I Know a Good Bag When I See One—These Are the Best to Give (or Receive) This Christmas
Welcome to Who What Wear Gifts. With the festive season fast approaching, we wanted to curate the ultimate gift guide of the pieces we truly think are worth it, so you’ll know your chosen item will be treasured for years to come. Featuring everything from luxury homeware and editor-adored beauty products to show-stopping handbags and forever accessories, whether you’re shopping for a loved one or for yourself, consider this the perfect destination for all your gifting needs. Happy shopping!
I may be biased, but as a handbag enthusiast, I believe a bag is one of the greatest gifts you can give (or receive). Christmases, graduations and birthdays are often marked by the receipt of a beautiful bag, and I can confirm first-hand that it's a gift they'll truly appreciate. Soon enough our to-do lists will be filled with hanging wreaths, decorating trees and peeling plenty of potatoes ready for roasting, and whilst I can’t assist with those, I can help tick "Find a great gift" off your list.
I'll admit I've been caught out by last-minute gifting panic. You can imagine the scene; hurriedly shoving bath bombs into wrapping paper, grappling to find the end of the sellotape as the clock declares Christmas Day has arrived. It's not the best way to ring in the festivities or show the person you're gifting that you've really thought about what they'd like, so this year I'm getting ahead of the game and bringing you with me.
When it comes to gifting, I'm a big fan of a present that can be used and appreciated, and handbags are just that. A well-chosen bag will feature in their outfit builds year-round, perhaps as their trusted work tote, weekend shoulder bag or a standout clutch to accompany elegant dresses on special occasions.
I've put together the ultimate list of the best handbags they're sure to love and use on repeat, so forget the last-minute scramble for next-day delivery—it's time to sit back, scroll and check off your Christmas gifting list, one chic handbag at a time. I'm also a big believer in the old saying that you should give a gift you'd like to receive, so you may even find something to add to your own wish list.
Shop the Best Handbags to Gift This Year:
- Best Bags for Women Under £100
- Best Bags for Women Under £250
- Best Bags for Women Under £500
- Best Bags for Women Under £1000
- Best Bags for Women Over £1000
The Best Bags to Gift Under £100:
If elegant ease were a handbag it would look just like this.
Wear neatly over the shoulder or adjust the strap for an easy crossbody style.
I just gifted my sister this bag for her birthday, and I can confirm she was truly grateful.
For work or weekend, this sleek woven tote is sure to rise to the occasion.
For evenings out or to bring a little joy to the everyday, look to Sister Jane's Dream bag.
The Best Bags to Gift Under £250:
Smooth, refined and seriously spacious, the COS Swing bag is an icon for a reason.
So many of our editors have Charles & Keith's elegant Gabine bag in their arsenal.
Olive-green suede has my full attention.
The Best Bags to Gift Under £500:
DeMellier's beloved New York tote comes in two sizes and a range of colours, so you can find their perfect match.
They'll hardly believe this comes from the high street.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of every Elleme bag, but the Trousse has a timeless feel that can't be denied.
I've fallen for every shade of the Ina bag, but this deep blue feels so unique.
Staud's Tommy bags are known for their intricate beadwork and playful colours.
I use this as my work bag thanks to the two straps that allow you to carry it in hand or over the shoulder, whilst the magnetic sides allow for extra space if needed.
Handmade in Spain, this timeless bucket bag is destined to be a lifelong companion.
The Best Bags to Gift Best Bags Under £1000:
Toteme's latest It bag is understated, minimalist and sure to be appreciated for years to come.
This was featured in another roundup, and I had so many friends message me to say how beautiful it is.
The Best Bags to Gift Best Bags Over £1000:
With a striking shape, soft suede finish and adjustable strap, Jimmy Choo's Hobo bag gets it just right.
Whilst its logos are subtle, the Ferragamo Hug is identifiable by its buckle detail. Plus, the red lining is such a nice touch.
Loewe's best-selling Puzzle Bag has been reinvented for the new season with a woven look that will put it on all the chicest wish lists.
You can now pre-order The Row's new India bag. With a smooth silhouette, grained leather and a logo-less design, this will move quickly.
The Blondie bag may be new, but the timeless design makes it an instant classic.
If I'm on your gifting list, just know I've had my eye on this for months…
No matter how much time passes, the Andiamo bag will be a gift they always admire.
Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.
During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.
-
39 Unbelievably Cute Stocking Stuffers From Free People, Anthro, and Revolve
Amazing buys ahead.
By Chichi Offor
-
Who What Wear Co-Founder Hillary Kerr Told Me Her Impeccably Cool Gift Picks
Trust me—you'll want to see these.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Jewelry Insider Will Kahn Told Me His Irresistibly Stylish Gift Picks
Naturally, we want every last piece.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Hollywood Stylist Rob Zangardi Told Me His Highly Covetable Gift Picks
I'll take one of each, please.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
From Elegant Accessories to Unique Experiences—54 Thoughtful Gifts for Everyone on Your List
So many delightful finds for every budget.
By Judith Jones
-
6 Gen Z Editors, Stylists, and Influencers on What's at the Top of Their Holiday Wish Lists in 2024
Gen Z has spoken.
By Ana Escalante
-
The 33 Best Small Luxury Gifts to Spoil Your Loved Ones With, From Elegant Earrings to Pretty Lipstick
Guaranteed to delight.
By Judith Jones
-
I Love a Little Chic Treat—40 Under-$50 Stocking Stuffers I'd Love to Gift (and Receive!)
Everyone wants these finds this year.
By Ana Escalante