If you’re still looking to cross some names off your list this?holiday season, these celebrity-loved products may be what you’re looking for. Over the past year, we’ve spoken to a?lot?of celebrities, influencers, founders and CEOs who have shared some of their favorite beauty, travel, fitness and home products with us for “The Essentials List.”
Whether you’re shopping for your?mom,?girlfriend or?teenage son?this holiday season, we’ve rounded up some of the products they love that we think would make great gifts.
Best celebrity-loved beauty gifts
Still looking for the perfect stocking stuffer to gift this holiday season? This?cult-favorite lip mask has managed to capture the hearts of Underscored readers and celebrities like Demi Moore, thanks to its ability to nourish and soften lips.
The Fenty Beauty lip luminizer ticks all the boxes when it comes to a lip gloss that offers shine, shimmer and a pop of color. It also happens to be a favorite of US Open champion Coco Gauff — she adores the Hot Chocolit shade — and media personality Paris Hilton.
More gift-worthy lip products
A workout essential for Peloton instructor Olivia Amato, this cruelty-free lip treatment from Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand locks in moisture for soft, healthy-looking lips.
A must-have for actress Jenna Dewan, this vegan and cruelty-free tinted lip balm from Jessica Alba’s beauty line has over 12,000 5-star reviews.
There are many ways to practice self-care, and if your preferred form includes relaxing in the tub, these bath bombs from Ashley Tisdale’s brand come in a pack of six and have calming notes of lavender, sandalwood and cardamom.
Body care products are a great gift for anyone on your list who needs more TLC. U4IA founder Vanessa Simmons loves using this rich, vitamin-packed body butter for moisturized and healthy-looking skin. As she puts it, “When I wake up, I have this effortless glow.”
When it comes to perfumes, Michelle Pfeiffer’s fine fragrance brand has some seriously great ones. Don’t believe us? Take it from Jonathan Van Ness of “Queer Eye” fame, who says that Char — which has notes of tonka bean, ginger and orange flower — is one of their beauty essentials. A travel-sized set would be a sweet and simple gift for the fragrance-obsessed individual on your list.
More gift-worthy fragrances
Academy Award-winning director Taika Waititi has been wearing this Tom Ford fragrance — which has leather, violet and jasmine notes — for years.
If you’re shopping for someone who likes fragrances with floral and wood notes, fashion designer Phillip Lim is a fan of this one from Ex Nihilo. In Lim’s words, “It’s a little woodsy, a little musky, and you will never smell it on anyone else.” How’s that for a gift?
This editor-loved facial tool is a top beauty pick for model and Care.e.on founder Madison Headrick. “This ice roller is great for waking up the skin and reducing puffiness,” she says. For just under $20, you can buy one of these handy depuffing tools for yourself and them.
We love a practical gift, which is why this shampoo and conditioner set from Olaplex would make a great one. “Wheel of Fortune” star Vanna White loves using this duo, which leaves hair healthy, shiny and soft.
A beauty essential for actress Gina Torres, this Babyliss curling iron “helps to add texture and curl up those tired ends between trims,” she says. If you’re shopping for someone who needs a new one, this wand has five temperature settings and a 0.5-inch barrel for creating tight spirals.
If you’re searching for a blush and highlighter duo, consider picking up the Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette (a favorite of actress Taraji P. Henson). For eye shadow palettes, model Coco Rocha is a fan of this Dior one.
Best celebrity-loved home gifts
Have someone on your list who would appreciate an update to their bedding? Dr. Sandra Lee from TLC’s “Dr. Pimple Popper” loves using a silk pillowcase because “it does wonders for your hair, skin and overall health while you sleep.” Made from 100% mulberry silk, this pillowcase from Blissy would make an excellent gift for a significant other or family member.
Cozy blankets are super-giftable items and actress Hilary Duff is a fan of the throws from Barefoot Dreams. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, these snuggle-worthy blankets are perfect for cuddling up with on the couch. They also won’t shrink, wrinkle or pill! We love the look of this one, which can be purchased in blue, purple or white.
A favorite of designer Shea McGee, this beautiful hardcover book is perfect for the design enthusiast on your list. With over 450 pages, they’ll enjoy thumbing through the stunning pictures and can proudly show the book off on their coffee table or shelf.
More gift-worthy books
If you’re shopping for someone who enjoys African-American literature, gift them this massive collection of written work that poet Amanda Gorman loves.
In the words of “No Demo Reno” host Jenn Todryk, “I love these coffee-table books because they are so simple and elegant but have beautiful pictures on the inside.”
These hair-catching stickers that social media influencer Sal Farzin loves would make great stocking stuffers. Designed to prevent hair from going down the drain and clogging it, these waterproof mesh stickers can stay in place for up to three weeks.
Todryk loves a nice-smelling candle, and her top pick from La Jolie Muse — which has notes of sandalwood and patchouli and a burn time of 90 hours — has over 3,000 5-star reviews.
More gift-worthy candles
This beautiful, clean-burning candle from actress Courtney Cox’s home brand is available in five scents and offers up to 60 hours of burn time. While the actress loves this version — which has cedarwood, cardamom and cinnamon notes — you can just as easily gift them this candle in Cipres Mint or?Balsam Fireplace.
The luxurious Le Labo Santal 26 Candle is a favorite of IPHIS founder Noah Beck, who lights this candle as part of his wellness routine.?
Best celebrity-loved kitchen gifts
If you’re looking for a gift for the foodie in your life, consider gifting them a bottle of olive oil from Brightland. It’s a pantry staple for Partake Foods founder Denise Woodard and can be used on everything from vegetables to meat. Other giftable options include The Duo Olive Oil Set and The Mini Essentials, which also includes Brightland’s vinegars.
Cookbook author Padma Lakshmi is a fan of Le Creuset’s enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens, and we are too. If you want to splurge on one for yourself or someone else this holiday season, you’ll be pleased to know that they come in a range of colors. We love that the Dutch ovens — which are also available in different shapes — are easy to clean and can be used for everything from slow cooking to frying.??
Lakshmi says she likes to source the spices for her cooking from Diaspora Co. With the Build Your Own Spice Shelf, you can pick three, six, nine or 12 of the brand’s spices to go in your box or opt to receive its bestsellers. For the aspiring or seasoned chef in your life, it’s a thoughtful and unique gift.
A great gift doesn’t have to break the bank. Take, for example, this affordable skillet from Lodge that’s a kitchen essential for Food Network star Kardea Brown. “A good cast iron can do wonders,” she says. Complete with a silicone handle holder, it can be used to sear, sauté and more.
A favorite of actress Issa Rae, this relaxing blend of cornflowers, chamomile and lavender is sure to be appreciated by the tea lover on your list. Available as sachets or tea leaves, you can gift the tea on its own or alongside a smart mug (this one is a favorite of content creator Chris Olsen).
“Top Chef” alum and Jars founder Fabio Vivani loves this sleek stand mixer from KitchenAid. “It can handle heavy-duty mixing and kneading, so it’s perfect for denser doughs and breads,” he says. We love it too, thanks to its incredible mixing, kneading and whipping abilities. Talk about a great present!?
One of Vivani’s kitchen essentials is this $17 butane torch from Sondiko that would make the perfect stocking stuffer for someone who loves making desserts. With over 30,000 5-star reviews, this refillable torch is loved for its ease of use and safety features.?
Gifting a loved one this compact outdoor oven from Ninja is a win-win situation since you’ll both hopefully get to enjoy the yummy food made with it. A favorite of “Top Chef” host Kristen Kish, we also tested the oven out and were impressed by its efficiency, versatility and ability to make crispy pizza crust.
These lovely maple bread boards from home renovation experts Ben and Erin Napier’s brand are available in three sizes and are perfect for fancy charcuterie spreads. This breadboard would be a great gift for the individual on your list who loves entertaining in their home.
Best celebrity-loved fitness and wellness gifts
If you’re looking for an alternative to a physical gift, gifting them a subscription for something you know they’ll enjoy is always a great option. Actress Tia Mowry is a fan of this meditation app, which allows you to gift someone a year-long or lifelong subscription. Another celeb favorite is the Insight Timer App (Moore and Holt like this one).
A person can never have too many pairs of socks, and Feetures has some really great ones. Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez says the brand’s cushioned socks are a workout essential for him. In his own words, “You can walk around in them, and it looks really cute with a great pair of shoes, and if you throw on running shoes and do eight miles, you’re going to be comfortable.”
A cute tumbler can make all the difference when it comes to staying hydrated. This one — which is an everyday essential for actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher — comes with a straw and is insulated, dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. It also has an ergonomic handle and can be customized. For a cute personalized gift, have it engraved for an additional $6.
E! News co-host Adrienne Bailon-Houghton likes using her cushioned Alo Yoga mat for her pilates sessions. If you’re shopping for a yoga or pilates enthusiast or someone looking to squeeze in some low-impact exercises, consider purchasing this one.
Treat yourself or them to these sculpting and sweat-wicking leggings from Sweaty Betty. TV personality and beauty entrepreneur Trinny Woodall, who loves the navy version of the leggings, says, “They look good and make you feel good when you’re working out.” They come in over 30 prints and colors, and they are also available as full-length leggings.
Shopping for a regular gym goer? “Catfish” co-host Kamie Crawford is a fan of this massage gun, which has a carrying pouch, three attachments and a USB-C charging cable. Its small size makes it ideal for tossing into a bag and toting to the gym or wherever.
Stanley tumblers get so much love because they’re stylish, thoughtfully designed, insulated and, as seen in this viral TikTok, very durable. Love Wellness founder Lo Bosworth considers her Flowstate Tumbler an essential.??
Best celebrity-loved fashion gifts
Searching for a sweet but practical gift? Surprise your loved one with a pair of stylish sleepwear. Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth loves these pajamas from Draper James, which she says are “so comfortable, cozy and soft.” And if buying just one pair isn’t enough, you can pick up coordinating sets for the whole family.
Dr. Bradley Schaeffer from “My Feet Are Killing Me” and actor Rainn Wilson are both fans of the Hoka Clifton 9. Wilson, who considers the shoes a travel essential, says, “They’re so comfortable and so good for when you’re wandering around neighborhoods or markets.”?Actor Ken Jeong loves another pair from Hoka?— the Bondi 8 —?and wears them as slippers. “They are like pillows for your feet,” he says.
“Selling Sunset” star Jason Oppenheim says he has multiple pieces of clothing from Vuori, including the soft Strato Tech Tee. Designed to be moisture wicking and available in various colors, the performance shirt also has four-way stretch.?
Perfect for the fashionista on your list, the Clare V. Moyen Messenger has two shoulder straps and an interior zip pocket. The brand’s stylish handbags earn lots of points with Garcia Swisher, who loves that “they also transition from day to night seamlessly.”
If you’re shopping for sneakers to gift this season, take a note from Garcia Swisher, who loves this pair from Nike. Available in multiple colors, the trendy and versatile sneakers are also comfortable to wear, thanks to its plush midsole.
Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners are perfect for the guy who’s always on his feet. (They also come in a women’s version.) These breathable, machine-washable sneakers are made from eucalyptus fiber and have a cushioned midsole for all-day comfort. Perfect for slipping on before you head out the door, they also happen to be one of snowboarder Shaun White’s travel essentials.
Best celebrity-loved travel gifts
Captain Glenn Shephard from “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” says he slips one of these editor-approved trackers into all his bags so he can keep track of them. Whether you plan to gift a pack of AirTags or just one, it’s a great gift for the jet-setters in your life or anyone who has a habit of misplacing their belongings.
Another pick from Shephard, this Tempur-Pedic sleep mask helps the TV personality sleep on flights. “I definitely need my mask so I can sleep on the plane and be ready for the day ahead as soon as I land,” he says. If the person you’re shopping for is always hopping from one place to the next, this ultra-comfy, memory foam sleep mask might be what they need.?
A favorite of Wilson, Away’s large suitcase would be a great gift for heavy packers or anyone who travels for weeks at a time. As the actor says, “They’re light and don’t break, and it’s easy to get all your stuff in there.” A smaller but just as giftable option is the brand’s Bigger Carry On (a favorite of Oppenheim).
If the person you’re shopping for is looking to learn a new language or brush up on their skills, consider gifting them a three-month, 12-month or lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone. White says that he likes using the Rosetta Stone program to improve his Spanish during his flights.
The lightweight hammock is perfect for the person who loves being outdoors. Its compact design and easy setup make it great for trips or home use, and it comes in a range of colors. A favorite of Farzin, “it’s perfect for camping or if you just want to relax in your backyard or [on your] patio,” he says.?
Professional rock climber Alex Honnold says he always travels with these noise-canceling headphones from Bose. Our previous pick for the best overall noise-canceling headphones, the Bose 700 offer comfort and great sound, making them ideal for daily use.
An outdoor essential for Honnold, this full-zip fleece hoodie “keeps you a little bit warmer but not too hot when you’re exercising,” he says. Available in four colors, the jacket has an elasticated cuff with thumb loops, a concealed chest pocket and raglan sleeves.?
This heating pad from Cimoby is a travel essential for Crawford. With six heat settings and four auto shut-off options, this heating pad would make a thoughtful gift for anyone in need of a little heat therapy.
Best celebrity-loved tech gifts
Our pick for the best over-ear wireless headphones for Apple users happens to be a favorite of Crawford. The headphones offer great sound and noise cancellation and have a comfortable, sleek design.?
Upgrade their binge-watching sessions with the Fire TV Stick 4K. The streaming stick, which is Alexa-enabled, allows users to stream their favorite shows and movies from platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Max. It’s also a favorite of Farzin, who considers it a must-have for trips. “You can set it up in minutes and resume your favorite shows like you’re at home,” he says.
iPads are a great option for someone who doesn’t want or need a laptop but would still like to play games, surf the internet and watch movies on a device that’s not their phone. US Women’s National Soccer Team captain Alex Morgan is a fan of the larger iPads and uses hers to watch clips from her soccer matches.
The Google Nest Hub is designed to make life a bit easier. Thanks to its different features, you can control your compatible smart devices, stream shows, play music, track your sleep and more. An ideal gift for anyone who likes smart devices, “Queer Eye” star Bobby Berk is a fan of the Nest Hub since “you can set up reminders in your calendar and never forget a due date because it keeps track of everything,” he says.
Shopping for a content creator? Bailon-Houghton loves this clip-on phone light from Meixitoy. “It fits into my tiny purse, and it can light up the whole room,” she says. With 10 brightness levels and three light modes, this phone light is great for selfies or Zoom calls and has a rechargeable battery.
A favorite of comedian Jimmy O. Yang and our pick for the best budget VR headset, the Meta Quest 2 has great visuals and a lightweight design. For $500, you can gift them the latest in the lineup, which also happens to be our pick for the best VR headset overall.
Best celebrity-loved gifts for kids and their parents
This classic card game is a parenting must-have for actress Jordana Brewster. “It’s a good parenting tool because you can play it on a train, a plane or in a car,” she says. For just $5, pick up a few packs that you can slip into their stocking. It’s also a fun little gift for any adult who loves game nights.??
This luxury planner is worth considering if you’re shopping for someone who uses a planner daily and appreciates fine stationery. With space for jotting down notes and day-to-day plans, this weekly agenda has gilt-edged pages and runs from November 2023 to January 2025. As a busy mom and actress, Brewster says that she relies on hers to stay organized.
While a sheet set isn’t the most exciting gift, it is a nice practical one for a college student or a young adult who's moving out for the first time. Actress Nicole Ari Parker says she discovered this brand at Target when shopping for her college-aged daughter. Available in multiple patterns and sizes, this 100% percale cotton set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases (one if it’s for a twin/twin XL).
If you’re shopping for your kids or someone else’s, Magna-Tiles sets are a great way to keep them entertained. A top toy pick for actress Claire Holt, she says, “They keep my kids occupied for hours, so they’re great for independent play, aka when you have mountains of laundry to fold or just want to drink a hot coffee.” This builder set from the brand comes with 32 pieces and is appropriate for ages 3 and up.
Another parenting essential for Holt is this attractive, gift-worthy, stainless steel cup from Corkcicle. Appropriately named the Commuter Cup, it is insulated and spillproof, making it the perfect mug to have with you on trips or when you’re running errands. The best part? It can keep your beverage cold for up to 18 hours and hot for up to five.
If you’re shopping for a child this holiday season, you don’t have to go down the toy route. Grammy winner Kelly Rowland loves reading this book with her 8-year-old son. “I love it because it teaches him how to build confidence, resilience and courage,” she says. For boys 8 through 11, this interactive workbook encourages them to develop a growth mindset. If you’re also shopping for a little girl, you can purchase this version.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Apple’s AirTags, Tile offers some great options for Android users. Actor Randall Park shares that the trackers are one of his parenting must-haves because they ensure his daughter’s misplaced belongings don’t stay that way for too long. At just $25 for a single Tile Mate, it’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves traveling or those with school-aged kids.
Best celebrity-loved gifts for pet parents
Shopping for someone who loves to hike with their dogs? This expert-recommended dog pack is also a favorite of dog behaviorist Cesar Milan. Available in multiple colors and sizes, the adjustable backpack has a padded handle, reflective accents and mesh pockets. It also has three different spots for a leash!
When it comes to dog toys, Milan is a fan of the Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy. “I like this one because it bounces, it’s fast, it can float [and] it can go in the water and get dirty. It’s durable!” he says. Surprise your puppy with this pack of two balls or gift them to your friend to give to their furry companion.