There’s something about a truly indulgent gift that feels…well…like a gift. And the best splurgy gifts not only elicit a gasp! when opening, but stand the test of time, too. These are the kinds of pieces that make you feel spoiled in the moment, yet continue to charm for years to come. Think: thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted, and incredibly useful.
Whether it’s an investment piece you’ll treasure for decades, an indulgence that adds a little magic to your everyday, or a game-changing beauty product that seriously delivers, this list is all about thoughtful luxury. Because the best gifts aren’t just pretty – they’re darn useful, too.
My Favorite Gifts For Women (That Are A Little Luxurious)
This year’s list is full of gifts that have hit that sweet spot for me this year: a little luxury mixed with everyday practicality. From the best freaking cashmere on the planet (95% recycled!!) to the nightly lip mask I’ve started to travel with because I do not want to skip a single night…these are the splurges I can personally recommend.
Let’s get into it.
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1. Halfdays Nellie Packable Puffer
One of my most-worn pieces in the last several years, I now own Halfdays’ Packable Puffer in multiple colors. The reason I’m so passionate about this piece (there are, admittedly, a TON of ‘packable puffers’ on the market) is because this Halfdays puffer is cut really roomy under the arms yet is still flattering (thanks, in part, to that waist cinching). The result is a VERY lightweight puffer jacket that comfortably fits over the thickest, chunkiest sweaters or even fleece jackets. And still looks so cute!! Plus, this jacket is seriously warm – Halfdays is a women-owned skiwear brand, so you can count on their jackets to perform, too.
ps. I created a reel on IG showing how well these jackets fit over a bulky fleece.
2. Max Mara Wool Coat
At Nordstrom | At Saks (longer length) | At Bloomies (light blue) | At Cettaire (4 colors, deep discounts)
Do you ever have one of those moments when you can’t figure out what coat to wear with your outfit? And – for whatever reason – none of your coats are working? For the last several years, this coat (oddly enough) has always been my answer. Fancy ball gown? This coat. Traveling in a sweatsuit? This coat. Jeans on date night? Shorty-shorts with heels? Can’t get the color right? This coat! It drapes like a dream, is warm enough for dashing from car-to-restaurant in deep winter, and works all fall & spring (or on milder winter days, layered up). It’s just really, shockingly good.
3. Ganni Beanie
This beanie is much larger than you’d expect, and woolly. So when worn, it’s a bit of a statement. But for some reason…this beanie has a certain charm. It’s one of those pieces you put on…and then you get it. While the hat is charming, it’s more cool than quirky which is the saving grace here. My mom recently tried on mine and couldn’t believe how much she loved it (and my mom hates wearing hats). Any statement hat beloved by multiple generations is definitely worth considering! Bonus? It’s also one of the warmest hats I own. I have it in blue (long gone) and pink (technically called, ‘lilac sachet’).
4. Acne Studios Vally Check Scarf
Remember blanket scarves? It’s kinda like that…but one where the shape, color, print, and tassels are perfection (I always remember wrestling with my blanket scarf). It’s basically the scarf that we wanted blanket scarves to be! It looks great worn wrapped around (like a scarf), draped over the shoulders, slung over one shoulder, etc. Such a fun way to perk up all of my boring winter outfits.
5. Barrel Bags
Bag (almost sold out) | Another option
If I had to point to ONE type of bag that I’ve been carrying the longest…it’s this barrel shape. I swear, a barrel bag just always looks fresh. It has the distinct advantage of looking cool & unbothered, while holding a TON of shit. And I don’t even care if it’s a crossbody or shoulder bag – it’s this barrel shape that’s important. So. If you’re looking to splurge on a handbag, this is my plug for a barrel shape.
ps. Coachtopia (bags linked above) is my favorite place to find bags right now. Such fun, innovative designs, all made from upcrafted or recycled leather.
Here are a few of my favorite barrel bags right now:
6. Denim Bags
The OTHER category of bag worth a splurge (says me, haha) is a denim bag. I’ve been carrying See by Chloe’s Laetizia Denim Mini Crossbody for 5+ years and it’s another one of those outfit-saving bags. It literally makes every outfit look better, and it works just as well in summer as it does in winter. When denim bags are trending there’s more to choose from, but I do think a really good denim bag will never go out of style. Here’s a few worth considering, if interested:
7. Negative’s Whipped Collection
Top | Underwear | Collection
There’s literally nothing more deliciously soft and comfortable than Negative’s Whipped Collection. Made from a “wispy soft micro modal stretch fabric,” it’s a little sheer, incredibly lightweight, and sooooo good. I’ve washed and dried mine a zillion times and it still looks great – this is hardworking, high quality stuff.
While the underwear is my favorite, the tees are amazing – sleep in them, wear them out (they even look a little sexy over a bra – even a bra from the whipped collection).
8. MOU Creston Boots
These boots are like UGGs…but cuter. Reviewers rave about Mou boots, claiming they are “MUCH BETTER” than UGGs but honestly? That’s too bold. Mou boots are very soft inside (furry, just like UGGs), and have a more flexible bottom than typical UGG boots. And Mou boots are decently warm, but there’s no warmth difference between these and UGGs. And neither boots work in the rain or wet snow. The biggest difference, however, between Mou & UGGS is that adorable stitching. Mou boots look REALLY cool on, even when wearing them with sweatpants or leggings or whatever. They were a splurge purchase 2 years ago…and are still going really strong. Another item I didn’t expect to be nearly as useful as they are!
NOTE: If you are a diehard UGGs girl…UGGs has finally come out with something that approximates stitching on the toe: these or these.
9. Re/done Girl Power T-Shirt
Re/Done tees have a vintage fit that I’m really into. They’re meant to be tucked in, and are thin enough to tuck comfortably. Despite the thin fabric, it’s a really high-quality cotton, so they wash/dry really well. None of mine have developed those little holes that occur in some cotton tees. The cheeky, comic-inspired graphics are irreverent and cool, and I get compliments on these tees every time I wear them (sometimes even from teenagers, so there’s that).
10. Barbour Allerston Waxed Cotton Jacket
At Bloomingdales (best selection & sizes) | At Nordstrom | At Cettaire | At Net-A-Porter
Growing up in the 90’s, I definitely knew barn jackets – they were such a thing. So when Barbour’s Allerston Waxed Jacket started trending, I was thrilled – barn jackets are back! I wasn’t surprised, necessarily – Barbour is a really solid brand, I’ve been a fan for years – but the level of excitement over this jacket seemed…high. Until I tried it on. Barbour has managed to take a classic barn jacket (or waxed jacket) and add a few thoughtful touches that make a BIG difference. Again, this model shot does not do this jacket justice (I’ll try to get a selfie soon), but the oversized collar and gold zipper and other details give this jacket an almost gamine vibe. It’s SO good – like right away, the second you put it on you can see the difference – and I actually gasped aloud.
I have a UK 10 (US size 6).
11. LED Light Mask
Light Mask – similar here (on sale for BF)
Because of this job, I try a ton of products – especially allllll sorts of skin tools. Many do nothing, or, if they do make a difference in my skin, they’re often too annoying or too complicated to use and I stop using them. This mask, however, is not only one of the best-working skincare tools I’ve ever used, but it’s one of the few I don’t mind using. Of course…I look ridiculous. But it’s fine! I can just watch TV or read my Kindle or something while using it.
ps. I also have the collar – it’s more annoying to use for some reason but I’m trying to remember to use it.
I like the silicon mask because it lays flat for travel, and the directions are to use it 3 days per week, 10 minutes each time. My sister swears by Dr. Dennis Gross’ LED mask. They recommend using it more often, but only for 2-3 min per use. I’m also intrigued by Therabody’s mask, on sale for Black Friday. In addition to the red & blue lights, it also comes with a massage motion, and is getting rave reviews.
NOTE: All of these masks work best on clean, bare skin. Save all skincare serums, creams, etc until after the mask.
12. Room Shop Giant Satin Scrunchie
This GIANT silk scrunchie – locally made in Philadelphia – is my new favorite thing right now. While I love it swirled into a messy bun (as shown above), I actually wore it to a fancy event with a ponytail. Love, love, love this thing.
13. Sara Happ The Lip Slip
I love this lip balm with the passion of ten thousands suns. It’s so freaking good that I’ve started packing it for travel, because I look forward to putting it on each night. It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of getting into bed! I recently tried Sara Happ’s Overnight Lip Mask, but I honestly like The Lip Slip better – works great as an overnight lip mask.
14. Jane Win Love & Hugs Necklace
This is the necklace I’ve been wearing nonstop. The turquoise “cord” is actually powder coated stainless steel, and the necklace is substantial enough to be worn with all of my cozy knit sweaters, but I’ve also worn it with fancy pieces, too (oh hey – I’m wearing it in that scrunchie pic, too). Sourced from a local designer, I can’t get enough of the vintage-locket vibe crossed with a playful burst of color. It makes all of my outfits more interesting.
15. Premiata Leather Sneakers
Italian-made Premiata sneakers are my answer to Golden Goose. Don’t get me wrong – they’re still pricey, but, like under $300 pricey, not freaking $600 or $800 or whatever GG is doing these days. But the reason I like them better? Unparalleled comfort. These are the sneakers I turn to when I’m going to be walking all day, or traveling. They look really cool on, and the leather is so soft…that even after a day of fast-walking in NYC, no socks, hot sun, sweaty…I never developed a blister. Honestly, not even the beginning of a blister. The quality here is top notch.
16. Sezane French Enough Sweatshirt
Maybe it’s the Midwest girl in me, but I do love a “dressy sweatshirt”. And nobody does dressy sweatshirts like Sezane. They fit exactly like a sweatshirt should: kinda big, never overwhelming. And the colors and graphics are soooo Nonchalant French Girl I DIE.
17. Rachel Comey Fonder Sweatshirt
If Sezane does a dressy sweatshirt, Rachel Comey brings it next level. And this Fond sweatshirt is one of her best yet. (Gahhh this model shot, however, is killing me – it’s soooooo much better in person.) The sleeves are long and drapey, but in a cool way, and the sweatshirt is cut to move. I’ve been wearing mine with a pair of black Levi’s and these UGGs (no, really) and the outfit still just reads arty and cool. It’s like no matter what else you wear, you can’t take the cool out of this sweatshirt.
18. Heated Ski Mitts
NOTHING has changed the winter outdoor game for me like these heated mittens. They are…life changing. They making skiing one thousand times more enjoyable, sledding is better – heck, even walking the dog!! If you live in a cold climate – especially if you are a cold baby – put these on your wish list. Happiness for years and years to come.
19. Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Sheer Lipstick
at Nordstrom | at Saks | at Sephora
If I had to name the BEST gift under $50 it would be GUCCI lipstick. Not only is the vintage-inspired case apt to cause swooning, but the lipstick itself is amazing. If you want a true lipstick feel (or if you do that French-girl blotting trick my mom taught me in high school) then stick with the lipstick. If you are more of a lip balm girl, then the GUCCI Shine & Glow Lip Care is a little more glossy & balm-y. And comes in an incredible black, vintage-inspired case (also at Nordstrom).
20. Antidote Rose Salt + Lemon Chocolate
The flavors here are rose, lemon, dark chocolate and salt, and I weep with joy while eating it. No notes. It’s perfection.
21. Reformation Cashmere
I have tried on sooooo many cashmere sweaters over the last few months and GOOD GRIEF I cannot even believe how good Reformation’s cashmere is!! It’s thick, soft, and made from 95% recycled cashmere. I give it my highest possible recommendation.
You can see more Ref cashmere in our 2025 Guide To The Best Cashmere Sweaters For Women, but here are my two favorites:
cardigan, left (s) | sweater, right (s) | jeans (27) | boots
Happy (self) gifting! 😉
Xo,
S
What size do you wear in the Re/Done tees?
I wear a size small!