The best gifts for women are thoughtful ones, and according to science, people love to receive things they actually want. When hunting for the perfect gift, consider her interests and aspirations. Is she always down to try the latest fitness trend? Dedicated to a diligent Sunday self-care regimen? All about finding unique fashion pieces? Targeting a particular category is always a good way to help narrow down your choices, but if you’re still not quite sure which direction to go in, don’t stress. There’s a wide array of Byrdie picks that have been tested and researched and are definite crowd-pleasers—think cozy loungewear, chic candles, and personalized jewelry pieces. And here’s a fun little secret: Even though these gifts may be geared towards women, many of them are in fact gender neutral, making them worth considering for everyone on your shopping list.
Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Balm
Who wouldn’t want the gift of looking more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed? Enter this luxe eye cream, a newbie on the skincare scene that’s already won over several Byrdie editors. Loaded with moisturizing ceramides and soothing oat extract, the cushiony formula helps to leave the skin under and around your eyes looking smoother, plumper, and generally more youthful, without feeling greasy or heavy.
Price at time of publish: $60
What Our Editors Say
“I love that this formula gives me the power of a thick, goopy nighttime eye cream with the delightful, lightweight texture of a daytime moisturizer. And like so many Drunk Elephant products, it comes in an airtight, hygienic, pump-top tube to keep the formula clean and potent."—Holly Rhue, Associate Editorial Director
BeautyBio GloPRO Facial Microneedling Tool
For the spa aficionado who is all about booking regular facials, this at-home microneedling tool makes an ideal gift. While it’s not cheap, it rings in at a fraction of the cost of a pro microneedling treatment. Plus, the wand not only touts a micro-tip dermaroller head, but it also offers a unique type of vibrating technology to stimulate the skin in the deeper dermal layer, along with red LED light therapy to combat inflammation and potentially even stimulate collagen production.
Price at time of publish: $199
What Our Testers Say
“Any signs of dullness were long gone, and I looked noticeably radiant and fresh-faced, my skin’s texture smooth and even. I began waking up with the softest skin of my life—like, can’t-stop-touching-my-face soft.”—Jenna Igneri, Product Tester
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
Anyone and everyone can benefit from using a good antioxidant serum as a part of their skincare routine, and this one takes the cake. It delivers a potent 15 percent concentration of vitamin C and ups the ante by combining it with ferulic acid and vitamin E. The latter two are both powerful antioxidants in their own right, but the three work synergistically, further increasing their benefits. Most importantly, it’s hydrating and non-irritating, even for those with sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $55
What Our Testers Say
“I can report that the physical texture of my skin felt smoother to the touch, which is my indicator that a product is working for me. There was no irritation or product-induced breakouts on my very reactive skin. If my skin doesn't like something, it will let me know with a face full of bumps that can take weeks to clear, and there were none of those.”—Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Consider this the little black dress of face moisturizers. Simple? Yes. But also totally versatile—aka great for a variety of skin types—and a foolproof pick in pretty much any situation. A perfect daily moisturizer, this formula relies on tried-and-true moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide but is oil-free, so you don’t have to worry about breakouts. It’s also a great budget-friendly pick, ringing in at just $20.
Price at time of publish: $21
What Our Testers Say
“My skin felt light, soft, and the finish was a tad matte, which worked well with applying makeup as my next step. My skin felt great continuously throughout the day, and I also used this moisturizer at night with stronger anti-aging products. It kept my skin nourished and I glowed upon waking the next morning.”—Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
Do most women need another pair of black leggings? Probably not. Is it something they want? We’re willing to bet a firm yes, especially if it’s these. They’re so good that we deemed them one of the best pairs of black leggings out there—no small feat considering how many options there are to choose from. They come in an extensive range of sizes and are made of a compressive material that makes them ideal for all kinds of workouts (no slippage here), though still comfy enough for lounging.
Price at time of publish: $78
What Our Editors Say
“There wasn't one moment when I didn't love how they fit. They felt high quality, had just the right amount of hold, and made me look sleek and ready for any type of exercise.”—Avery Stone, Byrdie Associate Commerce Director
Homecourt Cipres Mint Kitchen Trio
Arguably the classiest, most sophisticated home line we’ve ever seen, this brand is both completely giftable and highly practical. Created by Courtney Cox, all of the products are non-toxic, vegan, child- and pet-safe, and feature fine fragrance blends that somehow make house cleaning feel like self-care. This set features a multi-purpose surface cleaner, dish soap, and hand wash; we’re partial to this scent, a combo of citrus, cedarwood, and black and mint teas, although there are three other scent profiles to choose from.
Price at time of publish: $70
Venus ET Fleur The Classic Bundle
Sure, you could give someone flowers, but why do that when you could give them flowers that last for an entire year? This set comes with two of the brand’s iconic long-lasting (and yes, real) roses, plus a candle. Choose from six rose colors and three candle scents. It’s the perfect addition to any beauty lover’s vanity or bathroom.
Price at time of publish: $159
Cozy Earth Long Sleeve Bamboo Pajamas in Stretch Knit
One Oprah Winfrey is a huge fan of this brand, repeatedly including them on her annual favorite things list—these particular PJs included. Ridiculously soft bamboo-derived viscose is paired with just a touch of spandex to give these the perfect amount of stretch. Nice and breathable, they also help keep you cool at night. And we appreciate that they come in sizes ranging from XS to XXXL, in both regular and tall lengths.
Price at time of publish: $185
Common Language Gift Card
Anyone who is even remotely into fitness will appreciate a gift card to this boutique, female-owned, fitness brand. Use the gift card to purchase a variety of streaming workouts that combine trampoline-based cardio, circuit training, barre-inspired exercises, and more. (There’s also a brick-and-mortar studio in Chicago.) Or, use it to shop from a wide range of stylish athleisure and health, wellness, and beauty essentials, all carefully curated by owner Samantha Mostaccio.
Price at time of publish: $50+
Bathing Culture Cosmic Rainbow Towel
There are bath towels, and then there are bath towels—and this one certainly falls into the latter camp. Made with super-absorbent Turkish cotton, each one is hand-loomed and features a unique rainbow pattern that makes for the perfect upgrade to any basic shower or bathing routine.
Price at time of publish: $75
Jenni Kayne Alpaca Cocoon Crewneck
This truly may be the last sweater she’ll ever want to own. A blend of baby alpaca and merino wool makes it perfectly warm and cozy, though still lightweight enough that it doesn’t have to be reserved solely for frigid temps. The classic crewneck cut and oversized fit mean it works equally well for lounging at home or dressing up, and it comes in a nice (though not overwhelming) palette of five neutral hues to choose from.
Price at time of publish: $295
FORVR Mood Leaf Me Be Candle
Mega-influencer Jackie Aina has created no shortage of delightful candles and home scent options. There is something for every fragrance preference, but we’re partial to this one. Crisp and woody, it blends herbaceous notes of wild sage and fresh citrus for a result that we find universally appealing. And, like all of the brand’s candles, it has an impressive 65-hour burn time and is made from a paraffin-free soy–coconut wax.
Price at time of publish: $49
PeachSkinSheets Night Sweats Sheets
New bedding is one of those gifts that initially might seem a little boring, but trust us, it’s always appreciated and something that you can pretty much guarantee your giftee will get good use out of. These are unique because they’re temperature-controlled, made of a microfiber that whisks away moisture rather than absorbing it (and is also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial). Still, they’re totally soft and comfy, not to mention come in a rainbow array of 24 different colors.
Price at time of publish: $100
Esker Bath Board
Soaks and salts are great, but nothing upgrades a bath quite like a bath board—and this one has everything you need. There’s a flip-up mirror—ideal for when you want to use the bath as a vanity for moments such as eyebrow grooming or face masking—that also doubles as a media stand for your book or iPad. Plus, there's plenty of shelf space to hold a glass of wine or your favorite body scrub.
Price at time of publish: $90
POW Wonder Matcha
Not only is this delicious, high-end matcha in its own right (a ceremonial-grade variety straight from Japan), it goes above and beyond the call of duty with several added ingredients. Namely, adaptogenic ashwagandha to help decrease stress and anxiety, and lion’s mane mushroom to increase cognition and focus. In other words, it’s the perfect thing to sip on before a busy day. It comes in two sizes, sweetened and unsweetened variants, and can even be purchased via a convenient subscription model so you never have to worry about running out.
Price at time of publish: $33
Well & Wonder Body Balm
Thanks to ingredients such as arnica and shea butter, this rich body balm quickly soothes dry skin and relieves achy muscles. But the benefits don’t stop there. It’s also infused with St. John’s Wort and carefully chosen aromatherapeutic essential oils to help soothe tension as well as mental and emotional stress.
Price at time of publish: $54
Jordan Road Jewelry Rome Necklace
This brand counts Beyonce, Halsey, and Addison Rae among its list of fans, featuring timeless pieces that are sure to become mainstays in anyone’s jewelry wardrobe. This necklace is a perfect example, a sleek rope chain in 18-karat gold plate that looks great worn on its own or as a layering piece.
Price at time of publish: $140
Monrow Supersoft Vintage Sweats
A-listers such as Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Moss are fans of this brand, known for its delightfully comfortable everyday staples. These vintage-inspired sweats are super soft, with a tapered ankle and drawstring waist to ensure a fashionable fit. They’re pretty much guaranteed to become your new WFH uniform.
Price at time of publish: $146
Gilded Body Pink Marble Body Brush
Unlike any dry brush you’ve ever seen, this is the perfect example of a basic made extra special and gift-worthy. The base is made of handcrafted pink marble, truly more akin to a piece of art than a shower staple. The vegan bristles are made of agave-derived sisal and offer the perfect amount of exfoliation without being too harsh or scratchy.
Price at time of publish: $129
AAKS Bika Raffia Crossbody Bag
All of the bags from this brand are sustainable and handcrafted in Ghana, making each one feel completely unique and special. We like this one for its unique trapezoidal shape, combo of textures (a raffia body and leather straps), and bright yet wearable colors.
Price at time of publish: $170
SelfMade Self Disclosure Intimacy Serum
We’ve seen our fair share of beauty brands in our day, but none quite like SelfMade, a beauty-wellness hybrid that combines personal care products with mental health concepts. For example, this intimacy serum not only nourishes the skin, but it’s also made with ingredients that reduce stress and act as an aphrodisiac, promoting intimacy with others—and yourself. Talk about a brilliant concept.
Price at time of publish: $28
Stoney Clover Classic Jewelry Roll
With designated spots for rings, earrings, necklaces, and more, this is a top pick for any frequent flyer or organization fanatic. The compact and slim shape takes up almost no room (either in a crowded suitcase or vanity drawer), and it comes in 15 fun colors. Plus, it can be customized, always a plus when it comes to gifting.
Price at time of publish: $88
Kimberly New York Discovery Set
Fragrance is admittedly tough to gift—you have to really know someone’s scent preferences before choosing a bottle. That’s why we’re big fans of discovery sets, which offer plenty of options to choose from and experiment with. This particular one comes with six vials (all of which happen to be very travel-friendly), of each of this Black-owned brand's classic scents.
Price at time of publish: $25
Lulusimons Studio Obsessed Dog Mom Vintage Tee
Celeb dog moms Eva Longoria and Lucy Hale love the graphic knits from this brand. This tee will make any dog lover on your list smile, and the relaxed fit and washed cotton fabric mean it will quickly become a mainstay in her T-shirt rotation.
Price at time of publish: $46
Clean Cocktails: Righteous Recipes for the Modernist Mixologist
Written by two holistic health coaches, this mixology book features a plethora of delicious, healthy cocktail recipes that rely on things such as fresh juices and anti-inflammatory spices. It also touts recipes for creating various cocktail components (think syrups and the like) so that you can easily whip up your healthy concoction.
Price at time of publish: $25
Stephanie Johnson Belize Lola Makeup Bag
The perfect size to stash in your purse or to house daily makeup essentials, this cosmetic case is compact yet roomy. A zippered top makes for easy access, while interior loops and pouches keep things neat and organized; a faux leather exterior makes keeping it clean a breeze.
Price at time of publish: $40
Ring Concierge Best Friends Heart Bracelets
We’re big fans of giving gifts that you can enjoy, too (who isn’t?), and this definitely fits the bill. For a totally grown-up, upgraded version of your BFF bracelets from elementary school, pick up this pair of bracelets. Give one to your best friend and keep one for yourself. You’ll both love the fact that they're made from 14-karat gold—choose from either yellow or white—and look adorable on their own or stacked with other bracelets.
Price at time of publish: $498
Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set
Sure, this technically may fall under the pajama category, but we find the silk top and shorts so chic that you can easily wear them out of the house, either together or as separates. And if you are going to wear them to bed, you’ll appreciate that they’re made of thermoregulating silk to keep you cool and can be tossed right in the washing machine.
Price at time of publish: $198
Avaline Rosé Cans
Founders Cameron Diaz and Katherine Powers set out to revolutionize the wine industry when they created Avaline, focusing on ingredient transparency. All of their varietals are delicious, but the rosé (made with organic grapes) is a real crowd-pleaser. It now comes in these cute cans, perfect for when you’re on the go or just want one glass without having to open a whole bottle.
Price at time of publish: $84
Clé de Peau Beauté Cleansing Trio Set
Give the gift of squeaky clean skin with this luxe cleansing trio set from Clé de Peau Beauté. The beautifully packaged set includes miniature versions of the brand’s Softening Cleansing Foam, Cleansing Oil, and Micellar Cleansing Water, all of which come in travel-friendly bottles. Plus, in bottles that striking, the cleansers almost double as vanity decor.
Price at time of publish: $85
UGG Tasman Slipper
ICYMI: UGGs are back in a very big way. Specifically, the Tasman and Tazz Slippers are popping up on sidewalks across the world, worn by models, actors, musicians, and everyday folks. Point being, you can’t go wrong with this gift idea. While the platform Tazz Slippers keep selling out, the Tasman Slippers are available in five colors at Nordstrom, including a trendy Barbiecore pink hue.
Price at time of publish: $100
Birdies Starling Loafer
For the girl who’s always out and about at events and parties, give the gift of comfortable-yet-chic flats that will instantly elevate any outfit. The Birdies Starling Flat is outfitted with a seven-layer responsive footbed that’s designed to feel as cushy as your favorite slippers. While the embroidered velvet options make an especially lovely holiday gift, the flats are also sold in 14 solid colors and cheetah print.
Price at time of publish: $145
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Squad Lip Set
Leave it to TikTok to reveal a spectacular makeup product. In this case, it’s the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lipsticks, which have garnered over 8.1 million views on the platform thanks to their natural-looking glossy-but-never-sticky formula. Fortunately for us (and your BFFs), the cult-favorite lippies come in a four-pack this holiday season. The set includes four full-size Maracuja Juicy Lip products for less than the price of two. Needless to say, you might want to buy yourself a set, too.
Price at time of publish: $39
Bread Beauty Supply Oil-Duo: For Your Hair & Body
Help your bestie embrace a nourishing full-body-care routine routine with Bread Beauty Supply’s Oil-Duo, which includes a 1-ounce bottle of the Hair Oil Everyday Gloss and a 0.56-ounce bottle of the 100% Macadamia-Oil Concentrate Fragrance Free for Hair and Body. These bite-sized oils are great for everyday and on-the-go use, and they’ll ensure that your loved one’s skin and hair stays soft, smooth, and hydrated no matter where the holiday season takes them.
Price at time of publish: $28
Pat McGrath Labs LUST: Gloss™ Duo: Nude Dimension
When it comes to makeup, nobody does it quite like Pat McGrath — just ask Taylor Swift, who cast the beauty mogul in her “Bejeweled” music video. This holiday season, wow your loved one with not one, but two Pat McGrath Labs LUST: Gloss tubes. The shades are Wicked Whisper (a coral rose) and Faux Real (a pearly deep beige).
Price at time of publish: $30
PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Curl Cocktail Hair Set
Perfect for curly-haired girls on the go, the PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Curly Cocktail Hair Set includes a mesh zip-top bag filled with the brand’s fan-favorite Leave-In Conditioner for Curly & Coily Hair, Styling Cream for Curly & Coily Hair, and Curl Gel, all of which come in airline-approved 3-ounce packages. Each of the products is designed to hydrate and enhance curls for the bounciest, shiniest coils possible. In short, this little trio is basically the gift of really good hair this holiday season and beyond.
Price at time of publish: $27
Shani Darden Ultimate Glow Kit
If fine lines, skin texture, and discoloration often come up in conversation, give your loved one the gift of luxurious skincare formulas that are beloved by celebrities for everything from their formula to the packaging they come in. The Shani Darden Ultimate Glow Kit includes travel-friendly minis of the brand’s iconic Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum, Retinol Reform, and Intensive Eye Renewal Cream. Each of the products is designed to address texture and luminosity to make way for clearer, smoother, brighter-looking skin with continued use.
Price at time of publish: $88
54 Thrones African Beauty Butter Collection Deluxe Tin
During winter, skin is more likely to dry out and feel irritated. To keep your loved one’s skin feeling its best, give them the 54 Thrones African Beauty Butter Collection Deluxe Tin, which includes five tubes of the brand’s best-selling hand-and-body butter. Each of the butters is infused with richly hydrating shea butter, skin barrier-supporting baobab oil, and nourishing and protecting jojoba oil, all of which help prevent cracked skin during the harshest months of the year. Plus, since each tube is 1.7 ounces, they’re the perfect size to toss in a purse, a car console, desk drawer, bedside table — you name it.
Price at time of publish: $80
Briogeo Superfoods Leave-In Conditioner & Hair Mask Gift Set
Whether your friend, sister, or mom has curly, wavy, or straight hair, the Briogeo Superfoods Leave-In Conditioner & Hair Mask Gift Set is a great gift idea. For starters, these formulas smell so good. They’re infused with conditioning avocado and antioxidant-rich kiwi, both of which give off the lightest, most delicious aroma, and ensure hair looks and feels its best. Beyond the scent, this duo works to detangle strands, protect against UV damage, and improve texture with each and every use. Suffice to say, it’s self-care for the strands, and anyone would be pleased to unwrap that gift.
Price at time of publish: $44
Williams Sonoma Snuffer and Trimmer Gold Set
For the candle-lover in your life, this gold snuffer and trimmer set from Williams Sonoma is both chic and practical. Did you know that candle wicks are meant to be snipped to a quarter-inch before each use to prevent a blackened burn, which can put more chemicals into the air? While you might think that scissors can get the job done, know that most scissors aren’t the right shape to accommodate candle jars and, as a result, often end up mauling the candle wax. Long story short, this trimmer set will keep their wicks at the perfect length while keeping their favorite candles intact — and they’ll be greatly appreciative.
Price at time of publish: $30
Skeem Match Cloche
Another way to elevate and streamline your loved one’s candle-burning experience? With a chic match cloche, of course! The Skeem Match Cloche, which is sold in three colors and essentially serves as mantle decor, is filled with long candle-friendly matches (which will help keep your friend from burning their fingers while lighting) and outfitted with an on-bottle strike sticker to make the process even more streamlined.
Price at time of publish: $34
Squigs Beauty Double Shot Face Serum
The Double Shot Face Serum is one of Squigs’ two hero products. And believe us, it’s an absolute dream. Infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and avocado oil, the layered face serum is designed to be shaken together before being pressed into the skin for instantly more hydrated, dewy-looking skin. And fun fact: Squigs has recently been chosen as the first and only South Asian brand in Ulta Beauty’s Muse Accelerator program, so we can’t wait to see what else the brand has in store.
Price at time of publish: $28
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
Help your loved one get the most out of their beauty rest with a Slip Silk Pillowcase. The ultra-smooth pillowcases, unlike cotton and other fibers, will never snag strands, nor will they absorb skincare and haircare products. In that way, they enhance sleeping comfort while encouraging even better beauty results. What’s not to love about that? Oh, and did we mention that they’re sold in 10 colors at Sephora. (Though, if you want to gift a bold bedding statement, the brand’s site also has a variety of prints.)
Price at time of publish: $89
Relevant: Your Skin Seen Discovery Kit
Can we start by taking a moment to ogle over the colorful, statement-making packaging this skincare comes in? We’re in love — and we bet your loved one will be, too. The Relevant: Your Skin Seen Discovery Kit is packed with travel-friendly bottles and tubes of five of the brand’s top products, including the Complete Cleansing Serum, Sol Tone Resurface & Glow Solution, One & Done Everyday Cream with SPF 40, Sunburst C+ Superfruit Serum, and Lights Out Resting Mask. After just a few uses, we bet your BFF will be reaching to fill their cart with full-sized options of each, the formulas are that good.
Price at time of publish: $88
Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers
Big, bouncy curls a la the ‘70s are growing in popularity on Instagram and TikTok. The trick to creating the retro hairstyle? The Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers, which have earned over 4.3 million views on TikTok. The velcro roller set includes eight rollers, which are designed to be used as the last step of your hairstyling routine, once hair is almost entirely dry.
Price at time of publish: $14
Olive & June Mani System
Professional manicures are great, but they can also cost a lot over time. With the Olive & June Mani System, you can ensure the ladies in your life have the prettiest nails without breaking the bank. The kit can be ordered with one long-lasting nail color or a set of six and it comes with all the tools necessary to perfect an at-home mani, including clippers, a nail file, The Poppy (the brand’s iconic nail art accessory that makes painting with your non-dominant hand easier than ever), and high-shine top coat. There’s also the option to purchase add-ons, like quick-dry drops (which we absolutely recommend).
Price at time of publish: $85+
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The gift of silence — or uninterrupted music — is there anything better than that? I mean maybe, but when it comes to commuting or trying to get work done, probably not. That’s why we adore the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and bet your BFF will, too. The sleek, high-tech over-the-ear headphones are sold in black and silver, are Bluetooth compatible, and have 11 levels of active noise cancelling, so it can be tailored based on the situation. Additionally, the headphones come in a slim travel case, so they can easily fit into purses and backpacks alike.
Price at time of publish: $379
Calpak Luka Duffle Bag
Trust us when we say that your loved one will never feel more organized while traveling than with the Calpak Luke Duffle. Designed to fit perfectly beneath a plane seat, the structured duffle bag features a front zip pocket, hidden trolley pocket, underside shoe pocket, and multiple slip and zip pockets on the interior. At Nordstrom, it’s sold in three classic colors, but bolder options are available on the brand’s site.
Price at time of publish: $110
Calpak Luka Belt Bag
We also love the belt bag from Calpak, which is utilitarian and chic and holds travel essentials like passport, wallet, phone, sunglasses, travel snacks, and favorite travel beauty musts.
Price at time of publish: $58
Bath and Body Works Lavender Vanilla Gift Box Set
While you might not be able to force your friend to go to sleep at a certain time to ensure they get enough rest each night, you can help them drift off peacefully with the Bath & Body Works Lavender Vanilla Gift Set. The brand-new set includes a single-wick candle, body wash and foam bath, moisturizing body lotion, and travel size essential oil mist in the scent, which is a top-seller for the brand, with thousands of positive reviews across formulas.
Price at time of publish: $55
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written countless gift guides across a wide array of topics and categories.