What You've Been Waiting For...

Our 2023 holiday gift guide is here! [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 11, 2023 It's heeere! [Our 2023 holiday gift guide]( was months in the making — and it's stuffed with treasures that are guaranteed to wow your loved ones. Speaking of the best of the best, we've also got a look at [the greatest music of the year](. Then we'll explore [a serious headache for teachers](, unpack criticism about [why shopping has changed for the worse](, and debunk [common misconceptions about intersex people](. Thanks for waking up with us.   Sleigh the Season [Katie Couric surrounded by holiday gifts]( KCM/Getty Images Shoppers, start your engines! The holidays are right around the corner, and the time is now to begin your search for the perfect presents. Naturally, Katie Claus is here to help: I'm thrilled to share our carefully curated roundup of [the greatest gifts of 2023!]( Our editors researched and tested the hottest products of the year to ensure our selections meet your high standards — and I've added plenty of [my personal favorites](, too. [SEE THE FULL GIFT GUIDE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fshopping%2Fkaties-holiday-gift-guide%2F P.S.: Craving another taste of holiday wonder? [Subscribe to The Shop Edit]( to receive a special edition with even more ideas about what to give this season — coming tomorrow morning!   More Stories [Classroom desk falling backwards]( Getty Images The kids aren't alright: TikTok has been overflowing with reports from educators who are facing a harsh new reality in the classroom — one in which students are more behind than ever, and parents are often in the dark until it's too late. We took a closer look at [why teachers' jobs have gotten so much harder lately](. "Living in the shadows": On the heels of the Intersex Day of Remembrance, we spoke to Inverse Cowgirl author Alicia Roth Weigel about [what it means to be intersex](, why she decided to come out in front of the Texas legislature, and the surgeries many intersex children are subjected to without their consent. Misty, water-colored memories: Barbra Streisand's memoir is one of the biggest books of the year (literally; it's almost 1,000 pages long). But it's worth the ink, and journalist Michele Willens explains [why this tell-all is such an essential read](. (And ICYMI, we've also got the scoop on [Babs's relationship with a Hollywood legend](.) The verdict is in: A juicy courtroom drama came to an end this week when Robert De Niro's production company was ordered to pay $1.2 million to his former assistant, who sued over the Oscar winner's "disgusting" behavior during her employment. We've got a recap of [the biggest revelations from this surprising trial](.   Saturday Spotlight [Woman holding a stack of folded sweaters]( Can't Touch This Does clothing feel different lately — and not in a good way? You're far from alone. Here's what's bothering the internet's savviest shoppers. [Read More »]( [SZA and Taylor Swift]( Cream of the Crop The latest batch of Grammy nominations are here! See who's in the running to take home the year's biggest music awards. [Read More »]( [Illustration of a house surrounded by autumn leaves]( Before Autumn's Gone... Keep your home safe from the cold weather ahead with a realtor's list of 10 things to take care of around the house by the end of fall. [Read More »](   In Conversation Another week, another unmissable chat on my podcast, Next Question. [My interview with Mary Trump and Adam Kinzinger]( is filled with fascinating insights about how to navigate our country's intense political divide — and what happens when someone has the courage to break ranks in order to stand up for what's right. [WATCH HERE](   Photo of the Day [U.S. Navy electrician Kuo Zhen (R), originally from China, and other military service members are sworn in as new citizens on Nov. 9, 2023, in Long Beach, California.] U.S. Navy electrician Kuo Zhen (R), originally from China, and other military service members are sworn in as new citizens on Nov. 9, 2023, in Long Beach, CA. (Getty Images) Happy Veterans Day to all the brave Americans who have served our country, and thank you for your sacrifice. These four armed forces members were sworn in as new U.S. citizens this week in Long Beach, CA, during a special naturalization ceremony in honor of this patriotic holiday. Their oath of allegiance is a moving reminder that America is the land of opportunity for all — and why that will always be worth defending.   Weigh In Here’s a tricky etiquette question: What do you owe someone who invites you over to their place? Do you have to bring a gift, even for a casual drop-in? And how much should you spend on these tokens of appreciation? [Write to us here](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Gifts%20for%20the%20host) to share your personal rules about when it's appropriate to buy a little something for your host — and what you usually choose.   Serious Savings [SkinStore's massive sale]( is definitely not to be missed, with discounts of up to 50% on finds like [your favorite NuFace toning device]( and [this Estée Lauder perfume]( that smells like a beach paradise captured in a bottle. [A woman using the NuFace toner]( [SEE MORE DEALS](   One More Thing Now that party season is upon us, it’s time to pop the champagne — and you can take that sentiment literally with [these totally unique heels from Kate Spade](. Need more reason to celebrate? Take an extra 11% off your purchase with the code SINGLES11 — and that works for [the sale section](, too! [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you next week! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.