13 of the best gifts of 2019, according to HG editors

Here at the HG HQ, we spend the majority of the year gearing up for gifting season. Starting in the summertime, we research and explore the hottest launches, latest products, and coolest inventions, so when the holidays finally arrive, we can give informed recommendations on the best items for our readers to buy. Basically, you could say curating gift guides is kind of our jam.

Every year, we hand-pick certain products to file away as noteworthy buys that we’d love to give (or get) as gifts ourselves—and now, we’re sharing them with you. So whether you’re looking for a great gift to give to your parents, siblings, friends, or significant other, take a note from us, the self-proclaimed shopping pros.

Here’s what our HG editors are hoping to give (and get) this holiday season.

Our Team’s Beauty & Fashion Gift Picks:

[stylized_links related_links=”%3Cp%3EBest%20gift%20for%20the%20traveler%3A%20Away%20Longitude%20Tote%2C%20%24245%3B%26nbsp%3B%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjatr.com%2Ft%2F8-11514-131940-155614%3Fsid%3DHG%252C13ofthebestgiftsof2019%252CaccordingtoHGeditors%252CHello%2520Giggles%2520Team%252C%252CPos%252C2604570%252C201912%252CI%26amp%3Burl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.awaytravel.com%252Ftravel-bags%252Flongitude-tote%252Fbuff-leather%22%20rel%3D%22nofollow%22%3Eaway.com%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cp%3EBest%20stocking%20stuffer%3A%20Fenty%20Beauty%20Gloss%20Bomb%20Universal%20Lip%20Luminzer%2C%20%2418%3B%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fclick.linksynergy.com%2Fdeeplink%3Fid%3D93xLBvPhAeE%26amp%3Bmid%3D2417%26amp%3Bmurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.sephora.com%252Fproduct%252Fgloss-bomb-universal-lip-luminizer-P67988453%26amp%3Bu1%3DHG%252C13ofthebestgiftsof2019%252CaccordingtoHGeditors%252CHello%2520Giggles%2520Team%252C%252CPos%252C2604570%252C201912%252CI%22%20rel%3D%22nofollow%22%3Esephora.com%3C%2Fa%3E.%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cp%3EBest%20gift%20for%20Mom%3A%20Lilly%20Pulitzer%20Melville%20Ruffle%20Robe%2C%20%24128%3B%26nbsp%3B%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fclick.linksynergy.com%2Fdeeplink%3Fid%3D93xLBvPhAeE%26amp%3Bmid%3D41728%26amp%3Bmurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.lillypulitzer.com%252Fmelville-ruffle-robe%252F003093.html%26amp%3Bu1%3DHG%252C13ofthebestgiftsof2019%252CaccordingtoHGeditors%252CHello%2520Giggles%2520Team%252C%252CPos%252C2604570%252C201912%252CI%22%20rel%3D%22nofollow%22%3Elillypulitzer.com%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cp%3EBest%20gift%20for%20the%20beauty%20enthusiast%3A%20Dyson%20Airwrap%E2%84%A2%26nbsp%3BComplete%20Styler%2C%20%24549%3B%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2FThe%2520affiliate%2520is%2520not%2520joined%2520to%2520this%2520merchant.%26amp%3Bu1%3DHG%252C13ofthebestgiftsof2019%252CaccordingtoHGeditors%252CHello%2520Giggles%2520Team%252C%252CPos%252C2604570%252C201912%252CI%22%20rel%3D%22nofollow%22%3Enordstrom.com%3C%2Fa%3E.%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cp%3EBest%20fashion%20basic%3A%20Everlane%20Pima%20Micro%20Rib%20Turtleneck%2C%20%2435%3B%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pntrs.com%2Ft%2F8-9711-131940-104709%3Fsid%3DHG%252C13ofthebestgiftsof2019%252CaccordingtoHGeditors%252CHello%2520Giggles%2520Team%252C%252CPos%252C2604570%252C201912%252CI%26amp%3Burl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.everlane.com%252Fproducts%252Fwomens-pima-micro-rib-turtleneck-black%22%20rel%3D%22nofollow%22%3Eeverlane.com%3C%2Fa%3E.%3C%2Fp%3E%3Cp%3EBest%20gift%20for%20the%20athlete%3A%20Lululemon%20Fast%20and%20Free%20Backpack%2C%20%24128%3B%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fp%2Fbags%2FFast-and-Free-Backpack%2F_%2Fprod9490259%3Fcolor%3D0001%26amp%3Bsz%3DONESIZE%22%20rel%3D%22noreferrer%22%3Elululemon.com%3C%2Fa%3E.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]

Our Team’s Home & Tech Gift Picks:

• Best gift for the family: Amazon Echo Show 5, See holiday pricing on amazon.com.
• Best gift for your sibling: Fujifilm instax Mini 9 Instant Camera, $66.39; amazon.com.
• Best budget pick: Conair Fabric Defuzzer, $11.59; amazon.com.
• Best gift for the avid gamer: Nintendo Switch Lite, $199.99; target.com.
• Best gift for the homemaker: Paddywax Salted Grapefruit Candle, $21.99; amazon.com.
• Best gift for the pet lover: Uncommon Goods Custom Pet Pillow, $145; uncommongoods.com.
• Best unique find: Ban.do Cylinder Vase, $30; bando.com.

Best gift for the traveler: Away Longitude Tote

Shop it! $245, away.com.

“I have reached that age where both my friends and I are constantly traveling. There’s hardly a weekend without a scheduled work trip, wedding, visit to a long-distance someone or other, or last-minute road trip. Luckily, Away just launched new Latitude and Longitude totes that make the perfect never-knew-I-needed gift.

The bags have a (removable) exterior strap that connects them to an Away suitcase, so you can save your shoulders and carry your bag atop your rolling suitcase without risking any security line spills. But they’re also made in gorgeous leather with shades like black, forest green, blush pink, and rich ruby, so you’ll want it to be your everyday bag for the office or anywhere else. Plus, they’re roomy enough to fit a 15-inch (latitude) or 13-inch (longitude) laptop.” — Hayley Mason, Editorial Director

Best stocking stuffer: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminzer

Shop It! $18, sephora.com.

“I have been on a crusade to turn my matte lip-loving friends into gloss girls for years now, and I’m excited that the trend is now leaning back towards shiny, glossy lips. Lip gloss is in, ladies! This Fenty Beauty Gloss is one of the best out there, and I love it for its universally flattering shades, non-sticky formula, and ultra high-impact shine. Also, Rhianna helped make it, so it’s basically a gift from her.”—Mackenzie Dunn, SEO Content Writer

Best gift for mom: Lilly Pulitzer Melville Ruffle Robe

Shop it! $128, lillypulitzer.com.

“Anyone who visits me in my home after 8 p.m. knows I live in my robe, so I can’t think of a better gift than giving that delightful, wrapped-in-a-blanket feeling to someone else. The only problem is it can be difficult to find a cozy robe that doesn’t look too juvenile but also doesn’t look like you stole it from your grandma (although, to be fair, I totally would—you know, for comfort’s sake!).

This robe from Lilly Pulitzer looks all grown-up and feels a little extra luxe with its soft pink hue and sweet chenille ruffles. Speaking from experience, it’s the ideal added layer to wear over a pair of comfy PJs, making it the perfect gift for my mom or best friend. “—Mackenzie Dunn, SEO Content Writer

Best gift for the beauty enthusiast: Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler

Shop it! $549, nordstrom.com.

“There’s nothing my mother likes more than having her hair done, and this product will both cut her beauty routine in half and be healthier for her hair. The Dyson Airwrap works on damp hair and uses a digital motor with aerodynamic technology to style, versus using heat, which can damage hair over time.

Yes, it’s a pricey product, but if you frequent hair salons for blowouts, this product will end up saving you money in the long run. And I repeat again, it’s better for your hair’s health. It’s also incredibly light, so she won’t get tired halfway through using it. I can’t wait to gift it to her!” — Pia Velasco, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor

Best fashion basic: Everlane Pima Micro Rib Turtleneck

Shop it! $35, everlane.com.

“My friend group and I are turtleneck devotees—to the point where my BFF has one tattooed on her arm. However, we’re also trying to be conscious of how and where we shop, so this year, I plan to buy everyone in my friend group this simple (and simply perfect) micro rib turtleneck from Everlane.

It’s something they can wear all the time under and over other pieces, and I feel good about the brand’s impact. To make each one more personal, I’m going to have a local tailor stitch individual messages (which will save me from sending cards, too).” — Danielle Fox, Social Media Manager.

Best gift for the athlete: Lululemon Fast and Free Backpack

Shop it! $128, lululemon.com.

“My sisters are very sporty, and they’ve recently picked up cycling. This backpack is roomy enough for them to pack a sweater and a water bottle, and since it has a sternum strap, it won’t fall off—even if they do. Plus, it has a chic design, so they can take it from the mountains to the office if their hearts so desire.” — Pia Velasco, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor

Best gift for your sibling: Fujifilm instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

Shop it! $66.39, amazon.com.

“Whenever my family goes on vacation together, I bring my mini Polaroid camera to easily snap quick memories of the trip. My sister is always asking me if she can use it to take photos, and has even bought film to replace mine afterwards. (It’s typically $1 per photo, so I appreciate the gesture.)

This year, I’m giving her her own camera so that she doesn’t have to borrow mine anymore, and can bring hers on trips with her friends, too. It’s something that she would never spend money on herself, but will definitely use often and enjoy. Plus, there’s something special about developing real photos rather than simply storing them all on our phones. What better gift is there than the gift of preserved memories?” — Claire Harmeyer, Assistant Editor

Best budget pick: Conair Fabric Defuzzer

Shop it! $11.59, amazon.com.

“Bear with me on this one. Yes, it’s a weird-looking gadget and yes, it’s only $12, but that’s what makes it the perfect gift! The Conair Fabric Defuzzer is one of those items I bought for myself once upon a time, used a thousand times, and now buy for everyone I know.

It’s an electric shaver that you run over sweaters, couch cushions—really any fabric that strikes your fancy—to get rid of those annoying little pills that make your worn-twice sweater feel instantly new. There is an adjustable dial, so you can get up close to the fabric or leave more room for more delicate materials. This has made years-old sweaters of mine look brand new again, and that, my friends, is the true gift.” — Hayley Mason, Editorial Director

Best for the avid gamer: Nintendo Switch Lite

Shop it! $199.99, target.com.

“Shopping for my boyfriend and brothers is the hardest part of the holidays for me, but with all the hype, awesome game releases and excellent reviews for the new handheld version of the Nintendo switch, I think it may be a worthy splurge. Plus, I love being able to bond with them by watching or playing along, so getting them a gaming system I know they’ll love is kind of a win-win (get it?).” — Mackenzie Dunn, SEO Content Writer.

Best for the homemaker: Paddywax Salted Grapefruit Candle

Shop it! $21.99, amazon.com.

“One of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received was this salted grapefruit candle from Paddywax Candles. Not only is the smell intoxicating, but its overall concrete design is funky and fresh. So without question, I plan on buying this exact one for all of my friends. It’s small enough to fit on their nightstands and cute enough to reuse way after the wax is gone. And with three sizes to choose from, you honestly have no excuse not to include this item in someone’s stocking.” — Raven Ishak, Senior Lifestyle Editor

Best for the pet lover: Uncommon Goods Custom Pet Pillow

Shop it! $145, uncommongoods.com.

“For years now, it’s been a running joke that I give my parents elaborate gifts centered on my dog, Hank. (Picture: A giant framed painting of my 14-pound morkie in an old-timey admiral’s getup.) I live in a different country from them, so it’s my way of keeping my dog—and, in turn, me—in their sights. This year, I already have my eyes on this pillow you can customize to look like your furry friend. Pet lovers, I highly suggest joining me on this silly journey.”— Caitlin White, News Editor

Best unique find: Ban.do Cylinder Vase

Shop it! $30, bando.com.

“A friend of mine recently moved into a new apartment and is looking to fill her space with one-of-a-kind decor items. So when I found this ombre ceramic cylinder vase from CK TC, I knew it was the perfect gift. This particular vase is hand-painted with a matte finish and tall enough to fit a boutique of roses or peonies (you know, whatever she fancies). Plus, if there’s one item that everyone should have in their home, it’s a vase—so you can bet I’ll be getting one for my home, too.” — Raven Ishak, Senior Lifestyle Editor