The 76 Best Gifts for Women (That She’ll Actually Want!)

Whether you’re looking for a gift for your mom, best friend, or grandma, finding the perfect present is no easy feat. If she’s hard to shop for, a unique, thoughtful, and personal present that she’ll actually use is the way to go.

We’ve got options for the aspiring baker, the new mom who desperately needs a spa day, and even the sister who’s always losing track of her keys. With these insights in mind, we found the best gifts for all types of women. Read on for our favorites that are sure to earn you MVP gifting status.

For the Fashionista

Choosing a present for your fashionable friend can be tricky, especially when it feels like she already has everything. That said, there are a few wardrobe staples that no one can have too many of. Take a cozy pair of slippers, for example (I’m on my second pair of UGG Tasmans) or a trendy satin PJ set that will have her looking (and feeling) like a million bucks. I also can’t stop raving about this buttery-soft hoodie from Cozy Earth—it’s the comfiest sweatshirt I’ve ever worn.

For a Homebody

If she looks forward to lazy Sundays, nothing sets the tone for a relaxing day quite like a cozy candle or a relaxing essential oil diffuser. I’m also obsessed with the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw; not to be dramatic, but it just might be the softest blanket I’ve ever used. 

If she’s more of an activity person, consider a gift you can enjoy together. She can flex her creative muscles with this DIY pottery kit or put her problem-solving skills to the test with this 1,000-piece puzzle from LePuzz. If 1,000 pieces is overwhelming, the brand also has a variety of 500-piece options to choose from.

For the Beauty Queen

Every day is a self-care day with the right products, and a spa-worthy gift is the perfect reminder. The PMD Beauty Wave Pro, for example, will give her a salon-quality facial right at home. As she goes through the rest of her routine, she won’t have to stress about heat damage thanks to the sleek Dyson straightener that uses hot air for pin-straight locks. Pressing “add to cart” as we speak.

For a DIY spa night, a jade roller and gua sha are my must-haves. And you can’t forget an at-home mani system for salon-quality manicures at a fraction of the price. I also need to give a shoutout to my new obsession: the Rare Beauty Mini Blush and Luminize Trio. It works so well, I’m never going back to blush powders and sticks—and yes, I am wearing it as I write this.

For Your Favorite Foodie

Whether she’s a self-proclaimed master chef or just starting out in the kitchen, the right gadgets will help make her best meal yet. Hostesses will love this chic hot dish for baking casseroles or using as a serving tray, or the stunning Always Pan 2.0 that can braise, steam, sauté, and more, replacing up to 10 pieces of traditional cookware. I used mine to make stir-fry the other day, and it was *chef’s kiss.*

If she’s looking to channel her inner Nara Smith, a powerful mini blender is a great option. And if she simply wants someone to make something sweet for her, Levain’s Cookie Tin Bundle, which includes the brand’s signature assortment of bestsellers, is a gorgeously decadent and always fresh-baked treat. Pro tip: If you don’t want to try them all in one sitting like I did, you can eat some fresh and freeze the rest—once you defrost and reheat them, they’ll taste good as new.

For the Tech-Savvy Friend

Keeping up with the latest tech trends can be challenging, so we rounded up the newest gadgets worth splurging on. Music lovers will never want to leave home without their Apple Airpods Max and a portable speaker, making them the designated DJ of the friend group. 

For those who love capturing memories on film, digital cameras are back in style. If she can’t track down her old, half-broken model from 2011, this budget-friendly option is the move. And if she’s indecisive like me, it can be difficult deciding which photo deserves the spotlight. Luckily, a digital picture frame will showcase all her favorite pictures and videos on repeat.

For the Traveler

While you may not be able to spring for a round-trip ticket to Ibiza, these travel-inspired gifts could be the next best thing. This customizable neck pillow, which adjusts to her preferred sleep position, is sure to help her catch Zzzs on overnight flights. Plus, if she tends to overpack like I do, the Beís commuter duffel and packing cubes will keep her organized—and hopefully help her stay under that 50-pound weight limit.

For the Fitness Enthusiast

Her next workout will be a bit more colorful with high-quality equipment by her side. She can add Bala Bangles to her wrists or ankles for extra resistance or wear this weighted walking vest if she wants to really break a sweat.

And let’s be real: When you look good, you feel good. Clunky dad shoes are making a comeback, and the New Balance 530 sneakers strike the perfect balance of style and function. Plus, Outdoor Voices’ viral exercise dress will be the first thing she reaches for in the morning before hitting the gym or going for a walk. Versatile enough for pretty much every occasion, it’s at the top of my wishlist.

The Gifts That Keep on Giving

While one-time gifts are fun to unwrap, a subscription is the gift that keeps on giving, with goodies delivered to their doorstep on a regular basis. We found monthly subscriptions for book lovers, ice cream fanatics, and more. And if you’re not sure about her specific interests, you can’t go wrong with an UrbanStems Flower Subscription or a Brooklyn Candle Studio Candle of the Month Subscription. After all, who doesn’t love flowers and candles?

Personalized Picks

If you want to go above and beyond, a personalized present is a foolproof way to show your love. Whether it’s showing off her furry friend with a custom pet portrait or turning her favorite album into a piece of wall art, customized gifts can feel extra meaningful.

While personalized jewelry tends to be flashy, minimalists will love this simple yet elegant gold bar name necklace for everyday wear. They can store it in this cute ring dish on their dresser at home, or bring on the go using this travel jewelry case.

Questions You Might Ask 

How much should you spend on a gift? 

Figuring out how much money to spend on a gift is hard when there aren’t any set budgets or rules (like in white elephant gift exchanges). There’s no easy formula for figuring out an exact dollar amount, but there are a few things you can consider to come up with an appropriate number.

According to Jennings, the average gift for women is just under $100. However, she says this number will vary depending on the relationship you have with her, the occasion, and your own personal circumstances. “Even for people very close to you, an inexpensive ‘just thinking about you’ gift can be just as memorable as a big, expensive birthday gift, because it arrives when she’s not expecting it,” she says.

What should you put in a gift basket for women?

If you’d prefer to give your recipient multiple presents (or you can’t decide on just one item), you might want to create a DIY gift basket. When opting to curate a gift box as a gift, Isom Johnson says it’s important to consider their tastes and interests.

“If you happen to know what their hobbies are, look for something that speaks to that—like a personalized mug, artisanal coffee, and a pour-over for the at-home barista or personalized garden tools, handmade ceramic pot, and garden markers for the person who loves to be outdoors in their garden,” she says.

To make the most memorable gift basket or box, Jennings suggests including an odd number of items since it’ll be more pleasing to the eye. She also recommends sticking to a theme—like a movie night or spa day, for example—and incorporating something that provides immediate gratification, like cookies, chocolate, or another sweet treat. This way, the recipient has something to enjoy right away. You can also find a nice pre-made gift basket online.

What are some gift ideas for women that you don’t know very well?

Shopping for someone you don’t know very well can be challenging, which is why you should look for versatile gifts that anyone can enjoy. Jennings says cozy blankets, candles, and notebooks or journals are typically appreciated, and you won’t have to worry about food allergies.

“If you don’t know her very well, another meaningful approach is to give her things that are special to you,” Jennings says. “Do you have a favorite cause you like to support? A delicious food made in your hometown that you can share with her? Or just a little something that you find useful and you think she might, too?”

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Real Simple. She put together this list based on her knowledge of the trendiest products in home, beauty, and fashion. Known as someone who is supposedly “hard to shop for,” she picked a variety of gifts that she would actually love to receive herself. For tips on how to choose the best gifts for women, we spoke with Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert, and Laura Jennings, gifting expert and founder/CEO of Knack.