Finding the perfect gift for the sister, friend, mother, or mentor in your life can be surprisingly stressful, especially when they seem to have it all. Maybe you’re always on the go, you love your skincare routine, or you have an up-to-date wish list that’s impossible to keep up with. Whatever your vibe, the best gifts for women are those that feel thoughtful and functional; something you’ll not only love opening but also use long after the wrapping paper runs out.
To make your search a little easier, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for women who love to travel, relax, and enjoy life’s little luxuries. From comfy airplane outfits to smart tech accessories and TSA-approved skin care, these picks are equal parts practical and stylish, and sure to put a smile on your face. After all, the only thing better than giving a great gift is knowing that your favorite jet-setter will actually use it. Scroll down to see all of our gift recommendations or jump straight to the section you think she’ll love.
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Luggage and bags
Any traveler, frequent traveler or not, can benefit from one (or more) of the travel bags below. The best luggage for travelers is lightweight, durable, and thoughtfully designed, with smart features like expandable zippers and built-in weight indicators. We’re especially partial to brands like Arlo Skye and Monos for their smart compartments and spacious interiors, and Tumi for their indestructible designs. Meanwhile, for everyday travel and versatility, MZ Wallace’s Metro bag and Cuyana’s System bag are our editors’ favorites. Plus, a two-in-one convertible bag comes in handy for traveling since (you guessed it) it can be carried in at least two ways, ultimately saving valuable suitcase space.
travel accessories
Help the giftee stay organized on the go with a stylish travel accessory, whether it’s a stylish jewelry box, a space-saving hanging Dopp kit, or a leak-proof toiletry bottle set. The Parallelle Makeup Bag is another one of our top picks: After unzipping, each side can be lowered to lay flat, allowing you to easily view all of your beauty products at once. To make the onboard experience even more enjoyable and relaxing, consider gifting them a sumptuous cashmere travel set, complete with a blanket, eye mask, and zippered storage bag for convenient transport. Or gift them sleep with a weighted eye mask or memory foam travel pillow to help them unwind from 35,000 feet above.
Beauty and skin care products.
Give your lucky recipient something they’ll actually use and love: at home, while traveling, or on vacation. Hydration is the name of the travel game, especially on planes, where the cabin air is dry and humidity levels are low, and you can’t go wrong with nourishing staples like Tatcha’s Wet Skin Cream, L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, or Osea’s Undaria Seaweed Body Oil. We’ve also selected hydrating under-eye patches from Peter Thomas Roth and lip tints from Rhode that fit perfectly in your carry-on. Beauty enthusiasts of all ages will also appreciate Ouai and Merit’s Great Skin Trio’s TSA-approved St. Barts body set.
Travel-friendly clothing and shoes.
When it comes to wearable fashion, comfort is key and some things never go out of style. It’s always a good idea to stock up on travel-friendly wardrobe staples, including cute joggers and comfy cashmere sweaters from brands like Jenni Kayne and Ann Taylor to keep you or your loved one warm and toasty during the flight. Alternatively, present your giftee with a set of matching loungewear or a cute pajama set from Cozy Earth. Last but not least, don’t forget about footwear. Options abound, from supportive walking shoes and comfortable sneakers to stylish ballet flats and comfortable boots.
Technology Basics
If you’re looking for a new mom, Hatch’s portable sound machine is a good choice; Clips onto backpacks, diaper bags, and purses, making it easy for kids and adults alike to sleep (almost) anywhere. Wearable tech items, including Oura Rings and Apple Watches, are functional and exciting, tracking biometric data like heart rate, step count, sleep, and more. Meanwhile, a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be especially helpful on plane, train, and car rides full of screaming kids, talking seatmates, and, well, you get the gist.
Home and kitchen items.
These home and kitchen accessories will inspire wanderlust all year long. Highlights include scented candles and a fragrance diffuser set from one of our favorite hotel brands. In the kitchen, your giftee can enjoy authentic French pressed coffee reminiscent of the cups you’d find in a Parisian café. Other honorable mentions include a brilliant Gray Malin coffee table book that’s stylish enough to serve as decor, and a splurge-worthy sheet set from none other than Four Seasons, which transforms any run-of-the-mill bedroom into a luxury hotel suite.
food gifts
Those with a sweet tooth will especially love one of these food-centric gifts, allowing them to savor the flavors of the world from the comfort of home. Ladurée’s French macarons are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Likewise, sugar lovers can enjoy Belgian chocolate, courtesy of Neuhaus; The 24-piece Collection Box is filled with a combination of pralines, ganaches, and caramels that are (essentially) edible works of art. Or, to try everything, pick up a snack box full of Japanese delights. If your loved one prefers savory over sweet, opt for a gourmet array of French cheeses paired with smoked salmon, pork pâté, trout roe, and French-made blinis.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
