15 Holiday Gifts Worth Splurging On

The holiday season is officially upon us, which means that gift shopping season is here, too. Whether you’re browsing for yourself (you deserve it!), a friend, or a family member, there are plenty of splurge-worthy gifts that are sure to put a smile on anyone's face.

We scoured the internet (you’re welcome) for everything from the coolest kitchen gadgets to innovative hair tools to indoor herb gardens and tracked down 15 of the best holiday gifts money can buy.

1. KitchenAid Classic Series 10-Speed 4.5-Quart Stand Mixer; $300

The KitchenAid stand mixer has been around for more than 100 years and is a mainstay on modern-day countertops for a reason: It actually delivers. Whether your loved one is looking to knead some bread dough or whip some egg whites into shape, this iconic appliance can help make short work of the tasks at hand and performs faster and more efficiently than any other alternative can. It also comes with useful attachments like a dough hook and flat beater, which make it well worth the price tag.

Buy it: Wayfair

2. Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine with Aeroccino; From $166

They'll kick their coffee-buying habit to the curb once and for all with this state-of-the-art Nespresso machine, which boasts over 4200 rave reviews on Amazon. Not only does it brew espresso and coffee at the touch of a button in under 20 seconds, but it also comes complete with 12 complimentary Nespresso capsules.

Buy it: Amazon

3. Solo Stove Bonfire; $250

The tell-tale sign that a loved one has been near an open fire is the smell of smoke likely clinging to their hair and clothes, even long after they’ve come back inside the house. With the Solo Stove Bonfire, that won’t be a problem anymore, as this stainless steel fire pit was creatively designed to facilitate a super-clean, smoke-free burn. It even works with regular logs up to 16-inches long, so if your giftee loves chopping up wood as part of the fire pit process, they still can.

Buy it: Solo Stove

4. Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket; $98

For the giftee who has a soft spot for comfy things, this faux fur throw blanket is sure to please. Made from Oeko-Tex certified materials (meaning it’s sustainably made and free of more than 300 chemicals, toxins, and potential irritants), this plush pick is a joy to wrap up in. Another perk? It’s available in eight different shades.

Buy it: Anthropologie

5. Orolay Thickened Down Jacket; From $160

With over 11,500 Amazon reviews, this stylish down jacket makes the ideal addition to any winter wardrobe. It’s ultra-soft and features a fleece-lined hood, knit cuffs, and six (!) roomy pockets. Choose from 13 colors and 10 sizes.

Buy it: Amazon

6. iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550); $649

By and large, robot vacuums are great. These convenient gadgets zip around the house and can suck dirt, dust, and other debris out from even the toughest of corners. Where most robot vacuums fail, however, is in the small stuff: avoiding certain objects that might be on the floor; staying out of specific rooms; and most of all, emptying out between cleaning jobs. The iRobot Roomba j7+ is here to change all that. This smart robot vac is designed to automatically empty its own bin after it cleans and comes with smart mapping, which means your giftee can control which rooms are cleaned. Best of all, they can schedule cleanings even when they aren’t at home. And because this ‘bot uses iRobot’s unique precision technology, it recognizes and knows to avoid common household obstructions like cords, shoes, and pet waste.

Buy it: Amazon

7. Away The Bigger Carry-On Suitcase; From $245

If packing is always a source of anxiety for your giftee, this bigger version of Away’s trendy Carry-On could help relieve some of that tension. Roomy yet still sized to fit comfortably in the overhead bin of most major airlines, this suitcase offers plenty of storage for all their essentials, and has a polycarbonate hard outer shell for added durability plus a TSA-approved lock. You can trick it out even further to include an ejectable USB-charger, so your loved one can keep their phone and other gadgets at full battery power no matter where they go.

Buy it: Away

8. Ugg Scuffette II; $90

Help your giftee relax in comfort with a pair of Ugg’s popular Scuffette II slippers. These kicks are made from soft suede and sheepskin fur, sourced from the UK, Ireland, the U.S., and Australia. With their molded rubber sole, they could be worn for quick errands or chores, too. If that special person on your list has mobility issues or has struggled with slippers in the past because of their fit, the open-backed design of these Uggs could make them easier to wear than other house shoes they’ve tried before.

Buy it: Ugg

9. Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer; $400

When most folks think of Dyson, they think of air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. But they also make one of the most innovative hair dryers on the market, the futuristic-looking Supersonic. Designed to protect hair from extreme heat damage, this beauty tool comes with five styling attachments and features an intelligent heat-control functionality, which Dyson claims helps reduce the risk of thermal damage, while also enhancing hair’s smoothness and shine.

Buy it: Dyson

10. GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker; $450

Sonic’s semi-soft, chewable ice has a cult following. With this countertop ice maker, your giftee can skip the drive-thru lines and make a batch of the restaurant’s famed nugget-style ice right at home. This sleek, stainless steel appliance can make up to 24 pounds of ice daily (not that your loved one will necessarily need that much). It also offers built-in Bluetooth connectivity, so they can do a range of things—including monitor its status and order extra accessories—right from their phone.

Buy it: Amazon

11. AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Hydroponic Garden; From $90

No green thumb? No problem. This indoor hydroponic garden from AeroGarden makes it easy for anyone to grow fresh herbs. The set includes several types of seeds (parsley, dill, thyme, mint, and two varieties of basil), along with all-natural plant nutrients. Plus, no soil = no mess = no cleanup.

Buy it: Amazon

12. Theragun Elite; $399

Shopping for massage guns can be tricky, but several experts we spoke with recommend the Theragun Elite for percussive therapy because of its wireless functionality and the brand’s Quiet Glide technology, which means it can deliver speeds up to 2400 percussions per minute (PPM). This gadget’s ergonomically designed handle is easy to grip, and helps for targeted massages around the body to alleviate soreness and muscle discomfort.

Buy it: Theragun

13. Razorri Electric Pasta and Ramen Noodle Maker; $160

Spaghetti, fettuccine, macaroni, ramen: The pastabilities are limitless with this electric pasta maker. Not only is it incredibly easy to use (just add flour, start the kneading function, and then add liquid), but it also makes up to three servings of pasta in under 10 minutes. Once the noodles are complete, cook them in boiling water for one-and-a-half to two minutes, and dig in!

Buy it: Amazon

14. Cuisinart Cast Iron 7-Quart Dutch Oven; $130

Cuisinart's Dutch oven is a timeless staple (and it even comes with a lifetime warranty). Whether they're an amateur or professional chef, your giftee will appreciate this versatile cookware, which marinates, braises, bakes, or cooks. Choose from over a dozen colors, from peony pink to matte navy.

Buy it: Amazon

15. Revolution Cooking High-Speed Smart Toaster; $250

Calling all foodies: Prepare to geek out over this high-tech, touchscreen toaster. It also features a custom toasting algorithm (yes, that’s apparently a thing) to ensure that pastries, toast, bagels, and English muffins are crisped to perfection every single time. Plus, with five food settings, three toasting modes, and seven browning levels, the user will never have to endure burnt toast again.

Buy it: Amazon

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A version of this story ran in 2020; it has been updated for 2021.