After Testing Hundreds of Products This Year, This Is What I'm Putting on My Holiday Wish List

As a professional shopping writer and product reviewer, I’m a hard person to find gifts for. 

My job is to test the hottest new products, so I spend all day spritzing on the newest perfumes, clomping around the office in the latest winter boots, and coating my lips with layers of just-launched lip glosses. My holiday wish lists are equally deeply researched, based on things I’ve personally tested and loved, and buzz from my fellow shopping writers about which products are must-tries. 

Keep scrolling to see my gift picks this year, many of which are currently on sale.

Best PEOPLE Tested Gift Picks

• Anker 3-in-1 Power Bank, $30 (orig. $45); amazon.com 
• BOGO: Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Facial Wand Kit, $189 for two (valued at $207); solawave.com
• Beyond Yoga High-Waisted Midi Leggings, $73 (orig. $97); beyondyoga.com
• Sorel Ona Ave Waterproof Chelsea Boot, $160; nordstrom.com 
• Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, $19; amazon.com 
• KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Mixer, $90 (orig. $130); amazon.com 
• Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Square Dish Set, $58 (orig. $75); wayfair.com 
• Ceremonia Açai Style Refresher, $24; credobeauty.com

Anker 3-in-1 Power Bank

I’m known amongst my friends as the person whose phone is always dead. Usually, I forget to charge the portable chargers, too — but that’s where this Anker device is so clever. The power bank has a built-in wall plug, so it can connect directly to an outlet if you run out of juice. Plus, a charging cord comes with it, so I won’t forget that, either.

Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Facial Wand Kit, $189 for 2

Our shopping editors rave about the Solawave red light therapy wand — and so do celebrity makeup artists. The handheld device is partly to thank for the glowing complexions of stars like Reese Witherspoon and Pedro Pascal, so I’m definitely going to snag one for myself (and my mom) while Solawave is running a buy-one-get-one deal.

Beyond Yoga High-Waisted Midi Leggings

I’ve tested countless pairs of leggings, but the pair that I keep returning to are these cozy high-waisted yoga pants. The Spacedye fabric feels so buttery soft that I never want to wear anything else, so I’m asking for another pair so I never have to be without them. Plus, they’re conveniently available on Amazon. 

Sorel Ona Ave Waterproof Chelsea Boot

I need to get my hands on these waterproof Chelsea boots from Sorel — a brand that’s previously earned a spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things. They come in five leather colors, but I’ve got my eye on the plum shade.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

I’ve tested this lip balm in the Berry shade and adored the hydrating feel, glossy finish, and light hint of color it leaves behind.

KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Mixer

This cordless KitchenAid hand mixer is one of the smartest kitchen gadgets that I’ve seen this year. Since the hand mixer is rechargeable, you’re never tied to the one corner of the kitchen where an outlet exists.

Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Square Dish Set

My mom is a professional chef, and she swears by Le Creuset’s durable stoneware. This set of two is great for roasting vegetables, baking casseroles, and heating leftovers. The red dishes look so pretty; I’d use them to cook holiday sides and leave them out on the dinner table as decor. 

Ceremonia Açai Style Refresher

This style refresher uses açai oil to smooth out frizzy strands and brings the bounce back to curls and waves between wash days. I’ve also heard it smells divine, so I desperately want to test it on my dry, wavy hair.