Hello! We found a whole bunch of wonderful on-sale gifts, including:  | | Caudalie, Ruthie Darling/NYT Wirecutter, Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter; illustration by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter |
These gifts are fun. And they’re on sale. |
 | By Brittney Ho Brittney is a newsletters editor at Wirecutter. | |
Sure, there are the Big Gifting Occasions: You’ve got your birthday parties, your baby showers, your summer weddings galore. However, we’re big believers in the idea that you don’t really need a calendar event to treat your friends to a pick-me-up or to snag a little something for yourself. But if you do want a reason: The piles of deals popping up across the internet this week are as good an excuse as any to nab a just-because gift. (For the record, most Prime Day deals are mediocre. But we found some really great ones.) And if you’re a really early bird, it’s wise to stock up on some can’t-go-wrong gifts while they’re on sale, so you don’t have to suffer through a last-minute scramble the next time a holiday sneaks up. Below, a smattering of the best deals on gifts, for your perusal: - Gifts writer Samantha Schoech says that she’s “rarely gotten more compliments on a functional accessory” than on this pretty leather phone case. It includes a built-in wallet, and an adjustable strap that makes it easy for your favorite traveler to go hands-free — while still having access to their phone for finding directions, snapping photos, or scanning tickets.
- Style expert Zoe Vanderweide tests bras for a living. But the only one you’ll catch her wearing during her off-hours? This deliciously soft, stretchy wireless bralette. “It has a barely there, wonderfully forgettable feel,” she raves.
- Zoe is also a big fan of these dainty satin sneakers that evoke the ballet-core trend. They’re surprisingly cushy and, thanks to the almond-shaped toe, look fancier than your average trainer, but they’d still pair nicely with jeans or track pants.
- This slinky, herringbone chain is hefty but not gaudy. We’re partial to the shiny 18-karat yellow-gold finish, but it comes in a lovely sterling silver, too. (The 16-inch length is nearly $70 off with promo code WIREMEJURI.)
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- Newsletters editor Isoke Samuel has gone on record (more than once!) about how much she loves her green suede vintage-inspired Coach bucket bag. She’s used it to schlep everything from her laptop and water bottle to an entire Target haul. She admits: “I love it so much, I’m seriously considering getting the black one, too.”
- A staple in French pharmacies, this multitasking face mist performs so many skin-care tasks that it even baffled our beauty experts. It can prep skin for makeup, set powder so it doesn’t look too dry, and zhuzh up patchy midday makeup.
- If the coffee lover in your life is shoveling grounds or beans with a dusty old spoon, consider gifting them an upgrade. These darling stainless steel scoops conveniently measure out two tablespoons.
- Our gifts experts recommend this classic zip-up hoodie as a can’t-go-wrong gift for the dad in your life, but anyone who loves to be cozy would probably covet it. It’s soft and comes in a dozen colors — perfect for tossing over PJs or stuffing in a bag as an extra you-never-know layer.
- In our tests, this ice cream maker churned out the perfect texture: firm-but-creamy, rich-but-light. Plus, it’s self-cooling, so you don’t have to freeze a bowl ahead of time.
- There’s something classic and old-school about these soft, striped pajamas: the button-up collared tops, the contrasting stripes, and the cotton that our expert says only gets softer as you wash it. Also, each set arrives in a matching fabric envelope with a sweet ribbon tie, making it basically gift-ready.
- Unlike other party games that take too long to learn or are just too complex, this card game can get going in five minutes flat, and it’s entertaining for everyone. Says games expert James Austin: “We rarely see games that work just as well at a bachelor party as they do at a family event.”
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All the other (actually good) Prime Day deals→ We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more | What to give: Myself? |  |
I am difficult to shop for, because I just don’t like receiving gifts (it’s not my love language). But my wife insists on getting me something for my 66th birthday (it is her love language). All I really want is time with her, but what can she give me that will make us both happy? — P.C.C. From gifting expert Mari Uyehara: What a conscientious approach to your relationship styles. Perhaps we can reframe “gifts” as ways to enhance your time as a couple, be it hobbies you already share or new ventures to embark upon. If, for example, you like to cook, either for her or together, maybe that means upgrading your rice cooker or blender, or elevating your countertop with this smartly designed bowl that stores alliums in the ceramic bottom and displays fruit on the cork top. Or if you enjoy backyard cocktails together, a pair of wine tumblers can keep your drinks cool in hot weather and hot in cold weather. Nature lovers might like sharing the sight of feathered friends up close via a smart bird feeder or by passing lightweight binoculars back and forth on a walk. Or you could cozy up and play games together with this colorful book that puts all of The New York Times’ games in paper form — or you could just opt for a collection of classic crosswords. Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here. |  | Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for The Gift. Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter. Get it in your inbox |
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You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you. |
