2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Adults
This year, my annual holiday gift guides are new and improved to make them more helpful than ever!
The gift guide includes my favorite recommendations for ADULTS (HIM + HER):
There is some crossover between this gift guide and the one for teens, so check out that gift guide for even more ideas!
- At the top of the guide is brand, new gift guide recommendations this year.
- Below that are the all-time most popular gift guide items from the last 15 years.
This means you don’t have to go clicking through 15 years of gift guide links…all the best recommendations are right here in one spot!
Remember that none of the items on my gift guides are sponsored. I’ve bought or been gifted by friends/family everything on this list – these are all games we genuinely love and play often! Affiliate links are included which means I earn a small commission if you click on the link to buy; but as always, feel free to shop around for the best deal.
New 2025 HIM + HER Gift Ideas
Laneige Lip Mask: This stuff is all the rage right now for good reason. I’ve been using it for a long time, and it really is amazing. Would make such a great stocking stuffer.
Custom Cup Holder: This custom cup holder is life changing. We have one in our kitchen (replacing a rustic, handmade one I made almost 20 years ago). This new version snaps together with magnets so you can add and remove names as needed. It’s brilliant and makes the best gift!
Stackable Bracelet: I wear this stackable bracelet constantly – and it is in perfect condition (no tarnishing!). I stack it with this affordable tennis bracelet.
Rechargeable Hand Warmers: These magnetic, rechargeable hand warmers are incredible and a great gift for anyone living in a cold weather climate!
Weighted Blanket: This weighted blanket has been instrumental in helping me sleep better. It’s breathable and doesn’t make me hot, which is a miracle!
Saranoni Blankets: These are my favorite luxury blankets. They are definitely a splurge, but if you are looking for a really special gift, these blankets fit the bill. Not only is the company an incredible family-owned business (with impeccable values), but the blankets are next-level amazing. Use code MEL at checkout for 25% off.
Waterproof Tote: This waterproof tote comes in so many cute colors…and it’s great for the beach or pool (we took it on our trip to Mexico, and it was a lifesaver!).
Phone Sanitizer: This thing is slick! And pretty much a necessity once you do an online search on how dirty phones are. Yikes!
Think2Master Puzzles: I love Think2Master puzzles – I have this world puzzle, and it’s one of my very favorite puzzles I’ve ever done. This Switzerland one is a gift to myself this year!
Hydrojug: Yes, I think Hydrojugs are worth the hype. Totally spillproof, fits in my car cupholder and keeps water cold for a long time – I love mine!
Cargo Trunk Bag: This heavy duty trunk (or truck bed) bag/organizer is fantastic for keeping things from rolling around in the back of your truck or car. It comes in several sizes. Great for storing things permanently (like jumper cables, etc) or for hauling supplies and groceries.
Book of Unusual Knowledge: I haven’t read all the way through this book yet – it has A LOT of info – but it is so great for curious minds. The facts and stories are so interesting!
Best Carryon: We own a shocking number of carryons, and this beats them all. I took it on my trip to Switzerland this year, and it was amazing. Highly recommend!
Foot Callus File: This inexpensive foot file is AMAZING! It works so well and is completely painless. Great stocking stuffer!
Lunch Tote: Adorable, functional, and inexpensive, this lunch tote is perfect! (Would be great for teens, too.)
Portable Power Station: Perfect for camping, emergency preparedness, road trips, and more, this portable power station is awesome. We took it on several wrestling road trips last year (for my portable slow cooker!).
Wrangler Jacket: Another rustic, cozy jacket my boys (and Brian) love!
Denim Jacket: I love this slightly cropped denim jacket – I wear it all the time with dresses and skirts, and it looks great with dark jeans, too. I have it in light blue.
Neck Heating Pad: I got this for a pinched nerve in my neck…now that it is resolved, we all just fight over this thing. It is warm and cozy and perfect for the chilly winter months. We love it!
Hanging Toiletry Bag: I’ve been using this hanging toiletry bag for a while, and it really is the best. It can fit SO MUCH without feeling bulky. It’s great for short or long trips.
ZSupply Knit Jacket: This is definitely a splurge item, but it is so, so good. I have this in the “retreat” color, and I wear it nonstop. It runs slightly big (I’m a S/M and have the small).
All-Time Favorite HIM + HER Gift Ideas
Chain Bracelet: I am a super (super super) simple jewelry wearer. This linked chain bracelet is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. It is elegant and pretty but still casual and understated. Gold version here.
Working Hands Lotion: This lotion is legit amazing – it keeps hands moisturized without being greasy and is one of the only lotions that really works on dry, cracked fingers.
Silk Pillowcase: This silk pillowcase is affordable and awesome! I’ve been using it for a couple of years, and I’ll never be able to go back to a regular pillowcase again.
Carryon Backpack Suitcase: This carryon backpack suitcase is surprisingly roomy while still being carryon compliant. It is easy to carry and opens in a much more functional way than a normal backpack.
Succulent Holder: Adorable! This owl-themed succulent holder is perfect for the plant/succulent-lover in your life.
14-in-1 Survival Kit: This compact but handy multi-tool survival kit is a great gift or stocking stuffer!
Leather Wallet: We gifted this to Brian years ago, and it is still holding up with zero issues. Great wallet!
AeroGarden: The key to this indoor garden is to continuously trim the herbs and use them (or freeze them). Mine is in my office and it is amazing how quickly the plants grow!
Massage Gun: Brian got this years ago, and it is still used constantly by everyone around here. We love this!
Noise Canceling Headphones: These affordable noise canceling headphones are amazing. My son has been using them for years with zero issues.
Modern Manners Book: I can’t say enough about this modern manners book. We have volume 1 and 2. It sits open to the current week’s manner in our kitchen, and we use it as part of our family council each Sunday. It has opened up a lot of conversations with our kids (and their friends who see it!).
Laneige Lip Balm: I have the grapefruit gloss, and it is truly amazing. Glossy without being super sticky. This would make a great stocking stuffer!
Tea Tree Oil Foot Cream: This foot cream is AMAZING. I put it on at night and my feet feel like new little miracles each morning.
Melixir Tinted Lip Balm: This tinted lip balm is perfect for giving a hint of color without being lipstick. It’s light in texture, and it doesn’t dry my lips out either! Another great stocking stuffer. I have the nude crumble color.
Capsule Projector: This tiny wi-fi mini projector is a bit pricey, but it’s such a fun way to watch movies outside (on a projector or wall). We love it, and it gets GREAT reviews !
Noco Boost Plus: This portable car battery pack can jump start a dead battery in just seconds and makes a great gift for anyone who owns a car and drives!
Cardigan: This comfy cardigan comes in a million colors! I have it in black and smoky blue, and it’s the perfect outfit to dress up or down.
Saranoni Outdoor Blanket: Saranoni outdoor blankets are exceptional! They are definitely a higher-end blanket, but we have used ours hundreds of times, and it is still in perfect shape. Use code: MEL for 25% off at checkout.
Box Cutter: These mini box cutters are amazing…the ceramic blade can open any type of package. A perfect stocking stuffer (especially for Christmas morning!).
Women’s Half Zip Sweatshirt: This sweatshirt is fantastic! It’s very slightly cropped (not too much!) making it perfect for lounging AND for going out and looking *mostly* put together! 😉 It really is such a good top. It comes in a lot of colors, too!
Battery Organizer: Our battery situation was next-level bad, and this storage case keeps all of them perfectly organized. Love it!
Terribly Awesome Dad Jokes: Brian got this in his stocking YEARS ago, and I kid you not, it is still pulled out almost weekly to entertain anyone who will listen. Definitely the best of the worst dad jokes are in this book. 🙂
Eye Patches: These eye patches are so great – and one of my go-to gifts for others! Love them.
Laser Measure: This thing is amazing! We’ve used it for so many remodel projects. A great gift or stocking stuffer!
Handheld Vacuum: This cordless handheld vacuum is amazing. I’ve tried others in the past that are very wimpy, but this one is powerful enough for our messy floors and *very* messy car. The battery lasts a long time, as well.
Household Tool Set: This is the best functional gift. I use something from this tool set multiple times a week, and it sure beats going out to the garage to rifle through Brian’s *super organized* (ahem) power tools. Best gift ever.
Small Sling Bag: I have used this bag for several years and it is still in wonderful shape – pretty great for an affordable bag! It comes in lots of colors, too.
Best Nail Clippers: These nail clippers are a very, very valid stocking stuffer, because they are the best little nail clippers ever.
Capsule Notes: I’ve given this gift to several family members, and it is such a thoughtful, meaningful gift (you write notes and roll them up to fit inside the pill capsules).
Microfiber Keychain: I have two of these, and they have held up amazingly well for several years. A great stocking stuffer idea!
Electric Lighter: This rechargeable electric lighter is the perfect stocking stuffer! We keep it in a kitchen drawer for lighting candles – the charge lasts a long time!
Best Men’s Joggers: These Old Navy men’s joggers are the best (and have the reviews to prove it!). True to size and super comfy.
Cozy Socks: These cozy chenille socks are exceptional. Perfect for the chilly months, and they come in several colors! They wash well, too.
Rectangle Huggies: I have worn these earrings 6 to 7 days of the week for YEARS, and they are in beautiful condition (never tarnish). They come in gold and rose gold – love these so much!
Legendary Whitetails Hooded Jacket: This hooded shirt jacket is incredibly warm, cozy and rugged. It’s great for cold weather (a bit too heavy just to wear around the house for fun).
Facial Oils: I have been using these facial oils for several years now, and they are incredible. They don’t make your face oily! Rather, they moisturize and they have acne-fighting properties. Use code TDEMEL at checkout for a discount.
Survival Pocket Tool: A perfect stocking stuffer! I’ve gifted this to almost every dude in my life for the last couple of years.
Tote Bag: I have several of these tote bags…and they make great gifts! They are lightweight, waterproof, and super durable. They come in a lot of different patterns AND they fold flat.
Solo Stove: We love this stove! My kids use it often with their friends at night. It produces a good amount of heat, and is great for roasting marshmallows.
Cell Phone Stand with Speaker: This is perfect for when you need to set your phone down to work (outside, inside, wherever) and want a speaker to project music or a podcast or whatever you are listening to.
Rechargeable Magnetic Light: These powerful little lights are perfect for when you need a hands-off light to help with pretty much any project. And they are rechargeable!
Women’s Rockdove Slippers: Incredibly cozy, these slippers are the best! There is also a men’s version here.
Mel I love the gift ideas! So great for you to take time to list them.
Thanks, Eleanor!
Have you ever done gift guides for aging parents? They are the hardest to shop for for me.
I haven’t, Lesli – but it is a great idea. That’s a difficult age because they need so little and I know for my in-laws and parents, they don’t like to accumulate more “stuff”
Ok, question about the Solo Stove: you mentioned that it is perfect for roasted marshmallows. How?? We bought the small table top Solo stove, and the flames are above the top of the cyclinder, so you can’t get to any of the coals at the bottom of the fire, for good roasting. Are your kids roasting marshmallows with the actual flames on top (which just sets them on fire, or turns them grey with smoke)? I so badly want to love this brand (and eventually get a big one), but what am I missing for smores? Please advise what I’m doing wrong! 🙂
Good question! We’ve found this size is great for s’mores – the trick we’ve found is to build the fire up quite a bit and then let it die down until there are small flames (below the rim) and really hot coals. Due to the design the heat rises to the top of the cylinder which makes for good roasting.
Thank you so much for responding! We’ll try this. Also, I’m so grateful you are in this world! 💗
Thank you so much!
These lists are wonderful! So many great ideas and I especially appreciate Cam’s favorites as I have a teenaged granddaughter and I never know what to get her (I raised boys…so much easier to buy for. If they could eat it, throw it or drive it they were thrilled). I am also gifting your cookbook. It is loved by everyone!
Thank you! So glad the lists are helpful!
The portable power station liniment working for me. It’s linking to luggage. Thanks for doing these lists, so helpful!
Sorry about that! I fixed the link in the post (here it is as well: https://amzn.to/49eZqZD)
So many great ideas! Thank you for all your hard work!
Thanks, Tami – love ya.
This is a great list. It has a few things that I want!
I’m glad it’s helpful, thanks, Adrienne!
We are always looking for recommendations for games! I love your ideas for both games and gifts! Thank you for sharing! And my grandson, Elder Robison (Zach) still raves about your wonderful meals!
Oh thank you, Lauralyn!! 💗
Thank you for your gift ideas!
Some of my favorite things are:
LandsEnd canvas tote bags
Color Street nail polish strips
Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm
Norwex dish cloths and dish towels (I buy from Amazon)
LOVE when you share some of your favorites. Thank you, Catherine!
Mel, love your guides. I discovered those chocolate pearls a few years ago and love them. I buy them at my local Whole Foods. They have them portioned out in the plastic deli tubs in the specialty chocolate and cheese section. I just bought some yesterday for my holiday decorating! So many other ideas in your guides. Can’t wait to scroll more thoroughly later today!
Teresa, that is brilliant information! I don’t live close to a Whole Foods but knowing they carry the crisp pearls means I will likely be adding it to my monthly Trader Joe’s run. Thank you for letting me know that!
Mel- thank you so much for the time and effort you put into these gift guides! I have gotten so many great ideas from your lists over the years and love that they are full of practical and actually affordable suggestions! Re: the tool kit on this year’s list- I have one exactly like it that my mom bought for me 25 yrs ago when I moved into my first apartment. And we still use it all the time even though my husband has a basement full of fancy tools! It has all the basics and it’s compact enough to store where it’s easily accessible.
Thank you, Marla! And I agree! I had a similar toolkit for over 20 years someone gave me when I went to college before I got this a few years ago (some of the screwdrivers had gone missing from the original one!) – it is so, so handy to have around.