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Whether you know exactly what your loved one's wishing for or it’s still a mystery, we're here to help you find the best gifts. We’ve scanned the web, combed through reviews, and polled Glamour editors for unique gift ideas for even your hardest-to-shop-for friends—from presents for people who have everything to inexpensive gift ideas for your coworkers and then some—we corralled them all into one holiday guide for you to browse and shop at ease.
Looking for a housewarming gift that doesn’t cost nearly as much as a cashmere throw? A custom illustration of their new home is the perfect personalized present. Want to splurge on a gift for your mother-in-law that will actually impress? Why not go halfsies with your partner on a Kindle Paperwhite? Need a trendy gift for a teenage boy or teen girl? Most will be happy with any tech gadget (think a gaming headset or a smart notebook), and you can't go wrong with a bundle from TikTok popular beauty brands, like Glossier.
Practical Secret Santa gifts, birthday presents for your favorite aunt, and even gifts for new moms, everything here is guaranteed to make the lucky recipient—no matter who they actually are—feel special. Ahead, shop all the best gift ideas to add to your holiday shopping list in 2023, including stellar last-minute options you can find Amazon, just in case you end up procrastinating. No judgment! You've got a lot of people to buy for.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Gift for Women: Ana Luisa Jessica Puffed Heart Hoops, $65
- Best Gift for Teens: Glossier Fresh-Faced Set, $48
- Best Gift for Kids: Astronaut Galaxy Light Projector, $35
- Best Gift Under $25: Storm Cloud, $23
- Best Gift on Amazon: Nekteck Neck and Back Massager, $70
- Best Gift for Men: Geekey Multi-Tool, $20
- Best Gifts for Dads: Apple AirTags, $99
First up, we have gifts for all the leading women in your life: your sister, grandma, godmother, or colleague turned work wife. Highlights include a best-selling Kate Spade bangle (with a hidden inscription that reminds her that she has a heart of gold), adorable puffed huggie hoops, and luxurious (and washable) silk sleepwear from Lunya. Even if she’s not a tea drinker, this adorable kettle from Anthropologie will be a welcome addition to her countertop, and an initial necklace from one of our fave jewelry brands is a nice touch. And if she’s always on the move, she’ll love two of our favorite gifts to give: a travel-friendly perfume kit featuring a brand-new scent from Hermès and a customized jewelry case to keep her baubles organized.
Few guys care about the things we think they do (e.g., leather passport holders and nubby-knit sweaters) and just want cool gifts they can actually use. Our advice? Skip the expensive clothing that’ll collect dust and go for presents for dads and gifts for husbands you know he’ll be excited about. Take this popular Geekey gadget, which features 16 tools—like a ruler, wire stripper, and bottle opener—in a pocket-size form. Is he into grooming and self-care? Add a Chanel cologne to his fall perfume collection as a luxe splurge. And for the guy who’s been a goofball his entire life, a personalized pair of socks with a collage of his face will literally make him LOL. Or, better yet, use your own face (or your pet's). And who knew you could get such a cool watch on Amazon?
Sorry, not sorry, but teen girls actually know what’s cool, so your gifts will need to impress them. Gift the teen in your circle popular, TikTok-viral items like the Stanley stainless steel water bottle and Bella Hadid–approved mini Ugg boots. If she’s a growing beauty enthusiast, she’ll be ecstatic to unwrap Laneige’s overnight lip mask or a full gift set from Glossier. Keep her skin care products (and her favorite drinks) fresh with a mini fridge. And if she’s a fan of anything cute, she probably already has a few Squishmallows on her list.
Best Gifts for Teen Boys
Picking the perfect gifts for teens, especially teenage boys, involves meeting them on their level. If he’s devoted to looking cool, he probably wants a pair of Uggs he can wear to school. If he’s obsessed with music and TV, you can’t go wrong with tech gifts like a projector set, noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones, extra-long chargers, or an all-in-one record player kit. And if he’s just here for a good time, encourage his fun-loving side with a magnetic pen or an age-appropriate party game—then sit back and wait for an extra-tight hug.
Best Gifts for Husbands
You probably know what your husband wants (or needs) better than he does. Guys who ride a bike to work could use a folding helmet to store at their desks; they could also probably use a robotic massage to target sore feet at the end of a long day. Any guy who loves to look and smell will appreciate a high-quality shirt from J.Crew and a signature scent that’s complex and intriguing. Plus, both of you will get a kick out of the great gift that is Lelo’s sex toy for men, which doubles as a couples vibrator.
Best Gifts for Wives
The best Christmas gift for your wife—and any woman in general—is one she wants but would never buy herself. Upgrade her pajamas and she’ll be comfier than ever. Give her a cute case of matches to beautify her favorite nook or coffee table. Tory Burch bags (and best-selling monogram necklaces, for that matter) are a love language in and of themselves. And date night can be as simple as making homemade ravioli together or splitting the work on a paint-by-numbers kit—two relatively affordable activities that’ll make her feel like a million bucks.
Best Gifts for Friends
Even if you’ve known your BFF longer than almost anyone else, it’s only natural to run out of gift ideas after a while. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. When in doubt, a great accessory—like a Lululemon fanny pack, a heart-shaped ring, or an intention bracelet—is bound to please the stylish best friend. If you two are exercise buddies, she’ll love the thought behind a new pair of Amazon-famous black leggings. Oh, and while candles might seem like a cop-out, they really aren’t, as long as you can back up your pick by telling your friend that you bought this cutie gift set of Capri Blue's classic scents.
Now onto the kiddos! It's all about zeroing in on their age. One-year-olds adore push toys. Two-year olds can entertain themselves for hours with ABC blocks and construction trucks, while active toy gifts for three-year-olds are ideal since they're at an age when they're just full. of. energy. Buying a present for a four-year-old? How about a talking telescope? The parents we polled say their five-year-olds love this fort-building kit. Or you could always just tap into your own inner child and shop for things you would’ve loved back in the day, like a Crayola Light Board or colorful personalized wood blocks so they can practice spelling their name. (A gift subscription from Lovevery is also an easy choice—and a great last-minute pick.) If they’re a little older, they’ll like this cool gadget that projects stars on the ceiling that Glamour editors are obsessed with (yes, even the adults).
Best Gifts for Moms
Chances are the gift Mom wants most is for you to call her every week or pop in for a surprise visit. But that doesn’t mean material presents will go unappreciated. Nudge mom to indulge in a little self-care and mindfulness with the Five-Minute Journal full of prompts to jot down gratitude points and future goals. (It’s a nice gift for new moms too.) Make her mornings a little easier with a viral sunrise lamp and memory foam slippers that look way more expensive than they actually are. Treat her to a birthday gift like no other with a candle from Birthdate Co., which customizes each scent for every single day of the year. And UrbanStems’ subscription service is a sure way to remind her that you're thinking of her well beyond the holidays with fresh blooms delivered to her doorstep monthly. (Send it now or save this idea for 2024 when you need a Mother’s Day gift.)
Dad knows best, right? (Or so you told him with his Father’s Day gifts.) Shopping for him can feel a little tricky, but it doesn’t have to. If he’s the type of dad to sit back in his recliner and binge-watch his favorite show all night, he’ll need some cozy slippers to do so. On the other hand, if he's quite the comedian (or needs some new material), a book of dad jokes will leave the both of you chuckling. And parents love holding on to memories, so gifting Dad a digital picture frame that displays a slideshow of his loved ones is sure to make him smile. Don’t forget the foodies! A trio of flavor-packed hot sauces and a countertop pizza cooker will take his kitchen escapades to new heights.
Best White Elephant Gifts
Whether or not you call your annual gift exchange White Elephant, you know the vibe: You have to find a crowd-pleasing present within a certain budget, which usually doesn’t exceed $30. We can pretty much guarantee that everyone will be fighting over these picks this time around. There are a few popular options for foodies and hostesses, some very fun desk toys, and even a Barbie-themed hoodie, because yes, we are all Kenough.
Best Unique Gifts
So you're struggling to find something for that giftee who has very specific taste or the means to buy everything they want—but all is not lost. It’s just time to go with thoughtful personalized gifts or pick a present that’s very cute and totally unnecessary. Customized mugs and stationery are always winners, and the candle below will even dole out a tarot reading. On the cute front, a lava lamp, heatable stuffed animal, or aesthetically-pleasing air fryer will make anyone happy.
Sticking to a budget can actually make shopping for Christmas gifts more enjoyable (and easier!). Your limit is set so your creativity can sort of run wild. Wondering where to start? Browse through Amazon for some gems like an herb-growing kit, and a mini Le Creuset cocotte for cooking with said herbs. And other aspiring chefs will appreciate cookbooks like the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen full of yummy recipes like tandoori chickpeas and za'atar mac and cheese. If you’re getting a gift for a coworker, the Storm Cloud weather predictor works as a great desk companion. And who wouldn’t love perfectly moisturized skin (courtesy of a Burt’s Bees gift basket) or an endless supply of waffles?
Best Gifts Under $50
Arguably, the lion's share of excellent gifts falls in the $0 to $50 price range. It's just high enough to afford you some customized picks, like a fun hair brush stamped with your giftee's name, or a crowd-pleasing portrait of their fur baby. If they're on the crystal-and-astrology train, this special water bottle has a base that's built to display gorgeous amethyst or rose quartz crystals (and has a built-in infuser for hot or cold teas and drinks). Do they dream of competing in The Great British Bake-Off? Swap out their overused baking sheet with one that's pretty enough to use as a serving tray for their treats.
Amazon has a little something for everyone—and if you're a Prime member, your gift will ship in little time. Make them think that you didn't break a sweat while gift shopping for stocking stuffers, presents for the home, and beyond. We love this best-selling Nodpod that's like a weighted blanket for your eyes. Keep the wellness theme going with silk pillowcases and neck and shoulder massagers. Amazon devices are also popular around the holidays, especially the Kindle for all the bookworms out there. We’d be remiss not to mention a retro instant camera, or a MasterClass gift membership, which you can buy and email seconds before your gift is due—no one will be the wiser.
Best Popular & Trendy Gifts
Shopping for a Gen Z’er? Or maybe a millennial or boomer who constantly texts you TikToks? Either way, these buzzy buys manage to be gifts that are as timeless as they are trendy. Ideas include a bright, floral scent from Miss Dior; Glamour-contributor-favorite soft, stretchy sweatpants; sleek, noise-canceling Apple headphones; and a pair of comfy, classic Ugg slippers.
Best Gifts for Girlfriends
Spoil your girlfriend with special, little luxuries—whether she's more rugged or romantic. A set of Laneige's bestsellers will pamper her skin (and leave her lips even more kissably soft), while a delicate diamond necklace will grace her neck with just the right amount of sparkle. A flower grow kit is far longer-lasting than a bouquet (and satisfying), while a sturdy, easy-carry duffel bag makes for a perfectly practical present.
Best Gifts for Boyfriends
Outside of dads and hubbies, boyfriends are some of the toughest people to shop for—or so you might think. But really, there are a few fail-proof BF gift buckets: stylish-yet-useful products like this Timex watch or thick, warm beanie; techie devices like high-quality gaming headsets; or sexy somethings like date-night dice that decide the direction (or, er, erection) your evening will take.