As Garcia says, everyone should have a monogram mug! She loves this one for morning coffee, tea or even a hot cocoa bar if you’re hosting over the holidays. These ones are great quality and microwave safe, and as Garcia notes, they look more expensive than they are. Plus, since they’re neutral they will easily blend with any kitchen décor. Pro tip: Grab everyone’s initial and if you’re hosting, you can give them out as personalized holiday favors.
To pair with your mug, consider these hot cocoa bombs which Garcia says she is “honestly obsessed with.” Just drop one into hot milk and the outer layer of chocolate will melt, revealing hot cocoa powder and mini marshmallows. Garcia’s daughter had friends over for a holiday party and the group added these to their hot cocoa bar — according to her, they were a hit!
Another drink bomb, this one in the shape of a tree. It would make a great stocking stuffer for kids and adults alike!
If you’re not sure what to buy for the kids on your list, go for these adorable stuffed animals, which actually glow and play music when hugged. Garcia says that young children will be obsessed with them, but even her 15 year-old daughter “went crazy over them!” Give it a squeeze and the plush will light up and play “The Entertainer,” lending a hefty dose of delight. Yet there’s also a convenient switch-off feature on the battery pack, which makes it perfect for bedtime, too. Note: Three AAA Alkaline batteries are required.
These toys come in all sorts of fun food shapes like this playful pizza slice! With LED lights, it can double as a night lamp, too. Plus, since they’re under $20, they work well as a stocking stuffer or that “I need one more little thing” gift, per Garcia.
For the littlest baker you know, this rainbow cake is sure to please.
More FAO Schwarz Glow Brights Plush LED Sound Toys:
According to Garcia, Tree Hut makes “the best” body scrubs. She recommends using one before any event (especially ahead of self-tanning). This one smoothes, hydrates and delivers on glow, all with a festive peppermint scent. Your “everything shower” just got better!
If you like passing old traditions onto the next generation, consider these classic games you grew up with, now reimagined. Garcia calls these “library” style board games beautiful, noting that the book-like boxes look great on shelves and the coffee table, while neatly holding all the pieces inside. According to her, they’re an age unifier, too: Kids, teens, adults and grandparents can all play together. In fact, it might just be what gets everyone off their phones!
There are nine games to choose from in this collection, so you can opt for whatever game is your favorite. (Garcia’s family loves Scrabble!)
Beyond your own home, these games make the perfect last-minute gifts for teachers, neighbors and more.
More WS Game Company Library of Play games:
Elevate your usual holiday entertaining with this high-end looking bar setup (without the high price tag). With an array of pieces in the collection, you can mix and match pieces to create a the bar station you’re craving. The tray is great for decorating, as well as carrying cocktails and mocktails from the kitchen to the living or dining rooms.
Next up, the shaker! Differing from standard stainless options, this one has a glass base, allowing you to see exactly what’s inside. For gifting, pair it with a bottle of your recipients’ favorite drink, or even seasonal cocktail garnishes and bitters.
To match, consider this strainer. Since it features both gold- and silver-toned metals, you can mix and match it with any barware you already own.
The same goes for this elegant jigger, which also makes a great stocking stuffer.
More Threshold barware:
A little holiday sparkle is always a good idea, says Garcia. And thanks to the delicate beading, these little bags make any simple outfit feel holiday-ready. Lightweight and perfect for fitting in all of your essentials on a night out, they’re easy to grab and go, while still packing a punch. This one, featuring a trendy brown hue and espresso martini graphic, is sure to get people talking.
For the women who have more classic taste, opt for solid black. With the unique beading, it’s still a note-worthy accessory, just slightly more subtle. You can re-wear it for dinners out, weddings and more, too.
Get in on the animal print trend with this printed option! While it’s a pattern, it’s still technically a neutral, so you’ll find countless ways to wear it.
More Target holiday picks
Editor’s pick
Candles are a classic holiday gift for good reason: they’re simple, pretty and very likely to actually get used. This one is just $5 and comes packaged with a bow on top, making it easy for you to gift. I (Marrison) bought the Apple Cinnamon Joy for my mom’s stocking.
Still need a dress for the holiday party? This A New Day pick won’t disappoint. The neckline is flattering on a variety of body types and bust sizes, especially because the straps will keep bra straps covered. And the two-textured material adds dimension. Not to mention, you can wear it year-round depending on how you style it.
Ring in the new year with a new planner, which also makes a great gift for your most organized friend.
Editor’s pick
The Shop TODAY team is full of Naturium lip balm fans! At $20 for a set of three, this is well worth the buy.
Editor’s pick
Another beauty favorite at the Shop TODAY office is Versed. This set is ideal for the holidays, as the mascara will get you ready for the day, while the cleansing balm will help you remove even the heaviest of nighttime makeup.
Preserve your salon styling with this satin pillowcase by Kitsch. It helps to tame frizz and reduce breakage, per the brand.
For yourself or someone you love, these genuine suede slippers are budget-friendly while delivering on serious comfort.
The guys can get cozy too, thanks to this men’s version with a plush interior and genuine suede exterior.
With small, quirky figurines having a big moment this year, kids, teens and maybe even adults alike will favor this blind box character. Place your Target order and be surprised by which one you receive! Each box contains one figurine and a corresponding ID card, per the brand.
Need a cookware upgrade ahead of holiday baking and big batch family meals? These Staub dishes are beautiful and currently almost 60% off!
How we chose Target holiday gifts
We consulted Shop TODAY contributor Melissa Garcia, as well as the Shop TODAY editorial team, for items that are editor-approved based on theme, style and seasonality. To round out the list, we also considered items with high customer ratings.
For sponsored content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses products to recommend that are sold by the retailer (in this case, Target). The retailer does not review or approve the content. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Melissa Garcia.
- Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor. She has experience working on national brand campaigns, appearing on major television broadcasts and hosting fashion events for commerce destinations. With a relatable approach and her own eye-catching personal style, Garcia has become a go-to fashion resource in American media.
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