A Shopping Director's Guide to the Best Gifts of the Season

Did You Stretch Tho by Hannah Corbin ($24, originally $30)

As a longtime Peloton devotee, I was so excited to see that instructor Hannah Corbin released a book and 52-card deck about one of the most important aspects of being an athlete: stretching. Having been through many injuries as a runner, I've happily welcomed stretching into my routine and it's made such a difference. This is the type of self-gift that I know I'll use to motivate myself after each and every workout I complete. The 52 stretches she shares are even divided into categories, from targeted body parts to warm-up-specific exercises.

Lou & Grey Tipped Half Zip Sweater ($39, originally $95)

My wardrobe is seasonal due to lack of space (which can be a nightmare), but whenever I pull my sweaters out of the storage unit, the sweater fatigue sets in. How many of these will I actually wear? When collecting knits moving forward, I want to make sure they really speak to my sense of style and personality, and this one is it — and at a fair sale price! I love the sporty lines that remind me of a track or court, and as an athlete, that couldn't feel more me. The Tango Red shade is also bright and uplifting, which is a win-win for my dopamine dressing arsenal.

Lost Pattern "Love Cherries" Silk Sleep Set ($125, originally $133)

Lost Pattern makes some of the most luxurious, silkiest accessories on the market in my opinion. When I saw the brand launched this delicious set in cute patterns, I was instantly charmed. My personal favorite is, of course, the cherry embroidery, but there's a cutesy Frida Kahlo style and "Pan Pan" for poodle lovers. The set comes with an eye mask and silk pillowcase crafted from 90 percent mulberry silk and a touch of spandex. I plan to use it for long-haul flights and weekends away.

Beast Mighty 850 Blender ($149)

Three words: Best. Purchase. Ever. Yes, I already own the Beast in this fun terracotta shade, but I think the Mist colorway is my new favorite. Firstly, the strength is undeniable, and the fact that it's plug-in means it never has to be charged. I love how easy it is to twist off the top once my beverage is fully mixed, then twist on the sip cap to begin drinking when I'm whipping up a smoothie. And if I'm making a dressing, I use the same top for an easy pour onto salads. The machine doesn't start until all pieces are fully secured and locked in place, so all messes are entirely avoided. I honestly don't think a day goes by when I don't use mine. You can read our editors' Beast Mini Blender review for even more thoughts about the everyday kitchen essential.

Editor Quote: "Other apartment-friendly blenders I've used in the past aren't able to deliver that creamy consistency, but instead have random chunks left over, which makes for an unpleasant smoothie experience. It performs as well as a higher-end model like a Vitamix, but without the clunky design.

Unlike other blenders on the market, this has simple controls: a pulse mode or a blend mode. I sometimes use the pulse mode to grind down greens or fruits if I fill it to the brim or if there are too many textures, but I usually let it sit on blend mode while making my morning coffee. The Mini Beast Blender is also probably one of the chicest kitchen appliances I own, and guests always ask about it." — Anvita Reddy, former assistant shopping editor

Peixoto Sophia Mini Dress ($158)

You simply can't go wrong gifting any fashion girl in your life this drop-waist minidress. It can be worn with or without tights; it's great for travel, for those who love a resort vacation; and this colorway in particular is the perfect neutral. It's also available in polka dots if your giftee loves a classically loud print.

DEMARSON Zara Ear Cuff ($195)

Celebrity-loved brand DEMARSON is the reason I'm newly obsessed with ear cuffs, and the best part about gifting one is you don't even need to know if your giftee has a piercing. While I've started with simpler styles, I'm ready to graduate to a true statement piece. Enter: a freshwater pearl dangling from 12k gold-plated brass and two-tone metal that goes with all your other jewelry. Trust when I say the brand makes the most comfortable pieces that turn heads.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Titan with Aeroccino Milk Frother ($200, originally $250)

While mostly everyone loves coffee and a quality countertop espresso machine, scoring a compact model with a milk frother is a game-changer. I love that Nespresso makes it easy to choose your beverage size, as well as flavor capsule, which makes this design versatile for any giftee — honestly, you can't go wrong as long as the person you're shopping for loves caffeine as much as I do.

Universal Standard x Lauren Chan Stretch Cupro Balloon Pants ($218)

Lauren Chan is such a powerhouse in the fashion world — everything she touches is graced with her genuine enthusiasm, and that extends to her latest Universal Standard drop. If you're looking for a black trouser for 2027, this cut allows you to master comfort and style at the same time. Available in sizes 00-40, every design detail was well thought-out to be flattering for all body types. Dress these up with a heel or for brunch with an oversize knit and flats.

SVARIAN Paquin Shoulder Bag ($248)

For your fashion friends who are in-the-know about the latest bag shape trends, you'll want to introduce them to SVARIAN. It's a contemporary-priced handbag line where the quality speaks for itself. An elongated rectangle like this one is on-trend for fall and winter, and those who are eco-conscious will be happy to know that it's crafted from plant-based Italian leather.

Shark Beauty Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Anti-Aging Red Light & Skin Clearing Mask ($349)

Out of all the antiaging products I've started to use, my red light therapy essential has to be my favorite. The Shark mask comes replete with an under-eye cooling system that you can turn on or off and four different dermatologist-optimized treatment routines depending on your goals. It's FDA-cleared, HSA- and FSA-eligible, and uses red, blue, and deep infrared LED wavelengths to help rejuvenate skin, fade pigmentation, and improve firmness. Sessions are under 10 minutes, so I tend to reach for it when I'm multitasking — folding laundry while watching TV in the evenings, for example — but if I really want to soak in some "me" time, I actually love making red light therapy part of my meditation.

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ Multi-Styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy ($750)

It may cost me a pretty penny, but I have been pining for a hairstyling tool that can help me achieve both wavy and straight styles. My hair is getting longer, and I'm not planning on cutting it any time soon, so something that can promise zero heat damage is worth the splurge. This next-level pack has six-in-one versatility with the ability to
dry, curl, wave, straighten, smooth, and volumize strands with 30 percent more power than ever before. My favorite perk is that it's compatible with Bluetooth — you can answer a handful of questions about your hair in the Dyson app, and it'll pump out a personalized automated styling sequence, tailored to you and the product you own.

Tory Burch Buddy Corduroy Jacket ($995)

It may be quite a splurge, but there's no denying the longevity of a marigold corduroy jacket from Tory Burch — especially for a New Yorker. It's eye-catching in all the right ways, has a removable velvet top collar for versatility, and for me, it's honestly all in the name. Burch was inspired by her father's wardrobe when crafting this jacket and called it the Buddy. Funnily enough, that's how my own dad and I refer to each other! So this is definitely a fashion-girl keepsake I'd look forward to wearing nearly every month of the year.