Whether you’re shopping for a mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, daughter, aunt, friend or anyone else on your list of people to surprise this holiday season, I hope my gift guides are helpful to you and make it a little easier to shop for someone special on your list!
Note: You may also check out my Amazon shop where you’ll find my Gift Guide for Her page for anyone who might want to reference it in the future for last-minute ideas and shopping.
Gift Guide 2023: For Her
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A Gift to Support Her Hobby
Hooray for hobbies! Sometimes life can feel so crazy that hobbies can fall to the wayside but if you know a hobby your loved one enjoys or previously enjoyed, a gift catered to their hobby might be a welcomed surprise to support something they love or even help reignite their enjoyment of a prior favorite past time.
For readers: Monogramed Stitched Bookmark (these are beautiful!) / New Book (especially one you personally read and loved!) / Embroidered Bookmark / Take a Look, It’s In a Book T-shirt (for former Reading Rainbow fanatics like me) / E-reader (I am partial to my Kindle for a myriad of reasons. I especially love that I can read it in the dark — the black background with white text is my favorite for nighttime reading — and, as someone who never thought I’d be into an e-reader I love that my Kindle makes it easy to fly through books and have the next great read at my fingertips. Once I discovered Libby and Hoopla, two apps that allow you to download books for free through your local library, a whole new world opened up.)
For puzzlers: Puzzle Board (for organized puzzling) / New Puzzle (this is our family’s favorite holiday puzzle — also, my mom loves puzzles and I love to gift her puzzles related to something she loves — her hometown, a nostalgic memory, etc.) / Photo Puzzle (turn any picture into a puzzle)
For fitness fanatics: The Amazon sweatshirt we all love so much / alo, Bombas or lululemon Crew Socks (love the retro look!) / Massage for sore muscles / New Balance 237 Sneakers (Comfortable enough to walk a million miles! I have them in multiple colors because I love them so much. Size up 1/2 size.) / lululemon All Night Festival Bag (my favorite for the gym but also everything else in life — I gave it to my mom and she loves it, too!) / lululemon Align Leggings (Another one I’ve gifted to my mom and sister. A huge hit with so many people for good reason.)
For gardeners + Plant lovers: Vegetable/Herb Garden Markers (these ceramic markers are on my personal wish list + I love these simple markers + these are hilarious, especially for a first-time gardener), Personalized Garden Trowels / Personalized Flower Pot (such a sweet idea for a grandmother) / Just One More Plant Sweatshirt
For those who love a needle and thread: Embroidery Kit (this Etsy shop has some of the most gorgeous designs) / Knitting Bag (to hold their supplies / Crochet Kit (could be fun for a mother or grandmother to try this Christmas kit with little ones) / Punch Needle Kit (I’m dying to try this!) / Blanket Knitting Kit
For creatives: Sketchbook / Watercolor Painting Travel Box
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For the Foodie
Whether your loved one is someone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen or is simply someone who likes to eat and appreciates good food, a food-themed gift is one I think many would appreciate!
For the person who loves to cook: Personalized Recipe Book (I can only imagine how treasured this would be if it was all filled up by hand and passed from generation to generation) / A New Cookbook ( The Well Plated Cookbook, Half Baked Harvest Every Day / The Defined Dish)
For the baker: Set of Measuring Cups + Spoons (this set is lovely and it’s the set I own and love) / A new cookbook (Martha Stewart’s Cookies, Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book <– all kinds of nostalgic!) / Baking Spirits Bright Sweatshirt
For the bread enthusiast: Sourdough Starter + Proofing Baskets (I got a sourdough started from my friend Brittany and paired it with proofing baskets for my sister for her birthday and it jumpstarted her love of sourdough bread baking!) / “Breaducated” Sweatshirt / Sourdough Starter Kit / Bread Basket with Terracotta Warmer (gorgeous and practical)
For the coffee or tea fanatic: SMEG milk frother (the retro-inspired frother we have and love) / Gooseneck Electric Kettle (another one of our favorites) / Anthropologie Holiday Initial Mug / Rifle Paper Co. Holiday Mug
For the ice cream lover: Ice Cream Maker (we have this Cuisinart ice cream maker and use all year long) / Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Containers (we use these to store the ice cream we make) / The Perfect Scoop (so many delicious ice cream recipes to make!) / Ninja Creami (for super-fast smaller batches of ice cream)
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All Things Cozy
As I get older, I’ve found myself increasingly appreciating all things cozy. Home is my favorite place to be and when a gift makes home feel a little more warm and comfortable, I’m all about it. Plus, cozy gifts are some of the most fun for me to shop for and give! A few ideas:
Cozy robe: UGG Marlow Robe (the robe I wear all winter long) / Barefoot Dreams Robe (the beloved Barefoot Dreams blanket in robe-form) / Lightweight Robe (I have this breathable Amazon robe for spring + summer weather — it’s great if you’re one who often gets overheated in warmer robes)
Candle: ILLUME Woodfire Candle (a woodsy, cozy scent) / Anthropologie Capri Blue Volcano Candle (the scent every person on the planet loves) / Voluspa Candle Set (I received this one year and it was such a fun way to try a bunch of new luxurious candles) / Thymes Frasier Fur (a holiday dream candle)
Comfy slippers: Platform Cloud Slippers / Shearling Slippers / Maeve Fuzzy Slippers / UGG Tazzlita Platform Slippers
Eye mask: NodPod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask / Musicozy Sleep Headphones (perfect for those who like to listen to an audiobook, podcast or meditation before bed) / Silk Eye Mask
Pajamas: GAP Modal Pajamas (the softest fabric) / Amazon Cotton Pajamas (I have this set in blue and it’s lovely)
Silk pillowcase: Blissy Silk Pillowcase (I sleep on mine every night)
Soft throw blanket: Ultra-Cozy Christmas Tree Throw / Cloudy Boucle Blanket / Windowpane Buttery Blanket
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For the Super-Organized
If a friend or family member is someone who likes things super-organized, a gift to help them keep things in order might be appreciated! A few ideas:
New Planner + Pens: TUL Pens (the only ones I’m mentioning because they’re a dream) / Rifle Paper Co. Monthly Planner / Anthropologie Simple Planner
Milestone Memory Box: Perfect for a mom of little ones with a desire to keep projects and memories organized.
Family Wall Calendar: To keep the whole family organized.
Label Maker + Assorted Mesh Pouches: Ridiculously handy! I used them to organize our electronic junk drawer but I’ve seen people use them to organize everything from kid crafts and puzzles to travel essentials.
For Keeping Things Clean: Handheld Vacuum (a game changer for keeping my car clean, vacuuming out cabinets/drawers, etc.) / Little Green Machine (essential for carpet and upholstery cleaning) / Tineco Wet Vac (You know my love for this wet vac runs deep! / Amber Glass Soap Dispenser (gorgeous — we have them all over our house) / Entry Way Organizer (We have this one to hang keys and Pepper’s leashes on and it’s stunning)
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Beauty Gifts
A few beauty-related ideas for the woman who loves all things beauty!
Makeup/Toiletry Bag: Large Capacity Makeup Bag (the bag I use to store ALL of my makeup!) / Hanging Toiletry Bag
Beauty Extras: LANIEGE Lip Mask / Light-Up Travel Mirror (I use this when I travel but also at the kitchen counter when I want to do my makeup while the boys eat breakfast. So handy!) / Makeup Eraser (My mom has a knack for discovering viral products years before they catch on and this is one that found its way into my Christmas stocking years ago. I works so well and is incredibly soft.) / Mighty Patch (for spot-treating blemishes– I use one whenever I feel a zit coming on to get ahead of it) / Under Eye Patches / Tweezerman Eyelash Comb (my favorite for separating eyelashes after mascara for a natural yet fluffy, voluminous look)
Hair Favorites: VOLO Quick-Dry Towel (I use this every time I wash my hair to reduce dry time, frizz and breakage)/ BaByliss Hair Dryer (The blow dryer I bought after using it at a friend’s house because it was so amazing and made my hair feel so silky! I’ve had it for 8+ years.) Silk Hair Ties (I use one in my hair every night — so soft and great for reducing bumps from too-tight hair ties.) / Hair Growth Oil (I apply this nourishing oil to my scalp 2+ hours — or overnight — before washing my hair to help with growth and hair strength)
Makeup Favorites: Julep Eyeshadow Stick / Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip / ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint / Tarte Blush Tape / NYX Lip Oil / Dr. Brandt Liquid Sun Shield / Jane Iredale Lip and Cheek Stain / Beauty By Earth Sunless Tanning Drops
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For the Pet-Obsessed
If your loved one is pet-obsessed (ahem, raises hand), they might appreciate a gift related to their beloved best friend. A few ideas: Embroidered Pet Portrait (I gave this to Ryan after Sadie passed and to one of the boys’ teachers after her dog died and both were treasured gifts) / Custom Pet Sweatshirt / Custom Embroidered Pet Hat / Watercolor Pet Painting / Pet Mug / Custom Clay Pet Figurine / Custom Pet Ornament (I actually ordered this one of a picture of Pepper for Ryder’s annual ornament this year because Pepper is his favorite thing on the planet)
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Something for Her Closet
For the woman who appreciates a little update to her wardrobe or jewelry collection, a new addition for her closet might be appreciated. A few personal favorites: Free People Quilted Carryall Bag (holds so much!) / Ankle Booties (I have them in black and cognac and love them dressed up or down) / Stacking Rings (love these birthstone rings and these simple ultra-thin gold stacking rings) Extra Long Puffer Vest (I’ve been throwing this one over a sweatshirt and love the layered look) / Satin Bow Hair Barrette (I love that bows are making a comeback and ordered this one for myself! It has such a lovely, romantic look at a great pricepoint.) / Soft Puff Weekender Bag (another one I have and love for travel) / Oversized Super-Comfy Sweater / Personalized Jewelry (I ordered this initial bracelet for my mom 2 years ago with all of her grandchildren’s initials and this birth flower pendant for my sister after the birth of her first child) / Target Slip Skirt (The skirt I have in 4 colors because the fit is so great. Cute with a sweatshirt and sneakers or dressed up with heels!)
Kelly says
Hi Julie! Love all these ideas! The link to the Breaducated sweatshirt takes you to the proofing baskets. When you have a minute, can you post the sweatshirt link? Thanks!!
Julie says
Ah! I’m sorry about that! I just updated the link so it should be good to go. You may also find it here if that helps! https://bit.ly/47IMeIk
Bryanna says
Look forward to your gift guides every year! I can tell you put so much work into them, thank you SO much!
Julie says
Thank you, Bryanna! They definitely take a lot of time but I enjoy it and it’s so nice to know you look forward to them!
Hilary says
Thank you so much for all the effort. I really do peruse these and pick up a few odds & ends for my mom/ MIL/ friends.
Have a nice holiday!
Julie says
Thank you for trusting my ideas, Hillary! I am so glad to hear it’s helpful!
Vera says
Are the Tul pens left handed friendly???
Alison Porter says
Thank you for such an organized list!
I picked a few things to send to my husband which makes things easier on him too.