Best Little Luxury Gifts, According to Cut Editors
“Buy it nice or buy it twice” is a motto we can’t escape on TikTok. That is especially true when it comes to home goods like pillows, chairs, and one very fancy mop. We asked our team to round up the little luxuries they are splurging on this Christmas.
Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillow
I am an incredibly picky sleeper and have tried over 20 pillows — this Kassatex option is by far my favorite. It’s the one I always reach for, no matter how many other pillows I have. The squish is perfect: You sink into the 100 percent down feather pillow while still getting support for your head and neck. It makes a great gift as well, either for yourself or as a little luxury for someone else. —Joanna Nikas, style editor
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Serafina Flat
I have owned a black pair of these flats for at least two years, walking countless steps in them in four different countries; yet they’ve held up well. (I would advise going to the cobbler and adding Vibram soles as soon as you get them, which will extend the lifetime). They’re so comfortable that I don’t mind wearing them sightseeing or running around New York City, but they look polished enough that I also feel comfortable having them on for formal events. The calfskin leather comes buttery soft and molds to your feet as you wear them. They’re the perfect ballerina flat, full stop. —Carol Lee, Beauty Writer
$380 at Maryam Nassir Zadeh.com
J.Crew Cosmo Pant
The Cut’s features writer Chantal Fernandez recently wrote about Jennifer Lawrence’s cool-mom style. She wrote: “Lawrence loves soft, sleek bias-cut pants that no one would confuse for pajamas but feel just as comfortable — especially for those of us still figuring out our postpartum size. The designer version is The Row’s Gala pant.” But these are a great dupe. — J.N.
Eberjey Gisele Modal Long PJ Set
I am a Dave Ramsey–pilled cheapskate, but fancy pajamas are my vice. After wrapping up work and getting my kids to bed, I want to elegantly flop on my couch watching Housewives in a matching set. After a lifetime of buying Target pajamas that would pill after several washes, I converted to Eberjey several years ago (Cup of Jo’s influence) and haven’t looked back. The price has creeped up, but there are sales (everything is 25 percent off now) and the pairs I bought in 2020 are still going strong — no pills, no signs of wear. I own navy and bordeaux, plus a red pair I reach for most around the winter holidays; I match those to my sons’ Petite Plume holiday pajamas, which also wash up beautifully and make them look like little princes. If the chocolate-brown Gisele set was still available in my size, they’re what I would have asked my husband for this Christmas. —Marisa Carroll, features editor
Brave Pudding Hampton Strolls
I actually have bought these Brave Pudding Hampton Stroll sock booties twice. These are my go-to for Pilates and travel. I sometimes fool TSA and don’t have to take off my shoes, since it literally looks like I am just wearing socks. —Jessica Willis, fashion director
Auto Studio Model S
A sexy work bag. There are two ways to go here. If I only need a laptop and notebook, it’s the Auto Model S purse, which has a sleeve for my computer, another for my work ID, and still another for a reporter-size pad and pen. Plus, it’s very sleek and hot. I use it every single day, and the beating it takes has only added to its patina and charm. It has the best value-to-use ratio of anything I own. And if I have to carry many more heavy things to my job? I bought myself a secondhand red nylon Prada backpack for my birthday a few years ago, and it makes me feel intrepid and put-together — and like I’m taking great care of my back. How rare to get all three feelings at once! —Amy Rose Spiegel, senior editor
Miu Miu Plume Suede Sneakers
Slim sneakers aren’t going anywhere next year. So gift these Miu Miu plume sneakers, which are the ultimate little luxury, to someone else (or yourself.) — J.N.
Misha & Puff Popcorn Cardigan
For that special child in your life, there is no cooler brand than Misha & Puff. This Popcorn Cardigan is entirely hand-knit with 100 percent merino wool from Peru. It’s so nice you will want to pass it down as an heirloom or gift it to a friend. —J.N.
House of Noa Play Chair
Speaking of kids, this House of Noa play chair is for the chic mom in your life. Though it’s squishy and fun enough for a kid’s room, it won’t ruin the aesthetic of a mom who loves luxury. —J.N.
Flamingo Estate Jasmine Damask Rose Candle
This scent transports me to my grandmother’s garden in Athens. It’s a great gift for anyone who loves a floral fragrance. Plus, it’s hand-poured and layered with notes of Ionian bergamot, damask rose, pink peppercorn, and sandalwood. As if that is not special enough, you can personalize it too. —J.N.
Thistles The Jack Sunglasses
All the cool kids are wearing Thistles glasses. This style, the Jack, reminds me of a ’90s movie. Buy them before they sell out, and you will never need another pair of sunglasses. —J.N.
Sonos Beam Soundbar (Gen 2)
My brother-in-law is a music composer, so getting a gift for him that has anything to do with sound is tricky. He said this Sonos soundbar is the best he’s ever tried, though, which makes it a great gift. —J.N.
Bissell SmartSteam Sanitizing Spin Mop
My answer would make my mom proud (and my messy teen self hang her head in shame): a mop! Not just any mop, though — this mop releases sanitizing steam. It spins! And it works fast, doing most of the cleaning for me in half the time of a regular mop. It leaves my floors shiny and my clean-freak-who-owns-two-dogs anxiety low. It really is the best self-care product I’ve bought all year. —Jen Ortiz, deputy editor
Homecourt Neroli Leaf Kitchen Trio
Speaking of cleaning: When I think of little luxuries, this Homecourt cleaning set is exactly what comes to mind. The neroli leaf is my favorite scent, which wafts through the air as I clean up whatever spill I’ve created while cooking. — J.N.
Sans Water Purifier
This is a gift that everyone needs but maybe wouldn’t splurge on for themselves. The Sans Water Purifier uses four-stage reverse osmosis and UV-C purification that cleans out 99 percent of heavy metals and PFAs, no drilling or plumbing necessary. — J.N.
Made In Carbon Steel Griddle Set
Take your cooking (and burgers) to the next level with this steel griddle set. This is a great gift for that person who is impossible to get a gift for, a.k.a. your dad. — J.N.