Ana Gasteyer’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
My Gift-Giving Philosophy
Ana Gasteyer’s handy-dandy holiday gift guide! I’m a taurus, so I love giving presents that are practical, beautiful, and make the lives of those I love just a little bit easier. That includes you, dear reader! I hope something on this list inspires you and makes your life (or someone else’s) a little less stressful this joyous holiday season.
UNDER $25: STOCKING STUFFERS & SMALL DELIGHTS
In my family, stockings are almost the most important part of Christmas morning. Stocking stuffers can be anything from artisinal chocolate to the toothpaste refill your college student has been requesting. Here are some of my favorite small delights to stuff or wrap for some bite-sized holiday joy.
Muji Recycled Paper Monthly Planner - $2.00
Simple, affordable planner for minimalist organization. Two dollars of pure functionality.
Snoopy Stickers - $6.00
Adorable Peanuts stickers for tiny joy. Perfect for sticker collectors or anyone who needs a little Snoopy in their life.
Dr Teal's Magnesium Spray - $7.00
Affordable magnesium spray that's great for runners and tub-soakers. Don't waste $40 at Erewhon when this works just as well.
Digital Download - Sugar & Booze Sheet Music - $7.50
Title track sheet music for pianists who want to play my holiday anthem. Instant download, endless cocktail hour possibilities.
Digital Download - Secret Santa Sheet Music - $7.50
Secret Santa sheet music complete with Maya Rudolph's part. The fun anthem about ditching the jerk boyfriend, now playable at home.
Digital Download - Nothing Rhymes with Christmas Sheet Music - $7.50
Original holiday song sheet music for musicians who love clever lyrics. Download instantly and start playing tonight.
Digital Download - Blue Black Friday Sheet Music - $7.50
Blue Black Friday sheet music. Get the whole vibe on the page, ready to perform.
Pine Bros. Throat Drops Bundle - $11.99
Gentle throat drops for performers that soothe without being medicinal. Two flavors: Natural Honey and Wild Cherry.
Bananagrams - $14.99
Fast word game that travels anywhere and works for all ages. Compact, addictive, and no board required.
Sugar & Booze Album CD - $14.98
The whole jazzy album on CD featuring a bunch of seasonal secular favorites. Old-school format, new holiday classics.
Sugar & Booze Album Vinyl - $15.14
Big-band jazz meets holiday cheer on vinyl. Perfect for white elephant parties where you actually want to battle for your gift.
Fart Machine - $17.50
Timeless comedy at the push of a button. Guaranteed giggles for all ages—sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
Sugar & Booze Blue/Red Tea Towel - $18.00
Gorgeous tea towel that's perfect for wrapping small gifts, placing in bathrooms, or using in the kitchen. Because who doesn't love brown paper packages tied up with string?
Maldon Salt Gift Pack - $24.99
Three versatile flavors in premium packaging. Perfect for aspiring cooks and food lovers who are ready to level up their seasoning game.
Sugar & Booze Knit Socks - $22.00
Holiday knit socks! Everyone needs a pair! Give them as a Secret Santa gift, a stocking stuffer or that are the little thoughtful something to go with an envelope of cash. Warm, festive, and actually useful!
Quick Quick Quick Game - $21.99
Games make a great hostess gifts. This fast-paced guessing game encourages quick thinking and creative, ridiculous answers that will get the everyone laughing.
National Geographic Air Rockets Science Kit - $21.99
Launch foam rockets and learn physics at the same time? This is a great fun sciencey gift for curious kids and toddlers who love things that go boom.
Karaoke Mic - $19.99
Portable karaoke fun that lets them sing their heart out anywhere. Perfect for the performer or wannabe pop star in your life. (Bonus: It’s not that loud.)
The Original Rummy Tile Game - $19.99
Rummy with tiles instead of cards, complete with the satisfying click of tiles. Classic game with tactile joy built in.
Poetry for Neanderthals - $19.99
Say complex things using only simple words in this hilarious competitive game. Watch everyone struggle to describe "birthday cake" as "sweet bread with fire sticks."
Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream - $19.90
Vitamin C skincare in capsule form. Korean beauty innovation that's gentle and effective.
Medicube Deep Reviving Bakuchiol Retinol Serum - $19.00
Gentle retinol alternative with bakuchiol. Effective anti-aging without the irritation of traditional retinol.
$25-$50: THOUGHTFUL GIFTS
Silly and (mostly) practical, these are gifts that fulfill some kind of need but are still full of festive flair. I can't think of a situation that can't be improved by a fart machine!
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet - $25.00
Pre-seasoned workhorse that lasts forever and cooks everything perfectly. This is a lasting gift for someone when they finally get their first real kitchen.
Digital Download - Bundle all 4 Songs - Sheet Music - $25.00
All four songs in one bundle—the complete songbook for the serious fan or performer. Everything you need to throw your own mini-Sugar & Booze singalong!
Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy - $25.00
Durable bacon-flavored chew that keeps dogs happy and occupied. Made in USA and actually lasts.
Sugar & Booze Knit Mittens - $25.00
Warm knitted mittens with Sugar & Booze flair. Practical winter gear that doubles as merch—very Taurus of me.
Sugar & Booze Embroidered Red Pom Beanie - $27.00
Red beanie with pom pom and embroidered details. Seriously does anyone not look cute in a red beanie?
Cabinet Door Compost Bin - $27.00
Hangs on cabinet door for scraps and makes composting easy, and comes in a great array of colors. Solves a problem beautifully—very on brand for me.
Necoichi Premium Comfort Cat Scratcher Wall - $29.00
Wall-mounted cat scratcher that saves your furniture and satisfies their instincts. Practical gift for the cat owner in your life.
Coziwow Cat Window Perch - $29.00
Prime window seat for your cat with natural wood and strong suction cups. Bird TV has never been this comfortable.
Maldon Smoked Sea Salt Flakes - $29.99
Adds a smoky depth to everything from eggs to desserts. Elevated but practical—exactly how I like my gifts.
B. Toys Interlocking Balancing Beams - $30.00
Build balance courses indoors for active kiddos that's actually engaging. Gets them moving without destroying your house.
Frango Mints - $32.00
Iconic mint chocolates—a Chicago classic that never disappoints. Smooth, minty, and dangerously addictive. My family sends them every year.
Sugar & Booze Puff T-Shirt - $32.00
Sugar & Booze tee with a cheeky puff print detail - why not spread a little holiday cheer all year long.
Milky Glow Lock Collagen Duo - $33.57
Glowing skin mask and serum set. For that dewy, glazed look only K-Beauty can bring.
Sugar & Booze Apron - $34.00
Protect your holiday finery with a festive apron and old-school cocktail vibes.
See's Candies Dark Scotchmallow - $34.40
Dark chocolate caramel marshmallow perfection. Ridiculously good—I'm not even overstating this.
Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Camera 2-Pack - $34.00
Disposable cameras make a comeback for analog fun with the digital generation. Nice way to document the holiday too!
Catchphrase - $34.99
Hilarious guessing game that adapts well with bigger groups or family teams. Portable too so it's great for a vacation!
Ka'Chava All-In-One Nutrition Shake Sample Pack - $35.00
I'm all in on the Ka'Chava Superfood shakes. they have 85+ superfoods in one convenient drink, they don't upset my stomach at all and they are a great way to keep up my protein intake. Lots of flavors to choose from too!
Custom Jigsaw Puzzle - $35.00
Turn a family photo into a puzzle for a multigenerational crowd-pleaser. Personal, engaging, and actually fun to work on together.
Salt Lab Magnesium Oil Spray for Sleep - $35.00
Topical magnesium for better sleep. Spray and relax—simple solution for better rest.
Goodr Sunglasses - $35.00
Fun, affordable, super comfortable sunglasses that don't slip or bounce. All style, totally functional, and you won't cry when you lose them!
Weleda Skin Food Original Cream & Body Butter Set - $39.00
Rich herbal moisturizers that are cult favorites among makeup artists. So great for thirsty, sensitive skin. This set at Costco is a great deal!
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane - $39.00
Rich moisturizer for all skin types. A Kiehl's classic for a reason—it just works.
LEGO Poinsettia and Seasonal Flowers - $39.99
Fun multi-generational crowd pleasers that look gorgeous when complete. Building flowers that last forever? Sign me up.
Banana Phone - $39.99
Who doesn’t want an actual working Bluetooth phone shaped like a banana?
Fire Blanket - $39.98
Kitchen safety essential that smothers small fires instantly. A great gift for the saftey-obsessed worrier in your life or the person who's always puttin' out fires spiritually speaking ...
Pyrex 10-Piece Ultimate Glass Food Storage Set - $40.00
Glass storage is a great gift - helpful to anyone truing to eliminate plastic from their kitchen, plus it's more useful that goes from fridge to oven. You can always give it as container along with baked goodies too!
Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ with Collagen Peptide - $45.00
Lightweight daily SPF with anti-aging benefits plus it actually feels good on your skin.
Gap Princess Dresses - $49.00
Twirly princess dresses for the sweet little pumpkin in your life. The only thing better than a princess dress is one you can easily play, explore, and go to school in.
Sugar & Booze Gold Crewneck Sweatshirt - $49.00
A cozy gold crewneck for my fans who like their merch comfortable , a little retro and festive. Soft enough to live in all winter long.
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes - $49.00
The big beautiful tub that's cute, helpful, and lasts forever. My desert island gift—seriously cheap and everyone uses it. The smoked salt variety is a nice tub for adventuresome cooks too.
Connect Air In-Flight Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter - $49.99
Turns any headphone jack into Bluetooth so you can use your AirPods on planes and at the gym. Imagine wireless freedom on that long flight! So helpful.
$50-$100: THE SWEET SPOT
On the spendier side, gifts for those you love a little extra. Think cashmere and bluetooth!
Hallmark Nativity Scene Plush Toys (7-Piece Set) - $52.99
A sweet reminder of the origin story behind the most wonderful time of the year. Plush and squeezable holiday tradition that's actually toddler-appropriate.
Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker - $28.90
A writer friend at SNL gave me one of these in 1998 and it's still going strong. This stovetop gizmo pops absolutely perfect popcorn and brings back the old-school joy of childhood Jiffy Pop. I've purchased duplicates for my summer place and given it as a gift countless times.
Bath and Shower Refillable Liquid Body Cleanser - $60.00
Refillable body wash that's luxurious and environmentally friendly. Elevated daily routine with less waste.
JBL Clip 4 Personalized - $60.00
Portable speaker that clips anywhere with custom colors available!
Ninja Blast Portable Blender - $60.00
Cordless personal blender for smoothies on the go. Rechargeable, portable, and actually powerful enough to work - I travel with mine for easy hotel breakfasts.
See's Candies Chocolate & Variety 2 lb Box - $61.00
Classic American chocolates are a reliable crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Great hostess gift, teacher gift, family gift -
Brightland California Olive Oil The Duo - $74.00
Gorgeous artisanal olive oil duo make are really beautiful, useful gift. The bottles are so pretty you'll want to see them on your kitchen counter.
WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef's Knife - $75.00
A real knife for a real cook—game-changing kitchen essential. The kind of tool that makes everything easier and more enjoyable, and they'll use it every day.
Omnilux Blemish Eraser - $76.00
Very cool space age spot treatment for breakouts that actually works. Perfect teen gift for fighting zits without harsh chemicals - I use heir red light mask and love it.
Garrett's Popcorn Garrett Mix - $80.00
Garrett's caramel and cheese popcorn mix is so irresistably delicious and impossible to put down that it's almost rude. My family only allows ourself to eat at the holidays.
Ortiz Premium Canned Seafood Gift Tin - $89.00
Tinned fish is having a moment. It's healthy AND delicious. Plus it's such pretty pantry staple. I love this collection of quality Spanish fish from Costco - a great value
Retradisc Portable Bluetooth CD Player - $99.00
Retro CD player with Bluetooth from the MoMA store. Now they'll have something to play their CD of Sugar & Booze on!
Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven - $99.00
Beautiful blue enamel pot with lots of functionality - marinate, cook, bake, serve, and refrigerate.
Cashmere Sweater - $99.00
Soft cashmere at a great price point. Something elevated they might not buy themselves—meeting a need beautifully.
Print Edition of Good Newspaper - $99.00
A montly dose of verified good news in a print edition.
Print Edition of The Onion Subscription - $99.00
The Onion continues to lead the way in genius satirical news. Give a year subscription of the good old-fashioned anologue print edition to anyone who needs to laugh more (in other words, everyone)
Apple TV+ Subscription - $99.00
Quality streaming shows and films for a year!
$100-$200: THE SPLURGE
Perfect gifts to split between friends or family members. Nothing better than a thoughtful group gift!
Roz The Refill Bundle - $102.00
I use this haircare line - it keeps my color-treated hair super hydrated and it smells amazing. I also LOVE that it comes in a sustainable refillable option, Good for you and the planet.
Handcrafted XL Wooden Serving Bowl 17" - $120.00
A wooden bowl is a timeless basic every kitchen needs - it will season with every salad and last a lifetime.
National Theatre at Home BritBox Subscription - $129.00
World-class theater from your couch for the theater lover who can't make it to London. Twelve months of incredible productions streaming at home.
Cashmere Short Cardigan - $129.90
This cashmere layer makes my gifting list every year. The price point is great and they are sooo cozy.
Safe-T EU Good Looking Fire Extinguisher - $130.00
This is my dream combination of pretty and useful! A chic fire extinguisher you'll actually display it out in the open for easy access in an emergency.
Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender - $135.00
Essential blender for the smoothie drinker, soup maker, or home chef in your life!!
Oribe Signature Shampoo - $141.00
Luxury haircare that smells incredible, in a size that will last - Great Cool Aunt gift for someone who can't quite swing the fancy stuff but will be psyched every time they shampoo.
Oribe Signature Conditioner - $164.00
Snazzy conditioner in a s size that will last for months!
Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers - $168.00
Retro-cool Japanese sneakers for the cool kid in your life.
SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 - $179.00
Bone conduction headphones that let you hear music and your surroundings. Perfect for runners and safety-conscious teens.
HBO Max Subscription - $184.99
Premium TV and movies for a full year. The streaming service with the best content, hands down.
$200+: GO BIG OR GO HOME
Let it rip and secure your spot as the favorite family member or best friend of all time!
Mejuri Zodiac Sign Necklace - $208.00
Such a cool personal gift. A great gift for your cosmic companions.
Matt Wilkas Tree Topper: Everything - $225.00
Papier-mâché everything bagel with cream cheese sitting proudly atop your tree. Festive, absurd, carb-positive, and believes in itself. Screams I love NY.
Beis Carry On - $268.0
Smart organization meets sleek design. I have them in fantastic yellow that makes it pop.
Omnilux Contour Glove - $270.00
LED therapy for aging hands. It also feels really soothing. Great for the older person in your life who deserves nice things.
Matt Wilkas Tree Topper: Shroom - $275.00
My friend Matt Wilkas is a wonderful artist. His custom papier-mâché tree toppers are so magical and make an elegant, charming gift that someone will adore year after year. This darling mushroom adds a charming fairy forest quality to holiday decor. Plus, mushrooms are symbol of good luck in the coming year!
Matt Wilkas Tree Topper: Neil - $275.00
Another favorite M. Wilkas topper. Dreamy pearlescent crescent moon with a tiny gold star dangling from his tip. Victorian moon man meets famous astronaut in one serene smile.
Matt Wilkas Tree Topper: Cowgirl - $290.00
Custom Tree topper sculpted by Matt Wilkas. A glossy black cowboy boot with gold stars and green cacti that struts to the top of your tree. Equal parts Dolly Parton and desert sunset with sparkle and swagger for the western themed tree!
The Large Check-In Roller in Maple - $368.00
I love this luggage. Great color, great capacity, easy to zip through a crowded holiday airport with. I have three sizes that nest inside one another which is helpful in my NYC apartment.
Omnilux Contour Face LED Mask - $395.00
Professional LED light therapy at home. Every time I use it regularly, I get compliments. And anyway, the internet says red lights help plants grow in space, which means they have to be good for your complexion right?
Dyson Airwrap - $698.00
It's a splurge—but it is an absolute game-changer. If you can't find one on sale, think about a refurb from Dyson. It's under warranty and a significant savings.
Burberry Check Walking Umbrella - $725.00
A gorgeous, high-end umbrella makes rainy days better. And if you think of it as a fancy accessory, maybe you won't be so inclined to forget it?
Samsung Frame TV - $799.99
Art when it's off, entertainment when it's on. The TV that doesn't look like a TV.
GIFT CARDS & SUBSCRIPTIONS
Give the gift that keeps on giving, or the gift of letting them pick something out for themselves.
TodayTix Gift Card - Varies
Theater is life-changing, but it gets expensive fast! Last year I gave one from TKTS for a theater-loving niece, and she texted every time she saw a show, which was a nice way to stay connected.
Raising Cane's Chicken Gift Card - Varies
Perfect for high school and college aged boys. If only you could see their faces when they remember they can spring for that extra sauce.
Chipotle Gift Card - Varies
I always stick these in my son's stocking. Practical and always appreciated by hungry students.
Topgolf Gift Card - Varies
Great experience gift card for golfers who need to go have some fun.
Alamo Drafthouse Gift Card - Varies
Movie going with movie lovers and a beer. What's better.
AMC Gift Card - Varies
Because horror movies and blockbusters are more fun to see with other people!!
Gas Gift Card - Varies
Practical and actually helpful. No one's mad about free gas—it's useful and thoughtful. Throw in a whoopie cushion to keep it real.
Remember: The best gift-givers meet people right where they are. And when in doubt? Include a gift receipt.
Happy Holidays everyone!
-Ana
