There’s no time like the present to check some names off your gift list.
Drain the last dregs of your PSL and get ready to egg your nog–the leaves are falling, another Daylight Saving Time has come to an end, and Mariah Carey is warming up her whistle register. No, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but wouldn’t it be nice to be done with your holiday shopping by the time Turkey Day rolls around?
If you’re drawing a massive blank, you’re not alone–most people struggle with coming up with a great gift. Part of it is time. We’re all pulled in multiple different directions throughout the day. Another part of it is the meaning and emotion we attach to the gift-giving process. We want a gift to tell the recipient, “I care about you, I know you, and I know that this will delight you.” Suddenly buying a bathrobe feels like a high-stakes endeavor.
But a gift doesn’t have to be big, or expensive, or have major “wow factor” in order to be great. It just has to show that you’re noticing someone’s likes and needs. Even a small token can demonstrate that you’ve thought about what they would really enjoy and get a lot of use out of. Maybe it’s something they’ve wanted for a while; maybe it’s an upgrade of something they already own.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s speaking to them as a person. All too often, women’s gift ideas rely on the flowers/chocolates/candles/bath products mainstays. Which is fine, if that’s what your mom/sister/aunt/significant other/gal pal/work bestie likes. But even with that, you can get specific. What kind of flowers does Aunt Rhoda like? What fragrance candle does your sister light when she needs to unwind?
We’ve assembled a collection of gifts that suit a wide range of interests and tastes (and budgets). One note: given…well, everything…about the past few years, it’s a good idea to give yourself as big a buffer as possible. Although we’re used to the convenience of next-day shipping, many businesses are still experiencing delays–and the closer we get to December, the busier shipping companies will be. (The USPS has released its holiday shipping deadlines, just FYI.) So click “add to cart” now, and in a few weeks you won’t have anything to worry about other than having room for a second slice of pie.
Customize this chic desk calendar with photos of her favorite people and places–it’s refillable, so you can update it every year.
No more fumbling to insert cables at the end of a long day, or scrambling to find essentials first thing in the morning.
Headphones, chargers, and other tech essentials have a way of migrating to the bottom of any bag. This convenient organizer keeps them secured and easy to find.
It can be tough to find time for peace and relaxation, especially during the holidays. These dice make it easy to stop scrolling and start soothing.
Blending comfort and style, The Loafer is both versatile and washable. Or if your recipient has perpetually frozen toes, go with the sherpa-lined Scuff Slipper.
Getting outdoors is one of the best ways to destress. This deck of mindful moments makes it easy to connect with nature without getting lost in the woods.
Whether you choose festive garnet or classic black, this soft suede jacket will wear in, not out. (And make sure you sign up for emails for 15% off–there’s no shame in getting a discount.)
Building a beauty routine is one thing. Taking it with you is another. These easy-to-fill, leak proof containers are the travel-size aisle’s worst nightmare, and a globetrotter’s best friend.
Hand block printed by master textile artists, this robe is a ray of summer sunshine.
This refillable journal is a handy place for jotting down notes and storing mementoes. And it’s easy to buff scratches from the distressed leather cover.
Cozy cables on one side and plush fleece on the other–the best of both worlds.
Blending juniper and butterfly pea blossoms with Empress Tea and an assortment of other botanicals, this unique gin also looks beautiful on a home bar.
Fitness enthusiasts and keyboard warriors alike will benefit from a session on this circular foam roller.
Luxury candles are one of those things many people enjoy, but wouldn’t buy for themselves. That’s where you come in.
What do vacuums have in common with hair dryers? If it’s a Dyson, you can count on a powerful motor and superior engineering. The Supersonic is designed to protect hair from extreme heat damage, so blowout lovers won’t fry their ends.
Winter weather can wreak havoc on your hands. This set of three nourishing treatments is meticulously crafted to combine sustainability and skin-soothing properties.
Lightweight yet cozy, and not so explicitly pajama-like–perfect for Netflix binges and last-minute holiday errands alike.
The average person spends about one third of their life sleeping. Make that time as comfortable as possible with a set of incredibly soft, snuggly sheets.
Scent is said to be the most powerful sense. Known for their calming benefits, lavender, vetivert, and wild chamomile promote deeper, more restful sleep.
Add to an audiophile’s collection with this beautiful blue marbled disc.
Personal fragrance preference is so, well…personal. Whether her tastes lean toward the fruity, floral, fresh, or spicy, Jo Malone’s scent finder is a fun way for your recipient to discover a new signature blend.
Fancy coffee, chai, and hot chocolate beverages are easier to make than ever with this handy device.
This “desktop darkroom” turns any smartphone into a Polaroid camera, so special photos can live in and out of the cloud. (Film is not included, so make sure to buy a pack.)
Ideal for work, gym, and even overnight trips, this thoughtfully designed carryall (by modern suitcase brand Away) features a wraparound zipper for easy packing and access.
Waiting overnight for cold brew is so 2021. Extract delicious caffeine from bean or leaf in just 20 minutes with this miracle machine.
More durable and easier to use than ever, the Series 7 is a beautifully useful piece of tech.
Modern and minimalist, but with enough personalization to feel special, this delicate pendant can be worn with casual and dressy outfits alike.
As a kid, you probably prayed that you wouldn’t get socks. As a grownup, the cashmere’s on the other foot.
Perpetual wallet-misplacers and key-losers will breathe a sigh of relief once these handy devices are set up.
Day to Night Barbie gave a lot of women unreasonable expectations, but this softly structured bag really does go from work to dinner and almost any occasion you can think of.