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The gifting season is in full swing, and we're here to help you find the perfect present for your loved ones — with the help of a few celebrities, influencers, and founders. We interviewed some of the most influential people on their current must-have items and product obsessions through POPSUGAR's My Must Haves series. We got introduced to some interesting products and the scoop on the tips and tricks they swear by. Although we have plenty of editor-backed picks we've been eyeing for the holidays, these picks have made it onto our wish lists as well. We've curated the best gifts vetted and adored by our favorite celebrities, influencers, and founders.
From luxurious candles to ultracozy picks, there's something for everyone on your list. Slip's silk-based products are a must have for several celebrities and influencers. Ashley Tisdale, Antoni Porowski, and Ayesha Curry can't stop raving about Slip's Silk Sleep Masks, and the brand's silk pillowcases are a must for Jordyn Woods, Jonathan Van Ness, and Suni Lee. Shopping for the fashion enthusiast in your life? Tan France loves the glitzy Anthropologie Vanina Les Gouttelettes Bag for the holidays, and Tori Kelly and Remi Bader let us in on their go-to pairs of sunglasses for a fierce look. There are plenty of gifts for wellness enthusiasts as well, including the editor-favorite Five Minute Journal, a comforting knitted weighted blanket from Bearaby, and the viral Stanley Quencher Tumbler. Plus, there's also several beauty stocking stuffers, kitchen gadgets that are worth the splurge, and even a few tech picks. Shop the best gifts from our My Must Haves series ahead.
Looking for a beauty stocking stuffer that they'll actually use often? Thirteen Lune's cofounder Nyakio Grieco loves the Glosshood Holyyy Gloss Balm Hybrid ($22). "It is that perfect balance between a hydrating balm, but that gives you just enough shine and gloss without drying out your lips," she explains. It contains coconut oil, castor-seed oil, jojoba-seed oil, avocado oil, vegetable glycerin, beeswax, and peppermint oil. It has a slight tingly feel that Grieco adores. The gloss balm can be used alone and on top of other lip products. Grieco likes to use a darker liner to line her lips, then use a lighter color lipstick on top, and then pop this on in the center of her lips.
If you're wondering how Joanna Gaines's hair looks so voluminous and bouncy all the time, we asked, and she says the Oribe #OribeObsessed Hair Set ($49) plays a big part. The set contains the brand's bestselling Dry Texturizing Spray and Gold Lust Repair and Restore shampoo and conditioner, which are great for color-treated or damaged hair. They help keep hair hydrated and healthy with a glossy finish and soft feel, preventing split ends. The Dry Texturizing Spray comes out clear and also works as a dry shampoo, making it ideal for all hair colors.
The skin-care enthusiast in your life will love using the Drunk Elephant All Protinis Great and Small Moisturizer Duo ($74). It comes with a full version and deluxe travel-size version of the brand's Protini Polypeptide Cream moisturizer. It's got growth factors, antioxidants, and folic-acid extract that help improve the skin's tone, texture, and firmness. Kelly "fell in love" with using this moisturizer; it's a staple part of her morning and nighttime skin-care routines. "I love going to bed with super-hydrated skin . . . I'll mix [this product] with a face oil for that super-dewy look," she says. It's great for those who have a combination skin type, like Kelly. This moisturizer is also an editor favorite, and you can read our review of the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream.
The Anthropologie Vanina Les Gouttelettes Bag ($575) is a statement bag that France adores for a bold and playful look. It's such a fabulous and luxe gift for the fashion enthusiast in your life. The bag has a stunning pattern of iridescent natural shell paillette sequins and gold plastic sequins with gold-plated beaded accents. The glitzy handbag is perfect for holiday parties as well. "Here's how I would legitimately style it, and how I love styling other fancy bags I have: by balancing it out with jeans and a T-shirt," France says. He loves juxtaposing something simple with something so extra because "that's the height of sophistication" in his eyes.
The Diff Eyewear x Tori Kelly Futuristic Lover Black and Grey Sunglasses ($95) are a fabulous gift for those who love a pair of elevated sunglasses. Kelly adores these since they go with everything; it's the perfect mix of trendy and timeless. "I love that they have a cat eye. I feel kind of fierce when I wear them," she explains.
If you're on the hunt for a splurge-worthy gift for the fashion enthusiast in your life, the Balenciaga Speed Knit Sock Trainer Sneakers ($995) are something that will make their jaws drop, especially since they're a must have for Van Ness. The sock shoes give off a barefoot feel and are lightweight and easy to walk in. "They're just fierce. They make everything look a little cuter, and it's just not my fault that that's true," Van Ness says jokingly.
Shopping for the sneaker head in your life? The Adidas Stan Smith Shoes ($76, originally $95) are a tried and true pair that Porowski has had and repurchased over the years. "I know that in 15 or 20 years from now when I see myself in photos, I'm still going to be wearing these shoes — they're made with ocean plastic now, which is really awesome," he says. These sneakers are effortless, timeless, and a sustainable option.
Fashion influencer Bader loves to sport the Prada Rectangle in Black & Mirror Silver ($390) often. These statement-making shades give her a fashion-forward vibe, while the reflective silver mirror lenses also help to ward off rays. "If you're wearing a casual outfit or if you're trying to dress up, they're just very fierce and cool," Bader says. It's a gift any fashion-obsessed loved one will truly appreciate and use.
Shopping for someone who's all about embracing those cozy vibes? The Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers ($31, originally $39) are a luxe gift that will let them feel like royalty in their own homes. Tisdale owns multiple pairs, stating that "they're the comfiest thing in the entire world." She even wore them when she was in the hospital ready to go into labor. "I wanted to create a very calming spa experience." The cushioned shoes are made out of a plush terry fabric with Turkish cotton sourced from the Aegean region. It comes in several neutral-toned and earthy colors.
The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw Blanket ($147) is thoughtful home gift for those who love to have a cozy environment. It's one of Gaines's favorites, and she dubs it her "adult baby blanket." Its fabric is extra soft and resistant to pilling, shrinking, and wrinkling, so it's durable and long lasting. Plus, it comes in plenty color options, so you can choose one that suits their home best.
The KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer ($260, originally $330) is the ultimate gift for anyone who loves to cook and bake up a storm. Curry is such a huge fan of this stand mixer, she owns two of these mixers, one in black and one in copper. The 10-speed mixer comes with a stainless-steel bowl, a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook, and a six-wire whip. Curry uses this often to make her one-hour quick bread or her dutch-baby pancakes, which is something she loves for the holidays. "You make [the dutch-baby pancakes] in the oven in a cast-iron skillet, and it puffs up around the sides, so it creates this vessel, and in the inside that you can put strawberries and powdered sugar . . . it's so good," she explains.
The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville ($182, originally $260) is a great, easy-to-use espresso maker for the coffee connoisseur in your life. It can brew both coffee and espresso in a variety of sizes, including single and double espresso, gran lungo, and eight-ounce coffees. It's a morning-routine must have for Blume cofounder Bunny Ghatrora. Her go-to pods are the Hazelino Muffin flavor. It has a fast heat-up time of only 15 seconds, perfect for the morning rush. This one even comes with the Aeroccino Milk Frother for a perfectly frothed brew.
Just like the rest of the internet, Peloton instructor Kendall Toole and Studio McGee designer and cofounder Shea McGee both are huge fans of the Stanley Adventure Quencher Tumbler ($40). "It fits in every car cupholder, and it's got a handle . . . This is the best of all worlds, and it has a straw, and it's good for the environment. It is everything I love," Toole explains. McGee loves how this tumblr keeps beverages cold for a longer time. "It can be so hot outside or in my car, and there's still ice in it at the end of the day," she explains. "This is not just any tumbler," McGee raves as she admits to having it in multiple colors. It's perfect for everyone on your list, especially those who love to sip on beverages often.
The Zulay Original Handheld Milk Frother ($13, originally $22) makes for a great stocking stuffer for those who love a frothie beverage. It's Ashley Graham's must have for a barista-inspired experience right at home. It's a battery-operated foam maker that will whisk your milk or creamer of choice into frothy goodness. You can froth your milk hot or cold with this nifty gadget. "I don't like my milk hot. I like it icy cold with the hot coffee. There's just something nice about a cool milk and a hot coffee combo in the morning," Graham says. Plus, it's great for blending matcha and cocoa powder for a smoother consistency. This milk frother is also an editor favorite; read our in-depth review of the Zulay Original Handheld Milk Frother.
The Diptyque Tubéreuse Candle ($40-$400) is Marsai Martin's favorite candle. With floral notes, the candle oozes a moody, autumnal vibe that's perfect for setting the tone for the holidays. The candle's main attraction is the captivating and sensual scent that comes from the tuberose flower. "When it comes to different smells, oh my goodness — that candle, it's amazing. As soon as you open the door of my room, that's the first thing you smell," Marsai raves. You can get it in a clear vessel or festive red one.
The Harlem Candle Co. 'Love' by James Baldwin Ceramic Luxury Candle ($98) is a luxurious candle that Thirteen Lune's cofounder adores. "It's the perfect balance of spicy meets sweet," she explains. Top notes include watery green notes, elemi, apple, and clove, with a middle note of Rose de Mai and a base of sandalwood. "It smells divine. I love it in the living room when you have people over. It's such a sexy candle. It just makes me feel chic and classy, like a grownup," she explains. The beauty of this candle is not just the fragrance but the ceramic votive as well. It's perfect for home-decor ethusiasts, as the decorative votive is inspired by James Baldwin's "If Beale Street Could Talk." Grieco actually repurposes the stunning ceramic votive as a cocktail glass.
Give them the gift of luxurious sleep with the Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase ($89-$110). Curry, Woods, Van Ness, and Lee are all fans of this silk pillowcase. Curry explains that this pillowcase "really helps not to snag your hair and keep it shiny and smooth, but then I noticed that my skin started to clear up and stay clear and I was having fewer hormonal breakouts . . . so I did a little research and it actually backs that up." Woods also agrees that "the silk maintains my hair health and face health" and it's "super beneficial for keeping your hair protected." Hair and grooming expert Van Ness explains, "It conducts less heat, so it creates less friction and less heat buildup on your hair and face." Lee confirms that the buttery-soft Slip Silk Pillowcase helps her sleep soundly and wake up feeling better.
The Slip Silk Queen Pillowcase Duo ($125) or the Frequent Flyer Travel Set ($150) — which comes with the a travel pillow with a removable a pillowcase, a sleep mask, and a face mask — make for great gift sets as well.
Weighted blankets are a thoughtful and cozy gift for a comforting feel, and Toole adores the Bearaby Knitted Weighted Blanket ($119-$279). "In fact, I got one for my grandma after my grandfather died because it's like the sensation of being hugged, and she loves it just as much as I do. It's a gift that I'll give people especially if they're going through some challenging times because I've definitely noticed it makes such a difference when you put it around your shoulders. It's like being adult swaddled," Toole says. "[My therapist] actually encourages me to put the weighted blanket on my feet. When I do that, when I'm sitting, it creates a sensation of really being grounded, and it helps root me back down in my body because my brain can go a million miles a minute," she explains. You can choose between 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds, but Toole likes the 15-pound version.
Getting your loved ones a Headspace Subscription ($6, originally $13/month) can be a thoughtful and helpful gift for the holidays, it's something Lee incorporates into her daily life. She uses it to help her "get in the right mindset" whenever she needs an extra boost. "I definitely consider this less of a money investment and more of an investment in my future, because of course, being an athlete and handling all the pressure and stuff, it's good to get your mind right. And I personally like to do a lot of visualization, writing in my journal . . . but I'm just loving how peaceful I feel after [using it], and it has so many different purposes." The Headspace app comes equipped with a variety of different meditations, all of which cater to a person's specific needs (sleep problems, work stress, etc.) and aim to help teach users mindfulness skills that they can easily apply in their day-to-day life.
The Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change ($29) is perfect for the one who loves to journal every day. The journal consists of five prompts, three in the morning and two at night, and it's a really easy, manageable way to practice gratitude and set your intentions for the day. "What I love about the journal is that it reminds me, even in the title, it's five minutes. We can all take five minutes," Toole explains. Curry has also been an avid user of this journal for several years now. "In that little two to five minutes, it gives you so much perspective being able to visualize and then write on paper all of the things that you're grateful for and that you want to let go of," she says. It's also a POPSUGAR favorite; read our review of The Five Minute Journal.
The APL Women's TechLoom Bliss ($220) are a founder favorite, with both Grieco of Thirteen Lune and Jessica Sharpton of Albany Park claiming them as their go-to pair of sneakers. The shoes are slip on, and Sharpton particularly loves that she doesn't have to tie them before leaving. "I don't even need hands to put them on, so they're amazing." Grieco has a high arch and loves that "these sneakers mold and shape to my foot perfectly." She also points out that "these sneakers give me just enough support that I'm not dealing with that day after calf pain." They come in a variety of colors as well in both men's and women's sizing. Get these for the one who has a busy life and loves athlesuire.
Tisdale, Porowski, and Bader all recommend the Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask ($50) for a pamper-worthy sleep. It's made with high-grade long-fiber mulberry silk, and it comes in a variety of colors. Porowski describes this as "a pillow for your eyes," and Bader claims that "the second I feel like I've put the sleep mask on, I just fall asleep so much faster." And, in true Sharpay fashion, Tisdale states, "If I'm going to have something on my face all night, for sure go with silk."
McGee prefers the Slip Silk Contour Sleep Mask ($55). It's designed to sit away from your eyelids with a contoured shape. "It's just nice because it doesn't crunch your eyelashes, and the Slip silk is so soft," she explains.
McGee loves the noise-cancellation feature of the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones ($449, originally $549). "They block out everything . . . the sound is like experiencing it firsthand," she explains. They're designed with comfort in mind with a knit-mesh band and memory-foam ear cushions. They have active noise cancellation and transparency mode, so they can choose between an immersive experience or hearing their surroundings. These headphones come in space gray, silver, sky blue, pink, and green. Read our in-depth review of the Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones ($228, originally $350) are a favorite of Blume cofounder Taran Ghatrora. "I feel like I can literally become one with my music with these headphones, like one with my Spotify library, because of its 360 sound. They completely cancel out everything else. The audio is just amazing," she says. These wireless Bluetooth over-the-ear headphones have a 30-hour battery life, plus a touch sensor for easy listening and control. The headphones even have the ability to automatically reduce the volume of the audio when it detects conversation.
Both Tisdale and France are light sleepers who find it difficult to snooze external noises and hustle and bustle — that is, until they started using the Snooz Smart White Noise Machine ($100). This white-noise machine has a real fan inside for a calming, soothing sound that doesn't feel manufactured. It has 10 volume settings and lets you adjust the fan tone. The accompanying app lets you create schedules to automatically turn on and off and control the white-noise machine remotely. "You can sleep anywhere because it blocks out pretty much every noise unless there's a massive sound," France explains. It's a core part of Tisdale and her family's nighttime routine as well. "We have one for our daughter as well, but it's hard when you leave to go to a hotel room — you're like, 'Oh my God, I need my white-noise machine,'" she explains.
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