Samantha Schoech

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Christine Clisset |Caira Blackwell |Rosie Guerin |Abigail Keel |Nancy Redd |Marilyn Ong | +6 more

Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platformsMother’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter staffers share the classic and unexpected gifts that have delighted the mothers in their lives. Things we recommendDyson Supersonic Hair DryerRecchiuti Confections Black BoxEpisode transcriptCHRISTINE: I'm Christine Cyr Clisset. CAIRA: I'm Caira Blackwell. ROSIE: I'm Rosie Guerin and you're listening to The Wirecutter Show.

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech

In this edition of The Gift, our gifts expert shares some of the garden-themed goodies she's loving for spring: fun dishes, great tools, some charming floral bedding. Plus, more gifts for plant lovers — including some very good-looking watering cans. Now that spring has really and truly sprung here in San Francisco — poppies popping, wind whipping off the Pacific, and my allergies ablaze — you can find me in my small backyard with my hands in the dirt.

4 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›StylePublished April 16, 2025Source photos by NYT Wirecutter, Issey MiyakeBy Samantha SchoechSamantha Schoech is a writer focusing on gifts. She spends her time finding things that combine quality, beauty, usefulness, and delight. Our gift guides are liberally sprinkled with stylish pick-me-ups in the form of jewelry, accessories, shoes, and clothing.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech

In this edition of The Gift, we’re making the case for genuinely funny (not junky) gag gifts. Plus, some under-$25 delights and a swanky leather fly swatter. Although I am against junk and clutter and all things future landfill, I am very much pro just-because little gifts—especially those designed to make someone laugh. Yes, usefulness and thoughtfulness are part of my gift-giving mantra, but so is delight. And what’s more delightful than genuine laughter? Especially of the shared variety?

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech

For people who are anti-junk—that’s pretty much everyone at Wirecutter—gag gifts can be a tricky proposition. They are undeniably fun and perfect for certain situations (white elephant or Secret Santa parties) and certain people (your jokey uncle, curmudgeonly brother, or Michael Scott–like boss), but they can also be one-trick wonders with the staying power of an ice cream cone.