55 Fail-Proof Gift Ideas for Those Hard-to-Shop-For Girlfriends
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of growth, so it's time for me to admit something...I am one of those hard-to-shop-for girlfriends. Ever since I was young, I've been picky about everything I own, which has made the process of gift-giving challenging for my loved ones. Unfortunately, that pickiness has only worsened with age (blame it on my career path). I've accepted that I'm not the easiest person to shop for, so I've developed coping mechanisms—i.e., sharing an entire wishlist with my family and friends. But I'm guessing if you clicked on this article, your girlfriend might not be as extra as I am and has not shared an entire holiday wish list.
In that case, you're probably wondering, what should I get my girlfriend? And admittedly, I know that choosing the perfect gift for a partner, especially one you know is picky or already owns a lot of great things, is no easy task. In that case, having a few fail-proof gift ideas to rely on is of the utmost importance. Luckily for you, I've rounded up the 50 best gifts for girlfriends at every price point, using my pickiness and general fashion knowledge as a barometer for what makes these gifts great. Whether you're shopping for someone obsessed with fashion, beauty, or home décor, these gifts will surely make the special gal in your life gawk.
A quick skim of the best gifts for girlfriends:
- Most Useful Gift: Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones ($200)
- Best Luxury Gift: Ferragamo Hug Handbag ($3500)
- Best Sentimental Gift: Canon Compact Digital Camera ($330)
- Best Romantic Gift: Spinelli Kilcollin Tigris Set of Three 18-Karat Gold, Sterling Silver, and Blackened Diamond Rings ($3400)
- Best Gift for the Homebody: Sleeper + Net Sustain Feather-Trimmed Crepe De Chine Pajama Set ($390)
- Best Gift for the Chef: Le Creuset Signature 7-Piece Enameled Cast Iron Set ($1000)
- Best Gift for the Music Lover: Crosley Voyager Bluetooth Record Player ($99)
- Best Gift for the Avid Traveler: Slip Silk Frequent Flyer Travel Set ($150)
- Best Gift for a Newer Relationship: Diptyque Set of 5 Miniature Candles ($100)
- Best Gift for the Fashionable Girlfriend: Tory Burch Pierced Slingbacks ($358)
- Best Gift for the Girlfriend Who Has Everything: Alaïa Le Teckel Medium Nubuck Shoulder Bag ($2700)
- Best Gift for the Skincare-Obsessed Girlfriend: Shani Darden Skin Care Shani's Signature Facial at Home ($399)
- Best Gift for the Makeup-Obsessed Girlfriend: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams Come True Set ($390)
- Best Gift for the Girlfriend with an Extensive Hair Routine: Olaplex Strong Days Ahead Shampoo and Conditioner Value Set ($55)
Fashion (Under $500)
For the girlfriend who loves jewelry, there's no better place to find her next favorite piece than Jenny Bird. With architectural shapes and demi-fine materials, it's the ideal place to find jewelry that will make her jaw drop.
If your girlfriend is devoutly obsessed with trends, she's probably talked about Tory Burch's renaissance. Why not prove you listened by gifting her a pair of Tory Burch slingbacks? These are something you know she'll wear repeatedly.
I bought this Saint Laurent cardholder as a gift to myself, and my only regret is that I didn't get my partner to buy it for me.
Some gift ideas never go out of style, such as a scarf. But if you're shopping for someone more stylish, opt for this gift idea from a trendier brand like ACNE Studios.
I can't think of a more timeless gift idea than a timepiece. But if you don't want to gift them with any bland old watch, then opt for a piece from Breda, as they feature more trend-forward elements that your girlfriend will appreciate.
Every holiday season, there's always one handbag that manages to make its way onto the wish lists of many—this year, it's sure to be Coach's Swing Bag.
Apparis's faux furs are the ideal gift for the sustainability minded partner who still loves a statement coat.
You really can't ever go wrong with gifting them with initial jewelry, especially when it's as stunning as this dainty pavé diamond pendant from Stone and Strand.
Give her this cozy cashmere hoodie so she'll stop stealing yours.
Ganni's Chelsea boots are a perennial favorite among the fashion set, making them the perfect gift.
Let's be clear: Your girlfriend is the main character in your love story. And what better way to show them that than with sunglasses that embody that energy?
With suede bags currently trending, there's no better gift idea that this affordable tote.
Reformation's cashmere sweaters are a luxe gift idea that won't cost you a lot.
Another safe gift idea? Anything from Staud. The brand is beloved among the fashion set for its knitwear, bags, and boots.
Luxury
Frankly, there's no better way to say "I love you" than with Ferragamo's Hug Bag.
What better way to really show them you love them than with jewelry? Made from sterling silver, gold, and blackened diamonds, this ring is sure to put a little sparkle in your partner's eyes.
Miu Miu's hair clips went viral on Instagram for quite some time and will make the perfect gift for a social media–obsessed partner.
I have yet to hear anyone ever complain about unwrapping a pair of Loewe sneakers.
Celine's Triomphe sunglasses continue to be a best-seller among the fashion set, and for a good reason. The classic shape makes them the perfect pair of shades for anyone.
Who wouldn't want to unwrap a wool wrap coat from Totême?
Pro tip: Gift them with pieces you know they'll actually wear, like a designer leather belt.
Bottega Veneta's drop earrings are sure to impress the pickiest of girlfriends.
Let's be honest: Gifting the Le Teckel bag will put you in a whole other league.
Beauty
As a self-identified fragrance lover, I can confidently tell you that this Tom Ford fragrance set is the perfect gift idea.
I have yet to meet a woman who doesn't swear by Olaplex's haircare line. It's the gift that everyone wants to upgrade their washday routine, no exaggeration.
Land yourself on their nice list by gifting them this Fenty Beauty Lip Set. Heck, it might even get you time under the mistletoe.
Do they regularly get facials? Then, you'll want to consider giving them this Shani Darden skincare set with a facial mask, eye renewal cream, cleansing serum, and facial sculpting wand.
Dior's lip and cheek set is the easiest way to any girl's heart.
As someone with a more minimal skincare routine, I'd recommend buying this Eadem set for lazier girlfriends (no shade) who constantly forget to wash off their makeup. The set includes a cleansing balm, brightening moisturizer, and dark spot serum, which is ideal for building an easy-to-adopt routine.
Want to speed up the time they spend blow-drying their hair? Gift them this Dyson hair dryer. It's an investment in their haircare routine and your sanity.
If you've spent hours in the aisle at Sephora waiting for your girlfriend to pick out which products she wants, then you know how obsessed they are with makeup. Consider this makeup set from Charlotte Tilbury the best possible gift for them.
When in doubt, NuFace's facial kit is always a good idea.
Whether they're a Beyoncé super fan or want to make their curls bouncier, Cécred's set will surely impress this holiday season.
Home
Anyone who says candles are a boring gift idea has clearly never had the luxury of lighting a Diptyque one before. This set of three comes with its most popular scents (Roses, Babies, and Figuier) and is a simple way to add a whiff of luxury into your loved one's life.
When in doubt, a set of pretty glasses for a wine lover will always be a safe bet. Bonus points if you gift them a bottle from their favorite wine label.
For the music-obsessed girlfriend in your life, there's no better gift than a record player. Just be sure to also buy a few of her favorite albums on vinyl too.
Shopping for a homebody? Gift them with a luxurious set of feather-adored pajamas from Sleeper.
For the homebody on your list, give them something beautiful to add to their space, like a vase from Anissa Kermiche. These ceramics are beloved among the fashion set and make the perfect gift when paired with a floral subscription.
Does your girlfriend drag you to every museum? Can you find her at every gallery opening? Well, you'll want to give her a gift that speaks to her love for art. And this compilation of over 200 modern paintings in coffee table book form does just that.
Whether your partner loves to entertain or just loves pretty things, this unique serving plate is sure to bring them joy.
For those who love to cook, it doesn't get much better than unwrapping anything from Le Creuset.
History and fashion buffs will appreciate this coffee table book dedicated to the work of designer John Galliano.
Travel
Secure her the bag she's been dreaming of—aka a Rimowa suitcase that she can take with her when you travel to Paris together.
If your girlfriend constantly struggles to keep her jewelry organized while you're traveling, consider giving her this Calpak case as a small but thoughtful gesture. You can always make it more impressive by filling the case with jewelry or a prebooked flight itinerary.
You know very well your girlfriend won't buy herself a good pair of headphones for flying, so do it for her.
If your girlfriend is as serious about her skincare routine as she is about traveling, she'll appreciate this Summer Fridays Skincare Set.
Every girlfriend who's even remotely interested in fashion and travel will be about this passport holder.
The best partner's don't judge the amount of bags their girlfriends bring on vacation, they just buy them a way to track them.
Cue their wanderlust with this coffee table book set.
Make them feel like they're flying in first-class with this silk travel pillow, sleep mask, and reusable face covering set.
There's no better way to tell them you want to document making memories on your next trip together than by gifting them a point-and-shoot digital camera.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
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