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December 20, 2024

Photo illustration by Dana Davis; source photos by Hannah Rimm/NYT Wirecutter

For his birthday a few years ago, associate projects editor Phillip Zminda was gifted a proper, high-quality chain. He has hardly taken it off since. As someone who grew up thinking “boys didn’t wear jewelry,” Phillip says that incorporating a chain necklace into his everyday style has “felt like coming into my own.”

Almost two and a half years of near-daily wear later, this thin and sleek curb necklace has held up astonishingly well. It’s made out of sterling silver. It’s simple. But in that simplicity lies its beauty: It’s not the star of any particular get-up, but it helps everything else shine.

Everyone deserves to adorn themselves however they see fit. And if they’re anything like Phillip, that means dripping in (a sensible amount of) silver or gold.

A high-quality everyday chain we love (to get or to gift)→

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White elephant gifts that’ll be the talk of the party All under $25→

The very best water bottles Yes, the trendy Owala bottle made the cut→

The best last-minute gift ideas It’s not too late to get ’em something great→

Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter

Even after a decade of testing, this durable, soft-sided luggage is still the one. In addition to smooth-rolling wheels, our favorite carry-on also has solid handles and a roomy interior. It glides like a dream through crowded airports or down busy streets and keeps clothes compacted but not creased. And right now, it’s on exclusive sale for Wirecutter newsletter readers with promo code WCTRAVEL.

Get the deal here→

Samantha Schoech/NYT Wirecutter

Staff writer Samantha Schoech—gifts expert and one of our resident specialists in all things fun, delightful, and sparkly—loves these sheer and slinky socks. They have a subtle shimmer that dresses up even the most battered sneakers and jeans, but they also look elegant with strappy sandals or heels.

Socks that are meant to be seen→

Plus: 7 sparkly presents our gifts editor loves.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

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