This gift list lives somewhere between ‘22 Random Things I Want’ and ‘The Best Splurgy Gifts I Already Bought Myself’ – which, frankly, is not a bad place to start.
The sweet spot for me are gifts that are practical – something I’ll actually, genuinely love to use – but also gifts that feel like an actual gift. I want a *gasp* moment. I want something that feels a little luxurious, a little indulgent and splurgy – but something that surprises, too.
Go ahead…ENTERTAIN ME.
My husband, MikeD, absolutely blew it out of the park last Christmas (and no, he doesn’t usually). Last year he gifted me this set of Cuyana leather pouches…and filled the smaller one with alllllll of the tech gadgets I’m constantly looking for: wall chargers, new cords, a powerful-but-portable charger, a tiny (but mighty) external hard drive and memory card transfer thingies. It was such a beautiful, thoughtful gift – and one that I would never have considered buying myself!! Yet now that I own these two leather pouches, I use them alllllll the time.
The Best Luxe Gifts for Her (That Are Truly Worth the Splurge)
Mike’s gift idea is, of course, one of the ideas on this list. The rest are a mix of what I’ll call gifts of everyday luxury – pieces I reach for constantly, pieces that give me a little kick of joy when I use them. And while you won’t find $5K designer bags on this list, you will find some handbags I actually like better than the usual designer bags (my picks are also incredibly well-made but much more unique), as well as an under-the-radar cashmere brand, beauty products I never leave home without, and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that are as beautiful as they are rare.
Let’s get into it.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22
1. A Luxe Wool Jacket That Works With Everything: Sezane Suzy Jacket
Where To Buy: Sezane
This unlined wool jacket has been a hero of my winter, spring and fall closets. It’s lightweight, yet is usually warm enough, especially because it layers so beautifully over sweaters. It’s the kind of jacket that seems to work when nothing else will, and looks especially amazing with baggy jeans (no small feat!). I bought mine last year (in taupe), and while the taupe is long sold-out, the new navy and green colors are stunning. This jacket is a little splurgy but gorgeous, and really darn useful.
2. The Under-the-Radar French Bag Brand I’m Obsessed With: Le Tanneur
Where To Buy: Le Tanneur
Le Tanneur, a heritage brand founded in France in 1898, is one of those understated lines that French girls actually carry. These bags are gorgeous in person, and are both luxurious and practical – a combo that strikes me as so nonchalantly French, non?
I have been staring at their Emelie handbag for forever, but when I saw the denim-effect Emie, I was instantly smitten. Denim handbags have been particularly useful in my closet – they seem to make every casual outfit look better, and calm down fancier ones.
That said, I’d also check out Le Tanneur’s Studded Emelie – it might be the best studded bag I’ve seen. SWOON.
3. The Packable Puffer That Always Looks Good: Halfdays
Where To Buy: Halfdays | Nordstrom | Dick’s Sporting Goods
One of my most-worn pieces for many, many years running, I own Halfdays’ Packable Puffer in multiple colors. One reason I genuinely love this piece – SO MUCH – is because of the cut. Halfdays’ puffer is cut roomy under the arms, yet still manages to be really flattering – thanks, in part, to the drawstring waist that can be worn chinched or loose. This roominess under the arms means that this jacket fits comfortably over even the thickest, bulkiest sweaters, making it incredibly versatile. If interested, I show this jacket styled up with various winter boots in our guide to the best winter boots.
Plus, this jacket is warm – Halfdays is a women-owned skiwear brand (co-founded by Olympian Kiley McKinnon), so these jackets perform, too.
ps. I created a reel on IG showing how well these jackets fit over a bulky fleece.
4. The Quartz Ring Everyone Comments On
Where To Buy: TME Shop
One of my very favorite pieces, there’s something almost Old Hollywood about this ring – I absolutely love wearing it. This ring is made by Angela Monaco here in Philadelphia, from recycled sterling silver and a faceted clear quartz stone (ethically sourced). There’s enough sparkle and glamour in this ring to make it perfect for dressing up, yet there’s a casualness to it, too, which means I am usually just wearing it with jeans. This ring is a complement-magnet – everyone asks about it – so if you’re just looking for one really wow, super-special piece…it’s this one.
5. The Best Lip Balm In The World, Hands Down: Sara Happ
I love this lip balm with the passion of ten thousands suns. I left it behind on a recent trip and was SO disappointed – I couldn’t wait to get home and be reunited with my lip balm! I didn’t realize how much I rely on this product to smooth over (har har) my constant dehydrated state. I will never leave home without it again.
6. The Candle That Made Me Stop a Meeting: Loewe Tomato Leaves
Where To Buy: Bergdorf | Selfridges
I’m not usually one to swoon over candles (I hate most candle scents), but Abby brought this one into the office and it smelled SO GOOD that I literally couldn’t concentrate on the meeting at hand. It’s almost like a fancy spa…but in an earthier, just-after-the-rain-in-summer kind of way. It literally smells like the leaves of a tomato plant, but so green and fresh and GAHHHH I WANT ONE SO MUCH.
7. One-of-a-Kind Vintage Watchband Bracelets: TME x Stone Cooper
Where To Buy: TME Shop
Over a year ago, we started a special collaboration with Kat of Stone Cooper and these vintage watchband bracelets – only available here – are the result. Each bracelet pairs a reclaimed vintage watch band with a center stone from antique jewelry. Kat spends all year scouring her top secret sources (haha no but seriously – we don’t even know where she goes!) to find lost pieces that are truly special. These bracelets are the result of hours spent carefully finding, choosing, pairing and assembling by hand.
These one-of-a-kind bracelets are so freaking cool, and I find that I wear at least one almost daily. While I’ll often wear them in groups (3 or 4 seems to work the best), I actually really love them solo as well.
Vintage Scarab Watchband Bracelet | re/done tee (m) – also here
Here’s a little bit more about how our vintage watch band bracelet collection was started (as well as additional pics of various stacks).
8. The Fancy-Lady Hand Soap That’s All I’ll Ever Want: Loewe Hand Soap (Oregano)
Where To Buy: Bergdorf | Selfridges
I bought one of these Loewe Hand Soaps at the duty free shop in the Madrid airport, and I cannot believe how incredible the Oregano scent is. I look forward to washing my hands with it, and find myself surreptitiously smelling my hands long after I’ve walked away. The bottle itself is stunning, too, and I plan on just refilling mine once it’s gone (cause this price is, admittedly, crazy for hand soap). FWIW, Element Brooklyn makes a decent spoof of Loewe’s hand soap – the smell isn’t exactly the same, but pretty close.
9. The Sleep + Wellness Tracker I Swear By: Oura Ring
Where To Buy: Amazon
I have conflicting thoughts on Oura ring. While I was initially annoyed that it doesn’t seem to recognize perimenopause – and doesn’t seem to address or help with sleep loss due to perimenopause specifically, overall I have L-O-V-E-D my Oura ring. I love tracking my sleep, and – in my case – it turns out that I’m a pretty efficient sleeper, getting a decent amount of both deep sleep and REM, despite my shorter sleep cycle. That said, on days that I’m light on either, I’m able to take it a little easier and get caught back up. My husband uses it, too, and we’ve learned that he’s pretty chronically lacking in deep sleep. It’s been pretty gratifying to make some lifestyle changes that help specifically with deep sleep and see it improve.
10. The Sneakers That Vibe Like Real Shoes: Aloha
Where To Buy: Alohas | Macy’s | Urban
I am…deeply passionate about these sneakers. These are the sneakers I’m wearing to spoof real shoes. Thanks to their low-profile design, insanely good color combinations, and textured suede detail, these sneakers vibe like real shoes. So if you are getting tired of the athletic sneaker look (but know that you’ll always be a sneaker girl regardless of whether or not sneakers are actually trending)…THESE.
I also have these sneakers in emerald green and both colors work great. If you’re interested in seeing how I’m wearing them this winter, they were featured in our article, Wearing Baggy Jeans In Winter. And any of Aloha’s deep, rich tones will work great.
11. The Party Flats That Vibe Modern Day Princess: Loeffler Randall
Where To Buy: Nordstrom
If you are a Wear-Jeans-To-Parties kind of girl (and I definitely am) these flats are SO much fun. Nothing looks cuter with slouchy jeans + cute sweater than these ridiculously sparkly flats. They’re also comfortable, too, and soften up a bit further with wear. I’ve been wearing mine around the house just…because. I’ll pick these over heels any day.
12. The Wow Girlfriend Gift: Gucci Lipstick
Where To Buy: Black Case (more sheer) | White Case (lipstick)
If you just need one really WOW gift for a girlfriend…GUCCI lipstick. The vintage-inspired cases are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, the formulations is super luxurious, and the colors are spot-on. Literally foolproof.
13. The Quirky, Luxe, Designer-ish Bags You’ll Keep Forever
Where To Buy: Left: FARM Rio | Right: Saks | Shopbop | ALC
I am not a designer bag girl. YSL, Chanel, Vuitton – I honestly think they’re a little…boring? Beautiful, for sure, but those bags tend to be a little too plain or classic for my taste. Maybe it’s because I’m such a boring dresser (jeans, sweater, boots, done), but I tend to like my handbags and accessories a little more playful – I like when they pack a punch.
While I know you can get quirky bags at Amazon for a fraction of the cost, what I’m talking about is a truly luxurious, well-made bag…with personality. These are the kinds of bags that live through all of my closet cleanouts: ironically, I’ve found these statement bags to be a little more timeless than classic ones. While our definition of a “classic bag” changes over time (we went from backpacks to cross-body to shoulder bags), a personality hire – because it is, in fact, so personal to your own style – lasts.
If you want to see the ALC bag in action, it was featured in our How To Wear Baggy Jeans In Winter article (the Farm Rio will be featured soon!).
Here’s a few more bags that make my heart beat fast:
14. The Coziest Oversized Hoodie & Sweatpants Set: Lululemon Big Cozy
oversized hoodie (s) | wide-leg sweatpants (s) | Team Canada sweatpants
Lululemon’s sweatpants and hoodies have always been a solid, near-foolproof gift (I’m a huge fan of their Scuba line – competitors don’t even come close), but their new ‘Big Cozy’ line caught me by surprise. These wide-leg sweatpants and oversized hoodies are some of the coziest, snuggliest pieces I own. There’s been nothing better than changing into them at the end of a long day (my ’emotional support set’ haha). But what I’ve really come to appreciate is that there’s an alllllmost wind-proof feel to this set, and on really cold days, these sweatpants are warmer than jeans. I cannot recommend these pieces enough.
14. The Fancy Scrabble Board That Lives on Our Coffee Table
Where To Buy: Crate & Barrel
I love leaving this out on our coffee table – it really is a beautiful, statement piece. And I’ve found that we tend to play Scrabble more often when the set is easily within reach. Everything feels really high quality, and I love all of the thoughtful design details (the board easily rotates so you can better see your words).
15. A Fresh Twist on a Classic Pearl Earring (Handmade in NYC)
Where To Buy: TME Shop
These are the earrings I’ve been wearing nonstop. Made in NYC from genuine freshwater pearls on a 14K gold-fill post, they’re so freaking good. Think: a modern twist on the classic pearl earring, with an almost minimalist vibe. Despite their delicate look, these earrings are more cool than fussy, and I’m really blown away by how incredibly well-made they are. The gold-fill post is longer than most earrings, and more substantial without being thick. These earrings are dead-easy to put on, and ridiculously comfortable (and lightweight!!) to wear.
We’ve been patiently waiting for these beauties to arrive in our shop (literally being made by hand in Brooklyn) and they’re arriving…literally any day. We’ll ship as soon as they arrive!
16. The Victorian-Era Chatelaine Necklaces I Wear Constantly: TME x Stone Cooper
Where To Buy: TME Shop
These Antique Chatelaine Necklaces are freaking amazing. Made from authentic, late-Victorian lorgnette chains, each is a true antique, crafted in high-quality gold-fill (the stuff back then was better, haha) with the original functioning slide and dog clip. These dog clips were what Victorian ladies would fasten their little opera glasses to! They would also fasten little scissors on chains, or tiny pencils or whatever else – basically, this is what women did before pockets. 🙂
Another gem (quite literally – some have genuine opals, seed pearls, garnets) from Kat of Stone Cooper, who has lovingly restored each piece to it’s working condition. The sliders all adjust smoothly exactly as they did 140 years ago.
I’ve been wearing mine constantly. These necklaces seem to pair with everything from t-shirts and jeans to silky button-ups and dresses. I get such a kick out of wearing a tiny piece of history, too. This truly unique piece is just wildly special and so stunning – I honestly can’t think of a better gift.
17. The Cutest, Coziest Pajamas: Printfresh
\Where To Buy: Printfresh (ps. the black tulle scrunchie is available here)
I’m a HUGE Printfresh fan. Owned and operated by a Philadelphia family (Amy & Leo are the freaking best), I’ve been so excited watching their success (ahhh Printfresh is at Nordstrom now, too – congrats, guys!). Amy is the talent behind Printfresh designs – she literally makes them all by hand (which explains why they’re so unique and fun). While I love all Printfresh PJs, once winter hits, I’m all about their Flannel Collection.
The blue tiger flannel is their lighter weight flannel, which feels just a little snugglier than their regular poplin pajamas.
The red set, however, is their midweight flannel. This fabric is light enough to have really good drape, but is thick and cozy, too, and will likely feel more like traditional flannel pajamas.
I’m wearing a medium-regular in the blue set, and a medium-petite in the red set. If you have ridiculously long arms (like I do), stick with the regular sizes. 🙂
18. Classic Cashmere Sweaters That Are Never Boring: Loulou Studio
Where To Buy: Nordstrom
Loulou Studio cashmere sweaters are, year after year, just better than most other cashmere sweaters. Often featured in our annual cashmere guide, Loulou Studio has remained a longtime favorite because they make classic cashmere sweaters with seriously cool design details in thick, delicious cashmere. That’s it – that’s the secret. Classic shapes, luxurious detail, high-quality cashmere. It’s why it always looks so good on. Love this stuff.
19. Literally Any Clare V. Bag
Where To Buy: Clare. V
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not really a designer bag girl, but I am absofreakinglutely a Clare V girl. I fell in love with this brand eons ago, and these bags – a perfect mix of high-quality design in playful colors, textures, or shapes – are exactly the kind of bags I wear on the daily. Super practical but never boring…you’ll never go wrong with any Clare V.
A few of my longtime favorites? The Moyen bag is one the most practical bags I’ve ever used (featured two years in a row in my Winter Capsule Wardrobe) and the Clare V Pot de Miel (the round little honeypot bag) is one I’ve been carrying for forever. That said, the new little furry one brings me SO much joy – it’s going to be a forever favorite, too.
20. The Softest, Sexiest Base Layers & Underwear: Negative Underwear’s Whipped Collection
Where To Buy: Negative Underwear
Negative’s Whipped Collection has to be worn to be believed – it is that freaking soft. I’ve owned these pieces for years, too, and they’ve held up throughout all of my washing and drying (although I do try to avoid the dryer when I can…but if Mike or the kids are on laundry duty, everything freaking goes in).
There’s a subtle sexiness to these pieces (they’re all a *little* sheer), and I sleep in these pieces almost every night (summer and winter). I also swear by their long-sleeve tee for layering under sweaters in the winter. The layer feels lightweight, almost paper thin, but soooo warm and soft – it really is the ideal layer. And, if the sweater comes off, layering the tee over some sort of bralette makes a really cute look, too.
21. The Most Thoughtful Gift Mike Ever Gave Me: Cuyana’s Leather Pouch Set
Where To Buy: Cuyana
This was the best gift my husband ever gave me: A set of these leather pouches, stocked with all of my tech gadget needs. Portable chargers for my laptop and phone, wall chargers, new cords, Airpods, and memory card transfers. All of those things I’m always running to find last minute? He bought pristine new ones, and made sure I had a chic little pack to grab. It was…the most thoughful, useful, amazing gift ever. And the larger pouch? He left it empty. Sometimes I use it as a clutch, sometimes I pack beauty products in it. The whole set is wildly useful and ridiculously pretty (and I especially love the new two-tone set in Cherry/Red).
21. Shearling-Lined Boots That Feel Like a Splurge Every Time I Wear Them
Where To Buy: Nordstrom
Literally, there’s nothing better than slipping your foot into a pair of shearling-lined boots. They’re so indulgent – it’s an experience that just makes me happy. And whether those shearling-lined boots are walking boots like my Laidback Londons (pictured above), or just a slouchy little boot that’s allllmost like a slipper (Mou Boots, I’m looking at you), this is a gift that makes me feel very pampered.
If interested, you can read more about the Laidback London boots in our Winter Boots Guide.
xo,
S
