The Motherly editor holiday gift guide–what we’re buying for everyone on our lists

My mission this year is simple: Buy for my husband the thing he keeps stealing from me–Bose Ultra Open Ear Buds. I love them because they’re the perfect earbud experience. Designed to both immerse you in a world of sound but also allow you to hear your surroundings, they’re the ideal design for folks who tend to wear earbuds for hours on end since you don’t have to take them out to actually engage with humans. (Also ladies, way better for outside runs, walks, mere existence…) The sound quality is everything you’d expect from Bose (totally aces) and the wrap style is so dang comfy you can actually forget you’re wearing them. They’re definitely on the pricey side, so the fact they’re $50 off at pretty much every retailer is super helpful. 

Covid changed a lot of things including turning my hubs into a bread baker (who knew?). We struggle to find the best way to store it so it doesn’t instantly turn rock hard or green. I’m not a huge fan of a ton of stuff left out on the counter, but I like the looks of this bread box. And a bonus that the lid doubles as a cutting board.

This is kind of a splurge, but it is 100% worth it. Personally, I love everything from the California-based Faherty, but especially their mens’ stuff. Their “Sweater Shirt” is SUPER soft and lasts forever. I got some for my hubs two or three years ago and I’m going back for more this year.

He doesn’t even have to be a cologne kind of guy to appreciate Fulton & Roark. I’ve been slipping something from of theirs in my guy’s stocking for years because they craft some of the most evocative and intoxicating solid scents which we both love. (They also package them in a badass–and portable!–metal container that can be refilled over and over.) Add in their gorgeously packaged aluminum-free deodorant and a triple-milled bar of soap and this gift set may just unlock his inner product junkie.

I can’t sing the praises for City Lips high enough. It’s super moisturizing, not sticky, and lasts for hours. There are tons of shades, but I like the clear–not to mention it’s safest for gift giving. 

This one’s for my sister. Her kids are finally old enough so that her purse doesn’t have to do double duty of diaper bag and handbag. It’s time she graduates to this lovely piece from Madewell. (After all, I did see her eyeing it when we were out shopping recently!)

Twenty-somethings can be difficult, but restocking their bougie essentials never fails. Case in point, my daughter is obsessed with the Ouai Leave In Conditioner. It smells lovely and doesn’t leave your hair greasy. 

I bought these on a whim because $35 sounded just too good to be true but as soon as my first one showed up–I literally went back and bought every single color (black, gray, ivory, blush). They take awhile to ship which kind of stinks, but my god they’re worth it. SUPER soft and really great quality. Practically everyone on my list is getting one of these. 

This year, I’m gifting this Deluxe Sourdough Starter Kit to my stepmom, who is an incredible baker and has been talking about trying her hand at sourdough. I’ve been making my own bread, and I love it! This kit from Sunrise Flour Mill has everything she’ll need to get started, including high-quality flour and the tools to make amazing loaves.

Grandparents are notoriously tough to shop for, but this custom L.L.Bean Boat and Tote solves the riddle. It combines the classic, rugged charm of a timeless tote with a personal touch—your kiddo’s handwriting, perfectly captured. Whether they use it for groceries, books, or just showing off at the farmer’s market, it’s practical, sentimental, and totally unique—just like them.

This Globe Electric LED Cloud Night Light is pure magic for kids—and a lifesaver for parents. Unlike traditional night lights, it’s totally portable, so your little one can carry it to the bathroom, snuggle it in bed, or take it to a sleepover. The soft, BPA-free silicone design is squishy and perfect for tiny hands, while the color-changing glow makes it a hit with kids (my 3-year-old and 6-year-old are obsessed). Bonus: The cloud design is neutral enough to blend with any room decor, whether you’re going for whimsical or minimalist vibes. Prefer a little more personality? There’s also a dinosaur or a whale for extra fun. It even comes with a charging cord—because who has time for batteries?

When the weather outside is frightful, the Nex Playground Game System is an indoor lifesaver. My 6-year-old and 3-year-old would absolutely love this! It’s the ultimate solution to help them burn off endless energy while staying happily engaged. The games are packed with kid-approved favorites like Hungry Hungry Hippos, Elmo, Peppa Pig, and Active Arcade. And here’s the best part: they’re not just fun—they’re educational too. It’s the perfect balance of screen time that gets kids moving, learning, and entertained all at once. Think of it as a next-level Wii—but better. With its AI-powered camera and motion-learning system, there’s no need for wearables. It’s innovative, interactive, and exactly what my family needs for cozy, active days indoors.

This is really a gift more for me, I guess, but the holidays means relatives staying over and my bedding needed an upgrade. These cooling pillows from Utopia Bedding are really great quality and help create a nice inviting space for the fam.

I’m using Merit’s Black Friday sale (their only one of the year!) as my excuse to restock everything I love. Their Flush Balm is basically my shortcut to looking awake, and their minimalist vibe makes me feel like I’ve got my life together, even when I don’t. It’s rare I commit to a brand this hard, but Merit just gets it. If you’ve been curious, this is the time to dive in.

I’m taking advantage of Black Friday deals to put together thoughtful gifts for the daycare workers who care for my kid every day. They deserve something special, so I’m going with cozy, feel-good items like this plush throw blanket from Anthropologie. I’m pairing them with handwritten thank-you notes and a small gift card to the coffee shop across the street—something that feels personal but also practical. It’s my way of saying thank you for their patience, kindness, and all the little things they do that make our lives easier.