Renee Rodriguez's Holiday Gift Ideas
I Shop for a Living and These Are the Best Gifts to Buy on Black Friday
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Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I love shopping. Whether it's picking up items for myself, my friends, or my family, I always have one eye on the task at hand and one eye on a potential gift. Even my love language is gift giving, and for good reason: I'm, like, really, really good at it.
Not to toot my own horn, but whether I've known someone for five years or five minutes, I can typically pick out the perfect present simply based on minimal conversation or a few fun facts. It's a talent that I get to exercise around birthdays, big life events, and yep, you guessed it — the holidays.
My favorite time of year to snag all of my holiday gifting is during Black Friday, because it's the best time to get the most bang for your buck. The only thing that gets me more excited than picking out the perfect present is purchasing said present at a discount. This year, I've already picked up gifts for those closest to me, and I'm confident everyone is going to love what I've chosen for them.
Whether you're shopping for someone music-obsessed, someone on their wellness journey, a fashionista, or even the person who has everything — I promise, this list has something for everyone. From the best headphones on the market to the perfect LED mask, ahead, shop my picks.
Maison Louis Marie Icila Home Diffuser ($95)
Now, I know when you don't know what to gift someone you usually opt for a candle, but hear me out — a diffuser is much more chic. Each year I find one gift that I can give anyone on my list, and this year, the Maison Louis Marie Icila Home Diffuser takes the cake. I've had it in my bathroom for the last month, and I've gotten so many compliments and questions about it, I knew it was going to make the perfect holiday gift. It smells like vanilla, jasmine, and rose, and will throw scent all throughout whatever room you opt to put it in.
Set Active Staple Set Crewneck ($98)
If my cousin and I have one thing in common, it's that we like to bed rot, especially around the holidays. I got us the cutest matching sweat sets that we can throw on after our big family dinners and get cozy on the couch. Plus, these sweat and sweatshirt sets double as the perfect airport outfit for when it's time to head home.
Beats Solo 4 True Wireless On-Ear Headphones ($130, originally $200)
I've owned these headphones for years, and every time my mom sees me using them, she turns into the heart-eyes emoji (she's obsessed). So, this Black Friday, I'm finally getting her her own pair, so she can live her best hands-free life. I can't wait to get constant selfies of her wearing them on her walks.
Quince European Linen Piped Deluxe Bedding Bundle ($250)
My mom is obsessed with bedding, and she's always swapping things out for fun, cute, cozy fabrics. Quince's bedding is perfect because it's gorgeous, great quality, and it's affordable. I got her an entire bedding bundle for $250, and it includes everything she needs: a duvet cover, shams, and even sheets. I can already tell I'm going to want the same set for myself.
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops ($110)
OK, OK, I know — $110 foundation is wild. But hear me out: I'm a beauty girlie at heart, and I truly cannot stand base makeup. The only one I truly love? This product from Victoria Beckham. Every time I wear it, I get tons of compliments on my skin, so I know it's a winner. One of my girlfriends came over and used it the other night while we were getting ready together, and she absolutely fell in love. So, I knew I had to do her a solid and grab it for her for the holidays.
Alohas Haylo Ankle Boots ($330)
My best friend and I have practically everything in common, but one thing we always agree on is fashion. Do we occasionally show up places wearing the exact same outfit even though we haven't talked about it beforehand? Yep, which is why I know she's going to be absolutely obsessed with these Alohas boots. Not only are they made from the most stunning leather, but they're actually comfortable to walk in. I've had all of my Alohas boots for years, and these are going to last her forever.
TheraFace Mask Glow ($380)
What better gift could you give someone than bright, glowing skin? This year, that's what I'm giving just-out-of-college cousin. She's been begging for an LED mask to help combat her acne, and this one from Therabody is going to be her new best friend. It has both red light and blue light therapy, plus vibration massage so she can relax in style.
Paige Feyd Jacket ($799)
No holiday gifting is complete without getting something for yourself. We all deserve a little treat, am I right? In my case, I opted to treat myself to this gorgeous Paige Feyd jacket. It's the most luxurious chocolate brown suede, and it's the perfect cherry on top of my fall and winter wardrobe. It's buttery soft, pairs well with practically everything in my closet, and it's such stunning quality that I know I'll have it for years to come.
Higher Dose Full Body Red Light Mat ($1,199)
If you have a friend or loved one on their wellness journey like I do, the Higher Dose Full Body Red Light Mat is the perfect pick. The mat itself is flexible, so it can be draped over your body, you can lie on top of it, or even hang it on your wall. Plus, the benefits of red light are numerous, and trust me when I say nothing will up your wellness game quite like this product.
Renee Rodriguez (she/her) is a senior staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.
