Author: Henry

Cuyana’s Small Zipper Pouch strikes a Goldilocks sweet spot. At 7″ x 9.8″ x 2″, it’s small enough that she can toss it into a larger bag to keep loose essentials organized, but roomy enough to use as a clutch for special events and nights out. It’s well-made with a sturdy zipper and complements practically any outfit. It’s always in my tote bag when I go to the office and work from cafes—storing AirPods, a Tide to Go pen, lip balm, wallet, and more. When I want to ditch the shoulder bag, I tuck this under my arm and use the slit pockets to store my credit cards and travel light. It’s made in Turkey and crafted from embossed Italian leather that’s LWG-certified—meaning Cuyana upholds transparency and accountability within its leather supply chain to produce products that are tanned responsibly. This pouch will become her everyday carry.

A robe is the best Christmas gift for her if she loves a good at-home self-care day or hotel robe moment. Parachute’s Waffle Robe, which feels more like a luxurious towel, is a great option if she doesn’t necessarily want anything overly fluffy, hot, or restricting. Loomed from 100 percent Turkish cotton, it’s lightweight, soft, and feels like something you’d find in a high-end spa. It’s also unisex, so there’s a chance you might even be able to share it!

I’ve never been more impressed by a pair of shoes than when I slipped on the Freda Salvador Elba Penny Loafer. Yes, I needed two wears to break in high-contact points, but that’s negligible in the grand scheme of things. I now wear them five days a week to the office—with socks or without—and can traipse around New York City without worrying about pinching or blisters. They’re fashioned from Italian leather (including the soles) and have a flared heel. I love the Black Embossed Croc, but you can’t go wrong with the offerings, from suede to high-shine spazzolato leather. 

While bold, Ring Concierge Multiway Cloud Link Earrings are also timeless so she’s sure to cherish them for years to come. The double link design is customizable so you can choose to match white gold on white gold (shown here) or mix-and-match with yellow gold and/or pavé diamond-lined yellow or white links. You can also purchase the single top link only from $398 (was $568).

If she loves supporting female-owned brands, Fewer Finer needs to be on your radar of best birthday gifts for her. Madison Snider, owner, founder, and designer, creates nearly all the pieces in the brand’s capsule collection, vintage selection, and custom bridal designs in New York City. I love that all imbue a sense of casual luxury and are incredibly wearable, not just for big occasions. In the case of the Two Pockets Ring, you can opt for 14k yellow or white gold. It’s a dual-sided piece—one face has a baguette diamond and the other has a small round diamond—with a unique story derived from a proverb that reads: Everyone should have two pockets, and in each one carry a note. When feeling discouraged or disconsolate, one should reach into the right pocket, and, there, find the words: “I am the rock on which this world stands. Everything revolves around what I choose to be.” But when feeling high and mighty one should reach into the left pocket, and find the words: “I am nothing but a grain of sand. Everything in the world is greater than me.” She can turn the ring to whichever side she fancies that day.

If she loves entertaining, this set of Kenmare Double Old Fashioned Glasses from Waterford Crystal is an excellent gift. Substantial and luxe in the hand, these crystal glasses are suitable for pours of her favorite whiskey or any number of cocktails. They’re etched in the brand’s striking Patterns of the Sea design, making them unique and more special than your typical run-of-the-mill rocks glass.

If you both work remotely and constantly struggle to concentrate during competing Zoom calls, treat her to the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX. Not all over-ear headphones are designed equally—not even close—but Bang & Olufsen’s designs are like the Rolls Royces of noise-canceling headphones. If you like to geek out on audio specs, Beoplay HX boast custom 40mm drivers that have neodymium magnets, which produce greater sensitivity, power, and nuanced sound output. She can select adaptive active noise cancellation or transparency mode if she wants ambient noise to filter through—like if she’s in the office and needs to hear if someone’s trying to speak to her—and toggle through Optimal, Commute, Clear, Workout, and Podcast sound modes in the app. She can even create her own by adjusting low and high bass and treble for a sound experience that’s brighter, warmer, more relaxed, and/or more energetic. Ears are cocooned by lambskin leather-covered memory foam cushions, while a pressure-relieving headband offers five different adjustment positions. She can keep these suckers on through an entire work day or long-haul flight; the battery lends up to 35 hours of play. For the best Christmas gift for her that are practically foolproof, look no further.

Looking for the best Christmas gift for a woman who loves a high-tech beauty tool? Dyson (yes, the folks behind the best vacuum cleaners) entered the hair game with a hair dryer and styling tool that I’ve used weekly for the past five years. The brand’s innovation is the Airstrait Straightener and it can take hair from wet to dry with less heat and half the damage of other straighteners. That’s thanks to manganese copper alloy plates that automatically regulate temperature 100 times per second. The cherry on top: It’s cord-free and fully recharges in just 70 minutes. Choose between Prussian Blue/Rich Copper and Nickel/Copper.

If you want to surprise your wife with a Christmas gift she can wear every day, look no further than Citizen Sport Luxury. The two-tone stainless steel case matches all her jewelry and the 33-mm diameter won’t dwarf her wrist. The time-and-date watch is easy to read and the pink dial adds so much unique style (the diamond accents don’t hurt either). The watch gets bonus points for being powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which converts any kind of light to energy, powering the watch.

The latest Apple Watch Series 9 has a more powerful chip, delivering a ton of new features without sacrificing the 18-hour battery life. A few new standouts: A brighter display, faster on-device Siri (requests no longer need to travel to the cloud!), and a magical new gesture feature that controls the watch by simply double-tapping the thumb and pointer finger together. As with the Series 8, the watch also features a temperature sensor that tracks body temp every five seconds to provide insight into overall well-being as well as ovulation and cycle predictions.

While it might primarily be used for solo sessions, this is a gift for her you can also benefit from. Whether you’re working through the best sex positions or honing in on the sex positions for her, Maude Vibe & Shine Personal Massager Set can take any intimate encounter to new heights. It includes the brand’s best-selling external vibrator and travel-size lube, plus a storage bag for travel. So, what makes this vibe so special, beyond the chic design? It’s powerful—yet quietly discreet, even featuring a travel mode. It’s made from a water-resistant, phthalate- and latex-free, platinum-grade silicone The aloe-based organic lube is also more luxurious than your standard drugstore option. It’s 100-percent natural and pH-balanced, two features she’ll surely appreciate. 

If she loves a good at-home skincare device or is seemingly always trying a new treatment at her dermatologist’s office, she’ll surely be impressed with TheraFace PRO from Therabody. The brand started making massage guns for recovery after exercise but has now branched out to skincare. The same percussive massage helps relax facial muscles and reduce tension. With the included cleansing ring, the percussive massage helps remove dirt and dead skin from pores.

But here’s where things get even better: The device includes a microcurrent ring she can swap out to improve muscle tone and firm and tighten skin (think of it as a workout for the face). There are also LED light rings that can be popped on, including red light to help reduce wrinkles and blue light for treating blemishes. So yes, it might be a bit pricey, but considering all the benefits packed into one single device, you get a lot of bang for your buck. 

Some gifts for her are timeless and there’s arguably nothing more classic than diamond studs. Peace Jewelers 14K Cultured Diamond Stud Earrings are a great choice if you’re shopping for brilliant-cut cultured diamonds that are ethically sourced, meaning they’re non-conflict and non-mined. Diamond mines are more likely to use child labor, so this is a gift you can feel really good about giving. Price varies depending on the size, ranging from .5 carat to 4 carats, and you can opt between 14K yellow or white gold.

As someone who used to microwave their coffee multiple times each morning, Ember Mug 2 is a godsend. The best Christmas gifts for her enhance everyday life, and this present in particular is great if she works remotely and tends to get stuck on calls before she can finish her morning brew. She can set the exact drinking temperature she prefers and the smart mug maintains her tea, matcha latte, or French press to the degree for up to 90 minutes with the 10oz and 80 minutes with the 14oz. This battery life is a 50 percent improvement from the brand’s first iteration. The newest model comes in a bunch of colorways (be mindful some are only available in 14oz) so you can choose what suits your girlfriend’s taste best. Choose among the Metallic Collection (Copper, Gold, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold); limited-edition Ember(RED), which donates a portion of profits to support global health programs with (RED); as well as Sage Green (shown here), Sandstone, Black, White, and Gray.

If your girlfriend’s candle obsession is as intense as mine, she’ll always love adding another to the collection—especially one as luxurious as this. Nette’s hand-poured candles are made from natural coconut soy wax without parabens, sulfates, or dyes. And, of course, they smell incredible.

The Nette Safari Candle is a smoky scent with key notes of suede, leather, moss, and violet. It’s pretty intoxicating, evoking the smell of a sexy, high-end boutique hotel. It’s perfect for a cozy evening curled up on the couch with your S.O. 

The two-wick candle has an impressive burn time of up to 65 hours. When you’ve burned through it, the handmade ceramic vessel can be turned into a mug or other container; it’s food-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe. Who doesn’t love Christmas gifts for her that are multi-purpose?

The best Christmas gift for her is something you can also benefit from: With Solo Stove Mesa, the two of you can enjoy a personal fire pit without the smoke. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores or simply enjoy some added heat on your balcony or patio all season long. Mesa has a pellet burn time of 30 to 45 minutes and plenty of stainless steel colors to choose among.

I’ve exclusively worn iterations of the Garmin Forerunner to train for triathlons. It’s the premiere multi-sport watch if you’re drumming up gift ideas for her that are more practical. The latest addition to the family, the Garmin Forerunner 965, isn’t just an excellent pick for triathletes; it’s excellent for any endurance endeavor, especially running. The bigger, brighter OLED display gets more information on-screen and makes it much easier to see and read maps and other detailed screens in low light. The watch also records wrist-based running dynamics including ground-contact time and vertical oscillation without the need of an external sensor.

As someone who typically hates mornings, swapping my iPhone for the Hatch Restore 2 sunrise alarm clock and sound machine has been a game changer. It wakes me up gently with gradual light and sounds that support my natural circadian rhythm. The selection of soothing audio is pretty expansive with everything from calm ocean sounds to thunderstorms, the latter of which comes in handy if there’s a snoring partner. Unlike other similar devices, it’s not an eyesore on the nightstand. In fact, it’s a little reminiscent of a high-end speaker.

Pajamas might seem like an unoriginal Christmas gift for her, but when they’re as luxurious as these, you don’t have to worry about how they’ll be received. LAKE pajamas are a go-to for just about everyone on my shopping list year-round, and I particularly love the modal fabric, which feels incredibly soft to the touch, drapes nicely, and holds up well to frequent washing. DreamKnit Kimono Pajama Set has a sewn-on belt and a wide leg for a chic feel even when lounging at home, and it comes in five colors so you can choose a stripe, solid, or floral pattern. (As a bonus, it’s also breastfeeding-friendly—I’ve gifted it to multiple friends after they have a baby.)

If your wife or girlfriend lives for her self-care and wellness routine, an infrared sauna blanket is the best birthday gift for her. These high-tech sleeping bags are trendy right now now for good reason: They can help boost post-workout recovery, reduce stress, improve sleep, and give skin an extra glow—all from the couch. Sun Home Saunas Infrared Sauna Blanket made our list of the best infrared sauna blankets because of its safety features (it blocks out EMF, or radiation), ease of use, temperature display for better personalized control, and the fact it lies flat for easy cleaning. Bonus: You can use it, too.

A beautiful pair of sunglasses makes for a great spring or summer birthday gift—and we love that Randolph’s designs are also handcrafted in the U.S. Spring for Elinor Fusion 22K Rose Sunglasses. The shape, inspired by the Jackie O style, comes in seven colors and allows you to choose the combination of frames, lenses, and features (e.g., polarized or not). We’re partial to the 22K rose gold with dark chocolate tortoise inlay, but you can’t go wrong with any of the options. You can have her initials, birthday, or a special message engraved on the inside of the right temple for an extra personal touch.

If you’re looking for the best Christmas gift for her in the wellness realm, consider Oura Ring. If she’s not a watch person, the stylish wearable ring is a way to more discreetly track over 20 biometric signals thanks to high-tech sensors inside the ring. We love using it to track activity, recovery, sleep, menstrual cycles, and stress—the list goes on. (FYI, you can choose the ring style and finish for her, but if you don’t know her size, you can also order a free sizing kit and allow her to choose for herself.) Read our full Oura Ring review.

If she appreciates the great outdoors but also smelling really, really good with equal passion, Byredo’s Mojave Ghost may be the scent for her: a heady, woody concoction inspired by the Mojave Desert in California. It has a base of amber and cedar, along with top notes of musky ambrette and fresh Jamaican naseberry, rounded out by light-yet-earthy sandalwood and Chantilly.  

Yes, a humidifier helps when you’re under the weather, but Canopy Portable Humidifier has also become a beauty and self-care essential. While I’ve yet to travel with it (though it’s TSA-approved), I’ve moved it from my desk to my nightstand to combat the dry air in my apartment while I work and sleep and have noticed it increases my skin’s moisture levels and helps with fine lines, too. She can also add a soothing scent by placing a few drops of essential oil onto the brand’s aroma puck that fits right on top of the diffuser. 

Tangerine makes perfect pickleball paddles. They have a special honeycomb core and a fiberglass surface, which really makes shots pop. The colorways inject a major dose of fun, especially Savannah.

With so much of our free time going to streaming TV shows and mindlessly scrolling, it’s nice to be able to sit down with a partner and truly connect. That’s the aim of the card game “Where Should We Begin?” from Esther Perel, world-renowned psychotherapist and New York Times best-selling author. The 200 story cards and 6 sided-die guide you to “share the stories you rarely tell,” which can help you get to know your partner on a deeper level, regardless of how long you’ve been together. That’s why it’s one of the best Christmas gifts for her.

The newly released second edition of the game includes fresh questions and prompts, inspired by playing the first edition with thousands of people around the world since 2021. (One of Perel’s personal favorites: “If cities were people, who would be your lover, your boyfriend/girlfriend, and your lifelong partner?”) The box is also travel-friendly so you can bring it with you on a romantic getaway.

Upon meeting with Megan Kothari, founder of AARYAH, it was abundantly clear this brand is a welcome disrupter in the space. Offering bespoke jewelry, engagement rings, and fine jewelry, AARYAH offers pieces you won’t find anywhere else. The brand has an in-house diamond wholesale team with the ability to source rare, exceptionally cut diamonds that aren’t widely available on the market. Those diamonds are ethically sourced, embracing the United Nations’ strict Kimberley Process that prevents “conflict diamonds.” Kothari and her team use recycled and certified fine metals for consciously made and intentionally designed pieces. If you want antique diamonds, stones with unconventional cuts, and distinctive bands and settings, come here (read: go online or to the NYC flagship store in the diamond district). The brand’s Deepa Ring—a Sanskrit name meaning “light”—is especially eye-catching. A 2.02-carat oval yellow diamond rests within a bezel setting fashioned with a rounded comfort fit 18k yellow gold band. Other favorites include Noir Tennis Necklace and Moora Triangle Diamond Studs.

We think the best Christmas gifts for her are personal and sentimental. Framebridge makes it delightfully simple to frame and display keepsakes in your home, like a matchbook from your first date or menu from your favorite restaurant, with The #1 Gift. If you don’t have time to send in a physical item, you can simply upload any iPhone photo for a beautifully framed and boxed gift. For extra wow factor, you can even add on a mat with a custom caption (like a quote or lyric) or a story pocket where you can include a romantic note or add other mementos like concert or movie tickets.

You may know Johnnie-O for its menswear, but the brand recently launched its first-ever women’s collection filled with elevated basics. If her style is classic and a little bit coastal, she’ll love all of the super soft pieces, including this Cashmere Blend Cardigan. The oatmeal color goes with everything (I’ve worn it over dresses, pajamas, and with jeans). It’s one of those cozy wardrobe staples she might not splurge on for herself but will probably find herself reaching for every week, making it one of the best Christmas gifts for her. 

Have an anniversary that falls over the holidays? Leather is the traditional third anniversary gift—but we think a classic leather weekender bag is a great gift no matter which anniversary you’re celebrating. The Clare V. Weekender is made of a lightweight, soft, and durable Italian leather that only looks better with time. She can carry it by the top handle or use the detachable cross-body strap (or swap it out for another patterned strap). The only thing that would make this anniversary gift even better is pairing it with a romantic weekend getaway.

There’s no shortage of seductive or comforting scents from Apotheke. The candles’ sleek brushed-glass containers also double as refined home decor. May we suggest the best-selling, smoky-sweet Charcoal or Sea Salt Grapefruit for a refreshing waft of citrus?

Flowers can be a lazy gift for her when you haven’t taken the time to choose something more thoughtful—but these aren’t your bodega or Trader Joe’s flowers picked up on the way home from work. Flowerbx deliveries come direct from the grower and are soured to order, so they’re wonderfully fresh. Spring for the seasonal subscription; right now that’s the Festive series (think red roses). This will keep flowers coming at her desired frequency—every seven, 14, or 28 days.

To go above and beyond, you can put her flowers in a beautiful vase that doubles as home decor when not in use. We love the Sin Doline Vase, a stoneware and terracotta piece from the Brooklyn-based, handmade ceramics brand. This vase was inspired by the cave-like homes found on the winding roads in Italy, so romance is in its DNA.

What’s more celebratory than Champagne coupes (ideally gifted with a bottle of bubbly)? We think this is the best Christmas gift for her if she loves entertaining. Estelle Colored Glass (made by glass artisans in Poland) offers some of the most beautiful, display-worthy glassware around. Choose her favorite color or go for these special iridescent coupe glasses.

Looking for another leather idea? Consider upgrading her cardholder with Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Card Case. Sure, the one she has now might get the job done, but Bottega Veneta’s supple leather made in Italy and signature pattern weave add a bit of luxury to her commute or morning coffee run. It’s also practical, featuring six card slots to fit her credit card, ID, and other essentials.

Assouline Travel Book is a great Christmas gift for a partner who’s always scheming her next trip (might we suggest the best vacations in the U.S.). Not only will the luxe book make a statement on her coffee table, but it can also serve as a reminder of vacations you went on together or one you’re hoping to take in the future. You can choose from tons of destinations around the world including Capri, Mexico City, Tuscany, Aspen, or Miami Beach.

If you and your partner have been wanting to unplug more, consider a weekend getaway rather than a physical gift. Getaway House offers tiny cabins nestled in nature within two hours of major cities across the country (with 29 locations and counting) so you can likely find an outpost near you. The cabins are cozy (read: tiny) but carefully designed for everything you need including cooking essentials, fresh linens, and towels. Gift her a house pack or better yet, go ahead and book a surprise holiday weekend. This is one of the best Christmas gifts for her—full stop.

If she’s a big traveler and you’re looking for a splurge gift, consider upgrading her carry-on to Rimowa Essential Cabin Suitcase, a classic piece of luggage she’ll have for years. While you certainly don’t need to spend this much on a suitcase, Rimowa is considered the cream of the crop for how well-made and sturdy its cases are—no sticky wheels or zippers here. The Cabin is made of high-performance polycarbonate that makes it both durable and lightweight, and it comes in eight colors with both matte and shiny finishes.

If your partner loves skincare, she’s probably heard of Dr. Jason Diamond, the celebrity plastic surgeon behind the InstaFacial. Now he’s created a new line inspired by his in-office procedure with potent, bioactive ingredients. Trust us: If she’s always trying new serums or creams, she’ll be seriously impressed with Dr. Diamond’s Metacine InstaFacial Collection.

A cashmere wrap is an excellent wardrobe basic that she can wear with just about anything in almost any situation—we find it comes in handy as a makeshift blanket on long flights or to cover bare arms when the office AC is blasting in the summer. J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap is oversized and made of 100-percent cashmere. It’s not only soft and warm, but it also comes in a wide range of neutral shades, as well as a fun cherry red if that’s more her style. You can even add a monogram if you want to get fancier.

Bvlgari Allegra Baciami Eau de Parfum, from the luxury Italian fashion house, is described as a “love potion that conjures a deep desire to evoke Italian seduction”—so yeah, it hits the romantic notes. Created by Jacques Cavallier, one of the best perfumers in the world, it includes gardenia accord and vanilla essence. The colorful and sculptural bottle (the design mimics the iconic stone pillars in Rome) will also make a statement on her vanity. 

Augustinus Bader is known for its award-winning face moisturizer, but if your partner already has the cult favorite in her medicine cabinet, consider Augustinus Bader The Body Cream. It’s made with Bader’s patented TFC8 technology to support cellular renewal and includes ingredients like nourishing shea butter and bisabolol to calm the skin and support the skin barrier. Bottom line: It’s a really luxe body cream that will make her question how she ever dealt with basic lotion.

Been married for years and looking for a sentimental, unique holiday gift idea? The New York Times Anniversary Book is one of the best Christmas gifts for her. Per the Times’ description, the pages let you see through the newspaper’s lens “how the earth-shaking historic events that dominated the news of the day overlap with your anniversaries.” In addition to your anniversary date, you can also personalize the cover (available in linen or leather) with both of your names on the front cover. The tears will come rolling in no time.

If you’re looking to give her a bit of pampering, a gift card to The NOW Gift Card can help her get some much needed self-care. The Los Angeles wellness destination offering massages with a serene, beachy aesthetic has expanded, with locations now available across the country. In addition to the three massage options (ranging from 25 to 80 minutes each), you can also add on services like a gliding cupping or gua sha for lymphatic drainage.

The French know cooking and fashion, so naturally they ace the test when it comes to aprons. We love Merci Linen Apron for its pleasingly soft linen and versatility; it can be tied around the neck and waist, or just worn around the waist. The natural worn look means she won’t have to worry about wrinkles or blemishes. While available in numerous colors, we think lavender is just the right shade of understated.

If she lives in slippers and loves her Birkenstocks, she’ll love Birkenstock Arizona Shearling Suede Slipper, a cozy shearling-and-suede hybrid. The warm, furry take on the original sandal is available in black, tan, and green and, we can attest, is a surprisingly versatile shoe to have in rotation. I’ve been wearing the same pair for over six years and have convinced my mom and sister to buy them, too.

If your partner is a regular runner, consider a gift that supports the activity while also showing you’re up on the latest gear. lululemon Beyondfeel Women’s Running Shoe is an everyday trainer with a supportive, cushioned feel. What makes it so special? The shoes are built especially for women’s feet, rather than being shrunk down from a men’s form like many other women’s sneakers. They offer a softer heel-toe-glide with features like an extra 2mm of foam in the forefoot that supports the way a woman’s foot lands and an extra groove on the outsole to mirror a woman’s foot strike. I can attest to their supreme comfort for long walks, too. 

The best Christmas gifts we’ve received are unexpected and personal. Abbode Custom Cocktail Napkins check all of those boxes. They can be embroidered with your anniversary date, initials, or another special symbol of your love, like a slice of pizza or New York City taxicab. An adorable conversation starter on a bar cart that will surely win you points for years to come.

Unlike ocassion flowers, The Sill Living Room Duo will stick around. The plants that come in this duo also happen to be especially easy to keep alive (even if, like me, you don’t have the most regular watering schedule). The snake plant is great for dark corners and helps purify the air, and I have multiple philodendrons in my apartment that look great hanging down from a bookshelf. You can also choose from 12 planter styles and colors to find what matches her aesthetic best.

A hairbrush as a holiday gift might seem unconventional, but La Bonne Brosse brushes are more like works of art. She’ll want to leave this out on display. The French hairbrush brand uses traditional techniques and the highest-quality bristles, so the brushes also happen to be amazing for hair and scalp health. Really wow her by having your initials or wedding date engraved on the handle.