The Best Christmas Gifts for Her
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The femme folks on one’s Christmas shopping list don’t want the same things, but they also do want the same thing, generally: a gift that expresses the personal connection they have with the gifter. What exactly that gift is will vary, but starting from a list of high-quality, expert-recommended products can save a lot of time and stress this holiday season.
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In the moment, seeing someone unwrap a gift and be genuinely, pleasantly surprised is gratifying, but the real benefit of crushing gifting season is strengthening relationships — friendly, familial, romantic, or otherwise — heading into the new year. The good will that a good gift can build is priceless, so they’re all (relative) bargains when you think about it. We’re also happy to report that there are some reasonably priced presents, along with some big-ticket items, that have earned recommendations from those in the know.
What the Experts Say
SPY spoke with Duy Vo, a consumer trends analyst and the founder of Sandjest, to help define what makes a good gift this holiday season. For all recipients, his biggest message was that, regardless of the gift itself, the meaning behind it is more important.
“People crave connection, utility, and a sense of being understood and appreciated,” Vo says. “Gifts that resonate with personal comfort and needs or preserve memories hold a special place in the receiver’s heart. This personal touch, this hint of bespoke connection, makes all the difference.”
These gifts earned a place on this list not because they’ll definitely be a fit for everyone, but because they’re outstanding examples of the kinds of things that many women and femmes find themselves wanting this holiday season. And if you’re the person who makes those wants a reality, that’s a pretty nice place to be.
BEST OVERALL
Desenio Prints
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The person you’re shopping for lives in a place with walls, and those walls have empty spots that would look better with something adorning them. Desenio is an online marketplace with literally thousands of prints from real artists. There’s photography, abstract art, and maps, to name a few, along with prints sold by theme: nature, food, travel, etc. The point is that you can go with a print (we like this one from contemporary British artist Dan Hobday’s semi-abstract coastline), but you can also go with something totally and completely different depending on the recipient.
“When choosing a print as a gift, think about the aesthetic and interests of the person you’re gifting to,” suggests Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director at Desenio Group. “Are they more minimal? Do they love certain colors?” (Desenio also lets gifters create custom prints with photos and designs of their choice.)
BEST BEAUTY
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Brush
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Made For: Those with lots of hair and not a lot of time. This combination device makes it possible to dry and style simultaneously. “Any woman would appreciate cutting her styling time in half with this all-in-one hair essential,” says personal trainer Ashley Castleberry. She also vouches for the fact that it imparts “salon-quality blowout results.”
Coolest Feature: The head detaches for easy storage and travel, so the lady in your life won’t have to go without their most useful hair tool on the road.
BEST FOR COFFEE LOVERS
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
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Made For: Coffee lovers who savor their sips. This electronic mug, which is powered by a wireless rechargeable battery, has a built-in heating element that prevents the dread lukewarm cup of coffee. “It keeps your drink at the desired temperature for up to 1.5 hours so you don’t have to microwave and dilute your coffee,” says Johny Morrisson of Coffee About.
Coolest Feature: It’s possible to control the Ember with a smartphone app but it also works just fine without one, which makes it great for those who want to set it and forget it.
BEST FOR TRAVELERS
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Bag
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Made For: Travelers who could use a durable yet stylish weekender bag (or a carry-on upgrade). “We chose a slightly more substantial (but still lightweight) washed canvas so that we wouldn’t need a lining,” says Jan Lo, the company’s CEO and co-founder, of the updated version of the brand’s flagship bag. After trying one out, we can confirm that it’s strong but not bulky, making it a worthy travel companion for the women in your life.
Coolest Feature: The lower compartment, an all-too-rare feature in duffels, is great for packing extra pairs of shoes or keeping dirty laundry separate from the clean stuff on the way home.
BEST LUXURY
Von Baer Isabella Shoulder Bag
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Why It Stands Out: The leather is fantastic, full stop. As a brand, Von Baer is a stickler for high-quality leather up and down the supply chain. “They literally could track it back to the farm where the cow came from,” says Tom Carbone, an adjunct professor in the Fashion Accessories Design program at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. “The brand knows every aspect of it and every aspect is controlled and environmentally sound.”
Hot Take: A leather bag of this quality is always a good gift, but Von Baer will also add personalized laser engraving to foster the kind of personal connection that Vo says is crucial to gift-giving. And everyone loves a monogram, right?
BEST FOR GOURMANDS
Umami Cart Seasonal Fruit Discovery Box
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Why It Stands Out: For many folks, a mail-order box of pears or apples is a Christmas tradition. This box, which comes with five to nine exotic fruits based on what’s freshest at the time of shipping, brings some novelty to the tradition.
Hot Take: The local grocery store’s fruit section is woefully inadequate. Andrea Xu, the founder of Umami Cart, says the taste and health benefits make these fruits worth seeking out. For instance, “Mangosteen is known as the queen of fruits because of its intensive flavor…[It] has a high level of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as high vitamin C content to support the immune system.”
BEST FOR REAL SOFTIES
Gap CashSoft Crewneck
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Made For: Low-maintenance coziness. Everyone loves cashmere, but it’s expensive to buy and a hassle to own. Michele Park, senior director of design at Gap, says that this particular sweater is an accessible alternative to cashmere. “You can wear it every day with no dry cleaning necessary,” she adds.
ROI: At just $70, it’s possible to get a few sweaters — in several of the solid and patterned options offered — for the price of one.
BEST FOR THE FAMILY-FOCUSED
Skylight Frame
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Made For: High-tech nostalgia. “This isn’t your average picture frame,” Vo says. “In a time where many of us are distanced from our families, having a living album that connects you through moments can be incredibly touching.”
Coolest Feature: “It allows everyone in the family to email photos directly, creating an ever-evolving collage of memories,” Vo says. There is a companion app that can also be used to add and control photos, but giving out the custom email address that directly uploads photos to the frame is a simpler way to enjoy pleasant surprises when far-flung family members add new pics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Gifts for Her
What are the best gifts for women?
There are certain categories that always come up in pieces like these — jewelry, apparel, and cosmetics among them — but the best gifts for the women and femmes in your life are, according to Vo, those that have the personal touch that turns a “simple present into a cherished gesture.”
How much should I spend on a Christmas gift for her?
There’s no magic number, unfortunately, which is why we recommend not making budget your first criterion. Think about the kinds of gifts that are likely to connect with each recipient and then narrow down those larger categories into options that fit your budget. And remember — expensive gifts aren’t necessarily good and good gifts aren’t necessarily expensive.
What do women want?
That’s a very tough question. Maybe ask Helen Hunt?
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