'Tis the season — or almost the season — to start thinking about what to gift friends and family (or even co-workers) this upcoming holiday season.
Stumped? Luckily, we know a thing or two about gifting here at Shop TODAY. Our annual Gifts We Love Awards highlights our favorite finds for anyone on your list: grandma, your sister-in-law and the hardest ones to shop for, tweens.
We also have a gift guide hub, that helps point you in the right direction when it comes to affordable, practical gifts that can be delivered right to their doorstep.
Plus, with the help of Shop TODAY contributor Makho Ndlovu, we've rounded up some of the best gifts that you can shop right now until December.
Gifts to shop early, as seen on The 3rd Hour of TODAY
Personalized gifts put the phrase "it's the thought that counts" into practice, and these mugs portray each member of your family. You're able to choose from a number of poses, hair colors, skin tones and more to create an image that depicts them accurately.
Plus, you can also choose to add a last name or a date on the backside.
L.L. Bean's boat and tote bag has surged in popularity, with queries rising 130% within the past month alone. This miniature version of their popular bag ensures they can carry essentials with ease.
It's crafted out of a nylon material that proves to be "durable and dependable," according to reviewers.
If you have someone on your list whose caught the travel bug, gift them with a practical accessory that can aid them on their travels. This passport cover will keep important documents and pieces of identification organized and altogether in one spot, easily accessible whenever they need them.
Dinosaurs, diggers, dogs and dragons — what more could budding artists ask for in a coloring book? With 50 pages to complete, this book is the perfect thing to keep "squirmy" children at bay, says reviewers. But if they're not into dinosaurs, you can shop other versions of the mini coloring book here or the brand's bestseller bundle, below!
To round out the gift, don’t forget to bundle the coloring book with A Brighter Year Travel Colored Pencils, too. It comes in a pack of 12 mini colored pencils in a equally mini tube for the ultimate travel companion.
Send photos straight to this frame within the compatible smartphone app, to surprise grandparents and other long distance family members when you can't be together in person.
Reviewers adore its affordable price point (its significantly cheaper than other options), impressive screen quality and how the frame helps it blend in with other home decor, not a bulky tech item.
Several members of the Shop TODAY team have gifted their parents these smart bird feeder cameras, who have said it's their favorite gift they've received.
This original version (now up to 40% off select sites) helps you recognize up to 6,000 breeds of birds that stop by. It also has color night vision, so you can keep track of all the literal night owls that pass through.
Want an even more low-maintenance option? Try the version with the high-efficiency solar panel, you'll rarely have to worry about charging.
More gifts to shop ahead of the holiday season
AirTags are a functional travel product that help you keep an eye on where suitcases, bags and even your pets are. But that doesn't mean their presentation has to be boring!
Choose between 52 different shapes and designs, including a block of cheese, a maple leaf, a frog, clove of garlic and more unique options.
The early 2000's called: this nostalgic toy is back! And now you can customize it with photos from your phone for recipients to click through and be surprised by.
Choose between a number of colors and icons, paired with their name or a nickname to make for an accessory they'll love to sport every day.
Baublebar is offering an extra 20% off custom holiday gifts, making this pick less than $30.
This editor-approved belt bag earns rave reviews from Shop TODAY editorial operations manager, Jill Ortiz, for its ability to hold everything she needs without being bulky.
She says it can fit a “phone, wallet, headphones, keys, gym lock, Advil, an extra pair of headphones — you name it. I bring it with me everywhere. Whether I am taking my dog for a walk or have a formal event to attend, you will see this bag attached to me.”
Don’t let the size of these bottles fool you! They still pack powerful ingredients — like aloe vera — that promise thicker, fuller hair after use. It includes three products that can be easily incorporated into any hair care routine, including a shampoo, conditioner and heat protectant.
The newlyweds in your life will appreciate any excuse to keep celebrating! This cutting board can also serve as home decor, if you pair it with a stand that allows them to keep it on display in their kitchen.
Custom gifts don't have to be expensive — this DIY kit gives them an activity to complete and a beautiful piece of art to display afterwards.
Simply upload a photo of their furry friend to Uncommon Goods' site, and approve the estimate to receive a paint-by-numbers kit complete with 48 paints and two paintbrushes.
Easily print, peel and stick photos onto a water bottle, refrigerator, notebook and more thanks to this portable, bluetooth printer that easily connects to your phone or tablet.
We're highlighting a favorite of Shop TODAY's, that was one of our Gifts We Love in 2023. Beautiful by Drew Barrymore is a line of home decor, countertop appliances and more home goods ideated by Drew Barrymore — that prove to be as durable and aesthetic as other top brands.
This stand mixer comes with a 5.3-quart mixing bowl, a dough hook, balloon whisk and a flat beater, so the foodie in your life can mix cookie dough, brownie batter and more.
Commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto, is a huge fan of this newly launched face mask, which is intended to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a glow. "I use this all the time and can't help but notice how healthy, smooth and glowy my skin looks," she says. "It makes the perfect gift for a beauty aficionado."
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Makho Ndlovu.
- Makho Ndlovu is a Shop TODAY contributor and on-air expert.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites and more finds available on Amazon that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
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