In search of the best gifts for her in 2023? Here are my top picks — 28 clever and thoughtful gift ideas for her, spanning the categories of beauty, fashion, jewelry, kitchen, home decor, personalized gifts, and tech. Every one is priced at $50 or less.
Best beauty gifts
Beauty gifts may be the easiest to pick out and by, because you have so many options. Bath bombs, spa gift sets, body scrubs, and artisan soaps are all contenders. The trick is to focus on products that don’t require a specific skin type or color — like lipstick. Heavily scented products are also not the best picks, because smells hit each of us differently. The gardenia lotion from Bath and Body Works might seem like heaven to you, for example, even as it makes your best friend gag.
So here are five beauty gift picks that are likely to be big hits when the wrapping paper comes off.
1. Rubber base coat ($7)
Fzanest rubber base coat is the perfect gift for the girl who loves her nails but can’t seem to maintain them. She can use it as a nail strengthener or a gel base coat. But here’s the cool part — she can also use it to repair or extend her nails. The formula self-levels so even a novice can apply it.
This product should be in every fashionista’s bag of tricks. Because of course she’ll break a nail just as she’s dressing for a big fundraiser or her best friend’s wedding. Pull out this rubber base coat, perform an emergency nail repair, and her carefully curated look is restored!
2. Cult-fav moisturizer ($22)
Naturium’s Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 sold out within six days of its launch. Why? Because it’s a midweight moisturizer that delivers solid sun protection and a gorgeous glow. Tiny, light-reflecting particles plus brightening ingredients niacinamide and vitamin C combine to work immediate and longer-term magic.
The normal price is about $22, but you can get it for less during Amazon’s Black Friday sale.
3. Trending at-home facial ($25)
Sale
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The “Zombie Pack” by Skin1004 is a home facial that deep cleans and smooths skin to reduce fine lines, lift skin, and tighten pores. Key ingredients are aloe vera extract and albumin. Reviewers say results have been noticeable and impressive.
The pack includes eight hydrating treatments for an easy $25 (or less if it’s on sale). You can gift the whole pack to one person or separate them out to use as a stocking stuffer or in homemade gift baskets.
4. Eyelash tint ($30)
Godefroy 28 Day mascara is not a mascara she’ll use daily — it’s a temporary dye she can use once monthly. It doesn’t thicken lashes, but it does darken them. Even better, the application takes only a few minutes and the color lasts up to a month.
I tried this product out as an alternative to daily mascara, which doesn’t exactly fit my sporty lifestyle. It was easy and fast to apply and left my lashes noticeably darker, but also soft and natural.
You can buy Godefroy 28 Day mascara for $29.95 at Godefroybeauty.com.
5. Drawstring makeup bag ($30)
Here’s a simple innovation that’s potentially life-changing for beauty enthusiasts. It’s a drawstring bag for her cosmetics that unfolds flat. She can see all her products in one view, rather than having to dump them out on the bathroom counter to find her favorite lip liner.
The Lay-n-Go bag has 31 color and pattern options which range in price from $30 to $40.
Fun fashion gifts
It can be tricky to identify the best gifts for fashion lovers. You don’t want to offend by assuming a size or style, for example. The gift ideas for women below generally make great gifts for stylish ladies. But also see my post: How to buy gifts for fashionistas. It covers the must-know shopping strategies to avoid a gifting disaster.
6. Fleece-lined gloves ($8)
Faux leather gloves lined with fleece can be the ultimate protection for hands in a cold climate. She can swipe on a layer of moisturizer, let it dry, and then slip into these gloves for all-day comfort and warmth. The fleece lining keeps wind and cold from seeping in by the wrist. In addition to having an incredible price tag, these Redess gloves are also touchscreen friendly.
7. Silk neck scarf ($15)
A pretty silk neck scarf makes a lovely gift for the girl who lives in a warmer climate. She can wear it around her neck, in her hair, at the wrist, on the brim of a hat, or tied to a handbag for a classy pop of color.
Fonyve’s scarf is 21 inches by 21 inches and made of 100% mulberry silk. There are a full 38 color and pattern options, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for that special woman in your live.
8. Cape sweater ($20)
The cape sweater by Dnuri is part snuggly blanket, part cardigan, and part cape. What I love about it is the textural quality. Heavy knit combined with tassles at the hem and fur detail at the neckline. It only comes in one size and she can wear it any time she needs an extra cozy layer.
9. Memory foam slippers ($40)
Memory foam slippers are included in nearly every gift guide known to man, and for good reason. They’re indulgent and comforting. Frankly, I couldn’t survive winter without my Ugg sheepskin slippers.
Slippers make especially good gifts for women who work at home. Chances are, she’s wearing slippers or cozy socks every day — which means she won’t be disappointed to have another pair on hand.
I like Acorn’s moc slippers because they’re low-profile and moisture-wicking. They also have two layers of foam for ultimate comfort and an outdoor sole for versatility. For more slipper ideas, see Slippers to gift a fashionista.
10. Lululemon belt bag ($47)
For the sporty and brand-conscious fashionista, a lululemon everywhere belt bag is a fun idea. This bag is apparently a popular gift, too — Amazon has sold 4,000 of them in the last month.
She can display that recognizable logo on her hip as she’s headed to the gym or out running errands. Either way, she’ll get approving nods from her fellow lululemon loyalists.
11. Cashmere beanie ($50)
You simply can’t go wrong gifting cashmere to a fashionista. She’ll adore this chic, neutral-toned beanie that delivers warmth in style. The slouchy shape and soft knit makes for a feminine piece of head wear that’s also super versatile. She can wear it on her way to work or for running errands. Either way, she’ll look polished and fabulous.
I like this beige color as a gift, but there are also 23 other fun colors available. Maybe that means you pick one up for yourself, too.
Jazzy jewelry gifts
12. Minimalist scarf clip ($16)
A scarf clip is one of those pieces that’s both chic and practical — and still so many of us don’t have one. That’s what makes it one of the best gift ideas for women in 2023. She’ll use it often and wonder why she never bought one for herself.
Secret for Longevity offers a two-pack of scarf clips with a gold-toned and silver-toned option in a simple but elegant design. She’ll wear it in scarves or to turn an old, oversized t-shirt into a cute tie-front piece.
13. Dainty earrings ($17)
You can safely buy earrings for fashion girls as long as you opt for dainty, hypoallergenic pieces. This cute set from Freeklss gives her three fun options for a very reasonable price. If she’s naturally subtle in style, she’ll wear these anywhere. If she’s the bolder type, these are her off-duty pieces.
14. Watch bracelet ($37)
I don’t know about you, but I’m over the sports watch. My Apple Watch finally died and I replaced it with an Oura ring (which I’d also recommend as a gift but it’s pricey). So now my wrists are available for jewelry or, even better, a piece of jewelry that also tells time.
If you have a friend who’s in the same boat, she’ll love this pretty watch by Nine West. The combo of gunmetal gray with rose-gold hands and pretty flowers is gorgeous and will elevate any casual outfit she wears.
Cool kitchen & home decor gifts
I’m sure you want to gift your favorite foodie a full cookware set but breaking the bank isn’t an option. Instead here are some thoughtful ideas for kitchen and home gifts she’ll appreciate.
15. Tory Burch wall art ($12)
Local Vintage Prints Store’s wall art is a dictionary page with a Tory Burch quote overlay. It’s an elegant, tasteful piece that’s ready to be framed and hung in an office or reading nook. The quote reminds us that challenges that makes us feel uncomfortable are part of life. Often, we find success by pushing through to the other side.
If this quote doesn’t strike you, visit the Local Vintage Prints Store for more options.
16. Cookbook stand ($18)
Cookbook stands and holders come in many shapes and varieties. Many are as beautiful as they are functional. This one by Puersi has a rustic and simple shape that’s also eye-catching. It can hold hardcover books in place so she can work on her culinary creations hands-free.
For more options, see Best cookbook holders and stands from our sister site Blogchef.net.
17. Sherpa fleece throw blanket ($18)
Infiixso’s sherpa throw blanket is a perfect gift for anyone who likes to snuggle. Consider it a more luxe version of the Snuggy, that wrap-around blanket that was uber popular several years back. It measures 50 inches by 60 inches, which is small enough to cart around the house but warm enough to wrap up in.
18. Pour-over coffee maker ($20)
Any coffee drinker knows the joy of sipping a pour-over coffee. That joy is taken up a notch when said coffee is prepared in a beautiful glass and cork carafe at home. Bodum’s pour-over set comes with a permanent filter and can produce up to 8 cups of coffee at a time. It’s normally $20 and currently on sale for Black Friday.
19. Electric wine opener ($28)
Cuisinart’s rechargeable wine opener can uncork as many as 50 bottles on a single charge. And it takes the manual work out of opening wine. Use the included foil cutter and then use the remove and eject functions to uncork and then release the cork.
Personalized gifts
If you’re looking for unique gift ideas, try a personalized item. Four awesome picks are below.
20. Initial necklace ($17)
I have gifted many friends and family members an initial necklace. And you know what? I always see them wearing it long after the gift wrap has been tossed. This one by Memorjew is sterling silver and petite enough to be layered with other pieces for a fully custom look.
This also makes a nice gift for a younger girl who’s just starting to wear jewelry.
21. Tote bag ($20)
Send her shopping in style with a personalized tote bag. This piece by Topeast is labeled as a bridesmaid gift, but who cares? It’s adorable and oh-so-practical. She’ll love bopping around town with this bag on her shoulder. It zips closed and has a side pocket for a water bottle.
22. Yoga mat ($25)
A personalized yoga mat may be just the thing she needs to complete her workout nook. You can add her name or monogram plus select artwork.
23. Writing journal set ($26)
A leather bound journal that’s engraved with her name is a touching gift for the women in your life who love the feel of pen on paper. Despite the availability of note-taking apps that try to lure us away from old-school paper, some of us are still hold-outs. Those hold-outs will cherish this pretty, leatherbound journal-and-pen set by Jeltraller.
Terrific tech gifts
Tech for under $50? You betcha. Here are some options.
24. Airpods case ($14)
The lady who’s forever losing her Airpods (🙋♀️ guilty) needs this cute case with bracelet keychain by Filoto. The protective silicon case is scratch proof and also soft enough to wear on her wrist when she’s on the go.
25. Lighted vanity mirror ($30)
This rechargeable makeup mirror by Nezzoe will be the MVP in her beauty routine. The brightness is adjustable with a tap so she can ensure her look is perfect in any conditions. The mirror is also compact and folds down so she can take it with her when she’s on the go.
26. Rocketbook reusable notebook ($32)
Rocketbook converts her handwriting into digital text. She can note-take to her heart’s content without using any paper. Rocketbook has 36 lined pages that can be digitized, erased, and reused.
27. Smart diffuser ($49)
Asakuki’s smart aromatherapy diffuser connects to Alexa or Google Home devices so she can switch it on or off by voice command. The diffuser also supports scheduled cycles and auto shut-off. The tank holds an ample 700ml and there are adjustable LED lights so she can create the perfect atmosphere for sleep, yoga, work, or anything else.
28. Sunrise alarm clock ($50)
There are few things more jarring than a sudden and loud alarm clock. Give her a more gradual entry into her day with a sunrise alarm clock by Antdalis. The clock’s wake-up light simulates the sunrise starting 30 minutes before wake-up time. It begins with a soft red light and moves into a bright white light. The sequence ends with a natural sound that gently wakes her up.
Best Christmas gifts for her 2023
You don’t have to spend big bucks to give her gifts she’ll treasure. The best picks are items she’ll use often but wouldn’t necessarily buy for herself. This gift list surely includes one or two ideas that fit that formula.
For more gift ideas, see: Best practical gifts, All-natural gifts, and Top gift cards.
