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

2022-08-19 19:16:47 By : Mr. Wale Kuang

CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

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)

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.   

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

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

"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

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)

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 

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)

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

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)

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

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.

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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.

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)

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

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. 

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

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)

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)

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)

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.

First published on August 17, 2022 / 8:00 AM

The pre-Roe abortion ban would have allowed providers to be charged with a felony.

"The Department expects airlines to provide timely and responsive customer service during and after periods of flight disruptions," the secretary said.

The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration said two Mexican cartels are behind the deadly influx of fentanyl in the U.S.

"We just want this to be a safe place for these people to come in, feel of service and of value, learn some vocational skills," his mom said.

Officials in Yellowstone National Park say part of a foot found in a hot spring in the southern part of the park earlier this week is believed to be linked to a July 31 death.

One maker of the fruit-flavored candies halts sales after FDA issues first-of-a-kind warning of potential toxicity.

Chief executive who slashed his own pay to cover the cost of employee raises is stepping down to fight "false accusations."

"They are hoping to make an example of us so that other people don't follow suit," one employee said.

Stocks opened lower on Wall Street, with investors looking ahead to Fed chairman's annual Jackson Hole speech next week.

Home furnishings retailer trims global workforce by about 5% as its sales and profits slump.

The pre-Roe abortion ban would have allowed providers to be charged with a felony.

"The Department expects airlines to provide timely and responsive customer service during and after periods of flight disruptions," the secretary said.

"People are outraged about this, and you can feel it in the air," said Kris Mayes, a Democrat running for attorney general in Arizona.

El Shafee Elsheikh was found guilty of participating in a brutal ISIS hostage-taking scheme that led to the deaths of four Americans.

In an interview with CBS News, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus acknowledged that migrant families expelled by the U.S. are facing "very difficult" conditions in Mexico.

One maker of the fruit-flavored candies halts sales after FDA issues first-of-a-kind warning of potential toxicity.

The research is one of several efforts by the Biden administration to address long-term symptoms that linger for some patients.

Federal officials say they are boosting the supply of monkeypox vaccines amid a surge of new cases. Tanya Rivero has more.

Cases are up over 30% from just a week ago.

Health officials in Nebraska say a child likely died from a brain-eating amoeba. The child may have been infected while swimming in the Elkhorn River near Omaha.

El Shafee Elsheikh was found guilty of participating in a brutal ISIS hostage-taking scheme that led to the deaths of four Americans.

"Our goal certainly is to be able to process all vulnerable populations in a fair and equitable way," U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus told CBS News.

Each warring nation says the other's been shelling it. And now each claims the other is planning a "provocation" there. Meantime, the world frets over its fate.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would follow up with Putin, given that most of the matters discussed would require the Kremlin's agreement.

Tech giant Baidu has human-monitored self-driving test cars rolling around in 10 cities, and it just got clearance to use some without any human oversight.

Firefighters said smoke from one of the few remaining buildings on the property could be seen for "several miles."

Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss partnering with the president of Ukraine to raise awareness and money for medical care. Reynolds also discusses the band's new music, tour and celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their first album.

Actress and producer Sharon Horgan, who's the brain and wit behind a slew of sitcoms like "Catastrophe" and "Divorce," is now the star and creator of a new Apple TV+ show called "Bad Sisters." Jamie Wax caught up with the Irish star to discuss the new show and what inspires her writing.

A preliminary report said the actor died from inhalation injury and burns.

Knowles is the third woman, and just the second Black woman, to have a score commissioned by the ballet.

Apple has released a security update after identifying a flaw that could leave devices vulnerable to hackers. Tech and cybersecurity expert Burton Kelso joins CBS News to discuss the severity of the issue and what users need to know.

Apple said the vulnerability would allow a hacker to impersonate a device's owner and subsequently run any software in their name.

An Indiana city thinks it's found a solution to a number of traffic woes. Kris Van Cleave takes a look at how Carmel, Indiana, is implementing hundreds of roundabouts.

Tech giant Baidu has human-monitored self-driving test cars rolling around in 10 cities, and it just got clearance to use some without any human oversight.

New device expected to have a better camera and longer battery life, while top-of-the-line Pro may have A16 chip.

An Indiana city thinks it's found a solution to a number of traffic woes. Kris Van Cleave takes a look at how Carmel, Indiana, is implementing hundreds of roundabouts.

The organism enters the body through the nose and reaches the brain, typically when swimming or diving in some freshwater sources.

As flash floods leave more than 30 people dead or missing in Qinghai province, heat and drought force car plants to close in Shanghai.

The megadrought in the western U.S. has caused a severe water shortage in the Colorado River. Arizona and Nevada have been issued restrictions on their water usage. The Arizona Republic's Debra Utacia Krol joins CBS News with more on the extreme conditions.

"Everything points to a manmade catastrophe," one environmental expert tells CBS News, as 100 tons of dead fish are removed from the Oder River.

The Justice Department must submit its redaction proposal for the affidavit that justified the FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence by Aug. 25. A judge hinted some of the highly sought-after document could be unsealed. CBS News Homeland Security and justice reporter Nicole Sganga, who was in the courtroom, breaks down what the DOJ's lawyers argued and what the next steps are.

Police initially found what they described as older human remains including full skeletons that they determined were legally obtained, but authorities say others were stolen from a mortuary in Arkansas and sold.

Three people were detained but no one was wounded, police say. The area where the shots were heard is near the National Mall and Washington Monument.

Investigators used genealogy websites to help them solve the cases. Prosecutors called Horace Van Vaultz Jr. a sexually motivated serial killer.

Fotios "Freddy" Geas, 55, Paul "Pauly," J. DeCologero, 48 and Sean McKinnon, 36, were charged with conspiracy to commit first degree murder.

Astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann will serve as mission commander and make history as the first Native American woman in space this fall.

The storm could hit as soon as Thursday, NOAA said.

The maiden flight of the SLS moon rocket is intended to clear the way for the Artemis program's first piloted flight in 2024.

The Ryugu samples could give clues to the mystery of how oceans appeared on Earth billions of years ago, scientists said.

Even Utah's governor, out for a run, heard the boom, which was caused by what the National Weather Service said was a meteor.

A look inside the truck trailer where 26 abducted school children and their bus driver were buried alive -- and later escaped.

While many Afghans have little to celebrate, the country's Taliban rulers were happy to show off their control of Kabul's streets.

An anonymous letter writer terrorizes a small town, threatening to expose their rumored dark secrets.

Inside the case against Steven Pankey, a former political candidate who was tried for the kidnapping and murder of a Colorado 12-year-old.

These colleges come with a hefty price tag

In a new article, The Washington Post breaks down how the U.S. knew Russia would invade Ukraine, and began to prepare the country to go to war. Washington Post national security reporter Karen DeYoung joins CBS News to discuss.

The affordability crisis in housing has only gotten worse thanks to rising mortgage rates. As a part of our series "MoneyWatch: The Uncertain Economy," CBS News correspondents Errol Barnett and Tanya Rivero break down the relationship between mortgage rates and inflation.

Apple has released a security update after identifying a flaw that could leave devices vulnerable to hackers. Tech and cybersecurity expert Burton Kelso joins CBS News to discuss the severity of the issue and what users need to know.

The United Nations and several allies are working diplomatic channels in an effort to prevent disaster at Ukraine's largest nuclear power plant. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres is visiting the country. He spoke with BBC News correspondent Hugo Bachega about the conflict and the ongoing efforts to keep grain shipments moving.

The Justice Department must submit its redaction proposal for the affidavit that justified the FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence by Aug. 25. A judge hinted some of the highly sought-after document could be unsealed. CBS News Homeland Security and justice reporter Nicole Sganga, who was in the courtroom, breaks down what the DOJ's lawyers argued and what the next steps are.

Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.