Are there one-million-plus gift guides out there? Yes, yes there are. Did I need to make one? No, no I do not. Do I still love making them? YEP. And thus, here we are—with my own lil’ gift guide, except I’m not just pulling random, unrealistic things that have high affiliate commission rates (*cough cough* hi, influencers everywhere).

These are ACTUAL products I already have and love, would ask for on my own wishlist, or would no question buy myself. In other words, these are useful, interesting gifts that won’t make your wallet weep to buy—almost every single one is under $100, and I included an under-$30 section just in case! I threw in a little “experiences” list at the end, too, because those are always my personal favs.

I hope you find something meaningful and fun for your favorite ladies on your list!

Unique Gifts for Your Favorite Ladies

1. Hiking boots (currently on sale for $154): I honestly think these are the cutest hiking boots I’ve ever seen, while also being functional. I love the light leather exterior, but they’re also high quality, waterproof, and meant to be worn for hiking (though I’d easily wear them as a daily boot, too). For a more athletic-looking boot, I own and LOVE these. We love to hike but don’t get to go that often now, but I swear hiking boots make it such a better (and more comfortable) experience overall!

2. Record player ($90): I never saw myself as a record player person, but John got one as a gift from his parents and it is one of our favorite things. Wally loves to pick a record and help put it on, and we use ours every single day. It’s a nice evening switch-up from TV or smart speakers for music during dinner or before bed! Also, Christmas music on a record player = ultimate cozy holiday vibes.

3. Kindle ($140): This is my most-used non-work tech gadget by FAR. John and I both love to read before bed at night, and our Kindles have made it so much easier to get books more affordably (you can even check out e-books for free from your library on a Kindle)—and not to mention, reading while lying down is so much easier with a small tablet vs. a huge book. I love the feel of a real book sometimes, but I will always be a Kindle evangelist.

4. Audible ($15/month): John got me a subscription last year and it was one of my favorite gifts ever! You can download 1 audiobook per month (which sounds like not a lot but I am behind and have a few credits waiting to use right now!). I love listening to audiobooks instead of podcasts sometimes while cooking or on walks. Great for busy parents, long commutes, and frequent travelers.

5. Lug-sole ankle booties ($59): These were on my birthday wishlist and I can’t wait for them to come in the mail! I love that they’re super casual and you can wear them with a chunky sock and legging, OR dress them up a bit more with jeans and a cute top. I haven’t bought new “cute” shoes (aka non-sneakers) since pre-2020 so I’m so excited about these!

6. Wine glasses ($15/glass): We’ve been on the hunt for the perfect angular red wine glass and I think this is it. I may be adding to cart to put under our own Christmas tree. 😉

7. Dae moisturizing hair kit ($42): I randomly got this from Sephora a while ago to try the shampoo and ended up FALLING IN LOVE with these products. It comes with a mini shampoo & conditioner and full-size moisturizing hair mask, all in Dae’s “monsoon” scent (think of a rainy desert day). This has become my go-to hair wash/deep condition line-up… Great self-care gift for any gal you love!

8. Custom name bar necklace ($72): John got me this necklace with Wallace’s name on it shortly after he was born, and I’m planning on dropping a few hints to get the new baby’s name on a longer chain after he/she arrive *wink wink John!*. I love that it’s a small woman-owned business, and all the pieces are so beautiful, simple, and elegant! I wear mine almost daily.

9. Manduka yoga mat ($100): These aren’t the cheapest yoga mats but I’ve had mine for 5+ years and it is still in just as good of shape as day one! I use mine multiple times a week for workouts, yoga, and stretching out in between work stuff.

10. Winc wine box ($60 for one box): I feel like this would be SUCH a fun gift, either a single box or a subscription for a few months! We used to be members and I loved the unique variety of wines they sent (and fun labels)! Each box comes with four bottles of interesting, delicious wines.

11. Art prints (starting at $30): This is my veryyy favorite artist; she is SO good! I first fell in love with her abstract florals, but she also does breathtaking scenic paintings and colorful portraits. I would love to one-day get an original from her, but I love that she offers affordable prints, too! I have this funky floral Goldie print framed in our living room.

12. Luxe candles that don’t cost a million $ ($36): This brand is my FAVORITE candle brand… I bought these candles as client holiday gifts last year and everyone told me they were obsessed. They’re well-made and don’t give me a headache like some candles do, and come in so many creative scents! The best catch-all gift for anyone and everyone.

13. Glossier You perfume ($64): Created to smell a little different based on who’s wearing it, this is my go-to daily perfume. It’s described as spicy, pink pepper, woodsy, and slightly sweet… the perfect scent! Glossier also happens to make the BEST lip balm of all time ($12)—grab some here to throw in with this lovely gift.

Gifts Under $30 for Women

1. The Defined Dish by Alex Snodgrass ($20): Forever and ever my favorite cookbook. The recipes are super flavorful (think: Tex Mex, takeout dupes, Southern staples) but she uses interesting ingredients to make them slightly healthier. And nothing is too complicated if you’re not much of a cook! We’ve cooked our way through almost every recipe over the past few years. Runner up: her second cookbook, The Comfortable Kitchen (currently on sale for $18). A bit more complex recipes, in my opinion, but still SO good.

2. Granola butter ($13): I’m obsessed with this brand ok? Instead of peanut butter, it’s a spread made out of granola and comes in flavors like brownie batter, birthday cake, and pumpkin spice. We had the founder on our podcast (episode #29!) and she is super inspiring, too! This would be a sweet gift in someone’s stocking or paired with a cookbook! Save 10% using code “OH10EVERYTHINGISCOPY” at checkout.

3. Sleep eye mask ($17): This is a game changer for better sleep and I firmly believe every parent needs a sleep eye mask. This one comes in such pretty colors and I love the silky bamboo material!

4. The best chomper hair clips ($9): Love these colors and that it comes in a 4-pack! I have THICK hair and these hold it well. Also love and use this 3-pack of smaller colorful clips ($10) every week.

5. Nail polish 4-pack kit ($22): This comes with nude, olive green, burnt orange-y brown, and dusty pink polishes—I ordered it a while ago because my nail polishes were old and drying out, and I seriously love EVERY color. The brushes also make application super easy.

6. Champagne coupes ($8/glass): Wait I’m obsessed with these. I have some coupes already, but I LOVE the ridged texture of these! And you can’t beat the price. (These would also be great for homemade espresso martinis!)

7. Tapered candles ($5) & candle holders (3-pack for $25): Why do candlesticks immediately elevate your living space by 10,000 percent? These are the prettiest for any dining room table/console table situation.

8. Cloth napkins (4-pack for $10) & placemats ($5): I’m pretty sure I’m entering my hosting era and need real place settings ASAP. These are pretty, simple, and affordable! I love the linen look for a sweet tablescape. Just add flowers and candles (…and food, obvi)!

9. A pretty vase ($18): I swear a nice vase is so underrated. If you’re like me, you have a few random-sized, plain glass ones that have come with flowers over the years, but I love the stone look of this one with its pretty curvy shape.

10. Spanish wine glasses ($3/glass): We have 6 of these and I loooove using them for a glass of rosé that won’t spill when I set it on the couch (lol). I also use them for kombucha and fun iced espresso/coffee drinks! 

Experience Gifts

My love language is acts of service and I’m really not much of a “stuff” person. So these are some sweet ideas for people on your list who also might prefer memories or quality time over things!

1. Plan a picnic: Picnics are a dying art that I refuse to let lie. Pick a sunny day and pack up some charcuterie supplies, a bottle of wine, a blanket, and get outside.

2. Gift card to their fav restaurant: An obvious choice, but never a bad one.

3. Pay for a few housekeeping sessions: I would LOVEEEE if someone gifted me this! For new parents especially or those with young kids, I feel like this is such a thoughtful way to give them some of their time back and take care of something that’s always a to-do.

4. Concert tickets: Another obvious-but-classic go-to! Some of my very favorite memories are concerts with loved ones.

5. A night away: One night at a hotel can be such a beautiful reset and respite that someone you love might need, even if it’s close by. Some of my favorite “trips” have been staycations within an hour or two of where we live!

6. A massage/spa day: I don’t think this one needs explaining… 

7. A mani/pedi: A little more budget-friendly approach instead of a massage or full spa day, but sooo luxurious for those who don’t indulge in them often (hi, it’s me).

8. Airline credit: So much of why we don’t currently travel a lot currently, even though we’d love to, is a combo of kid logistics and budgeting. I feel like so many people can relate, so I love this idea of removing at least part of that obstacle. Even if it’s $100 toward a plane ticket, that can be so helpful! 

9. Photo session (or mini-session) from a photographer: Another GREAT family gift! So many people don’t think to book yearly photos, but they are such a special way to look back on time passing by. If you want to find a photographer in someone else’s area, look on Instagram and search hashtags like #[theirtown]photographer or #familyphotosession[theirtown]… things like that! I love this idea for parents, in-laws, and grandparents, too.

10. A cooking class: I’ve been to a handful of cooking classes and they are always the MOST fun, and you learn something new to make! I know some Whole Foods locations offer them, as do most Sur la Tables (and Central Markets if you’re in Texas)!

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