious self desires a more kempt future. I’m certainly not alone among Wirecutter staffers on the self-gifting front. “The question is more like what didn’t I buy,” replied one colleague when I asked. If you’re looking to pat yourself on the back for another holiday season survived or conquered, here are some ways we’re doing just that:
One of the best things about buying for yourself without the pressure of a wrapped-and-ready Christmas morning deadline? It’s a-okay if it arrives late. My post-holiday self-care prescription is that I refuse to call, email, or chat with even one more customer service robot — and I’m wishing the same for you. All of our favorite self-care gifts→
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I am in a later-life partnership, late-60s. We moved in together this year, so we both were coming from full, set households. She is particular about her clothing and jewelry, so I tend not to buy those things (although we will shop together occasionally). She is big on family, sentimental items, travel, experiences, and entertainment, like concerts and musicals. Suggestions? — J.H. From gifting expert Samantha Schoech: I love leaning into the experiential and travel side. One of the best gifts I ever received was from my then-boyfriend, now-husband. He created a comprehensive three-day road trip itinerary, detailing every stop and adding funny details about what we would do at each one — from eating pie to making out. But that’s a heavy lift. You could also scratch her travel itch (and lean a little sentimental) with one of these personalized travel maps — the two of you can put pins in all the places you visit together. Or give her this aspirational travel guide to the world. If you’re feeling a little more mushy, you could make her one of these super simple and super sweet little photo books chronicling some aspect of your relationship. Get the music lover in her this sweetly poignant keychain that can be personalized with a QR code for any song or playlist you create. She just scans and, voila, her favorite musical or an artist you love to see together is serenading her.
Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here.
Thanks for being here with us. See you next year. Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.
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