In this edition of The Gift, we’re rounding up what Wirecutter journalists gifted themselves this season, including a luxe shower gel and a solve for mindless doomscrolling.For many of us, the holiday magic for our loved ones is powered by our own haywire cortisol spikes behind the scenes. My month has entailed arguing with AI bots about receiving a wrong product, stalking shipment tracking that hasn’t moved in five days, and frantically texting neighbors to grab packages that were left on our steps instead of in our delivery box.That’s why I also play Santa to myself all December long. This year, I inadvertently went all in on high-end Japanese beauty products, including this round boar-and-nylon bristle brush beloved by hair stylists for its firm hold and shine-inducing effects, and this natural-looking, cult-favorite eyebrow pencil that purportedly lasts for years. Perhaps after trudging to UPS with a sack over my shoulder and wind in my face for the umpteenth time, my subconscious self desires a more kempt future.I’m certainly not alone among Wirecutter staffers on the self-gifting front. “The question is more like what didn’t I buy,” replied one colleague when I asked. If you’re looking to pat yourself on the back for another holiday season survived or conquered, here are some ways we’re doing just that:Head of newsletters Sofia Sokolove loves the idea of starting a new year with a new scent, and is eyeing Byredo’s Desert Dawn — an extremely lovely cardamom and rose petal forward perfume from the Wirecutter-beloved Swedish scent-maker. (And if you can’t decide: The company makes this six-bottle sampler that allows you to put the $60 price of the set toward a larger bottle.)Writer Kimber Streams splurged on this peppery-fresh, spa-like shower gel with luxurious suds as their act of seasonal self care. Says Kimber: “I tried all of our beauty experts’ body wash picks, and regret to report that even though it’s around $30 per bottle, our upgrade pick really is that good.”In the words of beauty editor Rory Evans: “Comfortable pants are the foundation of self care.” After hearing style editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson tell the world she’d like to be buried in this Spanx sweatsuit, Rory is ordering a pair of these nearly weightless sweatpants that feature a remarkably silky interior and buttery-soft exterior. Ingela, meanwhile, loves that fabric so much that she snatched up this structured-but-cozy tracksuit made from it, too.Newsletters editor Brittney Ho was influenced by a recent panel of Wirecutter testers, who all found Soft Services’ buffing bar to be worth the hype. Beyond noticeably smoothing rough winter skin, the soap-size exfoliation bar comes wrapped in artsy paper and a lovely embossed box that really ups the gift-to-self vibes.For a fresh start to 2026, newsletters coordinator Allyson Waller got herself this fancy planner wrapped in denim fabric with cute embroidered embellishments. It features various coloring pages, habit trackers, and prompts — Allyson is most excited to color the planner’s hand-drawn illustrations while tracking her daily goals.And the more responsible among us, style writer Frances Solá-Santiago came to terms with her smartphone addiction and got herself this app-blocking device for a more mindful and present 2026.One of the best things about buying for yourself without the pressure of a wrapped-and-ready Christmas morning deadline? It’s a-okay if it arrives late.My post-holiday self-care prescription is that I refuse to call, email, or chat with even one more customer service robot — and I’m wishing the same for you.
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