2025 Gift Guide: Tried-and-True Favorites We Actually Use

BedJet

(Starting off strong with the most interesting – and most expensive – item on the list.)

I swear, as soon as I hit 40, the night sweats set in. They hit me out of nowhere, because I’ve always been the “I’m cold” cold person. But now? I’m the nighttime flopper. Sweating, tossing, pulling the blanket off, putting it back on, and debating whether sticking one leg out will fix everything. (It doesn’t.) So fun.

One day, my sweet husband surprised me with a BedJet, which I had never even heard of. Turns out it’s an air conditioner for your bed that blows air under the sheets. It has a remote where you can set the temperature, adjust how “blowy” it is, and it even has a heat mode. I turned on the heat mode for the first time last night since a cold front blew in, and it was awesome. Hot air right on my frozen toes.

If you’re a hot sleeper, or a cold sleeper, or if midlife has you questioning everything…Bedjet.

• BEDJET LINK

Mom Style Jean Shorts

I bought my first pair of these a couple years ago and honestly wasn’t that excited because they looked a little… mom-short-ish. Which should be fine because I’m a 40 year old mom, but…I’m fighting it. Anyway, they instantly became the only shorts I ever reached for, so I bought a second pair and pretty much stopped wearing anything else.

Then, this summer, I shared an Instagram reel about my plant wall that went kinda viral. The most-asked question on that video wasn’t about the project, it was about the shorts I was wearing. So even if you missed all that, here’s a link to the pair everyone wanted to know about.

• HIGH WAISTED JEAN SHORTS

Heated Coffee Cup

This one made the list last year, and for good reason. I still use mine every single day, but the obsession has officially spread. I got my husband the tall version for his birthday, (since the regular mug style doesn’t really fit in a cup holder, and he drives a lot for work). Now he’s just as hooked as I am.

We’ve since gifted them to all our parents, and at this point, it’s basically a family tradition. It keeps your coffee perfectly warm for hours, has different heat settings, and once you have one, you’ll never have to rush through your coffee or reheat your mug 47 times.

• HEATED COFFEE CUP
• TALL TRAVEL COFFEE CUP

Ove Glove

I acquired my first Ove Glove at a white-elephant party a decade or so ago, and honestly? Best accidental gift I’ve ever gotten. I used it constantly until I finally wore a hole through one of the fingers, and just replaced it this year. I even bought one for each hand this time…I know, moving up in the world.

These beat every big, puffy oven mitt out there – way more flexible, way more grippy, and just… superior in every way.

• OVE GLOVE

Tension/Industrial Straps

I wanted more gift ideas for men, so I asked my husband to name something he bought in the last few years that he’ll never be without. He didn’t even hesitate, he immediately said, “tension straps.” When I told him I needed a picture for my post, he said, “They’re the colorful belt-looking things in the driver-side door of my truck. I use them every day.” Boom.

I’m not exactly sure what all he uses them for, but evidently it’s a lot. If you’re looking for a solid “boy gift,” this must be a good one. His exact brand isn’t available anymore, so I’m linking to an identical version with even better reviews.

• TENSION STRAPS

Retractable 4-in-1 Car Charger

During my “what’s your favorite thing” inquiry, both my husband and 19-year-old stepson named this thing. It’s a retractable 4-in-1 car charger that keeps the car clean, works for every device, and solves about 12 tiny annoyances at once. I’m getting one for my own car because…why don’t I already own this?

• RETRACTABLE 4-IN-1 CAR CHARGER

Bombas Everything (Slippers, Socks, Slides, and Undies)

I have a Bombas obsession. Everything they make is great, their return policy is amazing, and they’ll replace anything that wears out (even if it’s your fault). Holes, stains, lost socks, whatever. They’ll send you a new one, no questions asked. And every time you buy something, they donate the same thing to people in need.

It started last year when a reader recommended the Bombas slippers on my 2024 gift guide, and I immediately (after grimacing at the price a bit) bought them for myself. I added a few pairs of socks to the cart too, obviously, since that’s what they are known for. I’ve worn the slippers every single day since, and I also loved all the sock varieties I ordered. Then this summer, I bought some sandals, because I needed a slip-on waterproof shoe. Are they the cutest thing ever? No. But I wear them every day around the house and for running kids around, and also for me and my husband’s nightly “mental health walks” (15 minutes of peace while the kids clean up after dinner). They’re that comfortable. Most recently, I ordered some underwear from them, also amazing. Now I’m basically convinced Bombas can do no wrong.

• BOMBAS SLIPPERS (I HAVE THE SUNDAY)
• BOMBAS SOCKS
• BOMBAS FRIDAY SANDALS
• BOMBAS UNDERWEAR (I HAVE THE SEAMLESS BRIEFS)

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

I’ve been on a skincare pursuit for a few years now, slowly trying to nail down what actually works for my chronically dry 40-something skin. This year, I found the one in the moisturizer category.

It’s Korean, it’s insanely hydrating, fragrance-free, and good for sensitive skin. It’s the only product I’ve ever tried that actually made a noticeable difference in my skin almost immediately. I’m still figuring out the rest of my routine, but when it comes to moisturizer, this is my holy grail.

• ILLIYOON CERAMIDE ATO CONCENTRATE CREAM (THICK VERSION THAT I USE AT NIGHT)
• ILLIYOON CERAMIDE ATO CREAM (LIGHTER VERSION THAT I USE IN THE MORNING)
  

Sijo AiryWeight Sheets

I’ve been on a few quests lately (mostly skincare and sleep related), and finding the perfect set of sheets was high on the list. I’ve had many sets, and earlier this year I splurged on a linen set that I was sure would be the answer (it wasn’t). Then over the summer, I visited a friend across the country and stayed in her guest room. I woke up on that first morning and before I even got coffee, I was like, “What are those sheets? They are amazing. Send me the link right now.” She did, I ordered them that same day, and they were waiting for me when I got home.

They’re made of eucalyptus, which helps them sleep cool, and they’re soft in that silky-but-not-slick way that feels expensive but cozy. My husband loves them too, which is saying something. I’ve officially stopped my sheet search…these are it. Also, they come in a bunch of nice colors (I have them in Fog).

I also got that green quilt from Schoolhouse this year, and fully love it. Perfect weight, great color, so much better than the sweaty duvet and cover I had (that I always put off washing because I didn’t want to have to wrestle it back into the cover).

• SIJO AIRYWEIGHT SHEETS
• CHANNELED COTTON QUILT

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

I know this is a “trendy cup,” but I don’t care about trendy cups. I never had a Stanley or whatever came before (or after) it. But a good friend who also couldn’t care less about that stuff told me I had to get this one, so I did.

Now I get it. The straw/spout combo is genius, it doesn’t leak, there’s nothing I would change. I loved mine so much my husband bought himself one too, and now we’re officially an Owala family.

• OWALA FREESIP

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Boots

I’d never owned actual hiking shoes before, but before our trip to climb Guadalupe Peak (highest point in Texas), I figured I should see what all the fuss was about. Turns out, the fuss is valid, because they make a huge difference.

These are the ones I ended up with, and I love them. They’re supportive, waterproof, and comfortable right out of the box. They have a roomy toe box, so no blisters, which is always my problem. I loved them so much that before our two-week summer trip through Glacier, Yellowstone, the Tetons, and Rocky Mountain National Park, I ordered the men’s version for my husband.

• MERRELL MOAB 3 WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS
• MERRELL MOAB 3 MEN’S VERSION

Poncho Shirts (for Him)

These are a gift for him, whoever him might be in your life. It all started with some very targeted TikTok advertising a few years ago (well played, algorithm), and my husband bought one. Then he bought more. And now it’s the only shirt he wears.

Short-sleeve ones every single day (with Wrangler jeans and work boots). Long-sleeve ones for date night. Denim and corduroy ones when it gets a little cold. He only buys the pearl snap style (the western), but there are plenty of options. They’re not cheap, but my husband swears by them, so, you know…do with that what you will.

• PONCHO SHIRTS

The Bidet Lineup (Yes, Lineup)

If you were here last year, you might remember I included our Toto Washlet in my gift guide, after I wrote an entire post about it because, honestly, it deserves its own spotlight. You can read that full review here.

Fast forward to this year, and the bidet family has grown. I bought a handheld travel bidet as a stocking stuffer last Christmas, and this year it joined us in six states and four countries. It works really well, and is the perfect way to test the waters (sorry, not sorry) if you’re curious about the bidet world but not ready to install a $400 seat yet.

Then there’s the kids’ bathroom setup: a $40 bidet attachment. No heat, no frills, but it gets the job done. If the Toto is a sniper rifle, this one’s more of a shotgun – a little unpredictable, but water on your butt is water on your butt.

• HANDHELD TRAVEL BIDET
• BASIC BIDET ATTACHMENT
• TOTO WASHLET

Reusable Paper Towels (Swedish Dishcloths)

I have no idea how long these have been a thing, so maybe you’re like, “Duh, Ashley… everyone already uses these.” Or maybe I’m about to rock your world. Either way: reusable paper towels. They’re kind of like flat sponges… or really thick paper towels, I guess, and they’re great for wiping up basically everything.

They’re super absorbent, easy to rinse, and dry fast, so they don’t get that gross dish rag smell. I still keep regular paper towels around, but we use way fewer now. These are a perfect stocking stuffer and one of those small, everyday things I’ll never not have.

• REUSABLE PAPER TOWELS

CRZ YOGA Running Shorts

I’m not really an athleisure girl, but apparently, these are the kind of shorts you’re supposed to wear for hiking (not jean shorts, like I’ve been doing). So before our big hiking trip this summer, I did what any reasonable person would do and tried on about fifteen different kinds/brands.

These were the winner. They’re lightweight, flattering, and they even have a liner…which I was sure I’d hate, but I don’t. At all. They’ve got a zipper pocket, wash well, and they’ve officially earned a permanent spot in my drawer (even for non-hiking days).

• CRZ YOGA HIGH-WAISTED RUNNING SHORTS

GameSir G7 XBox Controller

When I asked my stepson for his best purchase/most loved item, this was his answer. You will have to excuse my description because this is basically a game of telephone, but he said it’s wired, so it has a faster response time, the buttons make cool ASMR sounds when you click them, and the purple add-on things make it…better.

• GAMESIR G7 PRO WIRED XBOX CONTROLLER
• KONTROLFREEK PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS

Smart Sketcher Drawing Projector

I bought this a few Christmases ago after my kids tried it at my nephew’s house and I had to pull them away from it. It’s essentially a drawing projector that gives them tons of easy outlines to trace, and it’s shockingly kid-proof. No setup, no frustration, no tech (“mom, what’s the password for… “) nonsense.

It’s not an everyday toy, but on no-screen days, it magically becomes the favorite. They’ll sit and draw without any nudging from me, and it keeps them busy for a long stretch of time. Even now, at ages 9 and 10, my younger two still think it’s fun.

• SMART SKETCHER DRAWING PROJECTOR
• EXTRA CARTRIDGES (MORE IMAGES TO DRAW)

The Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes

I’ve bought PILES of activity-type books for my kids. You name it, I’ve bought it. Some of them got lightly used, most of them sit untouched. Not this one. This one gets USED. Used so much that I bought it for my nephews two Christmases ago, and the parent feedback was, “There are paper airplanes all over my house, he’s obsessed.” Aunt win.

Anyway, if you’re looking for a simple filler gift for your kids or any small people in your life, get this.

• THE KLUTZ BOOK OF PAPER AIRPLANES

The Game

Our family owns a lot of games, all researched and bought by my husband. I could write an entire post on our favorites, but for simplicity’s sake, I will just stick with the most-played game of the year.

This is the game my kids ask me to play all the time, and I never try to talk them into playing something else. It’s super simple, collaborative, and takes about 20 minutes for a round. Highly recommended.

Ok I lied, I have to also add our most played group games of the year. Whenever we have “forced family fun” and drag all the teens out of their rooms, they choose one of these two games (and it always turns into a good time).

• THE GAME
• THE CHAMELEON
• JUST ONE

Goat Milk Soap

I’ve used this soap since 2006, and I’m never switching.

It’s made by a small, family-run company that cares about what goes into their products – no weird chemicals, no filler ingredients, just good, clean soap that makes your skin feel soft and healthy. It smells amazing, and is just one of those small things that just quietly makes life a little better. Get you some.

• GOAT MILK SOAP
• SOAP SAVER THAT I USE

Groupon

I know everyone knows about Groupon, but apparently not enough people actually use it anymore – which is wild, because it’s kind of amazing. I’ve booked so many things on there this year: spa days, microneedling, laser hair removal (six full leg sessions for $108. TOTAL. I’m serious. It’s amazing.)

It’s also my go-to for fun things to do with the kids or quick date nights – escape rooms, zoo trips, theme parks, random adventures. It’s an easy way to have fun for cheap, and there’s something satisfying about finding a really good deal in 2025. So yes, Groupon is still a thing, and I’m still using it. Just a reminder that a Groupon gift… an adventure, pampering, gift card, or whatever you can find on there is a great gift.

• GROUPON

So there you have it – the things we actually use, love, and would buy again without hesitation. Hopefully you found a few ideas for the hard-to-shop-for people in your life (or for yourself, because let’s be honest).

Now it’s your turn, what are the things you swear by? Drop your favorites in the comments so we can all steal each other’s best ideas and most loved products.

If you want more gift ideas, you can also check out my 2024 gift guide or CLICK HERE to go to my ShopMy shelf, where you’ll find all these items plus 10 bonus ideas!