Our Deals Editor’s 56 Favorite On-Sale Gifts (That Will Arrive on Time)
You may have noticed some posts from our friends at the Strategist on the Cut. They’ll be dropping in every now and again, sharing their expertise on the basics you don’t have time to research and the weird and wonderful things you don’t yet know you need.
If you’re trying to stretch your Christmas budget, our team has found a lot of gifts on sale this week. We have category-specific guides like jewelry and toys; giftee-specific guides for moms and Gen-Zers; and a few sorted by budget, like under $25 and under $50. And because gifts are top of mind (and we’re approaching shipping deadlines), you’ll mostly find more gifts on sale here today. But if you’re done (physically or emotionally) with gift shopping, there are a few good not-quite-gifty deals to treat yourself to, like Reformation’s Winter Sale or Sephora’s (rare!) sitewide deal for Beauty Insiders.
As always, make sure to sign up for the Strategist Sales Alert newsletter to receive each day’s best deals in your inbox (as well as sales just for newsletter subscribers). And if you want even more, sign up for our regular email newsletter for tons more newsletter exclusives.
Women’s fashion
Susan Alexandra Tiny Joys Lucky Charms - Last Chance Styles
Jewelry always makes a thoughtful gift, and I found plenty of present-worthy options that are also on sale. My top pick: these cheeky Susan Alexandra charms. There are over two dozen designs to choose from, including a juice box, a baguette, a perfume bottle, and a tennis ball.
Calvin Klein Modern Logo Bikini - 3 Pack
According to our research, Calvin Klein makes some of the softest underwear on the market.
Calvin Klein Mouline Rib Cardigan
There’s a sizable selection of holiday-party-worthy sweaters on sale, too!
Dôen Renelle Top in L’Orange Soleil Fleurit
It’s a little bit offseason, but I think this Dôen blouse would also be nice (especially if your holiday plans include overheated living rooms or overcrowded bars).
Reformation Fabian Crew Sweater
Reformation Janie Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Reformation Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Reformation Narcissa Dress
Select items are 30 percent off for Reformation’s Winter Sale, which went live this morning. There are sweaters and holiday dresses galore, in case you need a little inspiration for NYE. I asked updates coordinator — and resident Reformation expert — Najwa Jamal to highlight her top picks from the sale here.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging
The softest yoga pants are up to 31 percent off, depending on color.
REI Co-op Campwell Pants - Women’s
I’m intrigued by these pants, which are very Snow Peak–like (without the hefty price tag).
REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie - Women’s
REI Co-op Campwell Rain Jacket - Women’s
Columbia Amaze Puff Down Hooded Jacket - Women’s
Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket - Women’s
A flurry of nice winter jackets are also on sale at REI. Its in-house brand has the widest (and cheapest) selection, and I also spotted one of our favorite ski jackets, Columbia’s Whirlibird, for 25 percent off.
The North Face Nuptse Mule Corduroy Slippers - Women’s
There’s a tiered discount through the 16th at REI Outlet: Take 20 percent off when you spend $100; 25 percent off when you spend $150; and 30 percent off when you spend $250. Get these cute corduroy mules and you’re almost to the first tier level.
Banana Republic is offering 40 percent off your full-price purchases (and I noticed the deal also applies to a few already-on-sale items, too). Sweaters are nice and all, but I’d take the opportunity to get some wintery accessories.
Men’s fashion
Calvin Klein Classic Cotton Briefs - 5 Pack
Our best less-expensive briefs come recommended by several stylists and fashion experts. The waistband is nice and stretchy, and the leg openings aren’t too restrictive.
Saks Fifth Avenue Collection Chunky Turtleneck Wool Sweater
Surprise: There are quite a few Saks Fifth Avenue sweaters on sale at Amazon. This all-wool number has some nice detailing on the collarbones.
REI Co-op Trailmade Insulated Hoodie - Men’s
REI Co-op Campwell Rain Jacket - Men’s
Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket - Men’s
Arc’teryx Thorium Down Jacket - Men’s
As I said in the women’s fashion section, there are a lot of nice jackets on sale at REI. Its in-house brand is a good bet, and I also spotted one of our best ski jackets from Columbia.
Arc’teryx Kragg Shoes - Men’s
I’m eyeing these as a gift these to my boyfriend, since we’re in the thick of outdoor-climbing season. But these would work well for non-climbers as a sleek indoor-outdoor shoe: The bottoms are nice and grippy, and they’re easy to slip on and off.
Banana Republic Donegal Wool-Blend Beanie
The best time to buy a beanie is before the cold snap hits. The next-best time is now.
Beauty
Sephora Insiders can take 20 percent off their entire purchase (and 30 percent off Sephora Collection products) with the code SAVEGIFTS through Sunday night. (Note that the code only works once and doesn’t apply to already-discounted products.) Here are a few of the most popular products with Strategist readers from the last few months, from the black turtleneck of lipsticks to our best thickening shampoo.
Flamingo Estate Mini Bestsellers Travel Size Gift Set
Flamingo Estate Tomato Home & Body Fragrance Gift Set
Two extremely nice gift sets from Flamingo Estate — both of which include its Best in Class tomato candle — are also a very good deal at half off. For more under-$50 gifts on sale, click here.
Home
Martie Stocking Stuffers
Everything at Martie is 20 percent off just for today with our code STRATEGIST20. There are a lot of goodies in stock that would make great stocking stuffers, but if you don’t want to do all that scrolling, the brand has curated a very nice bundle that includes stationery, beauty, and wellness products.
Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug - 10 Oz.
REI members get 20 percent off all Yeti items through December 22. This Best in Class travel mug makes a nice gift under $25.
Zadro Large Towel Warmer
The ultimate luxury this time of year: pre-warmed bath towels.
$169.99 at The Container Store
Roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
The robot vacuum that writer Kat Gillespie is giving her mom for Christmas this year is now 40 percent off.
West Elm Dapper Works of Art Ornaments
And senior editor Jen Trolio is giving these kitschy pet-portrait ornaments to her sister-in-law.
Cordaroys Plush Corduroy Bean Bag - Queen
When figuring out the best ways to host overnight guests without an air mattress, sleep writer Amelia Jerden was pleasantly surprised by this beanbag chair that converts into a bed. “On the Cordaroys bed, it felt like I was sleeping on a big fluffy cushion; I was cozy and happy,” she writes. “When converted back into a beanbag, it becomes a very comfy place to lounge. While it does take up a lot of space, it’s a great option for a kid’s bedroom — beanbag chair by day, extra bed for a sleepover by night.”
Kids
Hot Chillys Originals Solid Base Layer Crew - Kids’
Hot Chillys Originals Solid Base Layer Pants - Kids’
Hot Chillys Youth Wool Trail Socks - 4 Pairs
Hot Chillys makes some of our favorite long underwear for adults, so we have no doubt that its youth-size offerings will keep kids snug out in the snow.
L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Care Bears Tots
A lot of giftable toys are on sale. I’m charmed by this stocking stuffer from L.O.L. Surprise!, which opens to reveal one of six mystery Care Bear–dressed dolls.
Squishmallows Original 8-Inch Olivieri the Maroon Raccoon
Squishmallows 8-Inch Brina the Pink Bigfoot
Squishmallows 14-Inch Cam the Calico Cat With Purple Hat
Quite a few adorable Squishmallow plushies just hit Amazon’s sale bin. But hurry; some of the discounts are “flash deals,” so stock is limited.
Melissa & Doug Spray & Shine Car Wash Play Set
What does a toy writer get her child for Christmas? For our own Liza Corsillo, it’s this car-washing play set, which she named one of the hottest toys of the year.
Monster High Draculaura Doll With Pet Count Fabulous
Monster High Clawdeen Doll With Pet Dog Crescent
Monster High Scary Sweet Birthday Cleo De Nile Doll
Monster High Scary Sweet Birthday Cupid Asteria Doll
For older kids, Monster High dolls are still a great gift that doesn’t feel babyish.
Monster High Boo-Tique Hotel Doll House
If they already have a few of the cool goth fashion dolls, get them this Barbie Dreamhouse–esque haunted-hotel play set.
More From The Strategist
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.