Samantha Schoech

1 week 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.

3 weeks 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?

1 month 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.

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech

In this edition of The Gift, we’re dishing on a very good unexpected gift. Plus, other sexy things like the best underwear, vibrators, and lube. Across our many, many Valentine’s Day gift guides, one gift has consistently risen to the top as a reader favorite. (It’s also, happily for all you procrastinators out there, a gift you can still get this very evening and present on time tomorrow.) The gift? A sex education website. Valentine’s Day is about hearts and flowers and chocolate, sure.

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Samantha Schoech

We all need to sleep, but some of us also love to sleep. And it’s true that our physical and mental health both benefit from getting plenty of good zzzs. If you have a sleep lover in your life, or you know someone who finds sleep elusive, these gifts can be both thoughtful and good for their health. Some sleep items—pillows and blankets, for example—are highly personal.