Those who've spent their lives sleeping on mediocre sheets only to discover the rapture of good bedding, particularly great sheets and pillowcases, know what a revelatory adjustment it can be — life-changing, even, for troubled sleepers.
If somebody you love is sleeping on meh sheets and you think they deserve better, premium bedding is the wildly underrated gift anyone can appreciate. Here's why.
Most people don't know what they're missing
As a bonus, high-end sheets often arrive in giftable packaging.
With all the other expenses life throws at you, good sheets fall off the list of priorities fast, but you spend more time wrapped up in sheets than in any pair of jeans, sweater or socks; that's why giving somebody a lush set of cozy cotton percale or breathable linen sheets is a genuine gesture of love and care.
They'll think of you and appreciate the thoughtful gift whenever they curl up in their first set of soft sheets. And, yes, good sheets last longer and get softer with every wash.
(And if you don't know what they're missing with sumptuous bedding, get yourself a set of premium bed sheets while you're at it, and thank me in the morning.)
Sheets are a safer bet than comforters
Sheets are a slightly safer bet than a comforter, but both make cozy gifts for someone who might not treat themselves to luxury bedding.
Sheets and comforters make lovely gifts, but sheets are superior since they'll put less pressure on the person you're gifting. If you go the comforter route, the recipient may feel pressure to use it on their bed even if they don't love the feel or color. A good pair of sheets can move into the bedding rotation, and if they don't dig the color, they'll be buried under the comforter.
If you're going for a comforter, Ettitude's down and down-alternative comforters could not be softer. They also have a nice weight, which a restless sleeper may find soothing.
Cotton percale, bamboo and linen are popular picks
You sort of won't believe how soft Mongolian cashmere sheets are.
Cotton percale and linen sheets are popular because they're breathable and preferred by those who run hot under the covers. Satin or sateen sheets have a slicker feel and tend to breathe less than their cotton counterparts.
If the person you're buying for is a newbie to luxury bedding, they might not even know what they like. In that case, it's OK to get something you want; odds are they will appreciate it. If you're unsure about color, white or cream is always safe, but most sheets come in various colors.
Don't forget to scout out your giftee's bed size. A pair of queen sheets won't do much good if they sleep on a king-sized bed.
Best sheets to give in 2024
Great sheets don't have to cost a fortune, but for a bedding gift, expect to pay at least $100 for a set made with premium fabric and quality stitching.
Percale cotton is my default for good bedding. It's soft but has a good structure and breathes well without feeling too light or barely there. CNET's sleep team has tested dozens of sheet sets and landed on L.L. Bean's $130 pima cotton percale sheets as the best in 2024, and I have a few picks.
Boll & Branch has patterns a-plenty to choose from.
For a budget-friendly pick, Quince's organic cotton percale sheets are an excellent choice at under $100 for a queen set. For a sheet with a softer, richer texture -- and a more significant price tag -- Double Stitch's Pima cotton and Mongolian cashmere sheets are like sleeping on a bed of whipped cream. While percale cotton is my preferred sheet fabric, 100% cotton with a classic stitch is a touch softer but slightly less structured. Boll & Branch's 100% cotton signature hemmed sheets come in a variety of colors and patterns, and twin sets start at $229.