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Choosing the right gift for the leading lady (or ladies) in your life can look different for every person: no gift is one-size-fits all. In fact, the best gifts aren’t necessarily the most expensive or luxurious (although some certainly can be), but are thoughtful nudges at your giftee’s interests, hobbies, and passions.
If you’re successful, the right gift will indicate that you have, in fact, been paying attention. Because the thought is what counts until you’re buying a coffee subscription for a friend that doesn’t drink caffeine…
From Gucci Bloom perfume to a Simplehuman Compost Caddy to the Hollywood-loved Solawave Red Light Therapy Wand, here are the best gifts for women to shop this year.
GLDN Jewelry
There are few places you can find chic, solid gold jewelry at an affordable price — for less than $150, no less. GLDN has styles for every preference, making it the perfect gift for the woman in your life, whether she prefers talisman charms, understated rings or stackable pendants. Our favorite is this custom charm necklace that you can personalize with 3, 5 or 7 charms based on your giftee’s personality and passions.
Bearaby Knitted Weighted Blanket
Any women will understand that, ironically, sometimes you just need to be crushed under the weight of a heavy blanket to relieve yourself from the weight of the world. This knitted one from Bearaby, called the Cotton Napper, is one of the best on the market. It comes in eight gorgeous autumnal shades, and weights ranging from 10 lbs to 25 lbs so you can find the perfect one for you (they recommend 10% of your body weight).
Purple Mattess Harmony Pillow
Perhaps not the sexiest gift but definitely the most practical is this expertly crafted pillow from Purple Mattress, which will offer any woman in your life the most restful sleep of their life — and an immediate relief to any back pain, neck aches or sore muscles. It’s constructed out of a honeycomb GelFlex Grid that boosts cooling and pressure relief, while Talalay Latex promotes an airy, bouncy feel. Plus, it comes in three height options to accommodate different sleeping positions.
Dr. Martens Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes
Oxford shoes are great because they can be dressed up or down, and these bestselling ones from Dr. Martens are sure to last years (I know because I’ve owned by own pair for nearly 5 years). The 3-eye shoe was made specifically for women’s feet, crafted with Docs’ grooved edges, yellow stitching and lightly textured smooth leather.
Noble Panacea Skincare
Bring the spa home with Noble Panacea’s luxury skincare — with all the research, technology and science to back it up. One of their bestsellers, the Overnight Chronobiology Peel, makes for a perfect present for the skincare fanatic in your life. The intensive overnight treatment is powered by their trademarked OSMV™ Technology, which micro-doses a complex of AHAs and BHA for a strong yet gentle exfoliating treatment. Throughout the process, cell turnover is also optimized as the final stage releases a soothing blend of ingredients precisely when the skin’s absorption is at its maximum to soften and comfort the skin.
Gucci Bloom Perfume Intense
The newest iteration of Gucci Bloom, released earlier this year, boasts more intense notes for a headier and more sensual experience. With one spray, the woman in your life will smell like notes of patchouli and bouquets of jasmine and tuberose.
Tula Skincare
Whoever is the lucky receiver of this Tula skincare set will have you to thank for their perfect skin. This comprehensive set comes with travel-sized versions of the brand’s most popular items, making it the perfect gift for a jet-setting friend that never takes a night off their skincare routine. The set comes with The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser (1.69 Fl Oz), So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub (0.38 Oz)
24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream (0.56 Oz) and Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C. Plus, all their products are packed with healthy, clean ingredients, such as probiotic extracts to help improve skin smoothness and peptides to help with toning and firmness.
YSL Rouge Volupté Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick
YSL’s Candy Glaze Lip Gloss perfectly merges chapstick and lip stick into one product. The gloss — which Troye Sivan cited as one of his favorite beauty products of the past year — fuses hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E and mango oils into a visible gloss that will last all day.
Hermés Satin Lipstick
This new Hermés lipstick is the talk of the beauty internet and screams luxury. The luminous, satin-finish lipstick comes in 14 rose-hued shades and is just as moisturizing and rich as it is vibrant.
Miu Miu Logo Band Ballet Flat
What was once relegated to the dance studio is now being welcomed with open arms on the streets of New York and LA. If your girl is chronically online, then she’s seen Miu Miu’s famous ballet flat…and she either loves it or hates it. But one thing is true: she’ll certainly be on trend.
Loewe Home Scents
A perfume for the home. Loewe’s home scents, crafted by Jonathan Anderson and in-house perfumer Nuria Cruelles, come in nine different earthy fragrances depending on your preference.
Breville InFizz Aqua Sparkling Water Carbonator
Gift fresh, sparkling water at the push of a button with Breville’s brand new InFizz Sparkling Water Carbonator, made out of brushed stainless steel and featuring an ergonomic design that makes it equally stylish as it is utilitarian. Smart features such as a unique “Twist & Lock” mechanism that tilts the head to attach and detach bottle, in addition to a magnetic drip tray, make it one of the best carbonators on the market — and the perfect addition to anyone’s kitchen counter or home bar.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controllers
Although the Nintendo Switch already comes with Joy-Cons, these controllers in Pastel Pink give the gaming console a bit of style and panache. Simply put: These Joy-Con controllers make the Nintendo Switch much cuter and brighter.
Smeg Retro Style Coffee Maker
If the lady in your life romanticizes the retro “Mad Men” style of the ’50s, then Smeg’s nostalgic line of appliances has you set. This stripped-down machine has everything you need to brew a fresh cup, including new features such as a “Keep Warm” function that keeps the pot warm for up to 60 minutes, a sound-control function and a classic anti-drip system. Pair it with a coffee subscription service for extra personalization.
Nike Gym Bag
For those that go straight to the gym after work, a roomy and versatile tote is a must. The RPM Tote from Nike, made entirely from sustainable materials, is as functional as it is stylish. The cord handles wrap around the zippered main compartment, which is large enough to hold a laptop, water bottle and a change of clothes. An internal pocket lets you organize smaller items while the durable outer fabric help protect essentials from the elements. Plus, it comes in four sleek colors such as the olive green pictured above, in addition to a fresh lavender, smoky mauve and classic black.
Mejuri Bold Huggie Hoops
Mejuri’s luxurious gold hoops are a jewelry staple, and boast long-lasting hardware that rivals those at much higher price points.
Etsy Gift Card
A crafty artist on Etsy is like a kid in a candy shop. The ecommerce platform has everything from handmade jewelry to custom art to vintage homeware, but if you don’t know where to start you can’t go wrong with a gift card.
Vaisselle Hot Cakes Cake Stand
You can never go wrong gifting a baker a gorgeous cake stand. This artful piece from Vietri is currently 25% off and will brighten up any dessert-laden tablescape.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajamas in Stretch Knit
Gif the luxury of a comfortable night sleep with these ultra-luxurious pair of pajamas from Cozy Earth, which are not only made out of entirely sustainable materials (namely, bamboo-based viscose) but also breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that feels degrees cooler, and softer, than cotton.
Simplehuman Compost Caddy
Simplehuman is without a doubt the sleekest compost bin on the market, with a magnetic docking system that lets you hang it off the side of your trash bin and a slim enough design to leave it on the counter. A soft-seal lid minimizes the odor from food scraps and keeps pests like fruit flies away, while the caddy’s stainless steel exterior is coated with Agion, an antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. Plus, the brand comes with their own line of compostable liners that fit the bin perfectly for effortless removal.
Solwave Red Light Therapy Wand
You may have seen Solawave’s miracle skincare wand on TikTok. Or heard about it on a recent red carpet, where celebrities from Jennifer Coolidge to Sydney Sweeney have credited their glowing skin to the brand’s clinically-proven red light therapy.
The Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy is their most popular tool, promising an at-home facial through four powerful skincare technologies. First, microcurrents stimulate the muscles and deeper layers of skin, helping to reduce signs of aging, coupled with a gentle massage that decreases puffiness and dark circles. The entire time, the wand emits red light that’s clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin, and therapeutic warmth helps increase the absorption of skincare products, reduces redness and supports glowing skin.
‘Sweet Enough’ by Alison Roman
Alison Roman is back with another cookbook, this time solely consisting of desserts, titled “Sweet Enough,” which has unsurprisingly already shot to the top of bestseller lists.
“This book is not like my other books — this book is a dessert book, a baking book,” Roman wrote in her newsletter last month. “Or, more accurately, a dessert book that has savory recipes (there’s at least one anchovy appearance, and of course, dill was invited). Or, a baking book that has no-bake recipes (I love pudding and it never goes in the oven).”
Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag
Snack and leftover storage becomes effortless with these genius Stasher bags, which are just as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing. Stasher promotes a no-waste lifestyle while also providing a seamless way to store food and snacks. Their patented Pinch-Loc seal ensures a completely leak-free design, made out of reusable platinum silicone in dozens of gorgeous pastel hues. According to Stasher, one pouch replaces 260 single-use plastic bags every year. Plus, they give back 1% of all sales to nonprofits working to protect the planet.
Heatless Curling Set
Save your loved one from heat damage with this heatless satin curling set, recommended by haircare maven Jonathan Van Ness. ““Curling sets really create such a sleek, polished wave depending on which kind you use. I really love them,” he told Variety earlier this year.
Dyson Airwrap
You’ve probably heard of the Dyson Airwrap and we’re here to tell you that yes…the rumors are true. The magical hair appliance can give you blowout-worthy curls from home without damaging your hair. The new design comes with re-engineered attachments for faster and easier styling, new barrels to curl and wave in both directions and the multi-functional Coanda smoothing dryer to dry, smooth and hide flyaways.
Veja V-10 Sneakers
If the woman in your life is in the market for new sneakers, you can’t go wrong with Veja. The French footwear brand, known for their high-quality recycled materials, boasts a sleek and minimalistic design that pairs well with almost any outfit. Join the cult.
Natural Silk Pillowcase (50% Off)
Show the woman in your life that they deserve to sleep like a queen. Nothing feels more luxurious (and promises a restful night) better than a silk pillow set. Not only are they cool to the touch when the blankets get too warm at night, but they can even help with fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the silk’s amino acids known to improve skin. Plus, this set is currently 25% off, meaning you don’t have to spend more than $20 for this lush gift.
Snoozwear Blanket Robe
You don’t actually have to to be under the covers to feel like you’re in bed — thanks to Casper’s brand new blanket robe, that brings all the magic from their puffy duvet comforters to this cozy sweater. Gift comfort this year with this genius loungewear piece, featuring large armholes for easy maneuvering and convenient pockets to carry anything you need.
Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle
A Santal candle is one of the only gifts so tried-and-true that you can get away with gifting it to the same person every year — because who’s out her buying their own $80 Le Labo candle, and who’s complaining for getting one for free? For the uninitiated, the musky fragrance warms up any space with rich notes of amber, cocoa, vanilla, cedar and sandalwood that makes help makes any space feel like home (or any LA restaurant). Check out more of the best candles to buy (and gift) this year here.
Away The Carry-On
As the holidays approach, so too does the travel craze. Make your friend’s next trip even more enjoyable with this luxury carry-on suitcase from Away. This limited-edition Technicolor edition is designed in a dark olive green, with orange and blue detailing, for a pop of color. The Carry-On is compact enough to fit in the overhead bin, is constructed out of a durable polycarbonate hard shell and features 360-degree spinner wheels for an effortless ride anywhere.
iPad Mini
If your mom complains about her iPhone screen being too small while also refusing to invest in clunky tablets, then the iPad Mini is for her. The newest Apple tablet, which came out last year, is small enough to fit in your palm, features an all-new screen design and boasts a powerful A15 bionic chip and superfast 5G.
Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle (21% Off)
Any coffee or tea lover will appreciate the gorgeous detailing and hardware present in all of Smeg’s products. This variable temperature kettle will instantly upgrade any kitchen, making into a space worthy of an “Architectural Digest” tour.
The Sill Monstera Deliciosa
The Monstera Deliciosa is one of the most popular plants on The Sill, the design-forward plant delivery service that has only recently boomed in the last few months. You can choose from their extensive lineup of live plants, flowers and botanicals depending on your giftee’s preferences and personality (and have them delivered directly to their home). But you can’t go wrong with the Monstera, famous for its quirky natural leaf holes.
Claus Porto Deco Soap Set
Many moms have an inexplicable love for soap, and even better when it’s packaged so enchantingly that they won’t even want to use it. This Deco Soap Set from Claus Porto is inspired by the brand’s Portuguese roots, wrapped in gorgeous patterned paper inspired by the house’s archives that date back to 130 years ago. As for what’s inside: the Banho scent delivers a fresh, citrusy aroma; the Ilyria, a sweet honeysuckle with jasmine; and the Madrigal, packed with sparkling notes of mandarin and Lotus Flower.
Material Kitchen The Knives + Stand (15% Off)
Listed on Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2021, the Material Kitchen’s cookware is some of the best on the market. This trio of knives are made from Japanese stainless steel and high carbon for a meticulously sharp edge that can cut through anything and incredible resilience sure to last years. Plus, the sleek stand isn’t just a showstopper but completely practical, made out of an entirely magnetic surface. Check out more of the best gifts for chefs here.
Jiggy Puzzles, Dos Soles Dora Cuenca
The work of Costa Rican illustrator Dora Cuenca draws inspiration from her “motherhood’s collective memory” and her own experience as a mother of three. This playful 450-piece puzzle from the new woman-owned company Jiggy is designed with one of her most beautiful pieces of art, featuring warm tones, organic lines and bright pops of color that will light up any space once it’s completed.
Travel Jewelry Wallet
This gorgeous jewelry box works as a travel accessory that’s sleek enough to keep on your dresser year-round. The vegan leather cases are available in four earthly colors, and feature 10 stud earring holders, one small pouch with two organizers, and inserts that can fit up to 14 chains and necklaces.
Girlfriend Collective Black Simone Set
Whether one’s workout of choice is yoga, pilates or cardio, Girlfriend Collective has everyone covered with a wide range of athletic wear that are stylish, functional and sustainable. The Simon High Support Bra features adjustable criss-cross straps and sewn-in cups for a supportive bra that also works just as well for a HIIT workout as it does running casual errands. Plus, like all their pieces, the set is completely sustainable, made out of 12 water bottles diverted from landfills, and able to be recycled through their ReGirlfriend program when you’re done with them.
Shhhowercap
Nothing keeps your hair dry and frizz-free while showering like Shhhowercap which is a total (very chic) reinvention of the shower cap. It’s made out of nanotech and hydrophobic fabric that is 100% water repellent and resistant, fits all your hair in one swoop, is machine washable and perhaps best of all, lasts literally forever. We’ve had the same cap forever and ever and it’s still adorable and still protects out hair from copious washes. Plus, they come in dozens of fun patterns and colors.
‘Taste: My Life Through Food’
Anyone with Italian roots, a love for cooking or an infatuation with the 61 year-old heartthrob will want to dive right into Tucci’s newest best-selling book, which doubles as a memoir of the award-winning actor and cookbook. But in his new book, the focus is less about the recipes and more about the stories behind them, from shooting foodie films such as “Julie & Julia” and “Big Night” all the way back to his experiences in the kitchen while growing up in Westchester, New York. Check out more gifts for pop-culture obsessed foodies in this roundup of celebrity cookbooks, in addition to these “Top-Chef” inspired gift guide for chefs.
Our Place Always Pan
Cookware never seemed like the most exciting gift, that is until Our Place introduced their buzzy Always Pan, that set the world ablaze upon its release earlier this year. The sleek enamel-cast piece gives Le Crueset a run for its money, claiming to replace the traditional eight-piece cookware set with the ability to steam, saute, braise, sear, fry, boil and more.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Anyone who chugs through their work day with a coffee mug in hand will be obsessed with this fun gadget from Ember. The smart mug comes with an extended battery life to keep drinks warm for up to 1.5 hours or all day on the newly redesigned charging coaster. Pair it with the app to set temperatures, control presets and receive notifications. Pair it with a coffee delivery subscription for a more personalized touch.
Paperclip Chain Necklace
The layering trend isn’t going anywhere and this simple paperclip necklace from Madewell is perfect for stacking on top of your favorite pieces — or even wearing alone as a delicate statement piece. An extender chain means you can adjust the length to your liking and the gold-plated brass promises to last years without wearing down or tarnishing.
Bracha Initial Pendant Necklace
If your mom, girlfriend or daughter already accessorizes with gold layers, you can’t go wrong gifting an initial penchant for them to add onto their neck party. This dainty goldtone necklace has a sleek, expensive-looking design sure to match any style but also make a statement.
Tower 28 Tinted SPF
The hot new clean beauty line everyone is whispering about is Tower 28. Gift something that’s both incredibly trendy but also, protective. Wearing face sunscreen on the daily is super important for skin health, but how do you avoid pasty white undertones or avoid messing up the texture of your makeup? This is where tinted SPFs come to the rescue, promising both full-face coverage and hours worth of UV protection. SunnyDays’ Tower 28 is a new favorite among beauty gurus, who love it because it’s mineral free and boasts a natural finish that’s safe for sensitive or problematic skin. Check out more mineral sunscreens and face sunscreens, according to these celebrity makeup artists and dermatologists.
Dyson Prussion Blue Supersonic
Gift the woman in your life a daily blowout, thanks to Dyson’s Supersonic Hair Dryer, engineered to protect hair from heat damage and create salon-grade styling. The comprehensive appliance set features five styling attachments for different hair types, including a new attachment that hides flyaways for a smooth, shiny finish. Other attachments include a Styling Concetrate for precise styling, a Diffuser attachment to help reduce frizz, Gentle Air attachment for gentle styling on fine hair and a Wide-tooth Comb for shaping and lengthening.
Boy Smells Violet Ends Fragrance
Boy Smells is back with another delicious fragrance. This time with Violet Ends, a vibrant floral scent with notes of smoked papyrus and tobacco leaves. The warm and spicy aroma, mixed in a lighter violet fragrance, is a great blend for those who like their scents to be wholly unique but still feminine. And it doesn’t hurt that all of boy Smells products come in such gorgeous packaging and branding. And if you want more, don’t forget the Kacey Musgraves created candle. Check out more of the best perfumes to buy (and gift) this year here.
Bala Bangles (23% Off)
This at-home workout, first introduced on “Shark Tank,” can help anyone you know majorly step up your exercise routine, especially for those with busy schedules who can’t make it to the gym every day. Designed to be worn on the wrists or ankles, the best-selling set includes two one-pound weights that fit everyone. They’re an easy way to add resistance to yoga, running, aerobics, Pilates, walking, core training or even when you’re just out and about, making them a smart alternative to dumbbells, since they’ll never limit your range of motion. They come in a range of colors. Here, check out more genius “Shark Tank” products that can work as gifts this year.
Nesting Trays
Give anything you own an attractive home with these adorable nesting trays, that can help store everything from makeup and jewelry to spices and keys. Open Space’s products are also great because they choose their materials responsibly, using materials that have a lower impact and longer lifespan such as recycled plastic, aluminum and solid ash wood. Here, check out more eco-friendly gifts to shop this year.
Everyone loves a hardcover coffee table book, but we so seldom know what to select from the stacks of giant books in our local retailers, so here’s our suggestion. If you have someone in your life who loves Cher, Elton John, Tina Turner, sequins, features and boas then you must give them “The Art of Bob Mackie.” This gorgeous hardcover book has a forward from Carole Burnett and an afterward by Cher. In between those, pages and pages of stunning fashion shots of Mackie creations. Looks from the Academy Awards, magazine covers, stage shows and film. Leaf through the astounding creations of the three-time academy award nominated costume designer and be filled with joy.
Landsdownunder Cashmere Throw
There’s no going back once you’ve experienced a cashmere throw, especially when it’s from Italian-owned brand Landdownunder. The luxurious basket weave throw, part of the 2021 round up of Oprah’s favorite things, is made from pure cashmere and lambs wool. And you save nearly $50 with this limited-time deal on Amazon.
Headspace Subscription (20% Off)
If the woman you’re gifting isn’t a spa person, then Headspace is the next best way to show how much you care about their well-being. There are few people who wouldn’t do well for some meditation and stress relief after this past year, and Headspace is one of the best ways for beginners to get into mediation. With hundreds of mediation guides and courses, sleep hacks, wake up routines and more, a Headspace subscription is the perfect gift.
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