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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
We firmly believe that Christmas is about way more than just the gifts, although the presents are undeniably part of the seasonal fun. Shopping for them, however, can often bring on some serious seasonal stress. (Say that three times fast!) So to help you keep the gifting experience fun and festive, we compiled a curated list of some of our all-time favorite Christmas gifts. (To be fair, they really are great for any gift-giving holiday or occasion.) Stylist and buying expert Sheyna Imm, who has a roster of clients in Paris and New York, tells Byrdie, "The best Christmas gifts are those that make the practical feel special." She encourages shoppers to look for thoughtful rather than extravagant. "A crazy expensive gift will leave the recipient feeling awkward. But a thoughtful one shows appreciation and makes people feel seen."
The shopping editors at Byrdie take the holidays very seriously, testing, reviewing, and ranking hundreds of items all year so that you can give the most thoughtfully curated Christmas gifts, from editor-approved beauty gifts, to pro-recommended skincare gifts, and small but memorable stocking stuffers. We've got gifts for moms, presents for sisters, and trending TikTok gifts teens will love. If an item is on our list, it's because a Byrdie editor has had personal experience giving or receiving it—and we deem it so fabulous, it deserves a spot under your tree.
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Parachute
Extra plush and extra cozy, this is a classic bathrobe that makes a foolproof gift for pretty much anyone and everyone on your list. It’s made from a super soft long-staple cotton and comes in six neutral colorways. Top tip: Size up if you prefer a more relaxed fit.
Read Full Review: The Cozy Clash: Parachute vs. Brooklinen Robes - Which One Reigns Supreme? (And Where to Get Them on Sale)
With five different attachments, there’s no shortage of different styles you can create with this one convenient tool. We’re talking bouncy curls, sleek and smooth strands, tons of volume, you name it. When we tested it head-to-head against the Dyson Airwrap, we found it to be a better value that delivered comparable results at half the price. We also found it was a tad easier to use, which makes it an ideal gift for novices who love the look of a blowout.
Read Full Review: Shark's FlexStyle Dryer Will Give You TikTok Hair for Half the Price
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Sephora
Yes, you may give off slight Power Ranger vibes while wearing this LED treatment mask, but who cares. When used regularly, it really does work; we noticed an improvement in how smooth and even our skin looked when making it a consistent part of our routine. (Credit the use of collagen-boosting red LED light alongside acne-fighting blue light.) It’s the perfect gift for a serious skincare enthusiast, and although it's a splurge, it's cheaper than a series of laser facials and delivers similar results.
Read Full Review: This LED Light Therapy Mask Changed My Skin in Just 3 Months
Neiman Marcus
If you want to gift a little luxury, we recommend this modern classic. Matelassé stitching and a goldtone monogram YSL give this flap wallet impeccable style. Made from calfskin leather embossed to mimic the texture of grain de poudre, this is one iconic piece that’s worth the hype.
Nordstrom
Finally, there’s no need to sacrifice the warmth of your fingers just because you need to send a quick text. These leather gloves look sleek, are lined with cashmere for warmth, and have touchscreen compatible fingertips.
Jennifer Fisher
This NYC-based jewelry brand has a serious following with A-list celebs; we’re talking J. Lo, Hailey Beiber, and Selena Gomez, to name just a few. In fact, these particular hoops have been worn by Camila Cabelllo, a thin, comfortable, two-inch thread-design hoop that comes in yellow gold, rose gold, or silver-rhodium plated brass. Even though they’re slightly thicker, they’re still totally lightweight, and we also appreciate the fact that they have a super secure backing so you never have to worry about them slipping out.
Viktor & Rolf
The Flowerbomb scent is an icon for a reason—the lush scent combines jasmine, rose, patchouli, and vanilla for a truly intoxicating luxury fragrance experience. The gift set features the Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray, body lotion, and body cream are presented in a chic couture designed box that is meant to wow. We also love the Flowerbomb travel spray when it comes to stocking stuffers.
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Sephora
From the award-winning brand that created the best face shaver, comes this ultrasonic tool that gives you the benefits of a facial with instant results. Use it to unclog pores and extract oil, dirt, and debris and watch the appearance of your pores shrink for a tighter, smoother complexion.
Diptyque
Looking for the perfect host gift? Arrive at your soiree with a little luxury in tow. This classic French candle imparts a warm floral scent the moment it’s lit. We love the large size for gifting, and in particular this black hand-blown vessel that is oh-so-chic for holiday, and ideal for scenting large and outdoor spaces. For a little less spend, you can also gift the smaller version of Baies candle, which we love for a chic stocking stuffer.
Byrdie x Merit
Want to gift something extra to the beauty enthusiast in your life? We suggest this exclusive set of holiday essentials curated by the editors at Byrdie. This special edition kit contains cheek color (the covetable Flush Balm, a natural wash-of-color blush, that’s oh-so-buzzy and worth the hype) highlighting balm, mascara, brow pomade, matte eye color, and brush.
Wacoal
Santa Baby, meet me under the tree tonight. We love this for lounging, sleeping, and layering, as it’s sophisticated, chic, and flirty. The floral lace bodice and hem features a mesh body and adjustable back straps for a custom fit. This chemise comes in eight colorways and runs sizes small through 2XL.
Birthdate Co.
This brand makes uniquely personalized candles, 365 of them, to be exact, with a unique scent and packaging for each day. With this bundle, you get not only a personalized birthday candle but also a gorgeous, handbound book that interprets the astrological birthday chart for that day. It’s the perfect gift for your friend who is always reading their horoscope.
Mejuri
A classic pair of hoops never goes out of style and these are exactly that. The 3.2 mm width hits the perfect balance between statement-making and subtle, and the back clasp makes them easy to pop on and off, while still keeping them secure.
Brooklinen
A silk pillowcase is one of our favorite things to gift any beauty lover, a luxurious way not only to upgrade your bedding but also keep hair smooth, and skin crease-free. There are plenty out there to choose from, but this is one of our all-time faves. Buttery-soft, it’s also nice and breathable—one of our favorite features, which made us truly excited to get into bed every night—and it comes in four permanent colors and prints, as well as limited-edition offerings.
Gravity Blankets
This brand may be best known for its weighted blankets, but it’s definitely worth checking out its latest, a sauna iteration. The far infrared heat it delivers can help you do everything from improve muscle recovery to help you de-stress, all the same benefits as a visit to a full-on sauna.
Alo Yoga
Our current black legging obsession, these offer the perfect level of medium compression, helping you feel snug and supported, not squeezed. We also love the slightly shiny finish, and the variety of colors they come in.
Cuyana
A non-cheesy “work” bag, this is a top choice for day-to-day life. It’s spacious without being overly bulky, and has plenty of space to hold all of your necessities. We’re also big fans of the pebbled leather texture.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Pickleball is all the rage these days and this set is gorgeous. All paddles have a mid-weight honeycomb core to help provide balance and control, making it perfect for beginner and intermediate players. The bright designs on the paddles make this a collectable item, and we love the cute sweatbands also included.
Graza
Foodies and cooking newbies alike will appreciate this fun set of extra virgin olive oils. The two are conveniently named. Use the bold, zesty “Drizzle” variant to finish dishes and in salad dressings. The more mild “Sizzle” makes for a perfect everyday EVOO. We also love the fun packaging and the fact that both come in easy-to-use squirt bottles.
Nordstrom
This is a Byrdie editor all time favorite for its elevated, clean, and intoxicating woodsy aroma. When we tested it, we noted its remarkable silage, or the scent trail it leaves behind as it evaporates is subtle yet striking. (One of the things that makes this fragrance so popular is its longevity.) The fragrance is composed of musky cardamon with notes of sandalwood and cedar. It's been a chic scent for over a decade, and we continue to adore it—getting compliments from passersby whenever we wear it (yes, it's that good). We love it as a unisex scent and want to note our boyfriends not only are drawn to it, but enjoy wearing it themselves.
Diamond Nexus
No one would ever guess in a million years that this bracelet isn’t made with real diamonds. The lab-grown version they utilize is chemically the exact same as the mined version, but without any ethical concerns. It also means this rings in at a much affordable price point. Still, the sparkle is astounding; we wore it paired with our (natural) diamond rings and truly couldn’t tell the difference in the stones. The 1-carat size is also ideal, dainty yet still substantial.
Shiseido
These days, cleansing oils are a dime a dozen, but this is the one that really kicked off their popularity in the U.S. It completely dissolves makeup and impurities, all while leaving skin feeling silky soft (never greasy, don’t worry).
Amazon
If you don't want to gift an entire pickleball set, this paddle is our top recommendation. At 7.8 to 8.4 ounces (depending on the size) this pro-choice is easy to handle, which makes it ideal for novices as well as players who want to step up their game. The textured surface helps control spin and accuracy on the court, and we love the one-year guarantee so you can gift with confidence.
Amazon
This LEGO set was created especially for adult play—as building the flowers can be an exercise in mindfulness, allowing people to unplug and build something with their hands. The payoff is amazing, as these 14-inch blooms never wilt.
Sephora
This curling iron is ideal for all hair types and textures, making it easy to create the perfect bouncy curls with plenty of volume. Bonus points for features such as 10 temp settings and an automatic shut-off.
lululemon
If budget isn’t a factor, and/or you’re after a truly splurge-worthy gift, look no further. This one piece of equipment (that, yes, looks like any other mirror) acts as an entire home gym. Check out over 10,000 live and in-demand classes ranging from dance to meditation to kickboxing, as well as options for one-on-one personal training. The proprietary technology helps you tailor and track workouts based on your specific goals.
Dermstore
Valued at $800, this new-to-market collection is the 2023 Holiday Beauty Box by Dermstore, a 21-piece set that features full- and deluxe-size favorites from Augustinus Bader, PCA SKIN, Supergoop!, jane iredale, Foreo, and more. The exclusive set is ideal for when you want to deliver that wow-factor to any beauty or skincare enthusiast this holiday season. Scoop this up while you can, as these typically sell out quick. We also love the SkinStore Holiday Edit, ($149) a treasure box filled with 14 full- and deluxe-size beauty, skin and hair care favorites from Obagi Medical, Olaplex, Wander Beauty, Peter Thomas Roth, and more.
Lululemon
These gloves are made with warm merino wool with just a touch of stretch, not to mention have tech-friendly fingertips for swiping and scrolling. They’re great for workouts, but also day-to-day.
Brooklinen
As the name suggests, popping this on feels like you’re wrapped up in your coziest bath towel. We love that the cuffs and tie waist are adjustable, and the fact that it has pockets, too. This was a top performer when we tested out the best robes.
Molton Brown
This trio of handwashes in the brand’s best-selling scents—coastal cypress & sea fennel, delicious rhubarb & rose, and orange & bergamot—makes the perfect “I need to get a gift, but I'm not sure what to get” gift. Everyone needs handwash, and everyone likes fancy, nice versions of it. Give the set as one, or split them up and give them as three individual gifts.
Bluemercury
It may be the C E Ferulic serum from this brand that everyone talks about, but this is a great counterpart to that, especially if you have oily skin. Not only is it a great vitamin C serum, it also has blemish-busting salicylic acid, which makes it an amazing product for those looking to clear their complexion.
Bombas
Socks as a stocking stuffer—could it get any better? These quarter-length ones are the perfect length to wear with a multitude of different shoes.
Lake Pajamas
Any woman in your life is sure to appreciate this comfy PJ set, complete with a scoop neck top and comfy, loose pants. The blue-and-white stripe has just the right preppy feel; we also appreciate that the pants come in cropped, regular, and tall lengths and how buttery soft these feel, even before you wash them. FYI, they make a maternity version, but in our experience, you can also get away with sizing up to accommodate a growing baby bump.
Vuori
A must-have layering piece for the fall and spring, this full-zip fleece is soft and super warm. The nubby fleece feels way more expensive than it is, there’s both a zipper and button front placket, and it’s also perfectly oversized. (We only had to size up one, even during our third trimester of pregnancy.)
Cozy Earth
Sheets may not feel like the most exciting gift of all time, but they’re undoubtedly practical. And when it’s this luxe set, they’re also very giftable. It’s no surprise they’re one of the brand’s best-selling products of all-time, made with bamboo viscose that only gets softer the more you wash them. And with 11 colors to choose from, it’s easy to find an option that will work with any kind of bedroom decor.
Sephora
This palette is popping off on TikTok—and it couldn’t be more perfect for adding some holiday sparkle to your look. (Fun fact: At one point it amassed a wait list of over 60,000.) We love that you get both matte and shimmery finishes in 12 new signature shades that create effortless, ethereal eye looks, all in flattering, wearable colors that we find ourselves reaching for time and time again. It features three unique finishes: sueded mattes, natural metallics, and a first-ever—glossy shimmers.
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Amazon
Your everyday, run-of-the-mill hairbrush may not necessarily be giftworthy, but this is anything but. Founded by a UK-based hairdresser, everything from the unique bendable shape and handle to the rotating bristles make it one of the best and most special brushes we’ve ever seen. A flat silicone base, coupled with bristles that rotate 360-degrees, ensures that the brush basically molds to the shape of your head, detangling strands perfectly while still being totally gentle and greatly minimizing the potential for damage. We find it legitimately revolutionary, amazing especially if you struggle with knots, dullness, or frizz.
Amazon
A must for all of the bath lovers in your life, this pillow is made of a soft, mesh material that won’t stick to your skin. But it will stick to the tub and stay in place, thanks to six, extra-large suction cups. It’s a great gift on its own, but you can also pair it with some bubble bath and a candle if you want to create a little DIY luxe bath kit.
Candle Delirium
Brace yourself for a bold statement: This is our favorite holiday candle of all time, no ifs, ands, or butts about it. A zesty mix of clove, mandarin, pomegranate, and just the right touch of pine make it the perfect thing to burn from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. It can be hard to find outside of the holiday season, so stock up while you can; this jumbo size makes for the perfect hostess gift.
Amazon
Novice and experienced at-home cooks alike are guaranteed to love this pan. A non-toxic, mineral-based coating makes it perfectly non-stick (especially ideal for eggs, in our experience) and easy to clean. Available in five hues, it’s also a fun way to add an unexpected pop of color to any kitchen.
Aritzia
A puffer coat doesn’t seem like an exciting gift, until you get one of Tna’s Super Puffs. Available in 31 different colors, this long puffer is made to deliver warmth at temperatures all the way down to -41 degrees. What’s not to love?
Ugg
Uggs are a classic holiday gift, but it’s time to mix it up a little with this fresh and funky offering: Their metallic puffer shoes. These even come with the water repellent treatment already applied.
Arch
What’s better than metallic slippers? Bright, faux fur numbers you can wear outside. These are durable, cozy, and a great addition to any loungewear collection.
Estelle
Some glasses aren’t meant to be hidden in a cupboard. Estelle Colored Glass has a beautiful collection of glassware, but these champagne flutes in lavender are particularly show-stopping.
Via Maris
Have you ever seen a more beautiful Chanukiah? The glass Chanukiah from Via Maris is available in three different color ways and will certainly be the talk of any home it sits in.
Amazon
Whether or not you grew up in the era of disposable cameras, there’s something charming about a classic Kodak. This one, which is not actually disposable, allows you to restock film once it runs out, meaning you can continue to capture memories.
Emi Jay
For the beauty lover who can’t justify spending their own money on a pricey custom hairbrush, but wouldn't mind shelling out for the perfect personalized beauty gift for someone special. This is a gift that will be loved, cherished, and displayed on a beautifully curated vanity.
EADEM
This limited edition holiday set features the full 3-step skin brightening routine (Dew Dream Cleansing Balm, Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum and Cloud Cushion Airy Brightening Moisturizer and Fufu Spoon), uniquely formulated to gently remove makeup and cleanse skin, fade existing dark spots and restore the skin barrier to prevent the formation of new ones. We love this brand, and also this deal (these products are bundled for an 18% savings).
Jordan Samuel Skin
Transport yourself to the Sicilian countryside with this artisan-crafted body oil made with olive and grapeseed oils for a deeply penetrating surge of moisture. The citrus scent is crisp, refreshing, and unisex, making this a giftable luxury for everyone on your list. Pro tip: We love applying it immediately after a shower for the smoothest skin. Team Byrdie stans this brand, founded by a former ballet dancer who made it a mission to create elevated and effective natural skincare.
UMA
The Ayurvedic brand beloved by beauty editors and wellness enthusiasts alike just launched a new drop that's luxurious and grounding at the same time. This body balm melts into skin and carries a woody and spicy santal scent full of fragrant notes including cedar, cardamom, and clary sage. The glass case is utterly gorgeous, and perfect for re-purposing, which adds to the allure of this intoxicating gift.
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Therabody
From the brand that brought us the pioneering massage gun comes a new facial treatment system with clinical backing. This facial tool includes eight types of therapy treatments from LED light to help clear clogged complexions to percussive therapy to help with pain from jaw clenching, plus a microcurrent to help tone and lift, and a deep cleansing brush to help purge pores. Consider it the Rolls Royce of facial tools—an all-in-one device that can turn your bathroom into a day spa. Considering how many attachments this device comes with in order to personalize your custom facial routine, we think the price is definitely worth the spend.
Fleur du Mal
Gifting underwear has never been so chic. Customize this silk blend thong according to the recipient’s zodiac sign. We love the delicate hand-embroidered zodiac symbols that help make this luxe gift all the more special. Plus, when you shop right now, you can snag the thong at a sale price.
This collab is still white hot, and offers an elevated take on casual kix. Unisex, imported, and available in black or white, these sneakers are a mainstay of the style elite and can be paired with everything from jeans to dresses all season long.
Ulta
This was the year for the hot brush, an effortless way to achieve salon-worthy styles with one easy-to-use tool. We love this affordable Revlon model with hundreds of thousands of starred reviews on Amazon. Trust us when we say it can hold its own with the more expensive prestige brand versions.
The North Face
You don’t need us to tell you how warm a North Face puffer jacket is, but this style, with a cool, retro shape is the perfect winter match of form and function. Look at those oversized sleeves!
Lillibridge
There’s not a makeup-lover you know who couldn’t use a beautiful, new bag to swap out for the grungy one they have now. These sweet, coated canvas bags with original designs from Lillibridge are the perfect preppy-ish pick me up.
Alexis Bittar
You can certainly wear them as a pair but we love the idea of just one super dramatic statement. These 5-inch-long jaw-droppers are made with crystals designed to catch the light and a shape designed to elongate your neck. You’ll want to plan your entire outfit around these beauties.
Dagne Dover
The perfect cross-body bag is equal parts art and science. We have tested A LOT. And this Dagne Dover version, made from indestructible, infinitely cleanable neoprene takes the top prize. It’s roomy enough to tote your phone, sunscreen and keys without being bulky and awkward and its sleek shape curves with your curves and doesn’t scream for attention. Loosen the adjustable straps to wear across your chest or tighten to wear around your waist.
Amazon
There are ice cream makers, and then there is the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker. Many of the less expensive makers require you to freeze the mixing bowl overnight before making ice cream, which means you need to have premeditated ice cream cravings, which is just not the way cravings work. This version has a built-in compressor, which means the best ice cream of your life can be yours a la minute, no freezing required. It isn’t the only machine with a compressor on the market, but it is one of the best.
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, and she's also genuinely obsessed with giving gifts and always finding the right present for whomever she is shopping for.
Jill Di Donato is Byrdie's Associate Editorial Director, Commerce where she heads up gift guides for the brand.
Additional reporting by Liz Zack, a gift guides writer with over 20 years experience.
