30 Holiday Gifts That Your Sister Will Absolutely Love
Avoid gift-buying anxiety with these unique gift ideas for sisters.
There’s no one on Earth who knows your sister (or sisters) better than you do. After all, you know all her embarrassing childhood moments, have overcome countless silly fights together, and probably still share clothes and secrets to this day. Having said that, there’s no amount of closeness that can completely eradicate the sense of dread when it comes time to buy birthday or Christmas presents—even if they are for your sister from the same mister.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 30 of the best gifts to get your sister(s) this holiday season, whether she loves luxurious beauty products, delicious desserts, or personalized items that prove just how well you two know each other.
Without further ado, here are the 30 best gifts to buy your sister.
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30 Best Gifts for Sisters
1. Greenline Goods Zodiac Wine Glasses, $29.98 on Amazon
If your sister is an astronomy buff, she’ll love these stemless wine glasses that are etched with the zodiac constellation of your choice. Even if she’s more of a casual horoscope reader, she’s sure to still appreciate the sturdiness and lovely aesthetic of the glassware. (Bonus: The glasses are both freezer- and dishwasher-safe.) Select from any 12 of the zodiac signs, then secretly pray your sister invites you over for her next wine and cheese night. Greenline Goods Zodiac Wine Glasses, $29.98, Amazon
2. Pawtrait Design Co. Personalized Wall Art, $10 at Etsy
The only thing a gal loves as much as her sister is her pet. Etsy has hundreds of customized pet products that will make any cat- or dog-owner’s heart melt, but these portraits from Pawtrait Design Co. are some of the best-reviewed (and cutest!) on the site. You simply choose your background color, type in her fluffer’s name, send in a photo, and wait for a high-resolution image file to be sent to your inbox. The final products look like oil paintings, but are far more inexpensive than similar products, since you can print and frame them yourself. Pawtrait Design Co. Personalized Wall Art, $100, Etsy
3. Disney+ One-Year Subscription Card, $80 at Shop Disney
If you and your sister used to bond over The Little Mermaid and Aladdin as kids (and swoon over Thor and Black Widow as adults), then she’ll definitely appreciate a Disney+ Subscription this holiday season. A one-year subscription only costs $80, and provides access to almost every Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars film, not to mention enough 90s shows and movies to keep her warm and nostalgic all winter. Disney+ One-Year Subscription Card, $80, Shop Disney
4. Homesick State Candles, $38 at Homesick Candles
Candles always make great gifts, but Homesick Candles are particularly great if you want something a bit more personal. Whether you and your sister grew up in Virginia, used to visit Grandma in Florida every summer, or spent one unforgettable vacation together in Hawaii, you can find a state-specific candle to match any memory. (There are also city candles available, in case you want to get extra specific.) Each candle smells like elements from each specific state: For example, the Alaska candle has hints of spruce and glacier water, while New Mexico smells like chili powder and sandalwood. You can even add a personalized note to the back of the candle for an extra fee. Homesick State Candles, $38, Homesick
5. Bad Feminist: Essays by Roxane Gray, $11 on Amazon
If there’s one positive thing we can take away from the past few years, it’s that conversations about racism and sexism have entered the mainstream. They’re both tricky topics to talk about, even with your closest family members, so it’s good to educate yourself every chance you get. Bad Feminist is a series of essays from award-winning author Roxane Gay, providing spot-on cultural commentary on everything from Django Unchained to Chris Brown. The book is equal parts funny and poignant, and will certainly give you some solid talking points at your next family gathering. Bad Feminist: Essays by Roxane Gray, $11, Amazon
Related: Best Young Adult Books
6. Dolly Parton's Rainbow Jigsaw Puzzle, $28 at ModCloth
Dolly Parton truly is a shining light in this sometimes-dark world. There’s approximately a 100% chance that your sister is at least a mild fan of Ms. Parton, which is why this jigsaw puzzle from ModCloth is a safe gift choice. The 500-piece puzzle is the perfect activity to do on your next rainy day—and not just because it features Dolly’s famous quote, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” Dolly Parton's Rainbow Jigsaw Puzzle, $28, ModCloth
7. Eat Like A Gilmore: The Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Gilmore Girls, $22 on Amazon
Aside from its witty dialogue and strong female characters, the most notable feature of Gilmore Girls is the sheer amount of food featured in every episode. If you and your sister used to discuss Luke’s burgers or Sookie’s muffin bottom pie on a regular basis, then this Eat Like A Gilmore cookbook is for you. Author Kristi Carlson filled the book with 100 recipes covering appetizers, cocktails, entrees, and desserts, complete with gorgeous food photos and fun trivia about the show. Whip up a few dishes for your next sister night, and get immediately transported to the delicious world Stars Hollow. Eat Like A Girlmore Cookbook, $22, Amazon
8. Sonos Roam Portable Smart Speaker, $179 at Sonos
The sound quality of Sonos speakers is truly unrivaled. The brand has long had a devotional following, which only grew more fanatic with the release of the Sonos Roam. The Bluetooth smart speaker is totally portable and smaller than your standard water bottle, meaning you can easily take it with you on your next hike or picnic. It’s also waterproof—perfect for ladies who like to listen to the latest hits while taking a bath. Sonos Roam Portable Smart Speaker, $179, Sonos
9. Friends Central Perk Cappuccino Mug, $10.99 on Amazon
Any TV viewer who was a teen or adult in the 90s was probably a fan of Friends, and probably wished they could hang out at Central Perk with Rachel and Chandler. While the gang’s seemingly endless lunch breaks can’t be wrapped in a box, you can certainly give a piece of that coffeehouse magic with this Central Perk cappuccino mug that holds 10 ounces of liquid. Warning: May or may not cause the recipient to randomly start singing “Smelly Cat.” Friends Central Perk Cappuccino Mug, $10.99, Amazon
10. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, $72.44 on Amazon
Any former Polaroid user knows the joy that comes from instant cameras. Fujifilm’s line of Instax cameras has been immensely popular for the past several years, thanks to the low cost and fun colors of the products. The Instax Mini 11 features fully automatic exposure (previous models made you set exposure manually) and a pretty decent flash. All in all, the camera is perfect for creating quick selfies and artsy shots that you’d prefer not to live on the Cloud. (Note that the film is sold separately.) Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, $72.44, Amazon
11. Bearaby Cotton Napper, $249 at Bearaby
Weighted blankets became all the rage a couple of years ago for their ability to naturally ease anxiety. They have yet to ebb in popularity (for good reason—they really do work!), so your sister will definitely appreciate receiving one as a gift. But which one to buy? The Bearaby Napper shows up again and again in “best-of” lists, with personal recommendations ranging from Vogue editors to the Property Brothers. The blanket is indeed quite wonderful, with a variety of weights and colors, and a cool braided look that resembles a huge homemade scarf rather than a generic throw. Bearaby Cotton Napper (15 lbs), $249, Bearaby
12. Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask, $29 at Brooklinen
There’s something so glamorous about silk eye masks, and not just because they make us feel like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A proper mask (so not the ones handed out for free on JetBlue flights) has the ability to drastically improve sleep, which results in more lustrous skin and a happier overall vibe. Brooklinen’s mulberry silk eye masks are particularly chic and comfortable, promising to feel “like a million angels kissing your eyelids.” The well-made design ensures that no light will seep in the edges, while the material stays cool on your skin all night long. It’s hard to believe they only cost $29! Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask, $29, Brooklinen
13. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4oz, $146 at Macy's
If you want to make your sister feel like the classiest lady in town this winter, you can’t really do much better than a bottle of Chanel perfume. The Coco Mademoiselle fragrance was released in 2001 and has already achieved icon status, with a lovely and light scent profile consisting of citrus, jasmine, and patchouli. It’s a tad fresher and less stuffy than other popular Chanel fragrances like La Vie Est Belle, making it a great choice for daytime wear. Your sister is all but guaranteed to get a few compliments after she sprays this on, and she’ll probably want to hang onto the gorgeous bottle (even after it’s empty) for years to come. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4oz, $146, Macys
14. Lulu and Georgia Pembrooke Cocktail Set, $150 at Lulu and Georgia
While many of us moved toward working remotely over the past few years, happy hour at home became increasingly popular. This charming barware set from Lulu and Georgia includes a seeded glass mixing pitcher, beechwood muddler and gold-plated stainless steel jigger, strainer and spoon. We dare Santa to deliver a present this awesome on Christmas morning. Lulu and Georgia Pembrooke Cocktail Set, $150, Lulu and Georgia
15. Flustered Accessories Sister Morse Code Necklace, $24.99 at Etsy
A sweet spin on traditional friendship necklaces, this morse code necklace from Flustered Accessories makes a perfect gift for sisters. Using a series of tiny round and tube beads, the necklace spells out the word “sister” in morse code—a special secret that only you and your sis will know the meaning of. Choose from gold, silver, or rose gold materials and a variety of necklace lengths, depending on what your giftee most loves to wear. Flustered Accessories Sister Morse Code Necklace, $24.99, Etsy
16. Georgetown Cupcake Best Seller Cupcake Dozen, $64.95 at Goldbelly
Georgetown Cupcake is a Washington, DC favorite that has been featured in The New York Times, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more. The co-founders also starred in the TLC reality series DC Cupcakes. This “Best Seller Cupcake Dozen” sampler pack includes a variety of 12 cupcakes in scrumptious flavors like Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter Fudge and Red Velvet. The desserts ship to anywhere in the US and arrive in pristine condition, giving your family an authentic taste of DC without having to hop on a plane. Georgetown Cupcake Best Seller Cupcake Dozen, $64.95, Goldbelly
17. Rose Quartz Roller & Gua Sha Massage Tool, $16.99 on Amazon
Using a face roller provides incredible benefits for your skin, decreasing puffiness, improving blood circulation, and tightening pores with every use. Pass on the gift of bright and healthy skin with this rose quartz roller from Drop of DiviniTi, which features a large side for the forehead, cheeks, and neck, and a small side for the areas around your eyes and mouth. This particular product includes a gua sha tool for sculpting, and comes in a pretty, easily giftable pink box. Rose Quartz Roller & Gua Sha Massage Tool, $16.99, Amazon
18. Mini Double Loop Bag, $228 at Cuyana
If your sister is a frequent traveler, she’ll be thrilled to receive this crossbody bag from Cuyana. The bag is lightweight and roomy enough for her passport and phone, and keeps her hands free so she can take photos while she walks around. Made from Italian leather in a woman-owned factory in Turkey, the Mini Double Loop bag is extra versatile with an adjustable strap and interior slip pockets. Choose from a variety of classic colors, and even add her monogram in tiny gold letters for an additional $15. Mini Double Loop Bag, $228, Cuyana
Related: Best Travel Gifts
19. 20-Piece Macaron Hair Clips, $9.99 on Amazon
Sparkly hair clips made a huge comeback, which is good news for anyone who misses the glory days of butterfly clips and bedazzled barrettes. This 20-piece set from Amazon has enough fancy bobby pins and accessories to keep your sister covered for every wedding, party, and date night she might have in the next year. The clips all look pretty and delicate, but are quality-tested several times to make sure they stay intact and colorful for the long haul. 20-pc Macaron Hair Clips, $9.99, Amazon
20. Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker, $69.90 on Amazon
Whether your sister is a true coffee connoisseur or simply uses coffee as a morning pick-me-up, an espresso maker is probably on her holiday wish list. While most makers aren’t exactly giftable (they tend to be large and cost upwards of $1,500), the Wacaco Nanopresso is tiny, inexpensive, and pumps out coffee on par with any you’ll find in a cafe. The product has received rave reviews from National Geographic and Epicurious for its quality and ease of use: You simply add water and ground coffee beans in the designated chambers, then pump the exterior button until you have a cup of espresso with a lovely layer of tan crema. It’s a particularly good gift for people who enjoy camping or hiking, as you can easily pack it up and use it on the go. Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker, $69.90, Amazon
21. Sigma Beauty Essential Kit, $160 at Nordstrom
Makeup tends to be a go-to gift idea for women, but it can be nearly impossible to determine your giftee’s exact skin tone or color preferences without her standing right there next to you. For a safe but equally fun gift alternative, pick up a set of high-quality makeup brushes, like this kit from Sigma Beauty (a Latinx-owned brand founded in 2009). The 12-piece set contains brushes for the face and eyes, all cruelty-free and professional-level quality. Sigma Beauty Essential Kit $160, Nordstrom
22. UGG Scuffette II Slipper, $95 at Nordstrom
A good pair of slippers is a godsend for a cold winter night or lazy Sunday morning spent at home. It can be hard to pick a pair to give as a gift with so many options out there, but you really can’t go wrong with Uggs. The Ugg Scuffette slippers, specifically, are universally beloved thanks to their ultra-comfy shearling lining and backless design that make them easy to slip on and off. Nordstrom sells the slippers in four different colors including Barbie-core bright pink, but the chestnut and black/gray suede options are a tad safer for gift-giving. UGG Scuffette II Slipper, $95, Nordstrom
Related: Best Slippers With Arch Support
23. Vinebox Peaks & Valleys Curated Box, $78 at Vinebox
The Vinebox Peaks & Valleys curated box comes with six 100-milliliter tubes of different wines, three reds and three whites, plus tasting notes. This wine tasting kit is a great gift for a sister who loves trying new things but doesn’t want to commit to full bottles. Vinebox Peaks & Valleys Curated Box, $78, Vinebox
24. Undefined Beauty Glow Elixir, $38 at Undefined
A relatively new addition to the beauty world, CBD products are proven to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin, and oftentimes reduce anxiety through hemp-derived serums and bath products. Undefined Beauty, a Black-owned skincare brand, has a wide array of clean beauty products, many of which make excellent gifts for the women in your life. This multitasking serum is great for anyone who needs a nourishing addition to their skincare routine, or who simply wants to test the waters of CBD-based wellness. Undefined Beauty Glow Elixir, $38, Undefined
25. Green Dream Notebook & Notecard Set, $69 at Papier
Ahh, there’s nothing quite as wonderful as fresh office supplies—especially if they’re as gorgeous as these products from Papier. The set includes a hardback lined notebook and 20 cards and envelopes, lined with a green agate-like design and personalized with the name of your choice. If your sister loves scribbling notes or writing old-school letters, this is the perfect, beautiful gift for her. Green Dream Notebook & Notecard Set, $69, Papier
26. Knock Knock "What I Love About You, Sister" Journal, $11.80 on Amazon
You probably tell your sister you love her all the time, but now you have the chance to tell her exactly why you love her. This “What I Love About You” journal comes with 50 sentences for you to complete about your sister, like “I love laughing about the time we ____” and “I love how you always say _____”. The prompts can get a tad repetitive, but that just gives you room to get silly with it. When you’re finished, your sister will have a cute and tiny (it’s just a bit bigger than a pack of cards) book that she can carry with her forever. Knock Knock "What I Love About You, Sis" Journal, $11.80, Amazon
27. Monogram Apple AirPods Case, $25.99 at Etsy
Pretty much everybody, including your sister, already owns a pair of AirPods. But she probably doesn’t own a monogrammed AirPods case. New Joy Studio makes personalized cases, made from thermoplastic polyurethane (or TPU, an extremely durable material) and featuring a metal carabiner and drop-shadow letters. The cases come in two sizes for both AirPods and AirPods Pro, and you can choose from nine different background and letter colors. Monogram Apple AirPods Case, $25.99, Etsy
28. Plant Parent Set, $74 at The Sill
Houseplants may not be the first things that come to mind when you think of presents, but The Sill is here to change that. The company sells both plant subscription boxes and single-purchase plants that can turn anyone into a green thumb. Their Plant Parent Set lets you choose between 3 or 5 low-maintenance plants that arrive already soiled and potted. It’s a great way to help your sister start her indoor jungle, or just give her something pretty and green to look at. Plant Parent Set, $74, The Sill
29. One-Year Audible Gift Membership, $150 at Audible
There are tons of great gift options for the book lover in your life—and not all of them are books. An Audible membership, for example, makes an ideal present for a sister who loves to read but already has all her favorites stocked on her shelves. Memberships can be given in one, three, six, and 12-month plans; costing $15, $45, $90, and $150, respectively. Does your sis already have an account? If so, you can give a single audiobook as a gift: Log into your account, find the book you want to give, and select the “give as a gift” option on the payment page. One-Year Audible Gift Membership, $150, Audible
30. Fenty Skin Travel-Size Start'r Set, $43 at Fenty
Ever since Rihanna's makeup line dropped in 2017, pretty much every product has received rave reviews (and caused a veritable internet frenzy). If your sister is a Fenty newbie, this skin starter set would be a great way to introduce her to the brand. The kit includes a cleanser, toner serum, and sunscreen-moisturizer that are proven to reduce oil and dark spots and improve overall skin clarity. This particular kit is also travel-size, so your sis can throw it in her carry-on the next time she visits you. Fenty Skin Travel-Size Start'r Set, $43, Fenty
