Clicking around the internet the past few days, you might be wondering if the whole retail world has gone on sale — those who've been virtual-window shopping for gifts know damn well it has. And, as a shopper in the market for the good goods to give, it's not a bad thing to have major coin lopped off anything and everything you've ever considered purchasing. But, lordy lordt, is it overwhelming. To add to the frenzy of parsing through the best Black Friday deals, there's also the whisper of unreliable shipping — which we get, sending stuff takes time and we're in the midst of a supply chain meltdown. (Editor's note: we're feeling frantic too.) That's why we decided to hunker down and do what we do best: scour the internet with a fine-tooth comb to find the best gifts on sale so you can rest easy.
To make this list, each gift needed to pass three checkpoints: it's on sale; it can be received before Christmas; it's a crowd-pleaser. From giftable deals on best-selling sheets they'd never splurge on themselves to a pair of comic-book-character clad socks and a customizable coordinates' ring, now's the time to treat your loved ones to a few special holiday surprises. You can tell them it was on sale or keep it to yourself because they'll never know the difference. So get gifting before Cyber Week comes to its inevitable end, R29 friends, because who knows what tomorrow will bring. Actually, we do — it'll probably bring up the prices (aaagh!).
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Animalist Custom Pet Scandinavian Art Portrait
An express custom gift may seem like an oxymoron, but Animalist is proving otherwise with its on-demand pet portraits. Within 3-5 business days after ordering, your giftee will receive their Scandinavian-style print of their favorite furry friend in your design choice of minimalist line, colorful form silhouette, or abstract modern art.
Animalist Custom Pet Scandinavian Art Print, $, available at Animalist
Fly By Jing Lucky 88 Spice Lovers
Fly By Jing's sauces and spices continue to be a reader-favorite gift — and right now you can get in on the hot holiday action with its current up-to-25%-off site-wide Black Friday sale. Our top present pick is the Lucky 88 Spice Lovers collection, a $110-value bundle featuring: Sichuan Chili Crisp, Zhong Sauce, Mala Spice Mix, 3-Year Aged Doubanjiang, Tribute Pepper, Erjingtiao Chili, and a digital Chengdu Guide & Recipe Book.
Fly By Jing Lucky 88 Spice Lovers, $, available at Fly by Jing
Snack Break Moondance Ring
The female-run brand Snack Break is hosting a doozy of a Black Friday promo on its already affordable, fashion-forward accessories that make stellar gifts for the difficult-to-please Gen-Z set. We're eyeing this sweet genuine freshwater pearl ring that's adjustable to fit all finger sizes.
Snack Break Moondance Ring, $, available at Snack Break
Piecework Tchotchke 1000-Piece Puzzle
Piecework's chaotic-chic puzzles make for incredibly crowd-pleasing parent (or old-soul) gifts. Our top pick for anyone on your Hanukkah list is its currently 30%-off Tchotchke edition; featuring 1,000 pieces of chutzpah-infused trinkets and baubles to delight your favorite bubbela.
Piecework Tchotchke 1000 Piece Puzzle, $, available at Piecework
Jenni Kayne Cocoon Cashmere Cardigan
Looking to splurge on someone special this year? R29-shopping-team-approved Jenni Kayne is swooping in to save your wallet with its 25%-off Black Friday sale. What out of its dreamy stock do we recommend most? It's celebrity-favorite, Instagram-famous, and decidedly cloud-like cashmere Cocoon Cardi, of course. Scoring an over-$100-off deal on this pricey (but worth it!) purchase will earn you Gifter Of The Year for whoever you decide is worthy enough to give it up to — because you may not be able to...it's really that good.
Deal: 25% off site-wide at Jenni Kayne Promo Code: None
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, $, available at Jenni Kayne
Haus The Deluxe Cocktail Kit, $, available at Haus
Bill Cunningham Details From The Street Postcards
For the fashion crowd: a little deal on a very gift-worthy treat from Bill Cunningham: On the Street. This new edition of the New York Times' bestseller comes in the form of a 100-postcard box featuring the legendary photographs of renowned street-style photographer, Bill Cunningham.
The New York Times Bill Cunningham: Details from the Street: 100 Postcards, $, available at Amazon
Homesick Skip Trip Candle
Homesick presents a candle that combines top notes of frosted air and warm amber with base notes of cedar, vanilla, and patchouli to give you the sensory experience of being inside a wooden lodge post-hitting the slopes. It's a superb gift for your ski-nut friends AND the more candles the buy, the more you save during the brand's current Black Friday promo.
Homesick Ski Trip Candle, $, available at Homesick
Brook & York Aria Coordinate Fine Ring
Another custom gift on sale that's ready to ship within 24 hours of ordering! This 14K gold-plated ring (also available in rhodium-plated or 14K rose-gold-plated sterling silver) can be engraved with the coordinates of your choosing as a uniquely personalized present for your person.
Brook & York Aria Coordinate Fine Ring, $, available at Brook & York
DedCool Milk Dedtergent
DedCool's luxury laundry detergent is quickly becoming the IT gift of this holiday season. And, now that it's on sale, we're planning on buying two (one for ourselves, one for a giftee) of the brand's 100%-biodegradable and environmentally-conscious washing fluid that is said to make underwear, socks, sheets, etc. smell better than a Dipytique candle.
DedCool Milk Dedtergent (2-Count), $, available at Dedcool
Lettuce Grow The Farmstand Smart Garden
Imagine growing your very own, totally edible salad from the comfort of your living room. Sound like an episode of The Jetsons? Close — it’s actually an innovation of reader-beloved smart-garden imprint Click & Grow.
Lettuce Grow The Farmstand, $, available at Lettuce Grow
The Field Guide To Dumb Birds Of North America
Here's a zany gift on sale for all you birb-fans out there looking to score a good deal. This genius handbook by Matt Kracht takes a humorous approach to identifying 50 "dumb" North American birds — highlights include the "White-Breasted Butt Nugget" and the "Goddamned Canada Goose," along with facts about the birds' "annoying" calls, "dumb" migratory patterns, "downright tacky" markings, etc.
Chronicle Books The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America, $, available at Amazon
Farmacy Beauty The Giving Back Pack
What's better than a limited-edition beauty gift on sale? A limited-edition beauty gift on sale that fights hunger. For every set of its best-selling skin-care minis sold, clean-beauty favorite Farmacy is donating 20 meals to Feeding America.
Farmacy The Giving Back Pack, $, available at Farmacy Beauty
Poketo Lined Notedbook
This Los Angeles-based stationery imprint is responsible for some of our favorite design-forward paper and office goods, and its minimally adorned notebook is no exception. Whether your recipient is into all things colorful or just really likes fruit, they’ll look forward to jotting down their thoughts in this graphic journal.
Poketo Simple Lined Notebook, $, available at Nordstrom
Outdoor Voices Warmup Legging
These will become their go-to leggings for, well, everything. Walk the dog, run to the market, or just lounge on the couch — they're that comfortable and nice-looking.
Deal: 50% off select styles at Outdoor Voices Promo Code: None
Outdoor Voices 3/4 Warmup Leggings, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Olive & June The Winter Collection Mani System 2021
Snag a deal on this nail enthusiast's dream gift containing Olive & June's all-encompassing manicure system featuring the best-selling nail brand's newest winter polish collection for 2021 — plus, all the bells and whistles you'll need for keeping those cuticles and nail beds in shape.
Olive and June The Winter Collection Mani System 2021, $, available at Olive and June
Abercrombie & Fitch Notch-Neck Sweater Polo
The slouchy, polo-style neckline on this ultra-soft pullover ups the elevation factor of the standard sweater gift — plus, a plethora of happy reviewers have awarded it a 4.8-star rating. “Lightweight so you can layer it and it is super soft!!! So comfortable and the fit is absolutely beautiful,” wrote a satisfied wearer. It also seems to appeal to comfort-seekers of all ages, according to another reviewer: “I'm in my 40's and I've had several teenagers compliment me on it.”
Abercrombie & Fitch Notch-Neck Sweater Polo, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Tushy Classic Bidet
TUSHY put bidets on the "cool gift" map — and now you can score its best-selling but-washer for just-under-$100 to bestow upon any tricky to gift, practical people on your list. The easy-to-install attachment uses a stream of clean water to gently powerwash bums after going number two, offering temperature and pressure control.
The color story on this skin-care set alone is enough to please whoever you choose to present it to — but, if you want to talk about what's inside: this gift on sale is a results-driven collection of 100%-natural facial oils and serums that will make their winter complexions glow.
No living space is complete without a dizzying splash of print or pattern from Brooklyn-based lifestyle brand Dusen Dusen. We were lucky to land on a set of rainbow-hued hand towels at a significant markdown via Cara Cara, our favorite resource for off-price indie goods.
Dusen Dusen Set of Stripe Hand Towels, $, available at Cara Cara
Mysa Vin de California Collection
Help your giftee break out of their Chardonnay comfort zone with a curated case from this woman-owned natural wine retailer. This occidental assortment includes a mix of easy-drinking reds hailing from all over the sunshine state.
Mysa Vin de California Collection, $, available at Mysa
Christian Cowan x Maxbone Feather Dog Sweater
We can’t fathom anything more festive than a hot pink marabou sweater for your already-furry friend — plus, with the holidays coming up, there will be plenty of occassions to parade your pup around in this gorgeous garment. At the full list price of $95, this outfit was a questionable splurge, but with Maxbone’s hefty Black Friday discount it becomes a much more manageable buy.
Christian Cowan x Maxbone Jumper, $, available at maxbone
Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle
A very good choice for a very practical gift is Brooklinen's top-rated Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle — especially when you can score it on sale for 20% off its already value-priced total. (Peep more bestsellers from Brooklinen's Black Friday sale.)
Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $, available at Brooklinen
MrMiSocki 3-Pack Comic Socks
But seriously, what's a gift guide without a pair of socks or two? Bear with us, this pair is special. This charming oddball gift from creative sock-enthusiast Munish Taneja is a pair of mismatched socks that come with a comic book about a sock who wakes in the dryer only to realize that he's lost his other half. The "volumes" are limited, so snatch up what's left for the person who likes a gift with a story, comic illustrations, or simply a funky pair of socks to brighten his day. Currently, when you buy three or more pairs of these fun-lovin' foot huggers, you can snag 60% off your entire order.
MrMiSocki Volume 2.2- Soxi Brown & ASAP Socky (3-Count), $, available at MrMiSocki
The Sill Beginner Plant Duo
A little greenery goes a long way when the winter doldrums start to hit. Luckily, the trendy online plan purveyor of trendy online plant purveyors is currently hosting a big up-to-50%-off sale on a choice selection of its green friends. Gift a plant novice on your list this 25%-off beginner duo, including the low-light and drought-tolerant Snake Plant and ZZ Plant nestled inside matching ceramic planters.
In search of a restrained, elegant ring that boasts a bold semiprecious stone and suits a variety of styles? We may have found just the one, with a dazzling 20% discount, to boot.
Aleishla Lopez Lapis Lazuli Ring, $, available at Etsy
Aerie OFFLINE Real Me Crossover Leggings
Yes, we know this is the second pair of leggings that we’ve recommended here — but that likely roughly equates to the ratio of pants to leggings that already exist in their wardrobe. Besides, these waist-cinching, figure-flattering leggings are no ordinary activewear. They’re the tights that launched 1,000 restocks (okay, actually about six) since they went viral on TikTok last fall. They’re back for good — now in 14 colors and accompanied by over 2,600 pretty positive reviews. Whether these are for a loved one or yourself, they’re a crowd-pleasing Black Friday buy.
OFFLINE Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging, $, available at American Eagle
“Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Botanist and Citizen Potawatomi Nation member Robin Wall Kimmerer’s essay collection has earned rave reviews from the Washington Post and New York Times for its exploration of the intersection between science and nature.
Milkweed Editions Braiding Sweetgrass, $, available at Bookshop
Our Place Always Pan
If you keep seeing us mention the Always Pan, it's because we're genuinely big fans. In fact, our Shopping Team lead a long Slack conversation about the pan's merits once we saw it was having its biggest sale yet. That's right, this best-selling pan is available at $50 off, a major milestone for the new DTC brand. We suggest gifting this to everyone you know.
Keep the gift cozy and chic with these cropped organic and recycled cotton sweats — they’ll keep your recipient comfy whether they’re curling up with a hot toddy or heading to hot yoga.
Girlfriend Collective Tulipwood 50/50 Wide Leg Sweatpant, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Usual Wines 12 Pack of Red, Brut, & Rose Wines
Gift your loved ones a variety pack of minimally intervened, small-lot wines so you can raise a glass with them: to love, to friendships, to hardships overcome, to happy times, small accomplishments, new beginnings, and end of times. Each bottle serves a glass and half serving. No need for your own stems, just swig straight from the bottle.
Usual Wine 12-Bottle Pack of Red, Brut, & Rose Wines, $, available at Usual Wine
Pop Chart National Parks Scratch Off Poster
Oh, the places you'll go! This family fun cheap & cheerful artwork makes planning your future adventures an interactive experience. And if it looks familiar, that's because this was the top-bought gift on sale from last holiday season!
Huckberry National Parks Scratch Off Poster, $, available at Huckberry
Gravity Ombre Weighted Blanket
A soothing weighted blanket is the ultimate cozy cold-weather gift — and a+ gradient-tinted cotton cover lends an airy quality that will take this soothing comforter into year-round territory.
Gravity Ombre Weighted Blanket in Ombre, $, available at Gravity
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
Sunscreen in the winter, you say? Um, absolutely! If we know anything about this reader-beloved skincare brand, it’s that they espouse the daily application of their UV-ray-deflecting elixirs, even in the colder months. There’s no time like the off-season to stock up on something you’ll reach for year-round, so take advantage of this 20% off deal before the sun sets on Black Friday.
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40, $, available at Supergoop!
Josie Maran Beauty and Joy Essentials To-Go Travel Kit
This petite collection of argan-oil-infused, skin-brightening essentials — an exfoliating cleanser, moisturizer, vitamin C serum, and nourishing face oil— has earned over 80 rave reviews for its glow-bestowing properties. “This is still the best oil around,” wrote one user on Sephora.com. “The products in this kit are an absolute godsend!” declared another. A self-proclaimed “new fan” of the brand wrote: “Great value! My skin looks brighter and more radiant after one week of using these products. I especially like the serum and think it’s helping the most.” This top-rated set and scores of other products are getting the discount treatment at Sephora on Black Friday.
Josie Maran Beauty and Joy Essentials To-Go Travel Kit, $, available at Sephora
Tai Rittichai Horseshoe Charm
A sweet single charm is a low-cost way to share the sentimental gift of jewelry at Secret Santa-level prices. Anthropologie has an extensive collection of mix-and-match pendants (and chains to go with them) — our pick is this color-flecked horseshoe to usher in good luck in 2002.
Tai Rittichai Horseshoe Charm, $, available at Anthropologie
Croc Classic Tie-Dye Graphic Clog
The perennial “ugly” shoe may still be a polarizing fashion topic, but whether you’re gifting an off-the-grid relative or your hipper-than-thou Gen Z sister, this molded foam shoe is bound to put a smile on anyone’s face — especially when treated with a kooky nein tie-dye finish. And the one thing that’s universally appealing about this shoe? Its sublime, reviewer-approved, foot-huggin’ comfort.
Deal: Promo Code: None
Crocs Classic Tie-Dye Graphic Clog, $, available at Zappos
We didn’t think this digitally native brand could top the success of last year’s quilted shoe — but we were wrong. World, meet the ReNew Teddy slipper; a be-fleeced house slipper that will lend your humble feet stuffed-animal status.
Deal: Up to 30% off select items Promo Code: None
Everlane The ReNew Teddy Slipper, $, available at Everlane
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
TKTK
Deal: TK Promo Code: None
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, $, available at Lululemon
Glossier TK Product
TKTK
Deal: TK Promo Code: TK
Glossier The Complete Body Hero Collection, $, available at Glossier
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I was recently in an Amazon hole looking for lightbulbs — a worthy Amazon-specific purchase if you’re super picky on bulb types and refuse to once again be lost and alone in a 12-foot-high aisle at the hardware store — when I digitally veered left into things I didn’t really need and ended up perusing blankets. Somewhere in my subconscious, there was an organic cotton bedding seed planted and its promise of cozy textile goodness was blooming on the tip of my brain. It was also following me around Instagram and TikTok where images featuring beds made with mille-feuille cake-inspired layers of sheets and duvets were being served up by the bevy. I’m not sure at what point I said “I’d love to be swaddled in an adult baby blanket” loud enough for the ad-targeting demon in my iPhone to hear me, but like Virgil leading me through the nine rings of Amazon hell, I was ultimately guided down to adult baby blanket Paradiso.
The Instagram image above can probably be traced back to what first triggered my adult baby blanket itch. (I have a burner IG handle that I use for following home inspo accounts, interior designers, furniture, and decor brands — it’s my safe space on the app.) This image was originally posted by @interiorbygini, a Vienna-based ‘Grammer of ethereal home aesthetics. Or, at least, I think she was the first; it’s been reposted so many times by other accounts, that it’s a constant in my feed. Look at that bedding! The warm light has just slipped away from the bed’s sea of sumptuous cotton muslin, making it the most ideal place on Earth for what was previously referred to as a lazy disco nap. I envisioned myself descending beneath those layers of luxury for a moment of soft reflection — or, if choosing not to muss up the entire masterpiece, simply sliding under its airy top layer.
Two weeks later, after thinking about this idyllic scene at least once a day, it happened, I ended up on Amazon typing in the keywords “organic cotton waffle”, “soft muslin blanket”, and “layered organic crinkle gauze blanket” to get the right results. And, judging by all the positive reviews, I wasn’t the only person who came to the conclusion that an adult baby blanket was one of life’s more desirable unspoken luxuries. I felt a special kinship with one reviewer who stated, “I’m a 30-year-old grown-ass woman who is always jealous of my nieces’ and nephews’ muslin blankets because of how insanely cozy they are. I’m so happy I found one big enough for me to snuggle up with.”
I’m a 30-year-old grown-ass woman who is always jealous of my nieces’ and nephews’ muslin blankets because of how insanely cozy they are. I’m so happy I found one big enough for me to snuggle up with.
Amazon Reviewer
Now that I own this Bedsure 50% cotton and 50% bamboo style, it’s something I’d describe as a waffled adult baby blanket you can swaddle yourself up in for self-soothing bliss. The secret about baby blankie Amazon is that it’s a pretty wholesome corner of the behemoth site that many of us loath. While those lightbulbs are a one-and-done click to buy, the gauzy dream blanket scene is filled with sellers who have keys to some of the best textile mills east of Italy, family bedding businesses that do one thing really well, and a slew of other random options — all with near 5-star ratings. The paradox of choice hits hard when you’re virtually surrounded by too much of a good thing.
Although I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase, I’m not 100% sure I landed on the exact one that fulfills the aforementioned Instagram vision (seeking a little less waffle, a little more mille-feuille cake). And here’s where I type an on-record statement that I will not buy another adult baby blanket for myself. Not because I don’t want layers of organic cotton gauze swathed across every bed and couch and perhaps they can even serve as a picnic blanket or a tablecloth or a lovely backdrop to a fruit bowl and bouquet of flowers as to which I can sit with an easel and palette and marvel at the still life before me; but because I can see myself becoming a hoarder of cloud-like covers. It’s 2021 and I’m not here to consume more than I can snoo. However — with a capital H because it’s at the beginning of the sentence and also because I want to stress that despite my good intentions — I will probably accumulate a few more when I finally have guests over again. After all, I wouldn’t want to keep the joy that is sweatless slumber-filled nights or oh-so-soft and cool naptimes all to myself.
Ordered this drunk one night. By far the best surprise package I’ve ever received!!! Soft, cozy. Lightweight but still warm—how is that? It’s magic.
Amazon Reviewer
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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