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2022 holiday gift guide: Why you should start shopping for Christmas gifts in August

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Happy almost holiday season! While the final days of summer swelter on, now is a really smart time to start your Christmas shopping. No, seriously.

Keep reading to find out why starting your holiday shopping in August may be a good idea. Plus shop our picks for the best holiday gifts to give for Christmas 2022. 


Top products in this article: 

The Comfy original oversized microfiber and sherpa wearable blanket, $50 

Elevated Craft Hybrid cocktail shaker, $70

Rodial 'Love Your Skin' sheet mask kit, $40 ($100 value)


Why you should start your 2022 holiday shopping early

The 2021 holiday shopping season was riddled with challenges, including supply-chain disruptions leading to low stock on the season's hottest gifts. This year, CBS News is already anticipating more supply-chain and shipping delays stemming from railway staffing shortages.

Even finishing your holiday shopping early can be tricky. You'll likely want to avoid buying any tech that could have a new model released before the holidays roll around, such as the Apple Watch. You should also consider storage as a factor in deciding what to shop for this year. If you lack spare closet space, storing large presents for months before the holidays could prove pesky. 

If you do decide to start your holiday shopping early this year, be sure to check out our top picks for the best Christmas gifts to buy in August below. From reviewer-loved bigger ticket items to easy-to-store stocking stuffers, we've got your holiday gift list covered this year.   

Best cozy gifts to buy ahead of the holidays 

See seasonal candles, comfy slippers and more top-rated cozy gifts to give this holiday season. 

Apothke Votive candle gift set

Apothke Votive candle gift set: $50
Nordstrom

Stock up on soy wax candles at Nordstrom to keep things cozy this winter. This set of six candles from Apothke includes a Charcoal candle, Earl Gray Bitters candle, Hinoki Lavender candle, Santal Rock Rose candle, Sea Salt Grapefruit candle and a White Vetiver candle. 

Apothke Votive candle gift set, $64


Barefoot Dreams CozyChic patchwork pattern throw blanket

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic patchwork pattern throw blanket: $105
Nordstrom

"Classic Barefoot Dreams quality and just an overall gorgeous print," raves one reviewer about this plush microfiber blanket. 

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic patchwork pattern throw blanket, $158


Woodwick large hourglass scented candle: $27

WoodWick large hourglass scented candle
Woodwick via Amazon

This wood-smoke-scented, crackling-wick candle provides evokes the feeling of sitting around a roaring fireplace. With a strong cedar fragrance and WoodWick's patented wooden wick, which creates a fireside-like crackling sound, this candle offers the gift of coziness. Plus, it's currently on sale.

WoodWick large hourglass scented candle, $27 (reduced from $31)


The Comfy original oversized microfiber and sherpa wearable blanket

Extra cozy housecoat for fall: The Comfy original oversized microfiber and sherpa wearable blanket
Amazon

As seen on ABC's "Shark Tank," this bestselling ultra plush wearable blanket is perfect for staying cozy around the house. The Comfy original oversized microfiber and sherpa wearable blanket comes in plenty of fun patterns and colors, making it easy to personalize your present to the recipient. 

The Comfy original oversized microfiber and sherpa wearable blanket, $50 


Ugg Classic Mini II genuine shearling lined boot

UGG Classic Mini II genuine shearling lined boot
Nordstrom

This popular style of Ugg boots is available in five colors. Right now you'll get the best deal on the pink books at Nordstrom.

"Like a big huge hug around my feet when it is cold out. Love these!" a Nordstrom reviewer raved

UGG Classic Mini II genuine shearling lined boot (pink), $75 (reduced from $150)


Ugg genuine shearling classic slipper

Ugg genuine shearling slipper
Ugg via Nordstrom

These classic cozy suede-and-shearling slippers come in six colors. They're suitable for indoor or outdoor wear and have a foam-cushioned footbed. 

Ugg genuine shearling classic slipper, $100


Ugg Cozette genuine shearling slipper: $67

Ugg Cozette genuine shearling slipper
Ugg via Nordstrom

These slide slippers come in five colors and are made of genuine shearling and Ugg pure wool. Right now, they're reduced from $90 to $67 at Nordstrom. 

Ugg Cozette genuine shearling slipper, $67 (reduced from $90)


Best beauty gifts 

Here are some of the best holiday gifts from Nuface, Casper, Laneige and more.

Nuface Trinity starter kit

NuFACE Trinity Starter Kit - Facial Toning Device
Amazon

This portable device by Nuface stimulates the face with an FDA-cleared microcurrent treatment that promises to improve contour and skin tone, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The device comes in a kit which includes a charging cradle, power adapter and a hydrating leave-on gel primer.

It's popular with CBS Essentials readers and Amazon reviewers -- the beauty device is rated 4.2 stars.

Nuface Trinity starter kit, $339


Casper Sleep silk pillowcase and sleep mask set: $70

Casper Sleep silk pillowcase and sleep mask set
Casper Sleep via Amazon

This 100% mulberry silk pillowcase is soft on hair, skin and the eyes. It comes in three aesthetically pleasing neutral colors and with a matching silk sleep mask. Right now, you can score this silk pillowcase and sleep mask set for half off. 

Casper Sleep silk pillowcase and sleep mask set, $70 (reduced from $139)


Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7000: $60

philips-body-hair-groomer.jpg
Amazon

Save $10 on a new Philips body trimmer and shaver. The 4.5-star-rated Philips Bodygroom Series 7000 features a four-direction pivoting head, plus an integrated and adjustable trimmer. It's showerproof, too.

Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7000: $60 (reduced from $70)


Laneige lip sleeping mask

Laneige lip sleeping mask: $17
Amazon

Treat someone to this moisturizing, antioxidant-rich leave-on lip mask from Laneige. 

Laneige lip sleeping mask, $24


Rodial 'Love Your Skin' sheet mask kit

Rodial 'Love Your Skin' sheet mask kit
Rodial

This $40 sheet mask kit (a $100 value) includes Rodial's Dragon's Blood jelly eye patches, Vit C Energizing sheet mask, Pink Diamond Instant Lift sheet mask and Snake Oxygenating and a Cleansing Bubble sheet mask. This kit makes a luxurious and easy-to-store present.

Rodial 'Love Your Skin' sheet mask kit, $40 ($100 value)


Best kitchen gifts for the holidays

We curated a selection of sleek new cookware, knife sets and more kitchen gifts to give this holiday season. 

At Home round marble and acacia wood serving board

At Home round marble and acacia wood serving board: $40
Nordstrom

This elegant, round serving board is crafted with cool marble and warm wood. For the charcuterie enthusiasts in your life, this piece will be the star of their next cheese board.

 At Home round marble and acacia wood serving board, $59


Elevated Craft Hybrid cocktail shaker

Elevated Craft Hybrid cocktail shaker
Amazon

Backed by a lifetime warranty, this stainless steel, dishwasher-safe, double-walled, vacuum-insulated cocktail shaker promises to be "the last shaker you will ever buy." It's one of the best gifts for a budding bartender.

"This is the absolute perfect cocktail shaker," a five-star reviewer raved. "First, it is insulated so your hands don't freeze. Second, there is a measurer in the cap. Third, the cap twists off to expose the strainer that is built in. 

"This is the fourth one I have bought. I gave two as gifts and now have two of them for myself. The gift recipients loved them as well."

Elevated Craft Hybrid cocktail shaker, $70

Elevated Craft Hybrid cocktail shaker, $70


Our Place Always Pan

Our Place Always Pan
Our Place

A lifesaver for chefs working in kitchens without much storage, the Always Pan is a nonstick fry and sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, spatula and spoon rest, all rolled into one. This set also includes a lid, steamer basket and beechwood spatula, all of which nests neatly within the pan. Available in 10 gorgeous colors.

Our Place Always Pan, $145


Caraway cookware set: $395

Caraway cookware set
Caraway

Caraway is a direct-to-consumer ceramics line that uses mineral-based, non-toxic non-stick coating on its cookware. According to the company, Caraway cookware releases 60 percent less carbon dioxide than other non-stick models. On top of that, Caraway pots and pans are known for being especially easy on the eyes.

"I am struck by how great this cookware looks and performs," a five-star reviewer writes. "I've used nearly all the pieces, and aside from the practical use of pots and pans, they clean and store very easily -- love the hanging slip case for the lids as well."

The set includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, 3-quart saucepan, 4.5-quart saute pan, 6.5-quart Dutch oven, magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder. Right now, you can save $150 on this gorgeous set. 

Caraway cookware set, $395 (reduced from $545)


Five Two by Food52 essential knives

Food52 Five Two Essential Knives
Food52

This set of three knives from Food52 includes a classic chef's knife, a serrated blade -- which works well as a bread knife -- and a paring knife for fruits, vegetables and more. These knives are made of Japanese steel and have soft-touch handles that not only look great, but also feel great. You're saving $38 by buying this set of three knives rather than purchasing them individually. Available in five colors. 

Five Two by Food52 essential knives (set of 3), $125


Best gifts for pet owners 

Looking for a gift for someone who owns a pet -- or even your own dog or cat? Check out our picks for pet owners, including a stylish dog harness, Furbo dog camera and more. 

Smartish Snitch Airtag pet collar attachment

Smartish Snitch Airtag pet collar
Smartish

Give the gift of peace of mind with the Snitch collar attachment from Smartish. This Apple AirTag holder fits up to 1.5-inch collars and creates a water-resistant seal around the tag to keep your pup and your tech safe. Apple AirTag ($27) not included.

Smartish Snitch Airtag pet collar (2 pc), $15

Apple AirTag, $27 (reduced from $29)


Wild One care kit: $64 

Wild One care kit
Wild One

The care kit from Wild One comes with an array of daily dog-care essentials, including a bag of baked treats, your choice of supplements, a conditioning shampoo, grooming wipes and 60 eco-friendly waste bags.

Wild One care kit, $64 (regularly $66)


Wild One harness walk kit: $98 

Wild One harness walk kit
Wild One

For the extra stylish pet parent, Wild One's walk kit includes a lightweight dog harness, dirt-resistant and water-proof leash and waste bag carrier, all in one chic and on-trend color. This kit is a great marriage of fashion and function, and is sure to grab some attention at the dog park.

Wild One Harness Walk Kit, $98 (regularly $114)


Embark dog DNA test: $109

Embark dog DNA test
Embark via Amazon

For the rescue pup parents with a bit of a breed mystery on their hands, Embark dog DNA tests can help identify a pup's breed, family tree, genetic health risks and physical traits. It can even connect you to a dog's relatives. 

Embark dog DNA test $109 and up (regularly $129 and up)


Furbo dog camera

Furbo dog camera
Furbo via Amazon

This camera from Furbo is equipped with night vision, two-way audio and treat-tossing capabilities, so you can let Fido know he's a good boy, even when you're gone. The camera connects to your phone via app for an easily accessible livestream, and will send you alerts when barking or significant movement is detected.

Furbo dog camera, $199


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