Checklist · 20 picks · 6 categories
Links to Amazon and Target are affiliate links. I earn a commission if you buy, at no cost to you, and it never decides a pick. How I make money
November 11 is Singles' Day, which started with college students in China in the 1990s and grew into one of the biggest shopping days in the world. I like the idea under it: one day a year where buying something for yourself is the plan. Every pick here is already on another list of mine, where I explain why it made the cut and name the outlet when one recommends it. I grouped them by what kind of treat they are, so you can pick the mood first. Most cost less than a nice dinner out. The splurges are things people tend to want for years and never buy. If one has been in your cart since summer, this is your sign.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you want a single product and already know which one.
budget pick · Standard
Best for Couch nights with the heat turned down
Good Housekeeping best heated blanket.
A soft flannel heated throw for the couch, with multiple heat levels.
Heads up. Cord limits where you can use it
$25-50
See it on AmazonAffiliate link. I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
splurge pick · Big box
A light, absorbent waffle robe that feels like a spa day at home. Sleeves run long
Wirecutter top pick.
$100+
See it at BrooklinenAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Big box
Sheepskin-lined slippers you can also wear outside for quick errands. Pricey
Piper Sandler teen survey top footwear brand.
$100+
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Gift-box
Best for A small luxury you use every night
The Strategist best silk pillowcase.
Silk helps cut down on hair frizz and feels a little luxurious every night. Comes in 15+ colors.
Heads up. Delicate wash recommended
$25-50
See it at QuinceAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
A hands-free light worn around the neck, for reading in bed without waking anyone. Looks a little funny
No outlet named this one yet.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Gift-box
Candles named after famous authors, with scents like old books, tobacco and tea. Scents can be subtle
No outlet named this one yet.
$25-50
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Standard
Fixes dry winter air that causes scratchy throats, cracked lips and static. Covers up to 500 sq ft. A few tank spots are hard to clean
Mattress Clarity best humidifier.
$50-100
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Compact
Best for Café-style lattes at home
Homegrounds best electric frother.
Heats and foams milk at the press of a button for hot lattes and cappuccinos without a steam wand.
Heads up. Small capacity
$50-100
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Compact
A cheap battery whisk that foams milk for lattes, matcha and cold foam in seconds. Doesn't heat milk
Homegrounds best handheld frother.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Gift-box
The classic. Cheap, cute and often the first gift stolen. One small waffle at a time
Tom's Guide white elephant pick. TechRadar white elephant pick.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Compact
Best for Starting the journal you keep meaning to start
WIRED best notebook.
The classic bullet journal notebook: numbered pages, a blank index and dotted pages for layouts.
Heads up. Thin paper can ghost with markers
$25-50
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid pick · Compact
Brush tip on one end and fine tip on the other, for hand lettering headers. Can bleed on thin paper
YPen best bullet journal supplies.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Standard
Pothos is one of the hardest houseplants to kill. It handles low light and tells you it's thirsty by drooping. Toxic to pets if eaten
No outlet named this one yet.
$25-50
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Gift-box
Best for Desk-job shoulders and sore legs
Business Insider top 10 college gift.
Pocket-size massage for sore shoulders and long days. Often on sale for $160-180.
Heads up. Expensive at full price
$100+
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
Fizzy, nicely scented bath bombs in a giftable box. Pair with a robe for a self-care bundle. Needs a bathtub
Evite white elephant pick.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · Stocking-size
A cult-favorite lip balm that makes a great stocking stuffer or add-on. Small for the price
The Strategist student favorite.
under $25
See it at SephoraAffiliate link.
mid pick · Gift-box
Best for Reading more and scrolling less
Business Insider best e-reader.
A glare-free e-reader with a warm light for reading in bed. Holds thousands of books in one hand.
Heads up. Books cost extra unless you add Kindle Unlimited
$100+
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Gift-box
A sunrise light that makes dark winter mornings much easier to wake up to. Expensive
Business Insider college gift pick.
$100+
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Gift-box
Keeps cocoa or coffee at the perfect temperature for as long as you take to drink it. Expensive
No outlet named this one yet.
$100+
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Big box
The famously soft throw that stays soft wash after wash. Pricey
PureWow 96/100 editor score.
$100+
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
dots show how many outlets agree. the words name them.
Wednesday, November 11. The date is 11/11 because the four ones stand for single people. It is also a big sale day at a lot of online stores, but I do not promise a discount on anything here.
Something you use every day that you would not usually spend on, like a silk pillowcase, a better robe or a frother for your morning coffee. Small upgrades to a daily routine tend to feel better than one-off splurges.
It is less useful if you want a single product and already know which one.
No. I have not reviewed them. I read published reviews and name the outlet on the pick.
Budget is the cheaper one that still does the job. Mid is what most people should buy. Splurge is only if you will use it often.