The Best Holiday Gifts for Her, Per a Shopping Editor

I try to be a (somewhat) conscious consumer. This means not buying things superfluously which has led to a sharp uptake in my online window shopping. Fortunately, it helps me hone my already sharp gifting sense, which is especially apt as the holiday season is in full swing.

Below I’ve put my sixth sense to use and come up with 27 unexpected gifts that cover the gamut from housewarming, to ‘just because I love you,’ to the holidays and beyond. 

There are also a few items that are on my wishlist—I think it’s especially helpful since I often hear that I am impossible to shop for. It’s a safe bet that the things I want will work for other difficult recipients. 

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Heart

6 Best Gifts Overall

Cosrx Glass Skin Starter Set

It is very hard to buy someone else skin care—skin types and goals are so specific to each person. There are, however, very few exceptions and Cosrx’s snail mucin line is one of them—people either use it and love it or haven’t tried but want to. Regardless of which category the person you’re shopping for falls in, they’ll be pleased with this set, which includes two bottles of the iconic Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and a tube of retinol cream. A few weeks after receiving this, they will come to you with compliments and glass skin abound. 

(Pro tip: Separate the bottles for DIY gift bags or stocking stuffers!) 

Merit Beauty Five-Minute Morning Makeup Set

Makeup, specifically complexion products, is another very difficult thing to buy for other people. Merit’s customer service, however, is top-notch. Send them a photo(s) of the receiver and they will help pick out the appropriate shade of The Minimalist concealer-foundation stick. 

Beyond solving that problem, this Five-Minute Morning Set is that girl. Martha Stewart, countless celebs, and picky beauty editors have all bestowed accolades upon the seven-product kit. 

21 Best Editor-Approved Gifts

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Dreamy Lip Kit

• A crafting-season must-have: Paint Anywhere Periwinkle Blossomg Paint by Numbers; $50; ban.do
• On the cinephile’s wishlist: Everything Everywhere All At Once Hardcover Screenplay Book, $60; amazon.com 
• Jenny Bird Chunky Doune Hoops; $138; jenny-bird.com
• TikTok viral: Intimissimi Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top, $59; intimissimi.com
• Ana Luisa Temple Green Layered Necklace Set, $115; analuisa.com
• A genius gift for the men in your life: Sephora Favorites Cologne Sampler Set With Redeemable Voucher, $95; sephora.com 
• Prada Mini Three-Piece Lip Set, $55 (Originally $75); nordstrom.com
• A crowd pleaser: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Dreamy Lip Kit, $20; amazon.com
• Fun holiday decor: Peanuts Snoopy String Lights, $15; urbanoutfitters.com
• A vinyl collector’s dream: Audio-Technica Sound Burger Portable Turntable, $199; amazon.com
• An aesthetic yet utilitarian upgrade: Craighill Wilson Brass Keyring, $18; amazon.com
• Editor’s pick: Madewell Three-Pack Slinky Ribbed Trouser Socks, $30; madewell.com
• Glossier The Lash Kit, $32; glossier.com
• Jolie The Filtered Shower Head; $165; nordstrom.com
• Ready, Set, Gro Hair Kit, $181; vegamour.com
• An Oprah Favorite Thing: Poppy & Pout Jumbo Lip Balm Gift Set,$70; amazon.com
• Calpak Packing Cubes Five-Piece Set, $68; calpaktravel.com
• Cuyana Mini Heart Case, $98; cuyana.com
• Will be highly appreciated by creative types: Brian Eno Oblique Strategies: Over One Hundred Worthwhile Dilemmas Card Deck, $100; amazon.com
• Lego Orchid Set, $50; lego.com
• An affordable designer buy: Dior Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Purpose Balm, $60; nordstrom.com

Madewell Three-Pack Slinky Ribbed Trouser Socks

When I was a child and received things like sweaters, jackets, or socks as gifts, I wanted to fight someone. But I guess maturing and aging is realizing those are some of the best gifts. I’m always in need of good quality socks but dishing out for them always seems painful. This Madewell trio is a recent favorite—they’re comfortable and they’re cute. They’re going to look fabulous with my wardrobe of loafers. Despite having three pairs, I’d still be glad to receive more. 

Paint Anywhere Periwinkle Blossom Paint by Numbers

I’m a year-round crafter, but in the winter I really get in my DIY bag. It is, after all, homebody season. I received one of these adult paint-by-numbers sets a couple of years ago and have been obsessed since. It’s such a fan activity that doesn’t require learning a new skill the way something like crochet or knitting does. 

Since receiving my Paint Anywhere paint-by-numbers set I have gifted it many times. I always receive photo updates as the giftee works through their canvas and they make me smile every time. It’s like a gift for me, too. 

Craighill Wilson Brass Keyring

The secret to shopping for impossible people is going very micro. What is a small everyday thing in their life that you can upgrade? How about a keyring? No one thinks to replace their own.

Craighill Wilson makes the best ones. They’re minimalistic, design-friendly, and utilitarian. They’re great for white elephant exchanges with a modest price cap, house warmings, and everything in between.

Peanuts Snoopy String Lights

Coach Willow Tote Bag 24

Dior Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Purpose Balm

Dada Daily “Baby Won’t You Light My” Legs Candles

Audio-Technica Sound Burger Portable Turntable

Lego Orchid Set

Cuyana Mini Heart Case

Everything Everywhere All At Once Hardcover Screenplay Book