What PureWow Editors Are Buying as Holiday Gifts This Year (All On Sale for Prime Day)

PureWow tester Hope Lundblad and her husband are avid cooks. (I'm still reveling in tales of the 20-person dinner party they hosted in their French countryside garden, with a home-cooked, multi-course meal.) They've been testing a variety of Hexclad pots and pans for the last month, and their review is glowing.

"We usually use stainless steel pans, [so in comparison Hexclad] takes a little longer to heat up. But they're much more efficient and evenly heated once they are hot," Lundblad reports. "They're very easy to clean; you don't have to scrape and scrub with steel wool. It just comes right off, like nonstick. Hallelujah! They're not too heavy or overbearing."

During Prime Day Big Deal Days, the Hexclad frying pan is on sale. It's dishwasher-friendly, oven safe up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (pan only, lid up to 400F) and you can use stainless steel utensils. Lundblad notes, however, that she's erred on the side of caution.

PureWow's social media director Emily Brozyna plans to gift Cuisinart's glass air fryer to a cook in her life.

"What’s worse than opening an air fryer a million times just to check if your food is done?"she asks. "This is a great kitchen upgrade for anyone who loves to cook, with a versatile glass basket that lets you keep an eye on your food and doubles as a container with a lid for easy prep and storage."

The four-quart air fryer has four modes and can cook up to 1.5 pounds of fries (important), or 2 pounds of wing or one 4-pound chicken, and has a maximum temperature of 450 degrees F, which is adjustable in increments of 5 degrees.

Picking up a Ninja SLUSHi guarantees to make you the life of the party. The machine serves about seven to ten, and the quick chilling technology ensures that fresh batches are easy to whip up, even when serving a busy crowd. You can pour in a variety of liquids, from soda and juice to wine, coffee and even milkshake bases.

"I got the SLUSHi Twist earlier this year, and it was the showstopper of every party I hosted," says PureWow lifestyle editor Marissa Wu. "The Twist is just a dual-chamber version of the SLUSHi so you can swirl two flavors, but both have the absolutely stellar chilling technology that helps you get the perfect texture. The final result is never too icy or too runny. I feel like I'm running a mini gas station (in the best possible way.)"

When it comes to ice cream machines, there are a lot of more expensive options with tons of bells and whistles. But for Wu, who makes homemade ice cream every summer, the humble Cuisinart is end game—and she'll die on that hill.

"The beauty of this little guy is that you cannot screw up," she says. "There's only one button. I've tested fancier ice cream machines that ended in tragedy, with way more accessories and parts that I had to hand wash. With this one, it's just the freezer bowl and paddle. The bowl does need to be frozen about 24 hours in advance and requires some forethought, but otherwise, you flick the switch and you're golden."

Air fryers are one of modern life's great inventions, but they aren't always...pretty. For the host or hostess who loves an aesthetically pleasing appliance, the Our Place Wonder Oven fits the bill. PureWow contributor Natalie LaBarbera owns and loves hers, writing, "The Wonder Oven is just so easy to use. As someone who has always been intimidated by all of the buttons and settings on standard air fryers, I was excited to find that this oven required nothing more than placing my food in the air fry basket and flipping the switch to the correct mode. And, I'm happy to report, it definitely lived up to the hype of pre-heating and cooking super fast."

The Wonder Oven is equipped with two cooking racks and a 13-quart capacity. There are six modes: air fry, bake, roast, toast, broil and reheat, with an added steam infusion function that allows you to revive food like stale bread and dry leftovers.

For the person in your life who wants an ice cream maker with all the bells and whistles, PureWow editors are co-singing the Ninja CREAMi. PureWow contributor Olivia Dubyak loves using it to whip up healthy frozen treats.

"The quality of the desserts are to die for and I crave them constantly. Being able to get creative with your recipes is so much fun because everything is customizable to exactly what you want," she says. "The fact that it only takes two minutes to make the ice cream and then two minutes to fold in the mix-ins is an easy sell."

The machine comes with seven modes: Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream and Mix-In. It's also easy to clean. (Music to our ears.) Simply pop all the accessories into the dishwasher and you're good to go.

"I've dramatically increased the amount of heat styling I do on my hair, and it's starting to show," Wu says. "Because I'm also trying to let my hair grow out (and also just can't find time to get a haircut), I've been frantically applying everything I can to my hair to keep the split ends at bay. One of the products I've been using is R+Co's Sun Catcher styling spray. It offers a little Vitamin C boost while also providing heat protection up to 450 degrees F, plus UV protection and hyaluronic acid for a hydration boost."

One of PureWow readers' favorite red light therapy masks has been iRestore's Illumina mask. PureWow senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida put it to the test, and reported that after eight weeks of use, she already noticed a brighter and more even complexion, in addition to reduced puffiness under her eyes and mouth.

"Blemishes that would have usually taken a week to clear up—getting red and angry in the process—have vanished less than two days after using the blue or combo light treatment (and haven’t reappeared since)," she reports. "The fine lines on my forehead have been slower to fade, but I would expect improvement in that area to take a bit longer."

The mask comes with three different light wavelengths (blue, red, infrared) and three modes (red, blue and red/infrared, which shows purple). Maida noted that the mask wasn't heavy, and if you wanted to walk around while using it, you could. The built-in timer automatically shuts the mask off after treatments.

If they’ve been eyeing the Dyson Airwrap but can’t stomach the price, Shark’s FlexStyle is the next best thing (and in some cases, better). Its brilliance is in the twist: Rotate the base to switch from a powerful hair dryer to a styling wand, then pop on one of six included attachments—two auto-wrap curlers, a paddle brush, oval brush, diffuser or styling concentrator. It works for every hair type (straight, curly, coily) and uses intelligent heat control that monitors temperature to prevent damage.

PureWow's family editor, Rachel Bowie, is a big fan of the tool on hectic mornings. "For the busy mom, I can't think of a more useful—and fun—tool than a styling wand to give her hair a little something extra with minimal effort," she says. "I love that it works for all hair types and, on a time-pressed morning, still helps mom feel put together."

PureWow Vice President of Editorial Candace Davison says she's scooping up two tubes of Lancôme's Lash Idôle—one for her sister, and one for herself.

"My hairstylist has amazingly lush, defined lashes, and I was surprised to learn she didn't have extensions," Davison says. "It was this mascara, which she also said didn't flake. So, naturally, I need to try it (and gift it) while it's at the lowest price offered in the past year to date." The mascara promises a clump-free, length- and volume- bumping formula that'll hold for up to 24 hours.

Sunday Riley is a favorite among PureWow editors, particularly the C.E.O. Glow face oil that Maida says leaves "a bright, bouncy finish behind.” 

But it's not just the face oil that has a cult following; the serum does, too. Packed with advanced Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate), the formula is bolstered with ingredients that are clinically proven to calm redness, reinforce your moisture barrier and smooth fine lines.

Celebs, editors and reviewers alike highly recommend this skincare tool for targeting any concerns. It has five modes to firm, sculpt, brighten and calm skin. As Wu writes, “After the treatments, my skin always felt (and looked) more hydrated, and I believe that in conversation around wrinkles and fine lines, etc., moisture is a big part of the equation. I think that for firming, I do feel a difference right after a treatment, but it’s a temporary fix and not permanent, so you need to do it consistently over a long period of time if you want results. You can't expect to use something like this for a few days or even a few weeks—I'd say give it a minimum of eight weeks. But I did notice that it helped with scarring I had, and keeping my t-zone more clear of breakouts.”

Another item on Maida's gift list is this bergamot Salt & Stone body wash, which is paraben- and sulfate-free, and packed with Vitamin C, niacinamide and antioxidants.

"From its scents to its formulas to its packaging, everything about Salt & Stone's body care products screams luxe to me," she says. "I fell in love with the brand's cult-favorite deodorant (which literally makes freshening up my under-arms feel glamorous), so I plan on sharing that experience—albeit with something a bit more giftable than deodorant—by giving out some of these best-smelling body washes."

For the hair obsessive who's worth the splurge (be it your sister, mom or even yourself), we say to gift a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. This Nural model is set to truly blow them away—every pun intended. It comes with five attachments for every hair type and styling need, but the coolest part? They intelligently adapt to their exact styling preferences, so as soon as they pop one on, the device will adjust its heat and airflow settings accordingly. It is also equipped with smart sensors that automatically adjust the temperature when the dryer gets close to the scalp, preventing singed roots. Be the reason they have a good hair day, every day.

"As someone who tracks deals for a living, I know a good one when I see one. And this is the lowest price on the TCL 65-inch Designer Series TV all year," says PureWow's director of affiliate strategy, Pamela Masin. "I love that it comes with a bezel frame at no extra charge, does not need an additional box and that art mode is free. Although it may not be as matte in art mode as its competitors, I find the TV picture to be crisper and more vibrant—and the price point more budget-friendly!"

The 65-inch screen boasts an ultra-slim depth of 1.1 inches to mimic that of a canvas. Aesthetics mean nothing, though, if the picture quality isn't great, but that's also where this TV shines. The Ultra-Matte Anti-Glare display renders the 4K resolution in a way that looks clear and natural, no matter the lighting conditions. It's also equipped with Dolby Atmos sound processing, along with Google TV and Apple AirPlay compatibility.

"Not going to lie, I'm buying this for myself," Wu says. "But I have altruistic motives! One of my favorite things to gift during the holidays—and year round—are photographs. My philosophy is that I'm in a time of my life where anything I could possibly buy a friend, they could afford to buy themselves. But giving them tangible photos is a surprise-and-delight moment that never gets old. No one expects it anymore, and it's something unique that they can't procure themselves."

Wu, who already owns myriad instant cameras, is eying the Fujifilm Instax printer in the square format, but it's also available in the brand's signature rectangle sizes as well. Simply download the corresponding app and print away.

Davison raves about these bone conduction headphones, saying they're great for runners and anyone on the go.

"My husband has a pair that are going strong after three years of near-daily use," she reports. "He's tried all kinds of headphones and earbuds, but these provide great quality sound and supreme comfort—without slipping off as you run (and sweat)."

The headphones are available in six colors, with a 12-hour battery life. The open-ear design allows you to clearly hear the audio, while also allowing you to be aware of your surroundings. Oh, and about that fit Davison mentioned: They're secured by ergonomic ear hooks and a memory wire for maximum comfort, so they stay put without digging into your head.

If you’re shopping for someone who still has an ancient smart TV, this little stick feels like a major life upgrade without the major price tag. As Davison says, “Phew, this is delightfully simple and intuitive to set up…it couldn’t be easier, even if you’re not tech-savvy.” She tested it on her 13-year-old TV and was shocked: “It was like I’d upgraded my entire TV, just by adding the Firestick.” The picture comes through crisp and fast (no laggy load times), and the Alexa voice remote makes searching for shows as easy as talking. It even comes with extras most gadgets skip these days, like an outlet adapter. Definitely a gift that looks small but makes a huge difference. 

The Hatch Restore 3 takes everything people loved about the Restore 2 and makes it sleeker and smarter. Our content creator Kate Kesselman tested the previous model, saying, “It really helps me feel more at ease at night. I fall asleep faster and wake up without that groggy feeling.” She also loved how it mimicked natural light, adding, “It’s like having a sunrise in your bedroom—even when it’s pitch black outside.” The Restore 3 builds on that with upgraded soundscapes, a more intuitive interface, and refined sunrise/sunset lighting designed to sync with your circadian rhythm. In short: a present for better mornings (and nights).

Here, a four-pack that basically gifts peace of mind. Each Tile tracker attaches to keys, bags, even water bottles, and pairs with the free app to ring whatever’s missing. With a 350-foot Bluetooth range, up to three years of battery life and water resistance, it’s also built to keep up with real life. But here’s the kicker: it’s the only Bluetooth tracker with a discreet SOS button that can ping your Life360 Circle if you’re in an unsafe situation. Whether you’re shopping for a frequent traveler, a freshman in college or a perpetually forgetful roommate, this set covers all the bases.

PureWow's fashion and beauty director, Deena Campbell, loves her Apple watch. When she was first shopping, Campbell prioritized a design that would allow her to track health metrics without screaming "fitness."

"It gives me all the tracking I want when I’m running, but it’s sleek enough that I can keep it on for the rest of my day without thinking twice," she says. "I also love that it tracks things beyond my workouts, including my heart rate, sleep and overall activity."

While Campbell's Series 12 watch is not on sale for Prime Big Deal Days, the SE 3 is, and at a record-low price. It has many of the same features as the Series 12, with the only big noticeable differences being in battery life (24 vs 18 hours), water resistance (the SE 3 is not), and three fewer reported metrics on the SE 3 (hypertension, ECG, blood oxygen). But at under $250, it's still a steal.

Consider this the ultimate gift for little fashion fans-in-training. After all, what's better than Barbie's closet? (Answer: nothing.) The set includes a Barbie doll, plus a wardrobe, clothing and accessories including a fold-out rack and hangers. If kids are playing on the go, the wardrobe can be packed up and toted to the next destination.

Masin's 2-year-old is obsessed with the Toniebox, so Masin is planning to gift one to her niece, too. "This Toniebox 2 bundle comes with three soft Tonies that are great introductory Tonies for the youngest users," she says. "My favorite part is how this audio player really grows with your child. You can start with these animal Tonies that play adorable nursery rhymes and as they get older you can add new Tonies to their collection based on their interests—like Moana, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Paw Patrol...the list is endless!"

PureWow editors with children have become big fans of PicassoTiles, which are, arguably, a lot friendlier-looking than a Lego should you errantly step on one in the dark. They're great for kids aged 3 and up, and help youngsters familiarize themselves with colors, shapes, design and magnetics. Building blocks are endless, and so are the possibilities.

The popular Nex Play interactive play system gives kids what they want (screen time) while also giving parents what they want (phsyical activities). Think of it as a hip, updated version of the Nintendo Wii, Wii Sports Resort edition. The console includes five games: Fruit Ninja, Starri, Whac-a-Mole, Go Keeper and Party Fowl. Each one gets players on their feet and moving, with an in-body camera that tracks player movments.

"I gave my nephew the Nex Playground last year, and it was one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever given anyone, ever," Brozyna says. "He loves it so much, and I love that it’s a video game that gets kids up, moving and on their feet. You can feel good that you're not just gifting screen time. It's real, active and genuinely fun play (even for adults)! Since he loved it so much, it's my sign that all the other kids in the family need one too!"

Having an American Girl is basically a rite of passage, making it an ideal gift for any kid in your life with a big imagination. The WellieWishers line is a great entry point if you don't want to drop $100+ on a historical character. Camille comes with a mermaid costume, seashell headband and welllies. At 14.5-inches, she's also smaller than the traditional dolls, making her great for little hands.

These Meghan Markle-approved, snow-ready Sorel boots are marked down to as low as $109 right now for October Prime Day, making it the perfect time to pick up a pair for yourself. Made from a vulcanized rubber shell that has a herringbone outsole for enhanced durability and traction, one buyer writes, "I purchased these boots for the fit, form and function. They are appropriately heavy, but not 'oh my goodness I’m doing a leg workout in the snow' heavy." Available in a string of colors, you won't regret scooping these up.

Away is inarguably the cool kid of the luggage world, with its classic Carry On ubiquitous at airports everywhere. During Prime Big Deal Days, you can snag it for under $200, and choose from nine different colors.

"I hopped on the Away train early, when they did a Minions collaboration nearly ten years ago," Wu says. "It was my go-to luggage for pretty much a decade. I can fit about two weeks' worth of outfits inside, and it's super compact. That matters more than ever, because airlines make flying miserable and everyone's lugging a carry-on. It's help up beautifully, even when I've checked it. If there are scuffs, a Magic Eraser takes them right off."

Faster than a mobile order?! You better believe it. The Aeropress espresso machine features combines three brewing methods in one small gadget—French press, pourover and espresso—and can whip up a cup of coffee in two minutes flat. "I'm really happy with the quality and brew process," writes one buyer. "I love this. No more to add than what has already been said. I’m enjoying trying to find my perfect grind and steep time for my coffee," adds another. Best of all, it's portable, so you never have to suffer through watery hotel coffee (or skip your morning brew while camping) again.

Life (and power outages) are unpredictable. That's why it's always handy to have a portable power station for emergencies. The investment is definitely worth it with this Jackery Explorer, which comes with three AC ports that, according to the brand, are capable of delivering a whopping 2200-watt output. What's more, you can get an 80 percent charge in just a little over an hour with the AC Fast Charging mode, or a full charge in just under two hours with the Emergency Charging Super Mode through the app. And if that isn't enough, the battery is built to last ten years, so you won't have to worry about it not working after only a few months.

The girls can't have all the fun. Any fashionista knows that we've moved on from the plain white sneaker, and adidas' Daily 4.0s come in a variety of colors that'll help the guy in your life make his closet feel interesting and cool. Colors like olive, bronze and an earthy light brown ensure that the shoes are still easy to style, while making a statement of their own.