Disclosure: Thank you to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring today’s post. All products were selected, purchased and worn by yours truly.
Have you ever given a gift to someone and wondered “will they actually use it?” Or maybe it’s the “but I don’t need anything” response you get when asking them what’s on their list this year. Year after year we get asked about the best tried and true gifts to give that are sure to excite. It just so happens, I’ve done my fair share of shopping for both him and her to understand what’s still being used year after year, and what is collecting dust in the closet. We’re deeming these the unreturnables – tried and true gifts that they’re sure to love.
All of the gifts included here happen to be from Nordstrom, which in case you forgot, has FREE shipping and returns [but you won’t have to worry about returns with these gifts!]. If you have a store close to you, be sure to take advantage of their buy online pickup in store option WITH free gift wrapping to take one more thing off your list! And don’t forget to check out Nordstrom’s own curated gift guides with ideas for anyone in your life, and at any price point. Plus, Nordy Club members can earn rewards such as Nordstrom notes to use for future shopping trips, free basic alterations, early access to shopping events, and more! If you’re not already a member, signing up is easy and can be done here!
And now, Black Friday deals are on at Nordstrom! Up to 40% off hundreds of selected items for women, men, kids and the home. Find everything in Sale & Clearance and be sure to check back often, as new items will be added!
Without further ado, I present to you the best tried & true gifts for him and her!
Dyson
I’ve been using the Dyson hairdryer for several years now and am blown away [ha] by the difference in how it makes me hair look! Smoother hair and a faster dry – win win!
Slip Pillowcase
The “it” gift of the year — this Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase is everywhere right now, and for good reason. From the pillowcase to the sleep mask, hair scrunchies and more, silk is definitely taking over the nighttime game and I’m not mad about it. This pillowcase helps with anti-aging, bed head and is nice and cool which I love!
Olaplex
Olaplex Perfector #3 Hair / Olaplex Shampoo #4 / Olaplex #5 Conditioner
A little bit of hair care can go a long way! I can’t say enough about my love for Olaplex! My hair stylist turned me onto Olaplex products a couple of years ago and I haven’t looked back since. If you are looking to increase the strength of your individual hair strands, this will do the trick! The result has been thicker, healthier, locks that thousands [errr, millions] of women swear by.
Moonlight Pajamas
Hands down the softest pajama set I’ve ever owned. These also make the perfect gift for any new mom! Seriously a DREAM to fall asleep in and wake up to!
The Perfect Pot
Say hello to my new best friend. Introducing the Perfect Pot from Our Place, it’s the pan that does it all [I’m telling you now friends, you want this in your kitchen!] Not only does it look great on your stove, it does everything you’d hope a Perfect Pot would do – roast, bake, boil, steam, you name it, it does it! My favorite “extras” about it: the built-in spoon rest and pour spout!
The Always Pan
The hottest gift of the season. Last year the Always Pan took the internet by storm around the holiday season and it’s still going strong for must-have gifts in 2021! Lightweight, built-in spoon rest and a pour spout making your cooking a breeze!
Stagg Electric Kettle
I’m a HUGE tea drinker [also great for coffee] and I feel like this electric kettle has been changing my life! I love the design, how quickly it boils water and that it keeps it warm for as long as you need!
Herschel Duffle Bag
This is a great travel bag to have ! We got this one for Shawn and he loves it! Now under $65, has a separate compartment for shoes [it could hold a couple pairs] and large enough to hold plenty for a weekend away!
Bliss Plush Throw
The amount of people in my life that I’ve bought this blanket for is absurd. But it is truly SO soft, available in a ton of colors, and for the price, I can’t help but stock up and gift, gift, gift! ! It’s a perfect item for a gift exchange as well! Gift it to yourself, your sister, neighbor, parent, teacher, bus driver, mail person – it’s truly the best!
The North Face Gloves
Whoever invented these gloves that are smart phone friendly – well, I love ya. And Shawn does too. Keep your hands toasty warm while still being able to use your device. Apparently I’ve now become a person who is particular about my gloves, and once you try these, you’ll be too 😉
Ugg Fleece Lined Socks
Words can’t explain just how cozy and warm these socks are thanks to the fleece that goes throughout. I wear these nightly in the winter to keep not just my feet but ankles and legs warm as well. Nobody’s feet will be sad inside of these, guaranteed.
Barefoot Dreams Cardigan
If you’ve ever owned anything by Barefoot Dreams, you know the fabric is out of this world cuddly soft. I own this cardigan in more colors than I should admit [oops], and throw it on for both lounging around the house and running errands! Your mother, sister, girlfriends, daughters, babysitters, and everyone in between will thank you for this!
Lexon Phone Sanitizer & Charger
Lexon Oblio Wireless Charger & UV Cleaner
My mom got me this phone charger / sanitizer last Christmas [who knew just how telling this gift was of what was to come this year ;)] but I absolutely love it! I love knowing every morning my phone is germ-free and fully charged! Give the gift of sanitized goods this year!
Patagonia Pullovers
Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter Zip Pullover Pullover
This sweater has been a go-to gift for any guy on my list for the past two years and I promise it always quickly becomes one of the most worn items in any gents closet! Your dad, husband, brother — it doesn’t matter what age, they are bound to love it! It’s not bulky but provides great warmth and keeps ’em comfortable all day long!
Ugg Slippers
Ugg Ansley Water Resistant Slipper
The fact that literally the entire LIY Team has these slippers says something about how good they are. I’m all about a slipper that is more like a shoe, and these fit that bill. Combine the cozy soft insides that you’d expect from Ugg in colors to suit any style, and you’ve got the gift they’ll be living in year after year.
Porter Mug
Everyone loves a good cup or mug to add to their collection. And might I suggest this this c-u-t-e coffee mug to round things out? It’ll keep your hot drinks hot, and your cold drinks cold, because things taste better when they look cute, right?
Jo Malone Cologne
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
My go-to scent of choice! I’ve been wearing this Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne for 2+ years now and the scent doesn’t get old to me. Who doesn’t love a little sea salt air combined with a slightly woody scent weaved in? It’s not overwhelming in the slightest but enough to make you feel put together for the day!
ON Cloudswift Shoes
There is a good reason these shoes have the word cloud in their name, because there is no doubt about it- these are the closest you’re going to come to walking on clouds. Whether he’s active or actively wearing athleisure, these shoes will get lots of love once he slips them on.
Cole Haan Sneakers
Cole Haan GrandPro Low Top Sneaker
These Cole Haans are Shawn’s go-to shoes! So comfortable [so he says] and go with anything! Dress ’em up for the office or keep them casual with a pullover for a day with the dudes!
Hatch Sleep
I am a huge believer in sleep and the benefits of a good night of rest. It’s the part of my day that I will invest money into because I find it to be so important to our physical, mental, and overall self. We bought this Hatch sleep machine a year or two ago and use it every single night. From the guided wind down meditation I have it do before bed, to the different sleep sounds it will play during the night and the sunrise alarm with the most relaxing flutes to wake up to, this thing has been a game changer in the bedroom! I think it’s such a great gift to give or to ask for this holiday season!
