When it comes to my gift-giving hit rate, I’ve found that the gifts I hesitate to part with the most are always the most well-received. Last year, I spent days hunting for a vintage Steely Dan concert T-shirt for my boyfriend. After some intense haggling with the notoriously tough vintage band tee sellers on Grailed, I finally scored an incredible, perfectly soft 1995 shirt — the year he was born. He keeps complaining that he can’t find it (I steal it). Another time, I searched high and low for antique jewelry boxes for a friend who is a jewelry enthusiast. I found her a stunning box with an emerald green velvet (her birthstone) interior and almost couldn’t part with it when it arrived. I loved it so much that I spent months searching for one for myself. Below is a list of gifts I’ve either received and adored, gifted with great success, or am excitedly eyeing for this upcoming holiday season.
Clothing and Accessories
I could recommend anything from Overland, and it would undoubtedly be a hit. From hats to gloves, their selection of cozy sheepskin apparel is exceptional. My personal favorite is their sheepskin slippers, crafted from luxurious full-grain Merino shearling sheepskin. I’m also a fan of the sheepskin aviator hat.
As a proud owner of the Alex Mill Perfect Weekday Tote, I can confidently attest to its perfection. Think of it as a slightly elevated LL Bean Boat & Tote, ideal for someone seeking longer straps and, most importantly, an interior pocket. It comes in six colors, with my favorite being the slightly washed navy. You can also personalize the tote with the initials of your choice, making it a perfectly thoughtful gift. Top it off with the matching canvas pouch, and you’re good to go.
These are hands down the softest, most comfortable things I’ve ever worn. Yet, thanks to the structured front seam, they’re polished enough to wear outdoors. I loved them so much, I just ordered a pair for my mom for Christmas.
For your mother-in-law, mother, sister, grandma — anyone, really — this bag is a universal favorite, and it’s no surprise that everyone I know owns one. I finally took the plunge and got mine a few months ago, and it’s the perfect blend of slouchy and structured.
A chunky cotton knit sweater is a good staple to have. I love the vintage twist on this one, perfect all year long.
Dare I say this is the perfect cozy quarter-zip for literally anyone in your life? I love when sweatshirts are unisex because I prefer a boxy, more masculine fit in my loungewear.
These scrunchies have become my go-to gift lately. Made from deadstock fabrics, they’re both thoughtful and adorable.
Spun in Donegal, Ireland, this Toast sweater features a classic silhouette with raglan sleeves, ribbed details at the neck and hem, and rolled edges. It’s been a go-to in my wardrobe — light enough to wear under a coat yet substantial enough to stand on its own with corduroy or jeans.
I could not miss the opportunity to include my favorite accessory and a perfect gift for someone over the frustration of a beanie that is constantly slipping. Though I love to bop about in my red bonnet, you can also find a variety of fabrics and colors.
I have been stopped on the street countless times because of this bucket hat. It’s incredibly soft and, frankly, not my exact style. However, I trust the taste of the person who gave it to me, and honestly, it’s really added something funky to my everyday outfits.
For the outdoorsy gal in your life, I present the perfect — and quite flattering — packable puffer. I just picked up one of these puffers to start my hiking journey, and I was looking for one that both fit my personal style and kept me warm on colder hikes.
I plan to give this set to some of the suit-wearing individuals in my life. After searching through countless outdated and unattractive handkerchiefs, I finally found this set with plenty of options to complement any color suit and occasion.
Beauty
I am addicted to Evolve Together’s exfoliating soaps and organic deodorants. The exfoliating bar soap gently buffs and cleanses, and feels so luxurious. This trio set would be the perfect introductory set for someone needing some R&R and who appreciates a woodsy scent.
I absolutely adore most products from Ceremonia, but the Guava leave-in conditioner and hair mask are some of my favorites. Especially great for my fellow curly-haired friends. Always leaves my hair feeling healthier and curls bouncier. I especially love a gift that is already in cute packaging. [Editor’s note: Check out our writer Ambar Pardilla’s ode to Ceremonia’s Rescue Spray.]
This is one of my favorite moisturizers, especially during the winter. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used all over the body, including on the face and hair. Every ingredient is 100 percent organic.
Home Stuff
You may say no one needs a cup and saucer for $75, but in fact, no other object has given me such joy in life. It is truly a pleasure, a delight, to drink my coffee from this cup every morning. I also double the saucer plate as an: olive holder, jewelry catch-all, and cookie plate.
This is an incredibly chic set that comes with a spatula, BBQ knife, tongs, and grilling fork. It would pair perfectly with this smoked hot-sauce set or on its own.
For the fabulous home cook who seemingly has everything, I love to give these recipe cards. Give these as is and tie it in a bow. Or place them inside this handmade recipe-card box, which would look so lovely on any kitchen counter.
This is one of my favorite gifts that I’ve given recently: a dictionary of color combinations. It is from the original six-volume book of Sanzō Wada, a Japanese color theorist and designer. This guide includes 348 unique color palettes, an index of CYMK color codes, as well as useful cutout color chips.
I think of these vegetable pillows like Squishmallows for adults. If your vegetable-obsessed friend is more of a snacker, fear not, there are olive pillows as well.
This stunning candle holder has been at the top of my wishlist and is just the perfect quirky yet romantic piece for a centerpiece or mantelpiece.
For the person you have no idea what to get this year, I suggest this tactile calendar. Its like a fidget spinner that has a purpose and is interior design friendly. Definitely will bring a little joy into anyone’s daily routine.
Another great gift for the person who has everything — or always says, “No, please don’t get me anything this year, just your presence!” A stunning photo album that you can fill with printed photos from CVS or write a sweet message on the cover for them to fill as they wish.
If you weren’t aware, everyone is coloring now. I just ordered myself two of these Coco Wyo coloring books and have considered myself changed. A perfect gift for someone trying to decrease their screen time and start a new and approachable hobby.
Jewelry
This Dorsey tennis bracelet is the perfect twist on a classic and comes in at a fraction of the price of a typical tennis bracelet.
These pearl bow earrings are the perfect gift for that Gen-Z, Sandy Liang–obsessed person in your life. These joyous earrings are a special gift made from freshwater rice pearls and sterling silver findings. For something a bit edgy I also highly recommend this silver molten-star bracelet.
I promise you that you cannot go wrong with individualized jewelry. I love to gift these gold initial charms for someone looking to build their charm stack or looking to start their collection.
I wholeheartedly recommend this watch to everyone — it truly suits any style and elevates any outfit. Sleek yet practical, it’s the perfect sophisticated addition to your wrist. With its timeless design and dependable functionality, it’s an excellent everyday watch that offers incredible value for just over $200.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
