When you were a kid, socks were probably final What you want for Christmas – about one step up from a real piece of coal. You want Barbie! Tons of chocolate! My little ponies! Or, for when you were a teenager too cool for school, an inflatable chair and some St. Ives apricot scrubs. (If only you knew then what you know now about the skin barrier.)
But not anymore. Good socks are one of the most satisfying little luxuries of adulthood. Maybe it’s because I keep the thermostat low and I live in a cooler climate, but there’s nothing I appreciate more than a good pair of shoes that offer the perfect combination of comfort, warmth, thickness, and durability. That’s why socks are actually amazing Gift for adults. Just about everyone needs them, but it’s one of those things that’s hard to justify spending the big bucks on, which makes it the perfect thoughtful gift—like a cozy hug every time they put on their shoes. Don’t say “I love you” with flowers. Say it in socks.
1. Bombas merino wool blend socks
To be clear, in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any Bombas socks. I have a pair of their basic calf-high crew socks and I’m a little disappointed every time I have to take them off at the end of the day and they have to make a trip to the laundry before I see them again. And these Fair Isle vacation socks? Yes please. But when we talk about gifts, we have to talk directly about their merino wool products. I’m not sure any gift I’ve given my mom in the past 10 years has been as successful as the three-pack of Bombas merino wool socks I gave her that year. They are very warm and soft without being bulky or making your feet sweaty.
2. Pacas crew socks
If you want something softer and even fuzzy than merino wool, you have to go with alpaca. Pacas makes a great range of crew socks in a variety of designs, many of which are super flattering and trendy, and are super soft. Camels are very distinctive! Plus, they do have some great products for kids – my daughter loves her Pacas unicorn socks.
3.Solmate socks
These socks followed me around the internet for a few weeks and I finally broke down and bought a pair and they make me so happy. They are colourful, deliberately mismatched and made from recycled materials recovered from textile waste. Pair it with a pair of slip-on clogs, and suddenly you’re one step closer to becoming a Christmas rom-com character running a bookstore in Vermont. They even have festive graphics! Plus, they also make for “comfort mugs,” and if that doesn’t make a perfect Christmas gift for the Starbucks fan in your life, I’ll eat my hat off.
4. Wear a pair of tough socks
Let me start by saying that Darn Tough socks live up to their reputation: well made and durable. But that’s not why I included them on this list. I included them on this list because of the array of amazing designs, especially their incredible “Critter Club” collection, which features probably my favorite socks on the entire list: This pair of socks features: A raccoon happily eats a piece of toast with jam. If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what to tell you.
5. Muji striped socks
These socks have just the right amount of cushioning on the bottom. Also, I love the stripes, it’s a fun little retro detail that makes it feel like it’s 1977 to me. Sneakers. If the stripes don’t look right for the person you’re buying them for, I’m pretty sure this Fair Isle pattern is the same sock.
6. Smart Wool
Smartwool socks are built to last. I have a few pairs in my drawer that probably date back to college. Aren’t these patterns awesome?
7. LL Bean Ragg Socks
These variegated socks are a classic—a must-have for the boot-wearing side of your life.
8. Expired cabin socks
You see, most of the socks on this list are actually worn with shoes. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t pack at least one pair of non-slip cabin socks. These are so bright and cute; they remind me of classic children’s books. Why should kids have all the fun?
9.Baggu ribbed socks
If you’re shopping for someone who loves bright and colorful pieces, try these Baggu socks. They’re happy, but not overly so. Or: This celestial pattern is great for the astrology girl and/or science nerd in your life.
10. Nishiguchi Kutsushita Wool Socks
Now, you need to be climate-appropriate for these socks, which are made of thick wool. But they are perfectly shaped, well made, and very beautiful. Perfect for a friend or loved one stuck in the big linen dress era! The jacquard pattern also just celebrates the holiday without actually featuring a Christmas tree.
11.Sockwell compression socks
Have a loved one who is on your feet all day? Maybe they are a nurse or a teacher, or they work in the service industry. Well, my mom is a nurse and she loves her compression socks. Sockwell makes sport and lifestyle versions, available in medium and firm varieties. They also come in a variety of styles and patterns.
12. Bombas minion socks
Okay, I know I said this was a review for adults. But come on, they make a great Christmas gift for kids, even if they don’t immediately wow them (sorry). If you have a kid who loves Minions, they probably will, as many of them do. If nothing else, you’ll be happy to see them on their feet.
