Good evening. Tonight: Gifts we’ve loved for many, many years. Plus …
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| Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter; illustration by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter |
Wirecutter’s Hall of Fame is here. And it’s full of great gifts. |
 | By Erin Neil Erin is a newsletters editor at Wirecutter. |
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As I was packing up to move into my first real apartment in 2020, one of my parents casually pulled out a brand-new stainless steel All-Clad skillet from a kitchen cabinet and asked: “Do you want this?”
They already had one (which was still in fantastic shape, despite being much older), so when someone gave them another, they didn’t think twice about re-gifting it to me. I can’t really remember what proceeded, but I imagine this offer was met with a shrug and an outstretched hand. I was not, at the time, a practiced home cook. And this gift was given with such a lack of pomp that, I’ll admit, it didn’t mean much.
But now, that same pan is a cherished part of my kitchen — one that has cooked many a pasta sauce, fish fillet, and fried egg.
I was not at all surprised to see the skillet had been awarded a spot in Wirecutter’s inaugural Hall of Fame, a collection of 50 products that represent the best of the absolute best things Wirecutter has recommended over the last 15 years. And the skillet is just one of many inductees that would make a truly wonderful and long-lasting gift.
- When I polled Slack about the most giftable winners, many of my colleagues were quick to sing the praises of these drapey pajamas. The elegant, high-quality, silky PJs come in a range of colors and styles that suit all kinds of tastes and make bedtime feel special. As writer Ivy Elrod says: “They’re like the powersuit of PJs.”
- We’ve long loved the iconic L.L.Bean Boat and Tote — and not just because it’s an exceptionally durable and spacious bag. These totes can also be monogrammed, so you can customize them for different holidays and milestones. When social editor Hali Potter’s friend asked her to be a bridesmaid, the bride-to-be monogrammed a mini version with Hali’s initials and stuffed a bunch of smaller gifts inside. So sweet.
- Newsletters editor Brittney Ho gave her dad our favorite pepper mill as a Father’s Day gift a few years ago. “He uses it every single day,” Brittney says, “and it legitimately makes food taste better because the freshly cracked pepper is so fragrant.” Plus, the hourglass shape and wood finish make it look like decor on the dinner table.
- Glassware makes a great gift — especially for someone who loves to host. These elegant, versatile tumblers are pretty enough to put out when entertaining a crowd, but casual enough for a humble glass of water. “As a real klutz,” says writer Evan Dent, “I appreciate their durability.”
- “I will gift a Nordic Ware sheet pan to anyone who has a kitchen,” says writer Caroline Mullen. They’re one of her most-used staples because they’re extremely durable and don’t warp, buckle, or bend. “For people who’ve always had less-than sheet pans,” she says, “this is a huge upgrade.”
- The handiest, most DIY-savvy person on your list deserves better than the flashlight on their phone. This little light is simple to use and has a range of brightness settings. A pocket-size wonder.
- We’ve made the argument before that great socks can make a truly excellent gift. Case in point: Three of my colleagues cited these comfortable, cushiony, and durable socks as a favorite gift. Beauty editor Jennifer Sullivan, who has given her husband no less than three pairs, told me: “Judging by how often they’re in the laundry, I can tell the socks are some of his favorites.”
- These colorful magnetic tiles are beloved by kids and parents for a reason. They’re the kind of toys that are as fun for babies as they are for tweens. Writer Kaitlyn Wells loves gifting them to her toddler. “They really feed his imagination,” she says. “I also have a pack that I take with us when we’re traveling or dining out, so he always has something to keep him busy.”
- A big life milestone (think: a graduation or wedding) is an excellent time to gift luggage. It celebrates times of transition and nods to adventures ahead. And a suitcase that is high quality, spacious, and dependable — like this one we’ve loved for eight years — could very well follow your giftee through many more significant moments.
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See all of our Hall of Fame winners→
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What’s new from our gifting experts |
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What to give: Halloween-loving kids? |  |
Halloween is the one time of year I do something special for the kids in my neighborhood. Last year I gave gift certificates for a local bookstore and decorated cookies from a cafe. Spent about $30 each. Age range is broad from early elementary to 13- to 14-years-old. — K.S.
From gifting expert Hannah Morrill:
On behalf of parents everywhere, thank you! A family across the street does something similar for my children — although less refined! — and it’s the highlight of their holidays.
To anchor your goody bags, maybe start with these craft books, where kids “paint” with numbered stickers. This past weekend I watched a crew ages 4 to 11 lock in with a set. They also enjoyed the projects in this clay kit. Each of the 12 jars contains everything needed (clay, instructions, tools) to craft silly food-themed sculptures. Then you could break up this five-pack of sweet clip-on backpack plushies — they’re all the rage in our neighborhood. Lastly, these frightful gummy kabobs would make for a sweet and memorable treat worthy of the splurge.
Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here.
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One last gift (for you): These absorbent (and on-sale) cotton terry slippers have major spa-day vibes. Plus, they come in soothing striped patterns that are just plain cute.
You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.
