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December 10, 2024

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Luxury is not one-size-fits-all. For the kitchen aficionado, it may be the Ferrari of ice cream makers. For a carpenter, a titanium hammer might excite and delight. Whatever the case may be, a great luxurious gift spoils your recipient with something dreamy and useful—and perhaps too expensive to justify getting for oneself.

These handpicked gifts are true splurges. And all of them pass Wirecutter’s muster, hold up under scrutiny, or just smell really, really great. (Looking at you, $430 candle.)

Gifts that make a true statement→

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The best home espresso machine With a little practice, your giftee can make lattes and cortados that rival those from a café→

A fancy pair of pants These jeans are beautifully crafted from 100% cotton that feels broken-in from day one, and they only get comfier→

“The best gift I ever received was this silk eye mask” Like a blackout curtain for your face. But fancier→

Our favorite gaming chair Our top pick, with its memory-foam head pillow and adjustable lumbar support, lets your favorite gamer play for hours without getting sore→

A super-soft statement sweater If you want cashmere with a big dose of personality, this soft and sumptuous unisex sweater fits the bill→

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

On the other end of the spectrum: True joy can be found in a silly little token, and arguably there is no better example of that than a well-executed white elephant gift. These ideas are affordable but they’re also guffaw-inducing, ridiculous, appealingly useful, and purely delightful. From pickle bandages to a silly sponge holder, these will delight just about anyone.

37 wacky gifts we love under $25→

NYT Wirecutter

Sephora’s end-of-year sale offers a good opportunity to stock up on skin care, makeup, and more—whether you’re getting a gift for the everything-shower devotee on your list or just refreshing your own makeup bag. A few of the Wirecutter-approved standouts our experts are excited about? A luxe body wash, a moisturizer bar that melts in your hand, and a beloved setting spray.

On-sale beauty essentials we’re eyeing→

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

Another favorite in our guide to the best white elephant gifts, this speed cube is a twist on the classic Rubik’s Cube. It uses magnets, so it’s pleasantly smooth and easy to manipulate—without any of that crunching noise you get with old-school cubes. And if your recipient doesn’t appreciate this particular type of brainteaser, they can always use it as a fun paperweight.

A satisfying little game we love→

See Wirecutter’s gift of the day: more of our absolute favorites for the season—from luxe and sparkly splurges to precious stocking stuffers.

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