The Knot Editors' Favorite Gifts To Give Loved Ones

Whether you're in full holiday planning mode or you're prepping for an upcoming birthday or anniversary celebration, you've probably thought about the best gifts to give loved ones. Finding the perfect present doesn't always come easily, even for those you know best. You want to give them something unlike anything they've received before—a gift that'll elicit pure joy when they open it. The best gift to give someone you love should be something special that'll surprise and delight them.

Before you turn to Google in a panic, don't stress—The Knot Editors are here to help. We've rounded up our go-to gifts for birthdays, holidays and everything in between (like those "just because" presents to brighten someone's day). Here, you'll find plenty of editor-approved presents that'll wow anyone in your life. From top-rated cozy apparel to eclectic home decor and super-personalized surprises, find the best gifts to give right here. (Your shopping just got so much easier.)

Emily Platt, Editor, E-Commerce

"My boyfriend is picky about sweatpants, but he wears these at least once a week. They're stretchy but they don't stretch out, so they're just as great for active Saturdays as they are for lazy Sundays. The tapered fit makes them look surprisingly polished, and the CloudKnit fabric is next-level comfy. (I own the women's sweats, and mine are just as soft.) If you're shopping for a gift that's useful and delightful, these pants are it. Snag them for your partner, your brother-in-law, your DIL—whoever."

Outdoor Voices All Day sweatpant, $88, OutdoorVoices.com

Kim Forrest, Senior Editor

"I have pretty much exhausted all the standard gift ideas for my husband, so I got him a personalized Cameo shout-out video from one of his favorite sports stars for his birthday this year. The look on his face as he watched it was absolutely priceless! I'm planning to gift Cameo videos to a few unsuspecting loved ones this holiday season—and can't wait for their reactions!"

Cameo personal video message, price varies, Cameo.com

Sarah Hanlon, Assistant Editor, Digital

"I always have at least one Capri Blue candle on hand, either for myself or to give as a gift. Picking candle scents for others can be tricky, but the brand's Volcano blend is always a hit. It's fresh and citrusy without being too overpowering. (And if you've ever been inside an Anthropologie store, you know exactly how amazing it smells.) The blend is long-lasting, and it fills a room even when it's not burning. Plus, the pretty jar makes an amazing decor piece, so it's like two gifts in one."

Capri Blue iridescent jar candle in Volcano, $30, Anthropologie.com

MaryKate Callahan, Senior Manager, Digital Content Strategy

"I recently gave StoryWorth to my dad for Father's Day and it was one of the best gifts I've ever given. My dad has awesome stories (even though he doesn't realize how cool they are) and we've talked for a while about coming up with a way to record them for posterity. This product handles all of the logistics of putting together a personalized memory book with none of the work. Plus, the prompt questions he's been responding to have made for some excellent quarantine conversation fodder—like the time he realized he loved my mom for the first time."

StoryWorth custom story, $99, StoryWorth.com

Kristen Maxwell Cooper, Editor in Chief

"My husband and I gifted our parents each an Aura frame for Christmas last year. It's a great way for us to share photos since we're spread out across the country. And the best part is that you can do so straight from the app on your phone. They also offer a variety of frame options so there's one to match any home style."

Aura Frames Carver, $199, AuraFrames.com

Morgan Gibson, Director, Digital Content

"I love giving gifts that combine practicality and beauty. In that vein, there's no better gift for an engaged or married friend than an adorable ring dish. It's my go-to gift: small, practical and there are so many cute designs. This customizable one from Anthropologie is timeless, and inexpensive!"

Anthropologie botanical monogram trinket dish, $12, Anthropologie.com

Naoimh O'Hare, Assistant Editor, E-Commerce

"I love giving the gift of comfort. Whether it's a chic throw or a cozy scarf, something warm and fuzzy is always appreciated. This year I'm obsessed with the snug (and sustainable!) knitwear from Allbirds—especially this cute wool cardigan. It's officially made it onto my holiday shopping list."

Allbirds women's wool cardi, $145, Allbirds.com

Maddy Sims, Assistant Editor, Digital

"One of my favorite strategies for gift-giving is to treat someone to something they wouldn't splurge on themselves, like this plush blanket. I've given it to a few family members, and they won't stop raving about it. This unbelievably soft throw elevates any living room setup and will make future movie marathons super-cozy. Plus, the warm fabric has a little extra weight to it to help your loved one calmly unwind after a long day."

UGG Whistler throw blanket, $98, Nordstrom.com

Shelley Brown, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor

"Coffee is an essential part of my happiness—even more essential than retinol and heels, and that is saying a lot. I was so delighted to discover LOMLI Coffee earlier this year. LOMLI is steeped coffee bags you brew just like tea, which saves a ton of prep time. It's affordable, delicious and perfect for the coffee lover in your life, as well as the avid traveler or the person on the go. And, it's a woman-owned business that's also ethically sourced, so it's a gift you can feel really good about giving."

LOMLI Coffee Bisou blend bundle, $22 for a 10-pack, LOMLICoffee.com

Esther Lee, Senior Editor

"Lately, I've purchased the majority of gifts from Italic, a hip DTC brand that has my inner circle abuzz. For an annual membership fee, you can purchase high-quality items (cashmere sweaters and joggers, leather goods) at cost. For gifting purposes, I've narrowed in on the home and kitchen sections since people are increasingly making their nests cozy and convenient. I recommend the cast iron fry pan or the fluffy towels—your loved ones will thank you."

Italic annual membership, $10/month, Italic.com

Emma Lawler, Content Writer

Photo: UGG

"I'm all about gifts that people can start enjoying straight away, especially if that gift is warm and snuggly. Enter, UGG's Scuffette slippers. These fluffy little beauties get comfier the more you wear them, but are still sturdy enough for early morning trips to the mailbox to see if your online shopping has arrived yet. Expect lots of thanks from whoever is lucky enough to get them as a gift."

UGG Scuffette II slipper, from $95, UGG