LONGEST EVER GIFT *SUPER* GUIDE
thoughtful gifts that don't suck
If you want the truth… I had zero plans to make a gift guide this year—much less a giant one for everyone on your list. But nothing kills my momentum faster than clicking through fifteen “For Him/For Her/For Whoever” tabs when I’m shopping for everyone at once.
My love language is gift giving (not necessarily receiving), so instead of letting the internet exhaust me, I pulled together the things I’m actually buying, the things I’d tell you to buy, and the things guaranteed to impress parents, in-laws, friends, siblings, and how to tackle shopping for kids. Plus, I included a few ideas that will make your Dirty Santa gift the one everyone tries to steal.
Before we dive in, it’s worth saying: what actually makes a good gift?
Something that proves you’ve paid attention—their likes, dislikes, routines, habits… the little things that make them them. And no, that does not mean slapping their name or initial on everything. (It’s usually tacky and a total cop-out. Wedding gifts are the worst offenders, but that’s a rant for another time.) Honestly, a thoughtfully chosen gift card tied to something they really use is far better than a random monogrammed whatever.
And when it comes to gifts you ask for? Ask for things you know you’ll love. Don’t be shy; it actually makes life easier for everyone involved. Stick to items that are simple, low-risk, and not dependent on tricky sizing or fifty color choices. Save the ultra-specific, could-go-wrong picks to treat yourself—you can always order, return, or exchange without dragging a gift giver into the process.
Ok here we go. Over 130 items and lucky for you, everything is linked on my ShopMy! (clap, it took forever)
Let’s begin, shall we?
GIFTS FOR YOU & ME TO GIVE AND GET —
Expensive $1,000 +
I’m starting with the “over $1,000” category—because while the rest of this list is very practical, I’m an expensive bitch at heart, so let’s dream a little. These are the splurges that aren’t necessary but definitely memorable, and the kind of gifts you remember the most. Go big or go home!!!
Bottega Veneta leather pouch
I purchased this bag in Italy on a whim in May and have not put it down since. It’s casual, fits so much, but also can be dressed up as a clutch.
Bottega is my brand of the year. They can do no wrong!!
Anything from Arielle Ratner, until the end of time
Specifically the Nebula necklaces, Flora drops, and Flora studs. Ever since I treated myself to the medium Gatsby earrings, I’m even more obsessed with her work.
Lab grown diamond tennis necklace from Dorsey
I need an everyday, and lets pace ourselves with lab grown before going natural.
Vintage or new Cartier watch
Dying for it. Can’t think about it anymore.
Gucci Jackie
Would love a vintage, but a new one would be just as gorg!
Spinner rings from Recreo Reinspired
She’s a fabulous vintage jewelry dealer based in LA who makes these *amazing* spinner rings I purchased in October. Trust, you need.
Mid Tier < $1000
For the “under $1,000” category, there’s more that comes to mind. These picks span home, clothing, practical upgrades, and those treat-yourself items you’d probably never justify buying on your own—but would be thrilled to unwrap. It’s a sweet spot: thoughtful, useful, and still feels like a real gift.
Comforter from the Four Seasons hotel website
After a trip to a Four Seasons property last summer, I ordered the whole bedding set. It’s a game changer
Ralph Lauren cardigan from Le Weekend
I can’t stop wearing. I’m actively trying to wear other things in my closet.
Still Johnson glass plate set
SO unique, made in the South, and cool as hell.
Anything Le Cruset or Staub
It all works the same, so dealer’s choice!
Onyx or marble chess set
Another cool as hell item. Do I need? No. Do I want? Desparately!
Large Champagne serving bucket
It’s something I use and lend to friends allllll the time!
Antique champagne bucket
Looks great empty, and fun to fill!
Guest in Residence sweater
A brand I haven’t tried founded by miss Gigi Hadid
Leather jacket
Expensive, but I need one! Who’s gonna give it?!
Away suitcase or luggage of choice
Luggage is so necessary but not the most exciting to buy. Plus, an easy way to transport your gifts home!
Designer sunglasses
When in doubt, grab a new pair!
Oura Ring
Has changed my life. & I never shut up about it.
Baseline < $250
Under $250—high-quality gifts that feel special without carrying a luxury price tag. Thoughtful, well-made, and impressive without going overboard.
An expensive body wash (Cyklar or Nécessaire)
Did someone say gift sets?!
Crown Affair dry shampoo and hair towel
Cult following for a reason
Slip silk scrunchies
Last forever, and forever needed. (My hair is so fine and creases if you look at it too long)
Weezie towels
Amazing in every sense of the word.
Eberjey pajamas
Butter in the fabric. Swear.
Joes jeans white and black t-shirts
Said it once, I’ll say it again!! What are you waiting for!!
An oxygen facial
Got my first one this summer, I’m hooked!
A red light face mask
Mine broke, must replace! Worth the hype.
The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook
Sungold tomato pasta on repeat. Everyone say thank you, Meredith!!
Vintage glassware from The Go To
They have such a great selection, but also check Chairish and your local stores.
A goood high quality robe
I prefer pockets, no hood, fleecey over terry, but that’s just me.
Barefoot dreams socks
Simple, effective.
Dedcool Detergent
Not too much fragrance, super clean ingredients.
Etsy matcha set
Cute as a freaking button.
Random silver from Etsy
You never know what you’ll need in a hosting pinch! A mismatched collection is fun, and so many small pieces are a great deal.
Good stationary
Etsy is a great option, or support a local small business!
Compression socks
Normatec Go calf sleeves
Table linens
Again, you can never have too many to play with!
Chic pill box
Especially if you’re a vitamins girlie.
Perfume
A small bottle will last forever. Great if you don’t know what to ask for. Looks pretty sitting out!
Makeup brush set
Great time of year for a reset!
French hair pin
Been dying to try ever since I got into claw clips.
Suri toothbrush
I need to upgrade my random CVS aisle choice
CozyLand pajamas
Shady Business lamp shade
My most fab friend’s small business! Check her out and get shady!!
Therabody depuffing wand
I’ve heard such great things, I’m so curious.
FOR THE GIRLS GIFT GUIDE - CLICK HERE!!
WHAT TO GIVE PARENTS & IN LAWS —
Switching gears—parents and in-laws who swear they “just want time together,” which, spoiler, doesn’t come via UPS. Like I said earlier, don’t be afraid of the gift card! For parents, it really is about the thought, not the price tag. Thoughtful experiences, favorite restaurants, or something that makes their day easier go way further than anything expensive or flashy.
ALL BUDGETS —
Gift card to the nice butcher in town
Enough for a date night in
Gift card to their favorite restaurant
If they’re not big home cooks, treat them to a night out! Always ask the restaurant what they suggest for appetizer, drinks, and dessert.
Gift card to a spa
No one deserves a massage or facial more than the hard working moms.
Nice quality robe
Screams parents.
Nice towels
A small luxury that they’ll use every day!
Nice detergent
Same thing I said about the towels
Vintage / new table top items
Add something you know will fit their bar or dinnerware collection
Art
Meaningful art, even small, can be such a thoughtful gift!
Signed coffee table book
Especially for an interest of theirs, getting a signed copy takes it from a good gift to great.
Silver / nice picture frame with family photo
This is what they want anyway.
Embroidered pillow cases
Nice ones. Not shitty ones.
Match boxes with their name on it for their house
A fun customized option that they surely don’t have!
Disposable coasters with their name or something clever
Maybe an even better idea. Makes sure guests don’t ruin their furniture, and can say whatever you want! I’m thinking “beat the traffic” aka ‘don’t stay too long.’
Nice steak knives
Lola blanket
Nice pottery with orchids planted by a local florist
A gift as long as the orchids live, and a great vessel to keep forever!
Return address embosser
Everyone needs one!
Kindle
The Kindle also changed my life!
Nice brass salt and pepper mills
Chic and simple.
Sleeper pajama set
Chicest ever.
Custom tennis balls for their dogs
I found a great link — check the ShopMy!
French butter
iykyk!!
Custom to go coffee cups
On the custom train, cute for the morning or sending a dinner guest home with a decaf.
Stone lighter & candle
Obsessed with these onyx lighters that are going around
Bath oil and bath salt pairing
Cheeky cocktail syrups & vintage shaker
Custom boat tote or tote bag with custom text
Grandparent name, catch phrase, etc. In my family, this would be a cuss word.
Piecework puzzles
Stylish and fun for the whole fam to do together
Staud personalized pet items
Steamery steamer
This could be on everyone’s list!
Nori iron
Loop earplugs
What parent doesn’t complain about the noise everywhere?
Lettuce Grow indoor planting kit
For the ones who love to cook and garden!
PARENTS GIFT GUIDE - CLICK HERE!!!
WHAT TO GIVE YOUR HUSBANDS / DADS / BROTHERS —
Gifts for your husband, dad, or brother can be tricky, so I’ve pulled options across all price points. From practical staples to splurges worth dreaming about, these are things they’ll actually use—and secretly love. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going big, there’s something here for every kind of guy.
ALL BUDGETS -
Turtle Box
Great for indoor and outdoors.
Ugg slippers
My husband lives in his.
Meat Church rub set
They know what they’re doing.
Meat thermometer
I may even use this more than him?
Bedside phone & apple watch charging station
Can’t go wrong!
Magnetic golf cart speaker
If he golfs, he needs.
Desk calendar
I get a new one for my husband every year (because he keeps asking for it - check the ShopMy!)
Theragun
A gift for him you both can use.
Elmwood hoodie
Elevated basics.
Hanging bag for clothes
So he stops stuffing his stuff in yours on trips.
Nice duffel bag / backpack
Stops you from being embarrassed walking in a hotel or on a plane.
Local cooking class
A date night and practical use!
Nice cutting board with meat drip gutter
Refreezable whiskey balls
Pocket knife
Ember coffee mug
Airfly Bluetooth plane adapter
I’m telling you, I cannot/will not get on a flight without it!!!
Tecovas belt to match boots
Boots if you' need something big, belt to match existing boots if you need something small!
Hand saw
For little limbs in the yard, plus they just like this kind of thing.
Leather dopp kit
Waffle maker
Men love breakfast.
Counterpart retractable phone charger
FOR YOUR MAN GIFT GUIDE - CLICK HERE!!!
WHAT TO BRING FOR DIRTY SANTA —
Dirty Santa is fun if you have a great gift, and dreadful if you aren’t good at this thing. What makes a good dirty santa gift imo — something under $50, steal-worthy, a little unpredictable, but still thoughtful. What takes it to the next level, lean into the combo: pair simple items in a clever way and suddenly you’ve created one fabulous, must-steal takeaway.
ALL BUDGETS -
Ayoh! Mayo set
Cute and delish
Desk calendar by Very Robin Co.
a MUST!
Chic shot glass set
Add an 818 mini, key lime, and tajin!
Trask toothbrush
Custom text cocktail napkins
Think “please leave by 9”
Custom makeup bag
Think “sephora haul”
Weezie makeup towels
Oribe gift set
The small sizes last a long time!! Trust!!
Hanni in shower moisturizer
Dubose reusable face mask / eye patches
Brunel body oil
Jasmine Tookes company & the oil that took over the VS fashion show this year
Moon juice
Their site has allllll sorts of crazy things.
Liquid IV hot chocolate
Best of both worlds!
Forgave tea cigar and Alfred coconut loose tea
If you’re a tea girl, you need to try this tea!
Vacation sunscreen
Everyone wants to try it, cute and practical!
Calzedonia thermal tights
A winter must need!!
THE DIRTIEST SANTA GIFT GUIDE - CLICK HERE!!!
NIECES & NEPHEWS —
For nieces, nephews, or the kids in your life, the options can feel endless. Elisabeth from @elisabethandbutter has a great philosophy to borrow: “something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.” It’s a simple framework that keeps you grounded and makes shopping a lot less chaotic—especially when you stumble across something cute, clever, and age-appropriate in all your shopping.
Something They Want = Toy
Something They Need = Practical item (backpack, toothbrush, water bottle)
Something To Wear = Clothes / Shoes
Something To Read = Book
BONUS ROUND!
WEBSITES TO SURF -
If you want the truth, I have a rotation of websites I rely on far more than I should—and you should probably be shopping them too. These are the places where I consistently find the good stuff, the sleeper hits, the “how did I not know about this?” gems. Consider this your shortcut to browsing smarter, not harder.
For the no budget & hard to impress - The Go To
For customized items - Etsy
When you’re out of ideas - Pinterest
For the expensive & wellness minded - Goop
For the out of the box girl - Houses and Parties
For the homebody - Flamingo Estate
For the host - Maison Flaneur
At the end of the day, meaningful gifting is about intention—paying attention to what people actually love and choosing things that feel personal, not performative. While there are plenty of links here to make your life easier, don’t forget to step outside and support the small, talented businesses in your own community. The best gifts often come from the people crafting, curating, and creating right down the street.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY SHOPPING!
xoxo
