Shopping·13 min read

Splurge-worthy Gifts Worth Splitting with a Group

splurgeworthy holiday gifts to split with a friend or family member
Photo: Brittany Sturrett | Credit: theSkimm
November 1, 2021

When it comes to gift-giving, of course it’s the thought that counts. Still, sometimes you want the thought to be more of a revelation. From premium items worth their price tag to subscriptions that’ll keep on giving well past the holidays, we’ve rounded up the best presents to split with family members or friends. So even if you’re on a budget, you can still give a special person in your life the item they’d never think to buy for themselves. Here’s to making holiday gifting smarter for you — and memorable for them.

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out The Sleigh List — our guide to the perfect gifts for everyone on your A-list.  

A coffee maker

A coffee maker that’ll take their at-home latte game to soaring new heights...

Gift the caffeine lover in your life (with ample counter space) coffee shop–quality mornings right in their own kitchen. This all-in-one machine grinds any type of bean and reaches precise water temperature to ensure a balanced-tasting cup. Plus, it comes with a steam wand milk frother to up their latte art game and delivers a perfect cup of espresso in under one minute. Brew city, population: them. ($599.95, Amazon)

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Away large suitcase

A chic and durable suitcase that will hold up for frequent flyers...

Away’s line of suitcases have a cult-like following for a reason. This large-size version features an interior compression system fit for any notorious overpacker, four spinner wheels to make navigating through the airport a breeze, and a durable outer shell designed to last. Plus, Away suitcases come with a lifetime warranty, so you know your splurge is going a long way. ($325, Away)

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An ultra hydrating face cream that really, really works…

Even when the weather outside is frightful. This HydraLuxe Moisturizer is an oh-so-delightful must-have for when the temps (and humidity) drop. The chicory leaf, snow algae, and peony extract nourish and replenish dry skin. Oh, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Not sure what kind of skincare regime your giftee is into? No worries. This luxurious cream is intended for all skin types and can be used in the morning and/or at night. So they can apply whenever they please. ($152, PCA SKIN)*

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A Dutch oven

A Dutch oven that’s part kitchen staple, part home decor...

There is no piece of cookware more classic than a Le Creuset Dutch oven. But it’s more than just a centerpiece to keep on the stove. The enamel coating and tight-fitting lid make it ideal for cooking and baking just about anything. (Even lingering pandemic-era bread-making.) Plus, it somehow looks even better with a bit of use. And it will last forever. ($230+, Le Creuset)

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The coziest throw blanket

The coziest throw blanket to make any night in feel luxurious... 

It’s hard to find a comfy blanket that also looks good displayed on the couch. Enter this super-soft throw, which comes in 15 colors to match any home decor. (Even Olympian Allyson Felix is a huge fan of ‘em.) It can be thrown in the wash without risking pilling. And it makes an ideal travel blanket, too. ($147, Nordstrom)

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colorful puffy jacket

A printed puffy jacket that does more than just look good…

It’s good for the planet too. Yep, this ultra-flattering J.Crew puffer is really out here doing the most. In addition to its adooooorable vintage floral print, it’s got a standing shawl collar (blistering winds? IDK her). And an adjustable waist cord. Plus, it’s made with recycled poly and filled with a down-alternative made from plastic bottles. Psst...for every eco puffer jacket purchased between now and Dec 26, J. Crew will donate $1 to One Warm Coat for those in need. Add to sleigh — er, cart. ($248, J.Crew)*

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An indoor putting mat

An indoor putting mat that will keep their golf game solid… 

Whether their upcoming golf trip was canceled or they’re trying not to get rusty this winter, this professional putting green will satisfy their need for green. Fitted with an automatic ball return and two different-sized practice holes, it’s a perfect way to provide hours of stress relief and entertainment to the stuck-at-home golfer. ($139.99+, Amazon)

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A subscription

A subscription that will keep them well-read (and well-caffeinated)… 

Just in time for the peak season of curling up on the couch with a good book. The Coffee and a Classic subscription delivers a book (for either kids or adults) and a choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate each month. Not to mention a snack, a mug, and other “bookish” treats. Subscribers can get a peek at the next month’s theme and swap genres for a more personalized experience. A lit lover’s dream. And for more awesome subscription boxes from Cratejoy, check out our faves for the holiday season. ($40.84+/month, Cratejoy)

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LG top-load washer

Something practical for your friend who just got their own place…

Skip the flowers and give ‘em something they can really use. Like this LG top-load washing machine. It’s sleek and suuuper spacious (think: it fits a comforter and an entire set of king-size bedding in one load). The coolest part? It’s wifi-capable. So your giftee can control key features from an app on their smartphone no matter where they are. And get alerts the minute their cycle is done. Plus it’s got anti-vibration tech and an especially quiet motor. Because their neighbors don’t need to know when laundry day is. Oh, and it uses 30% less energy and half the water compared to regular machines. We know, we know, what can’t it do? ($1,049, Best Buy)*

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A Dyson hair dryer

A Dyson hair dryer to make their morning routines easier and protect their locks from heat damage… 

Perfect for the person who loves to style their hair, this is truly the gift that’ll keep on giving. The futuristic-looking device works ultra-fast (trust us) to smooth strands, decrease frizz, and increase shine — no matter their hair type. Because everyone could use a few extra minutes saved in the AM. It’s also super lightweight and comes with a range of useful attachments that prevent flyaways, diffuse hair and more. (Psst...it also comes in a sleek new navy colorway.) Hair for it. ($399.99, Dyson

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A monthly BBQ feast,

A monthly BBQ feast, no smoker required...

They might be passionate about which state has the best BBQ. But there is no question that this subscription from Goldbelly will make any meat lover’s month. Your giftee will be treated to ribs, pulled pork, and more from famous restaurants around the country. Available as a three- or six- month option, it’ll provide enough for four people. Or one person. We’re not here to judge. ($99/month, use code THESKIMM10 for 10% off for first-time customers, Goldbelly)

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A custom map

A custom map that turns their fave places into 3D art…  

Pay homage to their most loved locale with a customizable 3D wood map. Measuring 14” x 18”, each piece is laser etched with topography and facts about the landscape. There are over 6,000 maps available and it comes ready to hang in a wood frame. It’s a beautiful and personal way to immortalize a trip or memory. ($219, Grommet

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Cookware

Cookware that will bring them one step closer to Instagram stardom...

Chances are you’ve seen the Our Place pan all over your social feed. The impossibly cool-looking pan comes in nine colors. And can replace eight other pieces of cookware in the kitchen, including a frypan and a steamer, to name a few. Basically it’s more eye-catching and takes up way less room than whatever their current kitchen situation looks like. And it makes everything from omelettes to steamed dumplings. Yes, please. ($145, Our Place

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A weighted blanket

A weighted blanket to help with (*gestures broadly*) all of this...  

Warning: You might wind up grabbing one for yourself too. Weighted blankets are proven to be helpful in promoting better sleep and creating a sense of calm. This colorful cotton one comes in weights varying from 10 to 25 pounds and five color options. And unlike other blankets that use beads as filler, it’s made from a super-breathable knit and looks as cozy as it feels. Sweet dreams to them. ($199+, Bearaby)

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A monster sound system

A monster sound system to channel their inner Cher Horowitz... 

Sound has come a long way since the Discman days. This Sonos smart speaker promises clear listening anywhere, anytime. Setup takes minutes, and both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are built in. It’s designed with smart speaker capabilities and it’s humidity resistant. Perfect for singing in the shower — or an impromptu karaoke sesh at their next gathering. ($219, Sonos

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charger that doubles as a tray

A charger that doubles as a tray for treasures… 

What is it about a charging tray that feels so much fancier than just plugging your phone into a charger? This leather tray disguised as decor can charge multiple items at once and looks great on a nightstand. For 10 extra bucks you can even have their initials engraved. And you'll receive 25% off your first purchase with code SKIMM25. ($175, Courant)

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A pizza oven

A pizza oven to upgrade their dinner parties and family meals…

Forget pizza places that promise delivery in 30 minutes — this gas-powered pizza oven makes a 12-inch pizza in 60 seconds. At just 20 pounds, it’s also compact enough to fit even in a small outdoor space. It comes with a cordierite stone baking board plus a gas regulator and hose to connect to your propane tank. (Psst....throw in Ooni’s ‘Cooking with Fire’ cookbook for some added inspiration.) Yum. ($399, Ooni)

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A touchless vacuum

A touchless vacuum to make pet hair problems a thing of the past... 

They love their dog — but they probably don’t love the never-ending trail of fur their pup leaves behind. This touchless vac to the rescue. It accumulates hair that may have been missed or, more likely, that comes back even after it’s been cleared. It senses when pet hair needs to be swept up and does so into a bagless canister. All by itself. No pup? No problem. There’s also a version for pet-free homes. Because practical gifts are always a win. ($149, Amazon)

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A waterproof Kindle

A waterproof Kindle with double the storage… 

What’s better than having all their favorite books at their fingertips? Not worrying about lugging them along on vacation or losing them to their bathwater. Enter the new waterproof Kindle Paperwhite. It still has a glare-free screen and holds twice as many items as earlier versions. The screen brightness is adjustable, aka it’s easy to read comfortably at night and outdoors. It also includes Audible, so they can pair the Kindle with their headphones via Bluetooth. ($139.99, Amazon)

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A pair of retro roller skates

A pair of retro roller skates that’ll have them feeling like a carefree kid in no time… 

What goes around comes around. And around. On wheels. These vintage-style suede roller skates are built for both the experienced and new skater alike. And will make them feel like the coolest person on the rink. ($129, Urban Outfitters)  

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A sleek backpack

A sleek backpack that will hold — and go with — everything... 

Give the gift of back pain relief with this sneakily roomy backpack. It has tons of pockets. It comes with a padded laptop sleeve. It fits on the handle of your suitcase for travel. It looks amazing. And won’t make the wearer feel like they’re in middle school. Their new fave gift? It’s in the bag. ($275, Haerfest)

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*This denotes a sponsored post. 

If you buy anything from this article, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) when we published. Thanks.

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