T+L Editors Reveal Their Favorite Gifts to Give (and Get) This Year

"Sony's newest over-ear headphones are so impressively good. They've made the latest model lighter and more comfortable to wear and increased the battery life to a whopping 30 hours. But above all, Sony focused on sound and, wow, it is delightfully immersive to listen to music with these on. The noise-cancelling is better than ever before and if you are forced to return to the outside world, lightly pressing on the right ear with your hand will activate an external microphone, allowing you to hear announcements celarly or answer a question without having to lift a cup." — Richelle Szypulski, Digital Assistant Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $350

"The transformer of belt bags, this chic, little number from Senreve can turn into a clutch, cross-body, or sling bag. It comes in nine different colors of full-grain Italian leather that's totally scratch- and water-resistant, meaning it'll stay this polished for many trips to come." — Richelle Szypulski, Digital Assistant Editor

To buy: senreve.com, $395

"At the beach or in the mountains, one of my favorite things in the whole world is waking up early on a trip with friends or family and enjoying a cup of coffee and conversation. This clever little system that’s designed to easily fit in your bag makes a truly wonderful Vietnamese coffee. Even better, the pack comes with enough supplies to make five cups of coffee, making the perfect gift for your coffee-obsessed friends heading out on vacation." — Tanner Saunders, Associate Digital Editor

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $15

"When you spend a lot of time traveling and living out of a small carry-on suitcase, it’s necessary to minimize your wardrobe by maximizing the items you pack. For me, that’s a pair of sneakers that will easily match with anything. And after hearing the hype and rave reviews about Brooklyn-based footwear brand Greats, these are at the top of my list. If they’re good enough for President Obama, they’re definitely good enough for me." — Tanner Saunders, Associate Digital Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $179

"The cousins and I are planning to do this DNA test and then review the results together over the holidays. This at-home kit is something we've all been wanting to try, and the idea of doing it together sounds fun and potentially really hilarious." — Kim Duong, Digital Assistant Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $69

"Don't get me wrong. I love my Kindle, but I think it's time for an upgrade. I'm ready for that waterproof, glare-resistant, high definition, one-handed e-reading experience that the Kindle Oasis has to offer." — Kim Duong, Digital Assistant Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $250

"After returning from my honeymoon in South Africa, I got the Cape Town (CPT) pendant for myself to commemorate the trip. It's a special reminder that I can wear every day, but it's also been a fun conversation starter. With a wide variety of destinations and styles to choose from, I've already checked off presents for several people on my holiday giving list." — Sarah Bruning, Senior Editor

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $98

"In the coming year, one of my goals is to streamline and update all of my essential travel gear so that I'm not bumbling around at security or constantly trying to get something from an overhead bin during a long flight. This Is Ground's Mod Laptop 3 would be a step in the right direction on both fronts. The cognac-hued Tuscan leather is durable and wears beautifully; the 15-inch size would fit both my laptop and my iPad Pro; and the various slots and pockets would allow me to keep my phone, cords, writing implements, and most-used cards neatly organized. Plus, the inserts make it endlessly customizable." — Sarah Bruning, Senior Editor

To buy: thisisground.com, $649

"A tablet-holding cutting board will make cooking from a Pinterest recipe a breeze. With this handy kitchen tool, my mom can prop up her iPad and easily follow the directions while she preps her meals. No uncomfortable neck craning or back bending necessary." — Elizabeth Preske, Digital Assistant Editor

To buy: thegrommet.com, $128

"I go on weekend trips a lot, and because my current duffel bag strains my neck and has zero compartments, it just isn’t cutting it. This backpack, on the other hand, has contoured straps and a sternum strap system for back support, as well as numerous compartments and organizational amenities. Plus, it’s large enough to take with me on longer vacations, but not so large that I have to check it." — Elizabeth Preske, Digital Assistant Editor

To buy: ebags.com, $120

"I was gifted this tote — the same one Meghan Markle wore on her first official appearance with Prince Harry — a few months back, and I would definitely like to pay it forward. I bring it to work, use it as a carry-on when I'm packing light, and throw it inside a larger bag for longer getaways so I can break it out and use it upon arrival. It's durable, goes with everything, and is made of 100% Italian leather. Plus, who doesn't like a good royal name drop on Christmas morning?" — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

To buy: everlane.com, $175

"I only recently bought my first pair of Allbirds, but now I see what all the hype is about — they're so light and comfortable, I wore them on a 19-hour flight and never took them off (even with free cozy slippers on offer). The only thing that could make them a better travel shoe is if you could slip them on and off at security. Enter: the Lounger, now at the top of my list." — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

To buy: allbirds.com, $95

"A few years ago I received a set of stainless steel drinking straws as a gift and now I definitely prefer them over plastic. Now that more and more restaurants and cafes are doing away with one-use plastic straws anyway, it's the perfect time for me to convert everyone I know to using stainless straws, too. My favorites are my made-in-the-USA straws from Etsy, and Healthy Human's set comes with a convenient carrying case to tuck into your bag for your iced coffee run." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

To buy: etsy.com, $16; amazon.com, $15

"I love luxe skincare but I always feel a tiny bit guilty splurging on it myself. This year I'm hoping someone will take pity on my parched skin and send a few of the highly-reviewed products from Biossance my way. The line's formulas, including this repair cream I have my eye on, contain a super-hydrating, plant-based hydrocarbon called squalane." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

To buy: sephora.com, $58

"I'm normally not that person who uses the word 'tech' or raves about the latest model of phones or computers or whatever. But this? This is a technological miracle I can get behind. How can a printer be so exciting, you ask? Well, you know how in Harry Potter, the people in photographs and paintings can move? With this gadget, you can record a video on your phone and print a still from it, and then view the printed photo through an app, and the picture will move! I have no idea how this works. Magic? There are also tons of stickers, filters, and other extensions from the wizarding world that you can add to your 'moving image.' It's the perfect gift for any kid in your life because 1. the kid will be entertained for hours, and 2. honestly, their parent(s) will be, too." — Hannah Walhout, Assistant Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $150

"In this age of skincare-as-self-care, I'm hesitantly coming around to the joys of a good serum (as much as that sentence makes me want to do a permanent eye-roll). A major factor in my awakening is this product from Indie Lee, an eco-conscious skincare company that actually walks the walk — everything is nontoxic, plant-based, responsibly produced, and actually effective. Using stem cells from apples, as well as anti-inflammatory botanicals like Alpine rose and bamboo extracts, this fast-absorbing serum makes my skin look and feel firm, hydrated, soothed, and refreshed, all at once. Now, if only someone could save my wallet some strain and buy me a refill." — Hannah Walhout, Assistant Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, from $52

"For New Yorkers: You can experience a world of beer without leaving the city! Plus, you can add on cheese and charcuterie!" — Christine Bower-Wright, Design Director

To buy: stinkybklyn.com, $35/month

"Beautifully painted, handcrafted chocolates that are so delicious, you will never want a different box of chocolate again." — Christine Bower-Wright, Design Director

To buy: swmsweets.com, $49 for a box of 12 bonbons

"This year I am all for gifting items that encourage friends and family to slow down, breathe and escape reality even if only for a minute. Stationery is a great way to send notes the old-fashioned way and these handmade marbled notecards in metallics are something to really obsess over. Card sets are great to buy in bulk for the numerous friends on your list and it's a gift that can keep on giving." — Mariah Tyler, Digital Associate Photo Editor

To buy: etsy.com, $10 for four cards and envelops

"What kind of photographer doesn't want rolls of film as a gift? Film can quickly become a pricey hobby or professional practice, especially considering the costs of development and printing. Getting a pack of five rolls would bring me so much joy. And I love a gift that presents new ideas and endless possibilities, especially with the quality offered by this infamous Kodak color negative film." — Mariah Tyler, Digital Associate Photo Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $48

"Like many others, I was beguiled by a small exhibition that appeared at the Metropolitan Museum of Art last year. In a corner of the American wing, the artist and illustrator Maira Kalman, and her son, Alex Kalman, recreated the closet of Maira's late mother, Sarah Berman. Now Maira and Alex have turned the exhibition into a beautifully produced book. I plan to give the book to a few friends and family members I took to see Sara Berman's Closet, but even if you haven't experienced the exhibition, it makes for an unconventional and moving autobiography." — Peter Terzian, Articles Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $19

"I've been obsessed with the Aran Islands, three long, slender outcroppings off the western coast of Ireland in Galway Bay, since seeing Robert Flaherty's beautiful and fascinating 1934 quasi-documentary, "Man of Aran," about the hardscrabble life of the islands' inhabitants. Recently my husband I spent a day on the largest of the islands, Inishmore, while vacationing through Ireland. Now I'm excited to read Stones of Aran: Pilgrimage and Stones of Aran: Labyrinth, two books about the islands that have become classics of travel literature. At a combined total of 1,096 pages, they should keep me busy until I have the opportunity to go back and visit the other two islands." — Peter Terzian, Articles Editor

To buy: (left) amazon.com, $22 ;(right) amazon.com, $23

"This year, I'm treating my boyfriend to a new winter jacket. He's not one for buying things for himself, so I think it will be a nice surprise." — Samantha DiBenedetto, Digital Producer

To buy: nordstrom.com, $995

"For your inner child and artist. And who doesn't geek out on back-to-school supplies? This gift is great for both kids and adults. Perfect for school, the office, or simply journaling. Extremely affordable, and really practical." — Samantha DiBenedetto, Digital Producer

To buy: amazon.com, $17 for a set of 10

"Who doesn't love playing a game of cards on the plane, by the beach, or late night in their hotel room? These travel-themed cards make for the perfect gift, and can keep you company at home or on the road." — Jacqui Gifford, Editor-in-chief

To buy: overthemoon.com, $190

"An incredible piece of jewelry can make an entire outfit. When I travel, I like to pack solid-colored clothing and then add one bold piece to tie the whole thing together. My favorite jewelry store for these type pieces is Croghan's Jewel Box in Charleston, South Carolina. Run by a team of incredible women, the shop has one-of-a-kind estate pieces as well as more affordable, contemporary finds from their Signature Gold Bug Collection. Who knew a palmetto bug could make a fashion statement?" — Jacqui Gifford, Editor-in-chief

To buy: croghansjewelbox.com, $195