42 Handbags That Any Fashion Person Would Want as a Gift


Confession time: I am one of those people… You know, a bag lady. Despite pleas from loved ones, I can't stop buying more handbags. In fact, I could consider it a full-fledged hobby at this point because I'm constantly searching for rising brands, secondhand gems, and new trends. It may be annoying to some, but true fashion insiders know that this accessory is one of the best investments you can make.
Not only can a handbag make or break an outfit, but designer accessories can also retain and gain value over time. Unsurprisingly, then, there's no better gift idea than giving them a handbag. But if you are shopping for someone who's a self-professed bag person (like me), you can't give them any old purse. You'll want to give them a bag that can retain value and become a pivotal part of their wardrobe. In that vein, I did the research to identify 42 purses that will retain value and remain stylish well into 2025. Keep scrolling to see the best handbag gift ideas at every price point.
Under $350
Searching for a gift idea that's affordable and stylish? Look no further than JW Pei's handbag offering. With most options coming in various colorways and trendy silhouettes, it's the ideal place to shop.
Every cool New Yorker can't wait to get their hands on a Freja bag.
With butter-yellow pieces trending right now, I can't think of a better gift for the bougiest person in your life than this BY FAR shoulder bag.
Leopard calf-hair bags are having a moment, making this posh pochette the perfect gift.
You can't go wrong with gifting any bag from Brandon Blackwood, but this one is a personal favorite.
Vintage lovers will like the modern take on classic silhouettes found in Marge Sherwood's bag offerings.
I can guarantee that every cool person has a Luar bag on their wish list.
Available in more than 20 different colorways, this beaded Staud shoulder bag is the ideal gift for the most stylish person on your shopping list.
Navy will continue to be a huge color trend into 2025, making this bag a great long-term buy.
Every girl in Brooklyn is either wearing or coveting a bag from the Black-owned label Telfar.
If you know they love designer bags, but it's out of budget, then this Charles & Keith bag is a great alternative. The classic crescent shape paired with distinct hardware gives off the same luxe vibe for less.
If they're obsessed with all-things Scandinavian, then gifting them this ostrich-embossed saddle bag will surely impress them.
With suede currently trending, we can't think of a better gift than this crescent-shaped bag from St. Agni.
Under $650
Remember Phillip Lim's iconic ID bags? Well, they've been reintroduced in new sizes, shapes, and shades. Basically, they're still worth investing in.
It doesn't get better for the mini-bag enthusiast than unwrapping this cutie.
As a fashion editor, I can assure you that this Tory Burch bag will have them gawking for days.
Mlouye's geometric-inspired bags are as unique as the person you love most.
Trust me when I say that you will be cemented as "cool" in their eyes if you give them a Yuzefi bag.
Gifting them a Jacquemus bag is always a good idea, but it's even better when it's on sale.
Now, here's a bag you know for sure they'll own for years to come.
For the fashion lover who lives to discover rising talent, it doesn't get better than gifting them with a bag from the Black-owned brand Anima Iris.
The crescent shape of this carryall makes it a chicer option for the woman on the run.
Themoirè is an eco-friendly handbag brand that sources recycled materials to create timeless handbags.
Made from recycled car metal, this 3D printed bag is the coolest thing you can give a collector, hands down.
For the foodie on your list, Puppets and Puppets' resin banana bag is a must-shop.
With Jonathan Anderson securing the "Designer of the Year" award at this year's Fashion Awards, there's no better time to buy a bag from the brand.
Spoil Them
Want to give them something that is functional and fashionable? This Demellier leather tote fits the bill.
Every cool person I know is trying to get their hands on a bag from Alaïa.
The quality of Mulberry's leather handbags will surely impress them.
Ever since the Hug Bag debuted on Ferragamo's F/W 23 runway, the style has been hugely popular with the fashion set.
There's no better way to let them know you're in the loop than gifting them with this bag.
It features multiple straps that allow this bag to be styled in various ways, which in turn, makes it the most versatile option to give them this holiday season.
Speaking from personal experience, I can assure you that this wine-red Saint Laurent bag will have them drooling.
Land yourself on their "nice list" for life.
A bag so good they'll want to squeeze it (and you).
Mark my words: Handbags with buckles will be a big trend in spring 2025. You might as well get ahead of the curve.
Show them you keep up with the fashion world by gifting them this chic Chloé bag designed by the atelier's newest creative director, Chemena Kamali.
While other Gucci bags get a lot of hype, one style remains an excellent investment season after season: the Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag. Characterized by its compact crossbody silhouette with a fold-over flap adorned with minimal hardware, it's the type of bag you can carry daily—hence its continued cult status.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
-
This Hailey Bieber–Backed Handbag Trend Is Everything to Me Right Now
I need it.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
The 2025 It Girl's Wardrobe: 9 Highly Specific Brands and Buys They're All Wearing
From handbags to jeans to jewelry.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I Tested Reformation's Bags IRL—These 6 Are Actually Worth It
These bags are like if The Row and Gucci had a baby.
By Sierra Mayhew
-
Madewell's Insiders Event Is So Good—27 Picks Chic People Will Be Adding to Their Carts
Get 25% off just about everything.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
This Just In: Plushies Are the Freakier Trend Gen Z Is Dumping Bag Charms For
Hot take: I'm obsessed.
By Ana Escalante
-
Wait—Did Elsa Hosk Just Intro the New It Bag of 2025?
One word: Prada.
By Allyson Payer
-
Cameron Diaz Just Wore the Timeless Bag Trend That Makes Every Outfit Look Affluent
That's the goal, right?
By Allyson Payer
-
Okay, I Can't Stop Thinking About the New Louis Vuitton Speedy Bags
Cool. Period.
By Bobby Schuessler