My 2023 Gift Guide for Awesome Parents

That's you!

I know this is probably the 832nd gift guide that you have received in your inbox this week, but I still thought it would be nice to share some of my and my friends’ favorite products if you need more inspiration (or, even better, if you want to pamper yourself). None of these are affiliate links; I’m just sharing these ideas because I love them and I thought you might, too!

You can also check out my Favorite Parenting Books list over at Bookshop (where I do get a small commission if you make a purchase).

And don’t forget that it’s Giving Tuesday!!!!

Gifts for Grown-Ups

The Earthling Co.’s Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth - $11.99. These environmentally friendly shampoo bars are inexpensive and, apparently, amazing. I haven’t tried one yet myself, but my dear friend Meredith swears by hers, saying it makes her hair feel strong and sleek and does encourage new growth. Plus, they last a long time.

CeraVe Anti-Aging Retinol Serum - $16.70. After researching and writing a story about retinol for The New York Times, I went searching for a dermatologist-recommended brand that wouldn’t break the bank and would be gentle on my sensitive skin. I have been using CeraVe’s Retinol Serum ever since. It’s incredibly affordable, gentle and really seems to be reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Weleda Skin Food - $14.43. I recommended this last year too, but this skin cream smells so good and it’s incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for dry skin. I put it on my hands every night in the winter before I go to sleep and it works wonders.

Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Mittens - $74.95. Hands down (ha) the warmest mittens I’ve ever owned. As someone who always runs cold, I can say that these mittens have totally changed my life.

Presto 22-inch Electric Griddle - $76.50. This griddle has been a weekend breakfast game-changer for us. We use it every weekend to make pancakes and bacon, and we’ve even used it to cook dinner on occasion.

Cosori 5-Quart Air Fryer - $99.99. I was an air fryer skeptic for a VERY LONG TIME. Then I got one, and now I’m obsessed. I’ve had it for a few years and I use it at least three times a week to cook meals and reheat leftovers. Super easy to use.

Gifts (and Gear) for Kids

InkBox Tattoos - $5+ each. My friend Meredith says her kids LOVE these fake tattoos. Lots of cute designs, and they last upwards of a week.

Civilization VI Video Game - $10. Meredith says her entire family — she and her husband and their two boys, aged 12 and 9 — love this game, which involves pretending to be famous leaders and building empires.

Tgosomt Slushy Cup - $14.99. We got this for our 12-year-old last year and he has loved using it to make slushies out of juice and sodas.

ArtShip Design Hair Chalk - $14.99. My 9-year-old is a huge fan of this art chalk, which she uses to add streaks of color to her hair after she showers. This will get all over your kid’s pillow, but thankfully it comes out in the wash.

HoneyCombs Matching Game - $24.75. My dear friend Karen says her kids love this adorable matching game. It’s recommended for kids 5 and up, but she says there’s lots of ways to play it and younger kids could have fun with it, too.

Sonicare Electric Kids’ Toothbrush - $29.96. Karen swears by this kid toothbrush. “They LOVE getting the rewards in the app, and dressing up the little creature,” she says.

Radio Flyer Cyclone - $49.97. Karen says her children adore this ride-on toy, which is designed for kids aged 3 to 7. It can also work well for kids with leg casts, braces or other mobility issues.

PicassoTiles Large Magnetic Tiles - $59.99. We all know and love Magna Tiles, but Karen just got these larger magnetic tiles and said they’re a total game-changer because ROOFS!

SlumberPod Portable Sleep Pod - $179.99. This isn’t a new product, but it’s one of Karen’s favorites — she never goes on a trip without it. “Our babies have slept soundly in bright-as-day rooms all over the world thanks to this thing,” she says.

What are your favorite gifts and gear for grown-ups and kids? Please share in the comments!