Alright, let’s be real—holiday shopping can go from “festive and fun” to “send help” real fast. Between school events, work deadlines, and trying to remember who already owns an air fryer, it’s a lot.
That’s why now—yes, now—is the perfect time to start checking off that list. Grab your favorite drink, throw on some cozy music, and get ahead of the game before the crowds and shipping delays hit. Think of it as a gift to your future self—you’ll thank you later when you’re sipping cocoa instead of panic-ordering presents at midnight the weekend before Christmas.
Whether you’re shopping for fun-loving teens, your stylish mother-in-law, a beloved teacher (because, honestly, they deserve it), or a BFF party host, getting started early means you get the best picks without the chaos. So let’s do this—holiday shopping, but make it sane, smart, and maybe even a little fun this year.
Cool Mom Picks 2025 Holiday Shopping Guide
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Their own phone, starting at $15/month with Mint Mobile
The holidays are the perfect time to finally give your child the phone they’ve been begging for, and with Mint Mobile plans start at just $15 a month. It’s basically a stocking stuffer, but you get the excitement of a fantastically expensive gift. You can pass down your old phone, or get a great deal on a new one from Mint Mobile, too!
A holiday-themed puzzle to get you in the Christmas spirit
Start a new tradition by gifting the family a holiday-themed puzzle after Thanksgiving dinner, or save it for a post-opening-gifts activity. Or bring it to your BFF’s holiday party as an unexpected hostess gift. We’re impressed with the selection and quality of Galison’s collection this year.
(from $7.99, also on Amazon)
Get festive with matching family PJs
The holidays are just a little more fun with matching family PJs (photo shoot optional). The PJs from Magnetic Me use strong magnets as closures, making it a little easier for those late-night diaper changes, kids learning how to use buttons, or anyone with accessibility needs.
(from $40, also on Amazon)
A fresh dopp kit for traveling family members
A fresh dopp kit is a great gift for family members who are visiting for the holidays, kids coming home from college, or your own family if you’re taking a trip together over the break. We’re quite impressed with the Seoul Dopp Kit at Dagne Dover, and it’s on sale right now!
(from $63 for a limited time)
A gorgeous, custom name necklace
A custom piece of jewelry is always such a thoughtful gift, but it’s not one you want to wait last-minute for. We’ve been huge fans of Bauble Bar for years, and this necklace is not only gorgeous but is also 25% off until November 16! If amethyst isn’t your vibe, it comes in 6 other colors.
(25% off the retail price of $58 on all custom jewelry through November 16)
A once-in-a-lifetime trip that they’ll remember forever
At the top of our bucket list: a family vacation to Italy! We shared the incredible stays across all of Italy at Baglioni Hotels earlier this year. You’ve got time to talk it over and book that family getaway as an incredible Christmas-morning surprise. Or, if you are just wanting to send your kids on the adventure of a lifetime, gift them a safe, trusted Contiki trip for young adults ages 18-35. Early access to their Black Friday deals starts now!
(prices vary)
Christmas PJs for your dog, too
Whether you just need a refill on pet food, bedding, medicines, or other must-haves…or if you’re looking for an epic costume for your family to join in the Christmas photos, Chewy has you covered.
($13.99, on sale for a limited time
Stock up on hostess gifts to take to all your holiday parties
Whether you’re trying to impress your mother-in-law, genuinely thank a teacher, or bring along a token of appreciation to a party host this season, you cannot go wrong with the luxury (and we mean, luxury) candles from Flamingo Estate. Get this one of their gift sets and split them up, or give someone really special all three.
(prices vary, this set from $200)
A new custom ornament for this year’s tree
We can’t be the only ones who like to get a new ornament for the tree each year to commemorate the year we’ve had, and the ones at Bauble Bar are keepsake quality. From their hugely popular candy cane name ornament, to more niche styles like sourdough starter, a tennis racket, matcha tea cup, or a cowboy boot to commemorate your girls’ weekend in Nashville, they’ve got so many to choose from.
(from $38)
A fun game to get your family talking…and laughing, hysterically
After the turkey and pie have been served and cleaned up, gather the family around the living room to play one of the hilarious, entertaining social games at Galison.
(from $10, also on Amazon)
Be ready for all your holiday baking, with festive bakeware
Whether you’re just trying to get your own kitchen ready for the holiday baking season, or you’re looking for great gifts for anyone who loves to bake, now’s the time to grab these limited time cake mix and pan sets. We love the shortbread snowflake set, but they also carry gingerbread houses, bouche de noel pans, and ornament cakelette pans, too.
(from $26, with many designs on sale)
A stunning cashmere sweater for under $40
The luxurious cashmere collection from Quince make truly impressive gifts, at a price you won’t believe. At this price, and in ten different colors, you can get one for everyone on your list.
(from $39.90)
A portable, instant printer to make your Christmas gathering even more fun
HP’s Sprocket Printers take any gathering—from your teen’s sleepover to an all-out holiday bash—up to the next level of fun. Their portable instant printers are a great price point, and you can instantly print photos straight from your phone on sticky paper. Or splurge on their instant photo booth setup for a real party wow moment.
(from $89, also on Amazon)
A Montessori-style play kit, customized to your child’s developmental stage
The gorgeous, Montessori-style toys from Lovevery are carefully chosen to suit your child (or grandchild) at exactly their developmental stage. These kits are heirloom quality and would thrill any parent of a young child. Want to really make their year? Sign them up for the stage-based play kits subscription that arrives every 2-3 months.
(from $80)
Don’t forget: festive storage bins for hiding gifts before Christmas
These sturdy red-and-green storage bins are the perfect place to stash all your early Christmas gifts before Christmas, and all your decorations after.
($78)
