Info Sphere
Info Sphere

We Asked 14 Stylish Moms, Wives, and Girlfriends What They Want for Christmas 2024

Source: publishtime:2024-12-31 01:21:02

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.

luxury accessories including a watch belt and styling toolspinterest
dyson, cartier

What to Buy the Woman in Your Life—According to 14 Stylish Moms, Wives, and Girlfriends

Straight from the source.

By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Shopping for the women in your life—whether they're your mom or wife or girlfriend—can feel like navigating a minefield. Gift the wrong thing and it's curtains. You're one scented candle away from the doghouse. But here's a secret: Instead of guessing (or panic-buying something on sale), why not just ask? That's exactly what I did. I went straight to the source and asked 14 women—busy moms, multitasking wives, and powerhouse girlfriends—what they actually want this holiday season. Spoiler: It's not another vacuum.

What I discovered might surprise you. These women aren't asking for over-the-top jewelry (well, not all of them) or luxury spa days (though they wouldn't say no to either). Their lists were a mix of practical, thoughtful, and delightfully indulgent. Think cozy essentials for their busiest days, little luxuries they'd never buy for themselves, and a few surprises that prove they're way cooler than we give them credit for.

So if you're still scratching your head over what to get for that amazing woman in your life, don't worry. I've got you covered. These are the gifts that'll actually make her smile—like, really smile—not the polite "thanks" smile you get when she's pretending to like it. Ready? Let's dive in before you settle for another bathrobe (unless that bathrobe is from Weezie, of course).

For the Woman Who Loves to Relax

Jenni Kayne Shearling Moroccan Slippers

Shearling Moroccan Slippers$220 at jennikayne.com

As I prepare to welcome my first baby, my goal is to transform our home into as much of a sanctuary as possible—think luxury-hotel vibes. That's why I want Jenni Kayne shearling Moroccan slippers. I've never met a slipper I didn't like, but these shearling beauties are on another level. They're cozy and chic and feel like a warm hug for your feet. —Dylan Gracen Essertier, travel journalist

If She's Been Wanting a New Bag

Balenciaga Rodeo Large Handbag

Rodeo Large Handbag$5,450 at Bloomingdale's$5,450 at Saks Fifth Avenue

I am loving the large Balenciaga rodeo bag. The soft leather, gold hardware, and unstructured shape are perfect—all while being super functional and effortless looking. I can use it daily with ease because it fits a laptop and has lots of compartments. It's the ideal quiet-luxury bag and elevates any look.—Dani Shea, stylist

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
A No-Fail Gadget Gift

Dyson Airstrait Straightener

Airstrait StraightenerNow 20% Off$500$400 at Dyson$500 at Nordstrom$500 at Ulta Beauty

Dyson's new Airstraight hair straightener has been on my Amazon wish list since it was released. Right now I'm on maternity leave and could use a little pick-me-up for myself, and I think it's finally time to upgrade. —Megan Jones, registered nurse

If She's into Baking

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

Artisan Stand Mixer$450 at Lowe's$380$330 at Macy's$450 at Bloomingdale's

I succumbed to the trend of sourdough baking, and for the past six months I've been doing it without any tools, like a pioneer woman. I'm kneading dough a few times a week now, and I don't want to be sore every time I do it. For that reason, a nice stand mixer is at the top of my wish list. —Leah Dudley, government program specialist

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Perfect Accessory

Favorite Daughter The Statement Belt

The Statement Belt$118 at ShopBop

A good belt is such an underrated gift. It’s stylish, practical, and a thoughtful way to help someone elevate their everyday wardrobe. I’ve always loved the belts from Khaite for their timeless, versatile appeal, but I recently discovered this one from Favorite Daughter, and it offers that same chic look for much less. It’s an ideal piece for the holidays, adding just the right touch of effortless polish to any outfit. —Hannah Zeskind, marketing director

A Real Luxury Gift

Cartier Baignoire 23.9mm Small Watch

Baignoire 23.9mm Small Watch$18,600 at NET-A-PORTER

I love presents—it's just who I am. Give me one big, showstopping gift over a pile of small ones any day. I am due with my third baby in January, so I am looking for a combo Christmas and push present. This watch took my breath away. A girl can dream! If my dreams don't come true, I'm new to the world of Diptyque, but my love is already deep. The classic Baies candle might just be the best candle scent in the world. So what could be better than a giant version of it? —Madison Rae, influencer

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
A Practical Everyday Gift

Dagne Dover Dakota Large Neoprene Backpack

Dakota Large Neoprene Backpack$215 at Saks Fifth Avenue$215 at ShopBop

I always carry my computer in a simple black bag. I want a nice bag to have my work stuff that's professional but also practical. Everyone raves that Dagne Dover is just so practical for both day-to-day and travel. I can't wait to use its useful compartments —Biz Dziarmaga, vice president of sales, IBM

If You Know Her Size

The Row Bare Sandal

Bare Sandal$890 at Saks Fifth Avenue$890 at NET-A-PORTER$890 at therow.com

My boyfriend and I love to get dressed up and go out often. Any given Friday night you'll find us swooning over a bottle of Champagne for hours at one of our favorite spots in the city. There's something immediately sexy about a beautiful heel that sets the vibe, and I've had my eyes on the Row's Bare Sandal forever. You can't go wrong with a style that is timeless and sophisticated, and she'll think of you every time she puts them on. —Margaret Short, senior communications director, Carfrae Consulting

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
A Sweater Is Always a Good Idea

Faherty Freeride Cardigan

Freeride Cardigan$298 at fahertybrand.com

I am nine months pregnant with a baby coming the week after Christmas, my spending has already shifted to all things for the baby. But that's why I wanted to ask for at least one cozy thing for myself this year. This sweater will help me feel put together in the new year and will be easy to feed a baby with. Win, win. —Kristin O'Connor, private chef and founder, Superdirt

Something Thoughtful and Affordable

Warby Parker Durand Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses

Durand Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses$95 at Warby Parker

As a writer, I'm looking at a computer screen all day. Then I like to unwind at night by watching a show with my husband. So I'm constantly exposed to blue light, which can disrupt sleep patterns. That's why Warby Parker's blue-light-blocking glasses are on my wish list this year. They're cute and practical. —Jordi Lippe-McGraw, travel journalist

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
A Unique Jewelry Gift

Geoffrey Good Hex Climber Studs

Hex Climber Studs$3,650 at geoffreygood.com

One of my favorite stores to visit in Hudson, New York, is Geoffrey Good's jewelry atelier. I'll be honest: I first ventured in because of his duo of adorably fluffy Samoyed dogs who are often lounging around the studio. But I keep going back because Good's pieces are dazzling, elegant, and unique. My dream would be a pair of the climber studs; I love their art deco appeal and understated size. —Juliet Izon, travel writer and author

A Fun Stocking Stuffer

Original Tarot Cards Deck

Original Tarot Cards Deck$25 at Amazon

I want a new set of tarot cards. Not sure if it's true, but I've heard they only work if you receive them as a gift. So it's the one thing I can't buy. I gave my old set away, and there's been a void in my life ever since. —Jesenia Ruiz de la Torre, lawyer

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Go For a Wellness Gift

Therabody TheraCup

TheraCup$129 at Amazon$149 at Walmart$149 at Revolve

I’m a big fan of monthly massages and cupping sessions. I love this portable cupping device from Therabody that gives me the ability to recover while traveling. —Megan Graham, founder and CEO, Ries

A Totally Splurge-Worthy Gift

Foundrae Princess-Cut Swiss Custom Necklace

Princess-Cut Swiss Custom Necklace$13,400 at foundrae.com

I love the concept of a ridiculously luxe spin on a childhood favorite, like the charm necklace. And it's fun to customize jewelry to make it your own. —Chelsey Kirby, travel publicist

Related columns:News