Essentials

Our favorite gifts of 2022: What the CBS Essentials staff is buying to give this Christmas and Hanukkah

By Carolin Lehmann

December 19, 2022 / 10:36 AM EST / Essentials

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Here at CBS Essentials, we've been shopping all year long. So, we know a thing or two about what we like best to gift this Christmas and Hanukkah.

Top products in this article

Filson Down Cruiser jacket, $495

$495 at Filson

Embark dog DNA test, $139 (reduced from $199)

$139 at Amazon

Nintendo Switch Lite, $200

$200 at Amazon

Ahead, our favorite gifts of 2022 that we're giving to family and friends this holiday season. These finds from Filson, Huda Beauty, Nintendo and more work for a variety of budgets and recipients. Be sure to shop soon before Christmas and Hanukkah shipping deadlines pass.

Looking for more gift ideas? Then also check out the best last-minute gifts at Amazon.

Filson Down Cruiser jacket

"My husband is obsessed with the 'Yellowstone' franchise, so I am getting him this coat from Filson, the brand heavily featured throughout the show," writer Leah Groth says.

Filson Down Cruiser jacket, $495

$495 at Filson

Embark dog DNA test

"The family's curious about our chihuahua mix -- i.e., what exactly he's a mix of," managing writer Joal Ryan says. "And since the dog won't pay for the kit himself, it looks like I'm going to have to spring for it."

Embark dog DNA test, $139 (reduced from $199)

$139 at Amazon

Agatha Christie's The Mystery at Hunter's Lodge immersive murder mystery game

"There's been a murder -- and we're going to solve it!" Ryan says of this Agatha Christie murder mystery game.

Agatha Christie's The Mystery at Hunter's Lodge immersive murder mystery game, $65 (reduced from $100)

$65 at Amazon

Huda Beauty Empowered eyeshadow palette

"I adore the Huda Beauty eyeshadow palettes -- I own the Rose Quartz and Naughty Nude ones," writer Carolin Lehmann says. "This is the latest Huda palette, and I've already gifted it to my friend. She says she's obsessed with it."

Huda Beauty Empowered eyeshadow palette, $67

$67 at Sephora

All-Clad cookware set

"My brother is an enthusiastic cook and has his heart set on hard anodized cookware, which, I hear, some top chefs also use," editorial director Leslie Gornstein says.

All-Clad cookware set, $70 (reduced from $110)

$70 at Amazon

Deeps sleep bundle

"The gift of sleep is priceless -- especially while traveling," writer Groth says. "I am gifting so many people on my list a Deeps sleep bundle, which includes five or ten sleep patches, a pair of socks, a lavender sleep mask and an incense set, all packaged in a reusable pouch."

Deeps sleep bundle, $69 (reduced from $91)

$69 at Deeps

Nintendo Switch Lite

"I'm giving this to my best friend," writer Kaylyn McKenna says. "She's a mom, and her kids end up using the family's Switch all of the time. She said she misses playing it. I got this so that she would have a console for herself since I feel like it's really important for moms to prioritize themselves too and take some time for their own hobbies."

Nintendo Switch Lite, $200

$200 at Amazon

Dyson Airwrap Styler

"I finally got a Dyson Airwrap over the summer and have been singing its praises ever since -- and let's just say, my mom has noticed," says editor Gabby Shacknai. "So, I figured I would get her an Airwrap of her very own for Christmas this year."

Dyson Airwrap Styler, $599

$599 at Sephora

Casper Dog Bed

"My dog deserves the world," Shacknai says. "And even though he spends most of his time on my bed, I wanted him to have a place of his own, so I'm gifting him the ultra-comfortable Casper dog bed this Christmas."

Casper Dog Bed, $125 and up

$125 and up at Amazon