I'm a Shopping Director — Here's What I'm Gifting My Family For the Holidays
If you saw my closet, you wouldn't be surprised to learn that I spend an inordinate amount of time shopping. Long before I became the shopping director at PS, I considered myself somewhat of a retail expert because I really treat it like a sport. When I go shopping, it's not just that I'm looking for the perfect present for a loved one, I need to get it on major sale with store credit I've been saving and an extra gift with purchase added on top. That's the equivalent of a touchdown for me. My first love is fashion, and I have the aforementioned closet to show for it, but my shopping list has expanded to include everything from furniture to travel products to spa services. My mission? To find investment pieces and experiences that are truly worth the purchase — and even better if I can get them for half the price.
This holiday, I'm leaning into my shopping hobby — and my gift-giving love language — like never before. I'm investing in gifts that speak to my loved ones' personal interests and hobbies, from a travel pillow for my sister who travels for work often to a digital picture frame for my father so he can display all the pictures of his grandchildren with ease. For my 4-year-old niece, I have my eye on Disney's "The Little Mermaid"-themed tea party play set for her to further explore her love of hosting.
And as someone who has more Telfar bags than I can count, from the classic shopping bag to the Ugg collab mini, I'm investing in Telfar's Puff Medium Shopping Bag for a tote I can bring back and forth to the office on days I have to commute to work.
Keep reading to shop the best gift ideas I'm buying for my family from retailers like Amazon, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, and more.
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Best Makeup Gift
Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil ($20)
This bestselling lip oil will make a perfect stocking stuffer for all the beauty lovers in my family. Ami Colé's long-lasting formula adds just enough color and shine while nourishing your lips with a mix of baobab-seed oil, camellia oil, and passion-fruit-seed oil. Created by my dear friend Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye, who is such a visionary, the lip treatment comes in an array of flattering shades from chocolate brown to bright red. Read more about the popular beauty buy in our editor's review of Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil.
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Best Kids Gift
Belle ''Be Our Guest'' Singing Tea Cart Play Set – Beauty and the Beast ($50)
There are few things my niece loves more than Disney princesses, so she'll treasure this "Beauty and the Beast"-themed playset. Great for a play date or solo play, it features a singing Lumiere, which is sure to entertain any kid who loves music as much as she does. With a removable serving tray, a five-slice cake, and characters like Mrs. Potts and Chip, it'll inspire her to use her imagination and have a little tea party of her own. The set is hand-washable and batteries are included.
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Best Fashion Gift
H&M Fine-Knit Mock Turtleneck Dress ($40)
I famously wear dresses all the time — even through the winter — and I realize that's a family trait. Everyone from my great aunt to my 4-year-old niece gravitates toward dresses, so thankfully I'm not alone. That said, my cousin will love this comfy turtleneck sweater dress from H&M that she can pair with knee-high boots and wear throughout the cold-weather season. The soft-knit, gently flared design comes in an elegant gray color that she can style with everything, from black accessories to a bright-red coat.
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Best Travel Gift
Trtl Travel Pillow in Coral ($65)
My sister often has to travel for work, and this pillow will keep her comfortable during all those long plane rides. With its super-plush cushion and ergonomic design (which keeps your head perfectly tilted), she won't have to worry about waking up with pain from sleeping awkwardly. What's more, the design (and color!) make it look like an oversize scarf. Read more about why it's worth the investment in our Trtl travel pillow review.
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Best Skin-Care Gift
Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Skin Care Discovery Set ($115)
My mother shares my love of good skin care, and she'll go crazy for this gift set from Dr. Barbara Sturm. I swear by the acclaimed aesthetic doctor's products; her clients include perpetually glowing celebrities like Angela Bassett and Bella Hadid. This collection specifically caters to shoppers with darker skin tones, with items like an enzyme cleanser, a hyaluronic serum, and hydrating creams. My mom will be able to test a little bit of everything with this gift set.
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Best Fitness Gift
Mobvoi Home Walking Treadmill Walking Pad ($120)
If your parents also go for daily walks and will have to take them indoors once the weather cools, consider this walking pad. Perfect for low-impact exercises like power-walking and jogging, its speed capacity ranges from 0.6 to 3.8 mph. They'll be able to keep track of their speed, distance, and calories burnt via the LED display on the front of the walking pad. And the best part? It's compact enough that they can easily move it around as needed or even slide it under a desk to walk while working from home.
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Best Shoe Gift
Brandon Blackwood Lola Heel in Gray Denim ($250)
My cousin is a shoe lover and will be thrilled to see these Brandon Blackwood heels under the tree. With a gray denim upper, a three-inch heel, and a chic strap, these comfortable heels will add an elegant touch to all her corpcore dresses and pantsuits. The shoes also come in medium blue denim for an eye-catching spin.
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Best Handbag Gift
Telfar Medium Puff Shopper ($280)
Though I have my heart set on Telfar's upcoming collab with Wilsons Leather as my Christmas gift to myself, I couldn't resist also picking up this medium shopper available on Amazon. The puff material resembles a winter coat, making it a perfect fit for the colder season. And it's just big enough to fit all my essentials, including my laptop for office days.
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Best Home Decor Gift
Aura Walden 15" WiFi Digital Picture Frame ($300)
My father is so delighted to be a grandparent, and he always lights up whenever he gets new pictures of his granddaughters. This picture frame will let him put them on display around the house without having to print them at home or at a nearby drugstore. Easy to set up and use with the free Aura app, this frame can be mounted or hung on the wall and boasts free unlimited storage. The best part? You can invite friends and family to add photos, too — so we'll be able to surprise him with new pics of his grandkids sent directly to the picture frame.
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Best Furniture Gift
Jade Brass Bar Cart ($449)
Another gift for me (don't judge), this bar cart will be a stunning addition to my living room — and a great present for anyone in your life who just moved into a new home. With its sleek brass tone and removable wheels, it's as convenient as it is stylish. I'll use it store some of my favorite spirits, like Beyoncé's new Sir Davis whiskey and Rémy Martin 1738, and it'll be perfect to use when I'm hosting friends in my condo this winter.
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Best Tech Gift
Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame TV ($1,498)
My brother just moved into a new home and the Frame TV would make the perfect housewarming / holiday gift. One of the most in-demand tech finds on the market, the TV features hi-def, 4K Ultra HD picture quality and it turns into a display for paintings in art mode. It also boasts a slim-fit wall mount and a clear cord that won't be an eye sore in your living space. Check out our editor's review of the Samsung Frame TV for more details.
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Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is the senior content director of shopping and UK at PS. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.