Expensive Gifts That Are Worth the Splurge

Our Place is best known for their pastel-coated pans, but their Wonder Oven might be the real showstopper: It air fries, bakes, roasts, toasts, broils, and reheats in one chic, compact package. And unlike most toaster ovens that somewhat scream “science lab,” this one will genuinely look good on a countertop. For baking a pizza, crisping wings, or pulling off a weeknight dinner that would have otherwise been a takeout order.

Doom-scrolling before bed is admittedly a guilty pleasure of ours, too — but it can wreck sleep routines and schedules. The Restore 3 is a kinder, gentler way to wind-down: a sound machine to lull you, a sunrise alarm to wake you gently, and a dimmable clock that saves you from checking your phone “just for the time” and then somehow scrolling for an hour.

This shoulder bag from Michael Kors is everything a carryall should be: spacious, stylish, and comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. Reviews also call out its buttery-smooth Nobuck material and wide adjustable buckled strap. Oh, and don’t worry about choosing between the seven (gorgeous) colors — you can’t go wrong.

Showers are better when they end in a towel that doesn’t feel like sandpaper. These striped Cozy Earth bath sheets are oversized, highly absorbent, quick-drying, and ridiculously soft. Bonus: They look chic hanging in any bathroom, with nautical stripes that give a touch of “beachside second home.”

Upgrade their very old, possibly moldy shower caddy to this adjustable Quiet Town organizer. It hangs neatly from the showerhead and comes with multi-sized baskets, a soap dish, a hook for razors, and even a mirror for in-shower shaving. Functional, yes, but the bold, color-blocked design makes it feel more art piece than bathroom accessory.

We love hosting gifts because they’re really just hints for your most culinarily talented friend to cook for you. This Year & Day core set delivers the essentials: four bowls (big and small), four plates (big and small), all in ceramic hues ranging from soothing terracotta to bright lagoon blue. Subtle message: Your turn to host.

From binge-watching to editing photos to finally organizing that chaotic calendar, this 11-inch Google Pixel Tablet will earn its keep. The most important quality: an extra-long battery life, so it won’t die halfway through the season finale. One editor watches television on this every night once she’s in bed, and claims it’s the perfect addition to her wind-down routine.

Good sound is the kind of gift that never goes out of style. This Bose portable speaker is water- and dust-proof, practically indestructible, and delivers crystal-clear audio, whether it’s BBQ playlists or impromptu movie nights. Spotify mixes will now be curated for every occasion.  They’re a DJ now. Who knew?

Long train rides just got an upgrade. These over-the-ear Bose QuietComfort headphones bring premium sound so they can really feel the bass in their favorite classic rock track or fully immerse themselves in an audiobook. With multiple listening modes and 24-hour battery life, peace and quiet lasts the whole day. Tried-and-trusted by our shopping team, Bose is the one brand we’ll recommend again and again when it comes to the quality of their audio.

Caraway’s nontoxic ceramic cookware set includes everything an aspiring chef could want: a Dutch oven, a fry pan, a sauce pan, and a sauté pan. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the nonstick ceramic build, and the included pan organizer and canvas lid holder make cupboards look Pinterest-ready. A gift that’s equal parts practical and aspirational.

Morning coffee ranks high on life’s list of small pleasures — until they get distracted by one of their umpteenth tasks for the day and it cools into a sad, lukewarm liquid that is admittedly kind of gross. The Ember smart mug fixes that with an app-controlled base that keeps drinks hot for up to 80 minutes (or all day if left on the charger). Ritual restored.

This Mongolian cashmere throw is soft, lightweight, and warm without being too stifling. Basically, it’s everything they could want in a blanket. It elevates any couch instantly and has a knack for making every evening feel a touch more luxurious.

We all have thousands of iPhone photos that will never leave the Cloud. This Fujifilm Instax instant camera makes memories tangible — no do-overs, no filters — just authentic snapshots they can actually hold and display throughout their home. This set comes with film and a little idea booklet to spark an impromptu photo shoot.

Popsmith’s “The Popper” ensures every kernel pops perfectly with no burnt bits and therefore no sad leftovers. It also works with any stovetop, any kernel, and is dishwasher-safe. The result is  bowls of evenly buttered popcorn that rival that of the theatre. Now comes the hard part: deciding on a movie. One of our editors gifted this to her boyfriend since popcorn is his favorite snack, and can attest to how quick and convenient it is to use. She says it produces the best-tasting at-home popcorn she’s ever had.

Soft fruits and vegetables don’t stand a chance against this trio from Material, which includes a 8-inch knife, a serrated 6-inch knife, and a nearly 4-inch paring knife. Our favorite feature is the magnetic wooden stand that houses all three. It looks more like modern art than kitchen storage. Translation: Knives that slice, dice, and double as décor.

Picture it: Stepping out of a steamy shower, the bathroom air is chilly, and instead of shivering, you wrap yourself in a fluffy towel that’s been pre-warmed to perfection. This Zadro towel warmer makes that fantasy an everyday reality. It can heat to 150-degrees Fahrenheit and has four timer settings with automatic shutoff.  Consider it a small luxury that most overlook, but once gifted, is highly appreciated. It’s their own spa moment sans the fancy, expensive membership.

Another pair of headphones we will stand behind: Ace from Sonos. They  sound amazing and feel amazing, which is rare. Built with comfort in mind, they have pillow-like cushions that won’t pinch, press, or tug even after hours of wear. And with a whopping 30 hours of battery life, they really can be worn all day — whether that’s for long-haul flights, marathon workdays, or back-to-back playlists.

Wood-fired pizza at home sounds like a dream, but this Ooni Koda makes it a Tuesday-night reality. The L-shaped burner ensures even heat (no burnt edges), and once warmed up (that takes about 20 minutes), it can crank out Neapolitan-style pies in under a minute. While it is a splurge, it’s a long-lasting kitchen item that’ll be used for family dinners for years to come. Translation: dinner that’s fun, fast, and better than delivery.