These Surefire Gifts Were All Previously Recommended By Experts

We’re all seemingly surrounded by endless gift options, and it can be hard to figure out how to cut through the noise. You know your recipients best, but these selections may make your choice of holiday gifts a little easier.
All of these items were recommended by experts HuffPost interviewed in previous coverage, ranging from veterinarians to couples therapists, makeup artists to baristas, physical therapists and even birdwatchers — and more. You’re sure to find something of interest for your loved one (or yourself).
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HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
According to clothing and sewing experts, wool dryer balls are far superior to fabric softeners and dryer sheets. The latter can leave a grime-attracting film and change the texture of clothing, they noted, while wool dryer balls help soften clothes, get rid of static and quicken the drying process.
Plus, since they’re reusable, wool dryer balls will save you money in the long run.
This six-pack has 54,000 5-star ratings on Amazon and comes in five styles, ranging from plain to rainbow and even animal-themed versions.
Clip the on-page coupon for an extra 10% off at checkout.
Gift pairing idea: These will make a sweet maintenance gift paired with a festive sweater!
A barista previously suggested this Ovalware RJ3 cold brew maker for easy, tasty at-home cold brew.
“Due to its airtight seal, it makes cold brew taste fresh and delicious for days on end,” explained the barista, Dania Abou-Jabal. “It also has a stainless steel filter within the carafe, making it not only reusable, but it also allows for the best brew of coffee where even fine sediments of coffee cannot pass through!”
The piece prepares up to four cups of coffee; all you have to do is fill its internal vertical filter with ground coffee, pour cold water in, let it sit overnight and enjoy.
Gift pairing idea: It’s just begging to be paired with a good, memorable mug that fits your recipient’s personality. Try this spreadsheet mug for your Type A loved one or this mug and Ghirardelli hot chocolate gift set.
This Hypervolt Hyperice massage gun has been recommended to HuffPost by a host of experts: Massage therapists, for at-home massages; a physical therapist, for helping soothe painful muscles; and a couples therapist, for helping partners reconnect and release each other’s stress.
Designed to loosen knots and soothe stiffness, this version has three speeds and two interchangeable heads (which you can swap out depending on which muscles you’re targeting).
Available in two colors, it’s lightweight enough for you to carry with you and, according to reviewers, impressively quiet given its 40-watt motor.
Gift pairing idea: Add this pain-relieving heating pad to the gift bag to round things out.
Journaling is a great tool for helping kids navigate big emotions, several mental health professionals have told HuffPost.
Therapist Yara Mawad recommended this interactive Big Life Journal, which includes colorful illustrations and guided prompts to help children build confidence and develop social-emotional skills. This version is geared towards kids ages 7–10; a teen and pre-teen-specific journal is also available for ages 11 and up.
Gift pairing idea: Don’t forget to add in cool novelty pens or colorful gel pens so they can start enjoying this journal right away.
You’d be wise to add a privacy screen to your phone for additional security. It’s designed to darken the view of your screen from the side, so people can’t snoop over your shoulder to check out your bank statement or your texts.
An expert previously recommended this YMHML privacy screen to HuffPost because of its tempered glass, which can also help protect your phone if it drops.
The privacy screen comes in a two-pack and fits all different iPhone models, including the new 16.
Promising review: “I am notorious for dropping my phone. I got a new iphone about a year and a half ago. I got an otterbox case and one these privacy screens. Over about a year and a half, the screen protector had a few cracks in it. Nothing crazy though. My actual screen had none! And the privacy aspect works so well. People are always asking me “are you just staring at a blank screen?” And im like bruh😐, youre the reason i need this😭…” — Michelle majors
Gift pairing idea: Place this protector in a gift bag with a durable iPhone case in their favorite color (I recommend ones from Otterbox, like the reviewer noted) OR a crossbody phone case like this one I grabbed from a UK-based Etsy shop.
This $4 cat dancer toy was recommended by a feline behavior specialist in previous HuffPost coverage for its ability to tap into cats’ instinctual prey drive. Made with springy steel wire and rolled cardboard, the toy imitates the scuttle of bugs and small critters. My own cat loves pouncing on this toy and chasing it all over; it’s a delightful find that’s a no-brainer gift for homes with cats.
Promising review: “I’d have paid 10x the amount for this just because of how happy it makes her. I’ve bought electric toys that run away, catnip toys, wands, silvervine-infused toys, honeysuckle-infused toys…she could care less if they even existed. But…a pack of springs and whatever this little wire-with-cardboard-things-on-it thing is that were like $5 together? Greatest things in the world to her. Stop reading my nonsensical comment and click that buy now button, you won’t regret it. Protip: If you’re busy, wrap the end you hold around the arm of your desk chair and get back to work, the cat is now occupied.” — Chris
Gift pairing idea: Treat your kitties to this cat tree if you’d like to spoil them further. My cat Bee loves lounging this one from Amazon.
To help couples build connection and emotional closeness, a therapist previously suggested this cute jar of date ideas to HuffPost.
“Experiencing new things together can show you a different side of your partner and can re-spark excitement in your relationship and connection,” explained marriage and family therapist Yara Mawad. The jar offers 50 date ideas in fun, sleek capsules to help keep things fresh. Examples of date ideas include going out only for dessert, going to a local sports game, hiking and watching the sunset.
Gift pairing idea: Add the Hella Awkward card ice-breaker card game to this for intriguing conversation cards designed to make things less awkward on date nights despite the name.
To help ease muscle pain and tightness, a physical therapist previously recommended this popular six-foot Stretch Out Strap. The tool helps you gently stretch your legs and upper and lower body with greater control thanks to its 10 customizable loops. You can also use the loops as comfy, grippy handholds.
Gift pairing idea: This strap would make a nice addition to pre-workout or post-workout sessions on a walking pad. Grab this Cursor under-desk walking pad on sale for $85.
The same physical therapist also recommended adding these ankle weights to home workouts, particularly for older folks.
“Adjustable ankle weights are great for doing upper and lower body exercises and allow you to increase or decrease resistance as needed,” the physical therapist, Chris DeRosa, explained.
The ankle weights are each customizable from one to five pounds and have adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit. They’re available in multiple colors and with higher weight offerings.
Gift pairing idea: If you’re not into the walking pad pairing, then consider adding these fitness workout cards that are basically a personal trainer in a box!
A therapist also recommended Slumberkins for kids in previous HuffPost coverage.
Also developed by a therapist, Slumberkins are stuffed animals with matching storybooks that help teach youngsters about social-emotional skills. Each Slumberkins story uses therapeutic techniques to help kids with their emotional development, covering anger and conflict resolution, change, grief and loss, emotional courage, self-acceptance and more.
“It’s quite comprehensive,” the therapist, Sipan Nazaryan, wrote. “They have free resources online and even a show on Apple TV+. The plushies that come along with the books are a nice touch.”These plush stuffies also promise to be exceptionally soft, so little ones will love cuddling with them. They’re also machine-washable!
Gift pairing idea: Treat a kiddo to these lovely storybooks plus a colorful light projector that doubles as a nightlight for bedtime or a calming corner.
A birdwatcher previously recommended this Jewel Box hummingbird feeder, which he owns and loves.
“It [is] so cool to see [the hummingbirds] hovering right outside my window when I’m doing dishes,” said the expert, Ben Nickley, who is also executive director of the Berkshire Bird Observatory.
“Just remember to use a 1:4 ratio of plain white sugar to water for the nectar, and to change nectar at least once every couple of days so it does not get moldy,” Nickley noted.
Gift pairing idea: Add this feeder to a gift bag with hummingbird nectar to attract more of those beauties or if your birdwatcher also enjoys reading, toss in “The Book of Bird Poems” by author Ana Sampson and illustrator Ryuto Miyake.
Blowing bubbles is a great way to teach emotional regulation to young kids, according to previous HuffPost reporting, since the activity models how to take deep breaths.
“If a kid’s really upset and you want to support them, you can say, well, let’s do some of our bubble breathing,” explained therapist David Ibrahim. “The parent can engage with the kids, which is really healthy, and blowing bubbles teaches them how to elongate their breath and get some oxygen.” This increase of oxygen to the brain can then help kids calm down.These bubbles are designed for ages 18 months and up. They’re housed in a durable no-spill tumbler so you can get heavy use out of them without getting bubbles on your floor, and boast a non-toxic formula so you don’t have to worry if your child accidentally swallows some or gets some in their eyes. Each bubble container comes with a wand and 4 ounces of the bubble solution; colors of the tumbler may vary.
Gift pairing idea: Wrap up this gift with a sensory maze pillow and other engaging, screen-free toys perfect for children.
In previous HuffPost coverage, a barista recommended this popular Zulay milk frother for making perfectly frothy lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated drinks at home.
A bestseller with 164,000 5-star ratings, the frother does its work in seconds and is designed for easy cleaning. The gadget is made with sturdy stainless steel and comes in tons of colors so you can grab their favorite one; the piece also includes a stand with purchase.
Promising review: “Frothing is at full force here, yet compact. Just the right amount of power for my home. Built to last, doesn’t compromise coffee taste, but it enhances it. Great product, would gift to someone else.” — Quincy Davies
Gift pairing idea: Pair this with a matching electric mug warmer in their favorite color for an extra thoughtful touch.
This dermatologist-approved bug bite tool helps ease itchy bites and painful stings by using suction to pull out leftover saliva and venom from the skin. A bestseller, it’s designed to help with mosquito bites, bee and wasp stings and more.
Reviewers call it the best $10 they’ve ever spent. After finally getting to try it myself, I agree: I regularly get eaten alive by mosquitoes, and this tool is the best I’ve come across for easing the unyielding itchiness. By far. I take it everywhere with me now.
It’s also available in a combo pack including the suction tool and a tick remover.
Gift pairing idea: If they’re an outdoorsy person, then pair this with Supergoop’s luxury sunscreen or the bestselling Lifestraw for safer hydration.
Puzzle feeders can help enrich your dog’s mental life, staving off boredom and stimulating problem-solving skills, according to veterinarians in previous HuffPost coverage.
Veterinarian Carly Fox recommended this interactive swivel toy from Outward Hound in particular. Your dog can seek the treats from inside the puzzle by using their snout and sense of smell; the toy has a non-slip base that helps prevent it from sliding around while in use.
Promising review: “This dog treat puzzle is amazing! My pup absolutely loves it and it keeps him occupied for quite a while. It’s sturdy, well-made, and the challenge is just right—he has to think but doesn’t get frustrated. I also love that it doubles as a slow feeder, helping him eat more slowly and avoid bloating. If you have a smart dog who needs mental stimulation, this puzzle is a must-have! Highly recommend for keeping your furry friend entertained and out of trouble.” — ShopWithShanee
Gift pairing idea: The doggos deserve more than just TLC with snacking! Treat those babies to the crinkle duck plushie that reviewers say will show your pup a good time — sans all the flurry of stuffing.
When asked about recommendations for comfy boots, a pedorthist suggested these Sam Edelman Laguna boots. The chunky Chelsea boots provide ample room for toes and “a lugged outsole for increased traction and structure,” according to the expert, Michael Fishkin.
They come in women’s sizes, in wide-width versions and in many colors.
Gift pairing idea: Toss in boot glue to extend the life of these if they do a lot of walking or include stylish crew socks that won’t slide off inside the Chelsea style.
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