25 Cool-as-Hell Gifts Our Editors Want for the Holidays
Still in need of some seriously cool gift ideas? That’s where our team of editors is stepping in—primed with plenty of genius pieces to consider if you’re stumped. To point you in the right direction, I asked our team to spill exactly which items are on their list this holiday season, and ahead they’re sharing the stylish gifts they’re all hoping to unwrap this season.
Here, shop 25 handpicked holiday gift ideas that are sure to inspire you, no matter what your price range is. From the latest It bag every fashion insider will want and the fragrances we can’t live without to chic games and the cozy slippers you’ll want to keep for yourself, each of these cool-as-hell gifts has an editor’s stamp of approval. Go on to see which items made the cut, beginning with my personal edit.
Shop my picks:
I've had my eye on these gorgeous boots from The Row ever since I spotted them on the runway last spring. I've been very close to ordering them many times but haven't pulled the trigger yet, so they're definitely topping my list.
With its pillowy, puffed-up quilting and chunky, gold hardware, the Chanel 19 bag is simply perfection. A girl can dream, right?
Portrait of a Lady is an utterly intoxicating scent that I simply can't live without. Part Turkish rose, part spicy undertones, it's a sophisticated and mysterious fragrance that has a permanent spot on my vanity. Now, I'd love to acquire the travel-size version so I'm never without it.
There's nothing I love over the holidays more than diving into a new read, so I think books make the best gifts. The latest to land on my list? Wild Game—a memoir that chronicles a daughter's complicated relationship with her mother—sounds absolutely riveting, and I'm ready to get my hands on it.
Shop Anneliese's picks:
"I swear these knee-high boots are about to make me look 10 times cooler than I actually am. Major wardrobe upgrade."
"I've always loved the style of wearing multiple earrings, so these give me the same look, without me having to go through the pain of another piercing."
"I'm honestly just manifesting this bag into the universe and hoping that I unwrap it this holiday season. That's a thing, right?"
Shop Nicole's picks:
"I know candles are the biggest gift-giving cliché ever, but Fornasetti candles are so beautiful they're more like pieces of art or centerpieces. This one is especially lovely."
"To me, the best gifts are ones that someone really wants and likes but wouldn't necessarily splurge on. That's how I feel about this acrylic tray that would be the perfect addition to my bedside table. Hint, hint."
Shop Kat's picks:
"I'm not sure I've ever seen a more impressive trinket tray. It's straight-up bewitching. Porcelain hands with a star-eye print and tassels? Color me captivated."
"Puzzles just got cool again thanks to the newly launched, female-founded brand Piecework. These make an excellent alternative hostess gift when a bottle of wine starts to feel a little too expected."
"Socks are always a practical present, but this pair from sustainable L.A. brand Evewear proves they can do double duty as a charming accouterment to your look. Just add cropped jeans."
Shop Judith's picks:
"I have a thing for plush slippers—but I particularly love a pair that could be worn out of the house. These faux-fur slides work as slippers and casual weekend shoes. Moreover, they make for some seriously stylish Instagram eye candy."
"I suffer from really dry skin, so a facial humidifier that I can keep at my desk for continual hydration would be a savior! Hey Dewy's portable facial humidifier can be plugged into your laptop, car, or charger so you can reap the benefits of more radiant skin wherever you go—at work, at home, in a hotel, or on a plane."
"I am a homebody at heart and a sucker for luxurious loungewear. Lett is one of my favorite brands for relaxing in. It's soft, stretchy, über-comfortable, yet polished enough to wear out and about or when you have friends over."
Shop Allyson's picks:
"I know candles don't make the most creative gifts, but I will never not feel joy from receiving a fancy candle."
"I just moved, so I'm all about home décor these days. I think a throw is such a nice gift that anyone and everyone can find a use for."
"I'm definitely not opposed to a pinky ring, and I love giving (and receiving!) gifts with a personalized touch."
Shop Erin's picks:
"I would never say no to a beautifully packaged skincare item. I'm obsessed with everything from Tatcha (my everyday item is The Water Cream), but now I have my eye on the brand-new Serum Stick. It's the perfect thing to throw in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day whenever you need a little moisture. Having the heat on inside during the winter makes my skin feel so dry, so I intend to use this basically every day—especially since you can easily apply it over makeup. Sold."
"As much as I'd love a Chanel bag, I'll go ahead and temper my expectations a bit and say that a Chanel lipstick is always a classic choice for a gift. It's the right mix of practical and luxurious, so you can't go wrong."
"If I opened a gift to see the Celine logo, it would be a really, really good day. I am obsessed with the stunning glass bottle of Hedi Slimane's Celine fragrance and would proudly display it front and center on my dresser. When it's basically a piece of art, it makes it all the more special."
"A zodiac necklace is a really easy yet thoughtful idea for jewelry lovers. Maje just released a new collection of gold coin zodiac necklaces with colorful Swarovski crystals that are super cute (and there are also zodiac tees for bonus points). I'm a Libra for anyone who's curious—hint, hint!"
Shop Bobby's picks:
"Fun fact—I'm obsessed with bags. This season, I have my eyes on this mini Burberry tote. I love that it feels classic yet incredibly modern. Plus, as the description states, the striped canvas was made using less water and energy than conventional coated fabrics. Perfection."
"I moved to Boston recently, so I'm trying to build my cold-weather wardrobe. I want a pair of stylish yet practical boots for my day-to-day, and these stunners would absolutely do the trick."
Next, find out what landed on the holiday wish lists of the most stylish women I know.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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