We’re all seemingly surrounded by endless gift options, and it can be hard to figure out how to cut through the noise. You know your recipients best, but these selections may make your choice of holiday gifts a little easier.All of these items were recommended by experts HuffPost interviewed in previous coverage, ranging from veterinarians to couples therapists, makeup artists to baristas, physical therapists and even birdwatchers — and more. You’re sure to find something of interest for your loved one (or yourself).A massage gun for anyone on your list who’s a little stressed out or who likes to relax after working outThis Hypervolt Hyperice massage gun has been recommended to HuffPost by a host of experts: Massage therapists, for at-home massages; a physical therapist, for helping soothe painful muscles; and a couples therapist, for helping partners reconnect and release each other's stress. Designed to loosen knots and soothe stiffness, this version has three speeds and two interchangeable heads (which you can swap out depending on which muscles you're targeting).Available in two colors, it's lightweight enough for you to carry with you and, according to reviewers, impressively quiet given its 40-watt motor.DermstoreAvène XeraCalm A.D Ultra-Rich cleansing barBoard-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, recommended this French pharmacy staple from Avène. Made with evening primrose oil and thermal spring water, he noted that this hydrating bar soap can effectively cleanse skin "without disrupting the skin's natural microbiome." It's a great option for people of all ages and can calm eczema-prone skin. Gift pairing idea: The Hand Repair Bundle from Burts Bees which is like a spa day for their hands. It includes moisturizing cream, gentle cotton gloves, and more hand care essentials.A coffee table book about coffeeIf you're picking something out for the java enthusiast in your life, know that not all coffee-related gifts need to be tools. Morgan Eckroth, a barista, content creator and the 2022 U.S. Barista Champion, suggests coffee literature like "The World Atlas of Coffee" by James Hoffmann as one outside-the-box idea.The book includes information about and stunning photographs of places where coffee is grown around the world and how it's processed and consumed. It's a nice piece of coffee table decor in addition to some genuinely interesting reading for coffee nerds."I'm all about thinking about products that are adjacent to coffee brewing for gifts," Eckroth says. "Coffee books, a nice thermos, a new mug, coffee storage... these are usually the purchases that are harder for folks to justify and make for fantastic gifts!"Gift pairing idea: A subscription to Atlas Coffee Club so they're always caffeinated while browsing their new read. AmazonA couples card game that's internet-viralThe We're Not Really Strangers couples card game is another excellent option that's popular across TikTok and is designed for both old and new couples. "Some questions might be things you never asked each other or [your] answers may change," said licensed marriage and family therapist Yara Mawad. It has three different "levels" of questions so you can work up to different layers of connection. Example questions include "What do we have in this relationship that you never thought was possible?" and "What assumption did you make about me that turned out to be false?"AmazonA basic platform feederChris Wells, president of the Valley Forge Audubon Society, Matt Igleski, executive director of the Chicago Bird Alliance, Ben Nickley, executive director of the Berkshire Bird Observatory, and Elise Greenberg, organizer of Philly Queer Birders, all say a basic platform feeder is a great universal option."I find just a simple platform feeder works for me," Igleski said. "It's easy to clean and I can put just about any kind of seed in it." Wells notes that flat trays gives birds the best visibility for predators such as cats, and they attract the widest variety of seed-eating feeder birds. Nickley notes that platform feeders "do not have a size filter — small birds like chickadees can use them, but so can larger birds like cardinals."While none of the experts suggested a specific feeder, we like this fuss-free wooden option with a small hook, available in various colors.A cold brew maker for your newly-obsessed-with-cold-brew spouseA barista previously suggested this Ovalware RJ3 cold brew maker for easy, tasty at-home cold brew."Due to its airtight seal, it makes cold brew taste fresh and delicious for days on end," explained the barista, Dania Abou-Jabal. "It also has a stainless steel filter within the carafe, making it not only reusable, but it also allows for the best brew of coffee where even fine sediments of coffee cannot pass through!" The piece prepares up to four cups of coffee; all you have to do is fill its internal vertical filter with ground coffee, pour cold water in, let it sit overnight and enjoy.Gift pairing idea: It's just begging to be paired with a good, memorable mug that fits your recipient's personality. Try this mug and Ghirardelli hot chocolate gift set.For keeping your best friend entertainedPuzzle feeders can help enrich your dog's mental life, staving off boredom and stimulating problem-solving skills, according to veterinarians in previous HuffPost coverage.Veterinarian Carly Fox recommended this interactive swivel toy from Outward Hound in particular. Your dog can seek the treats from inside the puzzle by using their snout and sense of smell; the toy has a non-slip base that helps prevent it from sliding around while in use.Promising review: "This dog treat puzzle is amazing! My pup absolutely loves it and it keeps him occupied for quite a while. It's sturdy, well-made, and the challenge is just right—he has to think but doesn’t get frustrated. I also love that it doubles as a slow feeder, helping him eat more slowly and avoid bloating. If you have a smart dog who needs mental stimulation, this puzzle is a must-have! Highly recommend for keeping your furry friend entertained and out of trouble." — ShopWithShaneeGift pairing idea: The doggos deserve more than just TLC with snacking! Treat those babies to the crinkle duck plushie that reviewers say will show your pup a good time — sans all the flurry of stuffing.AmazonA multitasking liner-lipstick hybridMakeup artist Kathy Jeung previously recommended this Maybelline lip crayon, which doubles as a lipstick and a liner, letting you outline, shape and fill lips at once. "Depending on how lightly or heavily you apply them, you can get a sheer look or one with more coverage,” Jeung explained of the crayons. They also come with a handy built-in sharpener!Wool dryer balls for your practical Secret SantaAccording to clothing and sewing experts, wool dryer balls are far superior to fabric softeners and dryer sheets. The latter can leave a grime-attracting film and change the texture of clothing, they noted, while wool dryer balls help soften clothes, get rid of static and quicken the drying process.Plus, since they're reusable, wool dryer balls will save you money in the long run.This six-pack has 54,000 5-star ratings on Amazon and comes in five styles, ranging from plain to rainbow and even animal-themed versions.Gift pairing idea: These will make a sweet maintenance gift paired with a festive sweater!Slumberkins for the sensitive youngster on your listA journal for your little kid (who is quickly becoming a big kid)A privacy screen that's just a really useful gift for just about anyoneYou'd be wise to add a privacy screen to your phone for additional security. It's designed to darken the view of your screen from the side, so people can't snoop over your shoulder to check out your bank statement or your texts.An expert previously recommended this YMHML privacy screen to HuffPost because of its tempered glass, which can also help protect your phone if it drops.The privacy screen comes in a two-pack and fits all different iPhone models, including the new 16.Promising review: "I am notorious for dropping my phone. I got a new iphone about a year and a half ago. I got an otterbox case and one these privacy screens. Over about a year and a half, the screen protector had a few cracks in it. Nothing crazy though. My actual screen had none! And the privacy aspect works so well. People are always asking me “are you just staring at a blank screen?” And im like bruh😐, youre the reason i need this😭..." — Michelle majorsGift pairing idea: Place this protector in a gift bag with a durable iPhone case in their favorite color (I recommend ones from Otterbox, like the reviewer noted) OR I grabbed a crossbody phone case from a UK-based Etsy shop.AmazonA genius toy for your overactive cat that gets bored with everythingThis $4 cat dancer toy was recommended by a feline behavior specialist in previous HuffPost coverage for its ability to tap into cats' instinctual prey drive. Made with springy steel wire and rolled cardboard, the toy imitates the scuttle of bugs and small critters. My own cat loves pouncing on this toy and chasing it all over; it's a delightful find that's a no-brainer gift for homes with cats.Promising review: "I'd have paid 10x the amount for this just because of how happy it makes her. I've bought electric toys that run away, catnip toys, wands, silvervine-infused toys, honeysuckle-infused toys...she could care less if they even existed. But...a pack of springs and whatever this little wire-with-cardboard-things-on-it thing is that were like $5 together? Greatest things in the world to her. Stop reading my nonsensical comment and click that buy now button, you won't regret it. Protip: If you're busy, wrap the end you hold around the arm of your desk chair and get back to work, the cat is now occupied." — ChrisGift pairing idea: Treat your kitties to this cat tree if you'd like to spoil them further. My cat Bee loves lounging this one from Amazon.Boots for the person on your list who's stylish and practicalWhen asked about recommendations for comfy boots, a pedorthist suggested these Sam Edelman Laguna boots. The chunky Chelsea boots provide ample room for toes and "a lugged outsole for increased traction and structure," according to the expert, Michael Fishkin.They come in women's sizes, in wide-width versions and in many colors.Gift pairing idea: Toss in boot glue to extend the life of these if they do a lot of walking or include stylish crew socks that won't slide off inside the Chelsea style.A stretch-out strap for anyone that could benefit from some flexibilityTo help ease muscle pain and tightness, a physical therapist previously recommended this popular six-foot Stretch Out Strap. The tool helps you gently stretch your legs and upper and lower body with greater control thanks to its 10 customizable loops. You can also use the loops as comfy, grippy handholds.Gift pairing idea: Consider adding these fitness workout cards that are basically a personal trainer in a box!A foolproof stocking stuffer for any little kidBlowing bubbles is a great way to teach emotional regulation to young kids, according to previous HuffPost reporting, since the activity models how to take deep breaths. "If a kid's really upset and you want to support them, you can say, well, let's do some of our bubble breathing," explained therapist David Ibrahim. "The parent can engage with the kids, which is really healthy, and blowing bubbles teaches them how to elongate their breath and get some oxygen." This increase of oxygen to the brain can then help kids calm down.These bubbles are designed for ages 18 months and up. They're housed in a durable no-spill tumbler so you can get heavy use out of them without getting bubbles on your floor, and boast a non-toxic formula so you don't have to worry if your child accidentally swallows some or gets some in their eyes. Each bubble container comes with a wand and 4 ounces of the bubble solution; colors of the tumbler may vary. Gift pairing idea: Wrap up this gift with a sensory maze pillow and other engaging, screen-free toys perfect for children.For the sweet-blooded person on your listThis dermatologist-approved bug bite tool helps ease itchy bites and painful stings by using suction to pull out leftover saliva and venom from the skin. A bestseller, it's designed to help with mosquito bites, bee and wasp stings and more.Reviewers call it the best $10 they've ever spent. After finally getting to try it myself, I agree: I regularly get eaten alive by mosquitoes, and this tool is the best I've come across for easing the unyielding itchiness. By far. I take it everywhere with me now.It's also available in a combo pack including the suction tool and a tick remover.Gift pairing idea: If they're an outdoorsy person, then pair this with Supergoop's luxury sunscreen or the bestselling Lifestraw for safer hydration.
These Gifts Are Expert-Recommended And HuffPost-Approved
Now you can say "An expert recommended this!" with every gift.
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