The Guide to All 95 of our Previous Gift Guides

Anjelika Temple
Dec 06, 2012

Guess what? All of those clever product roundups we put out on a weekly basis? Those double as gift guides! For Clueless fanatics, grill-masters, shutterbugs, Apple fanboys, and shortcut chefs alike. And guess what else? There are 95 of them. That’s right. 95. Presenting the ultimate gift guide to all of our previous gift guides. Enjoy!

For Creative Types

1. The Helvetican Home: From salt and pepper shakers to a laser cut scarf, let this be your guide to all things Helvetica.

2. Noteworthy Notebooks: Love jotting things down or know someone who does? Get them a notebook that’s a touch more extraordinary.

3. Analog Tools for Designers: Stencils for iPhone UI design actually make great drawing tools for tech-inspired creations.

4. Pens That Are Mightier Than the Sword: To go along with the notebook, these pens take your love of Bic to the next level.

5. ModCloth Accessories for Creators: A color wheel on a chain? A mini measuring tape? So fun.

6. Customizable Objects: If you like to make things, you probably also like getting things made. This roundup is all about customizable one-of-a-kind objects for people you love.

7. Gifts for Makers: A recent addition to the gift guide collection, these are 20 gifts for makers, crafters, and DIYers.

8. Nerdy Wrapping: Can’t give gifts without wrapping, can you? These nerdy products are perfect for folks who know their way around a stationery store.

For Shutterbugs, Music Makers + Worker Bees

9. Mini Tripods: These tripods fit in your pocket and on your keychain, and are great for smartphone snapping.

10. Modern Photog Must-Haves: From a gorgeous handmade camera strap to the Lego camera, these items are definite must-haves for shutterbugs.

11. Wireless Speakers: Like to take your dance party on-the-go? (Perhaps with bottled cocktails?) These speakers are all about the nomadic rock-out.

12. Powerless Amplifiers: If you fancy a sound upgrade without power, we’ve got 6 amplifiers that’ll fit the bill.

13. Headphones: A guide to headphones large and small, colorful and minimal.

14. Backup Chargers: All of these gadgets help you stay powered up when the power’s down. Great for frequent travelers and those who often have to work remotely.

15. Laptop Stands: Is that laptop of yours getting hot and bothered? Elevate it with a set of adorable laptop feet.

16. iPad keyboards: Long for the days of typing on keys instead of on a screen? Add one of these fun keyboards to your iPad.

17. Quirky products: Quirky is a favorite brand of ours as they deliver new innovative products on a pretty regular basis. This roundup is all about organizing your devices and workspace.

For iPhone Fanboys + Fangirls

18. Retro iPhone Cases: Turn your iPhone into a gameboy, camera, or calculator!

19. iPhone 5 cases: When the 5 came out, we were quick on the hunt for the perfect case. Have you found one you love?

20. Custom Cases: If what’s out there doesn’t quite do it for you, customize it!! We’ve rounded up 10 options for one-of-a-kind cases.

21. iPhone Wallets: All you need is your iPhone and a wad of cash? These wallets, clutches, and cases are all about streamlining your essentials.

22. Clock Docks: If you’re like us, you probably use your iPhone as an alarm. Why not give it a nightstand-friendly home?

23. iPhone Docks: Or simply want a stand that’s as stylish as your phone? We’ve got that too.

For Shortcut Chefs

24. DIY Foodie: Love to make and got a friend or ten that loves to eat? Make them edible gifts!

25. Colorful Cooking Gifts: For the chef who loves color as much as cooking, these bright tools will add a pop of color to any kitchen.

26. Foodie Couple Gift Guide: Officially a wedding gift guide, this roundup is all about the couple who loves to eat, cook, and be merry.

27. Unique Utensils: Need a silverware remix?

28. Shortcut Chef Part I: The first part of our essentials for the shortcut chef includes an immersion blender, cake slicer, and more.

29. Ice Cream Gadgets: Addicted to scoops? These gadgets will certainly turn your love of ice cream up to 11.

30. Shortcut Chef Part II: More essentials for the shortcut chef!

31. Silly Sandwichery: Should probably file this one under absurd, but the grilled cheese toasting bags are legitimately useful.

32. Cupid-Friendly Cooking Tools: Lovesick? Each of these cooking tools was made for cupid, including a heart-shaped Le Creuset dutch oven.

For the Hostess with the Mostess

33. Pretty Placemats: What you place your plates on is an underrated art. These placemats are a quick way to premium hostess status.

34. Quirky Salad Servers: Salad servers that look like salad? Love it.

35. Chippers + Dippers: Who doesn’t love a good bowl of chips with some dip? Keep it streamlined and stylish with one of these cute bowls.

36. Hip Hop Hooray! Trays!: Never underestimate the power of a tray, especially when presenting store-bought or pre-packaged foods.

For those Working the Bar

37. Bottle Openers: If you’re manning the bar, you best have a cool bottle opener.

38. Ice Cube Trays: Ice Ice Baby in ice cube form. ‘Nuff said.

39. Tea Infusers: More puns! Tea Rex is a dinosaur-shaped tea infuser. Love.

40. H2O: Of course you’ve gotta get your H20 – these bottles keep the art of water consumption a little more interesting.

For Budding Interior Designers

41. Window Decals: Got a giant window that could use a little pizzazz? These decals will add a punch to any window large or small.

42. Cool Coat Racks: An @ sign coat rack? Yes, it’s real.

43. Curtain Call: Or if your windows need to get covered up, try one of these fun curtain options.

44. Planters for the Avant Gardener: Bookend planters, a planter that sits on any railing, and a succulent necklace.

45. Laundry Day: Even laundry day can be fun if you’ve got the right tools. We’re loving all the different colorful clothespins out there!

46. Neon Home: Does your home need a punch of color? Neon it up!

47. Book-Inspired Decor: Books always make the best decor, even as iPhone docks, coffee tables, and nightstands. Get inspired.

For the Workspace

48. Online + Offline To-Do Lists: Nothing like the perfectly formatted to-do list, whether you’re online or offline. Here are a few options for those who like to stay organized.

49. Fun Desk Accessories: A clip-on coffee holder for your desk? No more worry about spills near your computer.

50. Cool Clocks: The passing of time needn’t be so dull. Use your need for a clock to add a little creativity to your office.

51. Light Up Your Workspace: Same goes for light! Loving these desktop light options including a mini fireplace.

For Outdoorsy Types

52. Beach Day Essentials: From a table with wine holders that sticks in the sand to a tote that includes solar-powered speakers, we’ve got you ready for a beachy getaway.

53. Innovative Grills: It might be winter, but it’s always time to grill.

54. Rock Your Ride: Know an avid biker? Pump up their ride with speakers, custom color handlebar rings, and more.

55. You Can Stand Under My Umbrella: If you’ve got a friend in a rainy climate (read: Seattle or SF in the winter), they probably need to jazz up their umbrella.

56. Solar Power Hour: Or if they’re in a sunnier locale, help them harness the power of the sun with a whole bunch of solar-powered gadgets.

57. Grilling Gadgets: If you’ve already got a grill but need some accessories, all of these grilling gadgets are good to go.

58. Etsy Beachware: For a more vintage beach day, head to Etsy for 60s floppy hats, 50s coolers and ice boxes, and more.

For a Bit of Romance

59. Amazon Valentine’s Day: Want to add a little romance to your holiday? This gift guide was all about Valentine’s Day gifts you can get on Amazon Prime.

60. Creative Anniversary Gifts: The holidays are always a cuddly time – create another milestone this Christmas with one of our anniversary gift ideas.

61. Fifty Shades of Grey Gift Guide: Um. The title of this gift guide says it all.

62. Love-ly Prints: Giving the gift of art is always a good move, especially if you don’t always know how to say I love you.

For Dudes

63. Dudes V-Day Gift Guide: Moonshine cherries, bacon frosting, and more.

64. Dorky Dads: For dads who love their gadgets, this list includes a Darth Vader boombox, treadmill desk, and laser projection keyboard.

65. Holiday Gifts for the Discerning Dude: Similar to the Valentine’s Day guide, this includes a flask made from barnwood, Mastwood Bros chocolate and more.

For Fashionistas

66. Polka Dots: Polka dots are the new stripe, and we’ve rounded up a dozen duds to help you get dotty.

67. Superhero Style: Did seeing The Avengers make you want to moonlight as a superhero? This gift guide is all about tapping into your inner Wonder Woman.

68. T-Shirts for the Facebook Generation: Meh? Each of this punny t-shirts has Facebook generation written all over it.

69. Neon Vintage: Love the neon trend but want something truly unique? Go vintage. P.S. Zack Morris called. He wants his neon back.

70. Neon Swimsuits: Heading to the beach for the holidays? These swimsuits scream 80s color explosion.

For Those Who Love to Accessorize

71. Portable Makeup: If you know a gal who loves to put her face on but is always on the move, check out these portable makeup palettes.

72. Temporary Tattoos: Ink-curious? There are tons of fun and unique temporary tattoos out there and they make great stocking stuffers.

73. Pixelated Style: Geek it up! Each of these accessories is all about pixelation. We particularly love the pixelated glasses.

74. Sunglass Accessories: From sunglass stands to the best cases, this is a great guide for someone who can’t stop buying shades.

75. Sunglasses: On the other hand, maybe your friend needs new shades? We’ve got a pair for every type of gal.

76. Futuristic Beauty Gadgets: Love trying the latest and greatest innovations in the beauty world? These gadgets are straight out of the Jetsons.

77. Winter Tech-cessories: From audio earmuffs to ski goggles that also take video, this is the ultimate guide for those who love winter tech.

78. Geek is the New Black: An ASCII necklace? We <3 it!

79. Statement Rings: Originally created as a guide to non-traditional engagement rings, we think even married girls would love a ring from this list.

80. Megawatt Neon Accessories: Make it pop! These neon accessories are all from Etsy, and are Brit-approved.

81. Purses that Double as Laptop Bags: Let’s face it – laptop bags are not cute. This roundup of purses is all about bags that look good and also carry your tech.

82. Wooden Wearables: Love the look of those wooden iPhone cases? Wear it! From wooden shoes to wooden neckties, we’ve got you covered.

For Everyone Else

83. Subscriptions: There are so many awesome monthly gift subscriptions out there these days. From cheese to makeup to… Brit Kits!

84. Gadgets + Gifts for Grads: If someone who know recently graduated or moved across the country, this is a great gift guide. Tents, sunglasses, and Kindles, oh my!

85. Stocking Stuffers for Under $20: Self-explanatory :)

86. Successful Kickstarter Projects: The site Outgrow.me is an easy way to find and buy successfully funded Kickstarter products! So fun.

87. Recycled Skateboard Products: Know a former skater? Then they’ll love all of these products. Bonus points for being green!

88. Mother’s Day on Amazon: A great collection of gifts for mom and available on Amazon prime.

89. Geeky Baby Gifts: The beta baby tee is maybe our favorite thing we’ve ever found.

90. The Best Etsy Finds: 44 of the best Etsy shops and items according to our readers.

For a Dose of Nonsense

Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

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Your Ultimate Guide To Holiday Shopping In 2024

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

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When Is Starbucks' Red Cup Day?

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.

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