The 2023 Crowdpleasers Gift Guide

Few products can please an entire crowd like a warm, cozy blanket – and this one from ettitude delivers in spades. Made from plant-based cashmere, it’s super plush and equally as chic. Crafted to elevate any space – and perfectly swaddle any recipient. 

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Who doesn’t love Harry Potter? Whether they identify as a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, this collection is for them. Each candle is uniquely formulated for its house – and your giftee is sure to notice the personalization. Plus, once they burn this, they’ll reveal some ~secret artwork~. How fun?!

The journal is practically the OG crowdpleasing gift, something that will be well-received even by those of us that don't have a journaling practice (we can all aspire to it, right?). Shinola makes our personal favorite: not just because of the tactile, hard linen pages, or the signature leather cover, but because of the easy and affordable monogramming process. Though it might not be a deep cut, engraving the journal with your giftee's initials ensures that it'll have a personal touch.

Now for something a little more unexpected: towels straight out of a high-end spa. The best kinds of gifts are the indulgences we desperately want but haven't bought ourselves, and these towels are a guaranteed upgrade from whatever your loved ones are working with. They're so plush, so unbelievably comfortable – thanks to heavy 100% Australian cotton – that any  recipient will be thanking  you for years to come.

Crowdpleasing gifts demand versatility, a trait that's built right into the name of this evergreen glassware. Our Place was already a favorite brand of ours, thanks to its gorgeous cookware, and these handmade tumblers have earned another permanent spot on our shelves as well. Available in a wide range of gorgeous colors, each glass is the perfect size (and weight) for everything from water breaks to cocktail hours. We'll drink to that.

Speaking of cocktail hour, those glasses aren't going to fill themselves. No matter your giftee's skill level behind the bar, they'll get a major assist from this boozy gift box. Packed with everything from cocktail cherries to infusion kits to gorgeous dried fruit garnishes, these products open up a whole new world of mixology. Bonus points to Here Here Market for shouting each product’s producers, the majority of which are founded by female and/or BIPOC creators.

Sure, we all had our fling with the scent diffusing sticks at one point – but these days we're going high tech, baby. The Aera is a clean fragrance and aromatherapy diffuser that you can schedule and control from your phone using an app, giving you control over everything from frequency to scent intensity. Not only are the scents hypoallergenic (making them a crowdpleaser for even your most allergic friends), the brand also offers a range of fragrances including an uber-cozy new holiday collection.

Maybe you're buying gifts for someone who's a little more analog; they'd rather get their scents by candlelight. Otherland has a truly unique lineup, with fragrances like Berkshires Granola (creamy oat milk, toasted granola, pumpkin seed) and Canopy (California fig, ivy greens, summer dew). Plus they're poured into reusable glass tumblers that make perfect little vases – giving you a bonus gift as part of the same purchase.

Much like the spa towels, bedding might seem like a gift you buy for yourself and not for others – but when the sheets feel this good, you won't hear any complaints. Take it from me: a friend gifted me this set to give me an extra option on laundry days, and I love them so much they're on my bed at all times. Made from premium linen, they've got the perfect medium-heft weight and somehow get softer with every wash. These are sheets worth scheduling daily naps in.

We all love a game night, but gifting someone a regular old board game miiiight feel like you phoned it in. Not so with Magnolia Market's gorgeously high-end take on Monopoly, made of solid maple wood with a built-in storage drawer to keep those bougie pieces in one place. The tokens are die-cast, the houses and hotels are wood, and buying railroads is still always the move.

Jewelry can be a tricky gift, since personal tastes are so deeply subjective. Best to go the crowdpleasing route with a minimalist stunner like Sit & Wonder's Cradle Ring, a sparse but distinctive twist shape that dazzles in sterling silver. Because the design is open-ended, it can be slightly pushed and pulled to fit your recipient's finger, checking at least one worry of your list. At this price point, it's a steal, especially for something so hand-made and bespoke.

I couldn't end the list without a nod to the mother of all stocking stuffers: the popcorn tin. Neiman Marcus keeps things classy with its gorgeous holiday tin, and goes extra big on the caramel serving size – just as it should. There's something deeply nostalgic about a popcorn trio, and nostalgia is one of the best gifts you can give (especially when it's wrapped in such chic packaging). Just don't be too bummed if your giftee finishes it without you.