Good evening. Today, gifts to get through the dog days of summer. Plus …  | | Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter; illustration by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter |
The best gifts for a sweaty person, according to a sweaty person |
As a woman of a certain age, I’ve recently been experiencing my very own personal and unpredictable climate change. These days, I break into a sweat watering my garden or cooking dinner. Once I start, I can’t stop unless I stand in front of the open freezer (I live in San Francisco, where no one has AC). Add this to a summer of heat domes and my frequent trips to muggier climates, and I’m pretty much cooked. I do have a few tricks for tackling my bonkers internal thermometer. If you or someone you know is also a total heat wimp or a woman around the ages of 40 to 60 — these gifts could help them stay a little less sweaty as we make our way through the dog days of summer. - There are three kinds of fans I consider essential: the standing fan, the neck fan, and the basic hand-held guy (seen here with it-boy Hudson Williams). Because I am particular about form always accompanying function, my fave standing fan is this vintage-looking one, which oscillates, provides a strong gust, and has Sam Spade vibes. When it comes to neck fans, you’re going to have to throw style out the window. But at least this basic three-speed version comes in some nice colors and could maybe pass for headphones. For a more basic option, there’s always the hand-held fan. This powerful and long-lasting one doubles as a flashlight.
- This flowy cotton blouse is a summer staple. It looks great with pants or skirts, and the swingy, light-as-air fabric barely grazes the skin. Yes, it’s expensive, but if you wear it at least once a week as I do, it’s worth it.
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- I’ve also raved about this cotton caftan from India before, because it really is my go-to garment for sticky, sweaty weather. It’s the perfect house dress, and it comes in a bunch of patterns and colors, so you’re bound to find something you like.
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- If you or your recipient is stuck in the heat without AC, I’m sorry. I’ve found cool showers throughout the day or before bed are the next best thing. I love this old-school peppermint soap for prolonging the tingly, fresh-from-the-shower feeling. To get through the rest of the day, I discovered this prickly heat powder in Thailand (the most sweltering place I’ve ever been). It absorbs moisture, provides a cooling sensation on the skin, and comes in a snazzy metal box.
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- I believe that all men look great in an elegantly rumpled linen button-down. This one, made from soft Irish linen, comes in more than a dozen colors — and looks just as good with a tie and slacks as it does with shorts and flip-flops.
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- I was late — very late — to the world of setting spray, and I don’t know how I survived all those years with my makeup melting down my sweaty face. Now, even if I’m only wearing tinted sunscreen and mascara, I give my face a few sprays of this stuff, which dries matte and leaves no heaviness or stickiness at all. It comes recommended by no less than the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and it leaves me feeling almost camera-ready — even when it’s unbearable out.
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- Finally, I love these breezy, white cotton nightgowns, which I find better than sleeping in nothing at all ’cause you can forgo covers and still be covered. If nightgowns don’t suit you or your recipient, these silk shortie PJs are breathable, airy, and machine washable.
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Stay cool out there. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more | More gifts for getting through the summer heat | | | | |
| What to give: My bestie of nearly 50 years? |  |
I’ve known my best friend since we were eight years old. I’d like to get her something special for her 55th birthday. She’s a walker, cat person, nature lover, and has a sweet tooth — with chocolate being her preference. — E.J. From gifting expert Hannah Morrill: What a treasure — 47 years of friendship. So happy for you both! My colleagues on the kitchen team swear by this exquisite box of chocolates, which is a delight to behold and even more spectacular to consume. But if she’s more of a traditionalist (like me), you can’t go wrong with a classic assortment from See’s. If she loves walking, my guess is she also might like listening at the same time — would an audiobook subscription be welcome? Or maybe a cool new pair of hiking sandals? (I love the monochrome ones.) She and her cat might both enjoy a smart bird feeder, and the best part is that she can invite you to digitally bird-watch alongside her. Whatever you decide, a (paper) piece of birthday cake and a candle for good wishes for your next fifty years together is a must. Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here. | |  | Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for The Gift. Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter. Get it in your inbox. |
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One last gift (for you): This exceptionally comfy (and on-sale!) underwear has legions of fans in Wirecutter’s newsroom, thanks to its super soft texture, breathable feel, and simple yet stylish aesthetic.
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