2025 Holiday Gift List: Things I’m Obsessed With (and Actually Use)

I test a ridiculous number of brands and products all year, and most don’t make it past a single shelf shuffle. However, some stand out, and I’ve curated my 2025 Holiday Gift List with the keepers. These gifts have very different price points. The list includes some brands I’ve used for ages, and some are gifts I reach for when…

I test a ridiculous number of brands and products all year, and most don’t make it past a single shelf shuffle. However, some stand out, and I’ve curated my 2025 Holiday Gift List with the keepers.

These gifts have very different price points. The list includes some brands I’ve used for ages, and some are gifts I reach for when I want something that feels thoughtful and will actually get used to. Save this 2025 Holiday Gift list for things your people will actually love and use.

I’ve included some coupon codes for discounts on certain brands.

García de la Cruz Olive Oils

García de la Cruz is a heritage Spanish producer of olive oils that has a big focus on quality, sustainability and beautiful packaging. You’ll be proud to leave it on the counter. Their oils taste bright and clean, and the gifting options are gorgeous without trying too hard.

  • Hand-Blown Glass Cruet – Early Harvest This showpiece oil and vinegar bottle is packed with peppery early-harvest olive oil and a bright, tangy balsamic vinegar. And it will look gorgeous on your counter. Drizzle it on everything — it instantly dresses up simple salads and soups. Life’s too short not to use the posh olive oil, right?

Garcia de la Cruz Hand-Blown Glass Cruet – Early Harvest - Not only does it look gorgeous on your counter, but the showpiece bottle is packed with peppery early-harvest oil and a bright, tangy vinegar. Drizzle on everything. It instantly dresses up simple salads and soups. Life’s too short not to use the posh olive oil, right?

  • Pedro Ximénez Vinegar (now sold at Whole Foods) – Rich, sun-kissed sweetness with an elegant tang. I splash it on roasted veg or my salads and call it a day.

  • Organic Flavored Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set – Not only does this come beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, but I literally reach for these oils every single day. The lemon-flavored oil is perfect for drizzling on salads or pasta. The garlic is what I use to saute my veggies to get things going. I use the chili oil on top of homemade pizzas, and the basil flavor is simply a great all-around oil.  Great hostess gifts, and I’ll be splitting for stocking stuffers for my boys.

Garcia de la Cruz extra virgin olive oils - great for hostess gifts

  • Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Robust & Balanced Organic EVOO 500 ml – Premium – This is my everyday-but-fancy bottle of olive oil. Each of Garcia De La Cruz’s oils is extra-virgin olive oil, cold-pressed from single-origin olives, and grown on a 5th-generation family farm in La Mancha, Spain. Their olive groves are recognized by Spain as a national bird sanctuary, and they reuse the olive pits as fuel to heat their headquarters.

Add Garcia De La Cruz olive oil to your 2025 holiday gift list and use code SAMANTHA10 for 10% off your purchase.

Quince Cashmere

Quince gives you a luxury feel without the luxury prices, so you can actually build a timeless wardrobe that makes sense. I’m obsessed with their Mongolian cashmere, clean lines, beautiful quality and prices that don’t make you wince. Quality pieces lift your outfit AND your mood. Put on something that feels beautiful because you’re worth it. Quince cashmere is great for your 2025 holiday gift list. Gifts for mom, gifts for her, gifts for him

  • Women’s Mongolian Cashmere Boat Neck Sweater
    I really love this sweater. It’s lightweight, soft and elegant. The minute I slip it on, I instantly feel put-together, and the neckline is subtly sexy, just showing a bit of collarbone without overdoing it. The length hits perfectly, and I wear it with jeans during the day or dress it up at night with a silk skirt and heels.You’ll want it in every color  – it’s modern, simple, and looks quietly expensive. Not to mention the mental lift you get when you slip into Quince’s yummy cashmere – think self-care for the mind as well as the body.
  • Men’s Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
    A classic with an easy, modern fit. Lightweight but warm, it slides over a tee or button-down and under a jacket without awkwardly bunching. The colors are sophisticated, not too shouty and great for work, weekends and everything in between.

Care tips: Fold (don’t hang), and give Quince cashmere a once-over with a sweater comb now and then, and rotate wears.

men's quince cashmere sweater - great gifts for men

VOESH

Voesh makes spa-quality self-care in mess-free packs that are perfect for stocking stuffers, Secret Santa, or to put in your carry-on when you travel. Everything is easy, actually works and is giftable.

  • Peeling Socks Duo  – gives you baby-soft heels without booking a pedicure. Slip them on, scroll a bit, and a few days later, the rough stuff from your feet literally flakes off. Do this a week before a holiday party, or at the beginning of sandal season, to get your feet ready for public viewing.

Voesh delivers spa-quality self-care in mess-free packs that are perfect for stocking stuffers, Secret Santa, or your carry-on for travels. Everything is easy, actually works, and is giftable. Peeling Socks Duo

  • Collagen Gloves & Socks with Argan Oil  – These beauties are basically like sending your hands and feet to rehab. Simply tear open the packet, slide on the gloves and socks, and sit back and relax. They hydrate like a deep treatment, and when you remove, you feel the baby softness. I keep a set in my nightstand and another in my travel bag for a little hotel-room TLC.

  • Heel Repair Duo – LavenderI love this Heel Repair Duo because it actually works fast. The balm (lavender, vegan squalane, plant oils) goes on clean, sinks in quickly, and the gel-lined socks lock in moisture so heels feel softer in about 30 minutes. It’s compact, mess-free and easy to use while you’re watching TV or answering emails. It also smells calming without being overpowering. The perfect 2025 holiday gift list stocking stuffer: practical, pampering and the kind of gift people will actually use in January.

VOESH is grab-and-go self-care that actually works. The single-use packs keep it clean and easy. The formulas feel salon-grade, and the packaging is adorable and ready for gifting.

Lysse New York: Brown is the new Black

I LOVE the way Lysse New York clothing fits, and these two pieces from their Fall 25 collection are timeless. wardrobe upgrades. The Teresa Guipure Lace Trim Shell drapes beautifully in soft-touch satin with delicate lace detailing that feels quietly elegant. It’s fancy without being too fancy.

Lysse New York Teresa Guipure Lace Trim Shell

Pair it with the Vionette Vegan Suede Wide Leg Trouser that are soft, structured, and endlessly flattering. Made from 4-way stretch vegan suede, they prove brown is the new black and go with everything from a tee to a moto jacket.

brown is the new black - Lysse New Yorlkvegan brown suede wide leg pants

Privé Hair Care

Meet Privé: women-led, salon-grade hair care that keeps your routine simple, clean and actually effective. Shay Hoelscher, a beauty-industry veteran (and also a race-car driver if you can believe that!!!), built Privé around high-performance, clean formulas, and it’s made in the USA, with luxurious ingredients that radiate confidence. Think salon results without the time or price tag.

Prive HOliday gifting bundles haircare

  • For the friend who loves a glow, this trio provides hydration from head to toe. This limited-edition set is a shortcut to healthy, silky hair and glowing skin all winter long. The holiday bundle includes:

Privé is a perfect combo of clean products that actually work, has a company you feel good supporting AND looks pretty in your bathroom. Privé is female-owned, purpose-driven, cruelty-free, and has responsible packaging. A portion of all sales supports female organizations, making it an easy addition to my 2025 Holiday Gift List as a brand that I  feel good about gifting.

Old Whaling Co. should be on your 2025 Holiday Gift List

This is my grab-and-go brand for candles, hostess gifts, and stocking stuffers that feel and look special and are VERY reasonably priced. I love their clean scents, beautiful packaging and of course, their limited edition festive scents. Their holiday collection is packaged so beautifully that you don’t even need wrapping paper, and if you ever find yourself spending 48 Hours in Charleston, be sure to visit their adorable flagship store.

Old WHaling Company holiday candles and gifting for 2025 holiday gift list

  • Coastal Christmas® Candle – Coastal Christmas® is a limited-edition holiday fragrance that brings the magic of the season to life with the crisp scent of winter air, frosted juniper, fir needle and evergreen, warmed by cozy base notes of white birch, cedar and amber. This is your classic fresh pine holiday scent.. but at the beach, and needs to be on your 2025 holiday gift list.

  • Coastal Christmas® Bar Soap – I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a special shout-out to their beautiful bar soaps. They’re cleansing, moisturizing, and I’ll be adding this festive scent to my guest bathroom for a little holiday luxury. It’s gentle, pretty and very giftable.

old whaling company festive candles for 2025 holiday gift list ideas

Old Whaling Co. Candles

  • Sugar Plum Ferry Candle – This limited-edition festive scent blends sweet, juicy plum with a touch of citrus sparkle, wrapped in soft notes of sandalwood and winter orchid. She’s inspired by a dreamy ferry boat drifting through snowflakes and sugarplum dreams. This scent is VERY cozy and perfect to burn during wrapping marathons.

  • Yuletide Glow® Candle – Yuletide Glow smells like real holiday coziness – think warm mulled cider by the fire with a little spice and a soft, amber-vanilla finish. It’s festive without smelling too sweet. The packaging is gorgeous, so it’s an easy gift for teachers, friends and anyone else on your list.

  • Fansea™ Matchbox Collection  – This collection features two beautifully designed keepsake matchboxes in ocean blue and soft cream. The pretty add-on of these matches makes any candle gift feel complete.

old whaling company Winter Wonderland Bath Bomb Gift Set

Old Whaling Co. Bath Bombs

  • Winter Wonderland Bath Bomb Gift Set – Turn your bathtime into a holiday escape with the Winter Wonderland Bath Bomb Gift Set that includes three limited-edition bath bombs in festive scents: Coastal Christmas, Sugar Plum Ferry, and Yuletide Glow. Each one is infused with skin-softening ingredients and cozy, holiday-inspired fragrances that make every soak in the tub feel like a winter spa retreat. They are beautifully packaged in a white gift box with gold foil and ready to gift to anyone on your 2025 holiday gift list who loves a little luxury and relaxation.

Adding Old Whaling Co. to my 2025 holiday gift list was a no-brainer. These festive, clean scents will make your home smell like the holidays, feel cozy, and they are the ULTIMATE hostess gift and stocking stuffer.

Our Place Dinnerware

If you love their cookware, you’ll ADORE their dinnerware. These beautiful, weighty ceramics elevate any table and hold up to real life. I’m partial to the soft, neutral Steam color, which works for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.

  • Dinner Bowls (8.5″) 
    These generous bowls are made for twirly pastas, loaded salads, cozy grain bowls and much more. The low rim keeps dressings and brothy sauces inside, and I reach for these daily.

Our Place Dinner Bowls (Set of 4) Set of four 8.5” handcrafted ceramic bowls

  • Soup Bowls (6″) 
    These elegant bowls are ideal for soups and stews, morning yogurt, cereal, and dessert. The lip is a perfect size to keep everything in the bowl. They’re easy to hold, and nest perfectly in my cupboard. They’re made with ceramic chip-resistant stoneware, and they come in four colors (spice, terracotta, char and steam) so easily mix and match with your existing dinnerware.

Our Place Kitchen essential review of pots and dinnerware - holiday gift giving

I love the clean, minimal designs of Our Place products. Their pieces are practical, thoughtfully designed, durable, and blend with everything else you own. Everything Our Place makes feels special, and their dinnerware is elegant and fancy enough to make any holiday table stand out. You can’t go wrong with adding Our Place gifting to your 2025 holiday gift list for your people who find joy in the kitchen preparing food for their tribe. Read more here.

Viski Barware

High-end glassware is my version of self-care. There’s something about the weight of a rocks glass or the balance of a delicate wine glass stem that resets my mood in two sips. Viski glassware is made from European lead-free crystal, so it looks luxurious, feels heavy in the hand and instantly snazzes up any table.

Viski Barware High-end glassware is my version of self-care. There’s something about the weight of a rocks glass or the balance of a delicate wine glass stem that resets my mood in two sips. Viski’s glasses are made from European lead-free crystal, so they look luxurious, feel heavy in the hand, and instantly snazz up any table. Reserve Inez Crystal White Wine Glasses - I love these glasses for their delicate stems, tulip bowl, and the crisp, thin rim you notice on the first sip. They feel refined without feeling fragile. These glasses are great for bright white wines and will elevate any dinner or happy hour.

  • Reserve Inez Crystal White Wine Glasses – I love these glasses for their delicate stems, tulip bowl and the crisp, thin rim you’ll notice with the first sip. They feel refined without feeling fragile. These glasses are perfect for bright white wines and will elevate any dinner or happy hour.

  • Reserve Milo Crystal Classic Rocks GlassesThese are my ultimate favorite glasses I’ve ever owned. They are clean and timeless with a solid base, and just the right amount of heft. Sure, they’re great for an old-fashioned, but they’re equally functional for my ‘fancy water’ glass. Milo crystal glassware is always stylish, forever useful and durable enough for everyday rotation.

Use Code: MyTravellingCircus10 for 10% off your purchase for your 2025 holiday gift list. I’m loyal to Viski for their elegant, timeless shapes, beautifully clear crystal and perfectly weighted pieces that make whatever you’re pouring feel a little more special.

viski barware

The Stem Company is on my 2025 Holiday Gift List

When it comes to skincare on my 2025 holiday gift list, I gravitate toward brands that blend science and nature, and The Stem Company does exactly that. Founded by Dr. Nathan Newman, a pioneer in regenerative medicine, his line uses the bio-intelligence of plant stem cells to support the skin’s natural repair process. Every formula feels like it’s working with your skin, not against it, and is backed by over two decades of medical expertise. If you prefer skin care that’s smart, plant-based and rooted in real science, this line will speak your love language.

  • Regenerative Serum – This bio-intelligent, plant-stem-cell serum visibly firms, smooths and brightens the face, eyes and décolleté. I love that it’s plant-based, free from harsh synthetics and truly rooted in science. My skin feels more alive, hydrated and balanced every time I use it. This serum doesn’t just mask dullness. It restores radiance from the inside out.

The STEM company ReGenerative Serum: Revitalize Your Skin review

MUTHA Products

  •  The Body Edit  –  I added this gift set by MUTHA to my 2025 Holiday Gift List because it’s pure luxury for anyone who deserves a little pampering. This gorgeous set takes your self-care routine from basic to EXTRA— the Body Butter, Oil, Exfoliating Bar, and Brush work together like a mini spa in a box. It’s beautifully packaged, skin-transforming, and the gift feels indulgent without being over the top. It’s perfect for someone who needs a reason to slow down and glow. And I use the body oil in my hair. One tiny dab literally reduces any frizz, and my hair sits perfectly framing my face. Try it!

The body edit by MUTHA

https://goto.quince.com/zxoeEr 2025 holiday gift list, gifts for her, gifts for him,
Add Quince Cashmere to your 2025 holiday gift list

What’s on your 2025 Holiday Gift List?

Let me know in the comments below, and join me on Instagram and X!

*** This article contains affiliate links which help support the blog at no extra cost to you. ***

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About the Author

Hi! I’m Samantha

I’m a travel and health writer, marketing consultant, breast cancer survivor, and proud mum to two young men, who are, without question, my greatest achievement.

I share family travel, destination guides, honest reviews, and the realities of life after breast cancer. It’s sometimes lovely, sometimes messy, but always authentic, and told with my dry (and sometimes naughty) British sense of humor.

I’m so glad you’re here.

Follow Me on Instagram
@SamanthaKuhr
  • Welcome - my blog got a facelift…bless her…she was looking a little tired💕

There are lots of new faces around here, so I thought I’d introduce myself and tell you why My Travelling Circus exists. 

I’ve always dreamed of being a travel writer. Long before Instagram, TikTok, influencers, affiliate links, or even the idea that you could make a living online. 
Back then, it was just a place to share stories and photos from our travels. 🌎

Then life took a wobble. At a routine doctor’s appointment, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It was a dark time. My boys were young, and I genuinely didn’t know what the future would hold. During treatment and recovery, I spent a lot of time in bed. So I started writing. I documented everything. The cancer journey. Family life. The places we’d traveled. The memories we’d made. 💕🌸

To be honest, I think part of me was creating a little corner of the internet where our stories, our photos, and the adventures we’d shared together would live….Just in case I didn’t. Twelve years later, I’m still here. (woot woot!) 🙏

The boys are now young men. Social media exploded. The internet changed. And somehow, this little blog grew alongside it. What started as a personal project became a business, a community, and one of the greatest surprises of my life. Today, My Travelling Circus is where I share family travel, destination guides, travel tips, honest reviews, wellness, family stuff, and life after breast cancer.
And if you’ve found your way here, I’m so happy to have you. 

If you’d like to follow along, I’d be incredibly grateful if you’d subscribe to my newsletter. I promise not to fill your inbox with junk...just stories, travel inspiration, and the occasional adventure.🌸💕 (link in bio)

Thank you for being here.
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#travelblog #traveltips #traveltheworld
  • Sometimes you need a reminder that there is still so much good in the world 💕🙏
Today, three rescued sea lion pups were released back into the ocean after being cared for by an incredible team of people @marinemammalcare 🦭
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Watching them head home is proof that when people come together to help, amazing things can happen.🙏
Welcome back to the wild, little ones.
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#animalrescue #wildliferescue #goodnewsmovement #animalrehab
  • What a whirlwind few days in NYC with the Fastbreak.AI team celebrating being named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026✨
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Broadway shows, piano bars, late-night drinks rotating the city, and somehow squeezing in actual work. New York really is the city that never sleeps. Let’s do it again! 
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If you’re planning your own trip to NYC, I have everything you need here:
https://www.mytravellingcircus.com/2025/10/13/48-hours-in-new-york-city-first-timers-guide/
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#nycguide #thingstodoinnyc #newyorkcity #visitnyc
  • Why have I never been to Chelsea Market in NYC? 
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#chelseamarketnyc #seedandmill #newyorkeats #travelblog #chelseamarketny
  • I love finding restaurants that are fun for a group dinner and @descansorestaurant is the perfect spot. We did the Plancha dining experience, where the chefs cook everything right on the sizzling grill at your table, and it feels like dinner and entertainment rolled into one.🔥
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Our carne asada and Pork Loin Alambre were cooked to our preference right in front of us, and the food was fresh, flavorful, and somehow didn’t feel heavy at all.
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And the cocktails… very cool cocktail menu. We tried the Coco Verano (with Don Fulano Blanco, Cointreau, Fresh Coconut, Pressed Coconut Water, Agave, Lime) and the house fav. Cucumber + Sal (El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, Cucumber, Cilantro, Lime and Black Sea Salt). The margaritas were very much flowing at our table.🍋‍🟩
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The whole experience is social, interactive, and feels like sitting around a taco stand with friends while everything’s cooking fresh in front of you… which actually is where the founders took their inspiration 🇲🇽
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Descanso has locations in LA and Costa Mesa and is perfect for birthdays, date nights, girls’ dinners, or taking out-of-town guests who want a fun LA dinner experience. Save room for dessert… or settle into their very impressive tequila bar for an after-dinner drink.🍸

#DescansoRestaurant #PlanchaDining #LosAngelesRestaurants #MexicanFoodLA #LAFoodie
  • Lucky me - I got to spend Mother’s Day under the sea watching The Little Mermaid at the Nocturne Theater in Glendale with my very own Sebastian❤️
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The theater is staged in-the-round, so the entire undersea world happens all around you, with the characters sometimes only a couple of feet from the audience. The costumes are gorgeous and beautifully designed to bring the underwater world to life. There was even a performer doing aerial acrobatics on an aerial rope above the stage. And of course, you already know the songs…the pure voice of @jennamaewhite as Ariel is Disney magic 🐠🦀
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One of my favorite parts was watching the little girls arrive in their Ariel dresses, beside themselves with excitement, and at the end, the cast came out to meet them and take photos…so lovely 💕
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Such a sweet way to spend the afternoon with my boy. If you grew up loving The Little Mermaid, definitely try to see this one before it leaves Glendale.
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The Little Mermaid @thenocturnetheatre 
Dates: May 8th – June 14th
Location: 324 North Orange Street, Glendale, CA 91203
Show Length: 2.5 hours (with intermission)
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#thelittlemermaid #thingstodoinlosangeles #theaterinla
  • Four countries, no backtracking - our Balkans road trip was fabulous. Here’s the loop we drove:🇭🇷🇧🇦🇲🇪🇦🇱🇭🇷
- Flew into Dubrovnik (Croatia) 
- Dubrovnik to Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
- Down through Kotor and Budva (Montenegro)
- Over to Shkodër (Albania)
- Back to Dubrovnik (drop boys at the airport)
-  Dubrovnik to Korčula Island (Croatia)
- Korčula to Split (Croatia)
- Split to Dubrovnik (Croatia)

We explored coastlines, islands, mountain roads, old towns… so much culture packed into two weeks. I mapped the full route and shared exactly how we did it (what I’d do again vs skip) over on the blog - link in bio if you’re thinking about it.🌍
📍Save this one.

https://www.mytravellingcircus.com/2026/04/25/easy-balkans-road-trip-a-one-week-loop-from-dubrovnik/
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#balkansroadtrip #balkans #croatiawithlove #travelblogger
  • Our Place on Abbot Kinney in Venice just feels happy. Yes, I work with Our Place…but I also cook with their pots every single day and don’t get me started on their WonderOven 💕
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Also special shoutout to my @marcellanyc Signe Dress - the pink is even more vibrant in person 
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If you’re in LA be sure to visit their flagship store 
📍 Our Place, Abbot Kinney
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See my full OurPlace product guide here: 
https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/921589
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#summerdress #ourplace #giftguides #kitchenware #marcellanyc
  • I just got my box from @seoulbeautyclub and tried a few of the full-sized products… and this combo was so good.
I started with the Nuborn Cell Donkey Milk Collagen Cream (10%) and put it on before the mask for instant dewy, glow. 💕
Then I used the Nuborn Cell Dalgyal Mask, a Korean skincare peel-off mask with collagen and bakuchiol. The texture is super smooth going on (the built-in spatula makes it easy), and it dries clear. Then it peels off clean in one piece.🌸
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My skin feels hydrated and smooth. I Also tried the honey retinol “shot”- which is really more of a serum and it layers really well.
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All full-sized, which I love.
#seoulbeautyclub #koreanskincare #midlifeskincare #koreanskincareroutine

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