The Best Holiday Gifts for the Unsung Heroes in Your Life

Honor someone who handles a lot with this smart home device that does it all too: blasts tunes, creates to-do lists, tracks sleep patterns, and streams shows with voice activation or just a few taps. This household helper can also sync up to other smart home devices so your recipient can peep their front door cam, lower the room temperature, and conjure up soothing ocean sounds without ever getting up.

Here’s a gift that any DIY-er will appreciate: a portable and versatile set of tools—removable spacer, multiple stops to adjust for thickness, two drill guides, and more—for whatever wood project they’re working on. (Talk about a relationship builder.)

With two-way talk and HD video functions, night vision, and real-time alerts sent straight to a smartphone, this helpful gadget makes a buzzworthy gift. It’s hardwired into an existing doorbell and also works with Alexa.

A rugged, on-the-go mug is an ideal offering for everyone from your green tea–swilling hair stylist to your intrepid mail carrier. This one can hold both cold and hot beverages or small meals (like oatmeal) and comes in fun colors: seafoam green, prickly pear pink, and more. 

It’s hard to imagine anyone who wouldn’t find this two-piece set of tech incredibly useful. The Google Nest Mini home assistant plays music, sets timers, and more, and the included GE Smart Plug can turn other appliances like a fan or a lamp into a smart one—all with an easy set-up and speakers that pack a serious sound punch.

Why not gather the PTA to all throw down on a splurge-worthy griddle station for the hardworking teacher or school principal in your realm? With four burners and side shelves for food prep, this appliance turns out pro-level burgers, kebabs, veggies, and more.

Outdoor adventurers will light up when they see this 360-degree waterproof lantern. It has five lighting modes, a magnetic base, hanging hooks, and a non-slip grip, plus a super-long run time (up to 55 hours!).

Gloves wear out quickly, so this durable pair makes a perfect present for any home improvement DIY-er. Flexible and well-cushioned with a padded palm area, they’re also breathable and touch-screen compatible, keeping your recipient from having to take them off in between tasks.

Got someone on your list who loves keeping clutter contained? Delight them with some stylish storage. This textured, tassled linen basket will look chic on a shelf hiding anything from books and mail to miscellaneous objects. 

For those who can’t get enough of sweater weather, this 18-inch festive pillow will add an extra ounce of coziness to their holiday season. It’s just the right spot to lay your head when curling up with a good book in front of the fire or relaxing with a cup of hot cocoa.

You’ll crush gifting season with this plaid-clad stocking stuffer. It’ll bring a nostalgic touch to their console, bookshelves, or fireplace mantel and spread cheer year after year.

Need help nailing down a gift for someone who’s handy? You can’t go wrong with this four-piece tool kit, which comes with a stud finder plus LED light for accurate results (especially for those unwieldy TV mounts), a 3-vial torpedo level with magnets for hands-free use, a fiberglass hammer, and a handy tape measure.