Best Gifts For Women – Unique Gift Guide

Unique Holiday Gift Guide For Her

Did you know that most of the holiday gift guides published by large online publications consist of products submitted by PR firms, and if the price is right, the brand can pay for their product to be included? I know, sad but true. However, you won’t find that here. Although there are affilliate links, I do not accept submissions for round ups, and you will not find average gift ideas like a Stanley Cup or air fryer below. This is a comprehensive guide to unique holiday gift ideas for her that I either own, have gifted, or want myself. Enjoy!

1. A Charm Necklace Or Bracelet

As a vintage lover, I’m thrilled that the 80s and 90s charm jewelry is trending again. If that unique woman in your life doesn’t own a charm bracelet, a simple gold chain necklace with a pendant charm is the perfect addition to a stack of neck candy. Personalize this meaningful gift with her initials, favorite travel destinations, hobbies, sports…the sky’s the limit. I love the personal touch aspect, but the best thing about this unique gift idea is the price point because depending on where you shop, it fits almost every budget. A few of my favorite charms:

French Gauloise Cigarettes Charm from Jet Set Candy — It’s more subtle than the Eiffel Tower or Fleur de Lis, yet still screams Paris. 

New York Coffee Cup Charm from Catbird — If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m a long-time fan of Catbird. I’ve been raving about them for years. 

Design Your Own Charm Necklace from Hart Jewelry — Design a one-of-a-kind charm necklace with letters, numbers, zodiacs, lucky symbols, and empowering talismans.

Does she love vintage like I do? Pop into your local antique mall and look for a vintage sterling silver charm bracelet. I recently bought one at an estate sale for under $100. 

2. Personalized Name Necklace

My friend Michelle wore this necklace the other night, and it stopped me in my tracks. I was SHOCKED when she said, “Thanks! It’s my name, and I bought it on Etsy!” It has a graphic, minimal look and feel and is perfect for the woman who has everything. 

3. Pretty Little Things

Joseph Necklace from Sezane — This chunky gold-plated necklace is gorgeous and can be worn with or without the pendant. 

Lilly Sisto Charm Necklace from Hart Jewelry — If you don’t want to design your own, this necklace, filled with cute lucky charms, is the next best thing.  

Best Kept Secret Necklace from Air + Anchor — This necklace makes the perfect base for a neck stack. 

4. Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach Subscription

Kickoff is a new fitness program I recently joined, and I’m obsessed. You are paired with a personal trainer—yup, there’s a real human relationship behind the app, and you’ll receive personalized workouts and nutrition coaching based on your health goals. I love it because I’m held accountable with daily feedback that is not auto-generated. Ty Davis, my personal trainer, chats with me via text, sends me helpful tips and words of encouragement, plus each workout has been tailored to me. My Apple Watch syncs with the app, making Ty my virtual 24/7 coach. It’s like living the Kardashian lifestyle without the price tag—I highly recommend it. 

5. Oura Ring For A Healthier Lifestyle

My friend Angie suggested the Oura Ring to compliment my new Apple Watch 9. It monitors your temperature trends and heart rate variability to identify if you’re getting sick and will provide suggestions for recovery. It identifies signs of stress, tracks your daily activity levels, and tells you when you push yourself to the next level or pull back to let your body recover. It will help you with cycle tracking based on temperature if you’re a woman. If you suffer from a sleeping disorder like me, it monitors your blood oxygen levels and tells you if you’re having breathing difficulties. If you’re unsure what size you need, you can purchase a sizing guide kit, or a store like Best Buy can size your finger. 

6. Bala Bangles Are A Workout Favorite

These adjustable, wearable wrist and ankle weights make the list of best gifts year after year. Why? Because I love them (my blog, my rules, LOL) and wear them whenever I want to amp up my workout hands-free. They’re also super convenient to pop on for your daily walks for extra resistance. 

7. The Ergatta Water Rower

The Ergatta Water Rower is the latest addition to our home gym, and I couldn’t be more excited about it! It’s beautiful to look at and a great option if you’re short on space because you can rest it upright against the wall. Plus, it’s a one-stop shop for strength and cardio exercise. BTDubs, Ty is very excited to start adding this to my warm-up. 

8. Unwind With A Massage Gun

After dealing with Achilles tendonitis for the last six months, I’ve found relief with a deep-tissue massage gun. The Theragun was slightly out of my price range, so I bought this more affordable massager by Toloco. This is the right gift for her if she needs help loosening sore muscles. 

9. Scented Candle That’s More Art Than Home Decor

Calling this 4-wick candle a candle doesn’t do it justice. First, it smells freaking amazing. Second, it’s so beautiful that I’m not sure I’ll ever burn mine. Third, this candle is affordable but looks like a luxury gift. Fourth, did I say it’s stunning? 

10. Cozy Throw Blanket

This is the perfect personalized gift for the perpetually cold woman in your life, but let’s go beyond your average cozy blanket and look at different designs, shall we? This Anya Hindmarch googly-eyed blanket costs a pretty penny, but damn it’s fun. Check out this checkered wool blanket on Anthro for a throw blanket on the more affordable end. 

11. Best New Design Books For The Home Decor Lover

I have almost every interior design book under the sun, but two new books recently came into my possession, and both hit shelves last month, so chances are, the unique woman in your life doesn’t own it yet! First up is the latest book by Chelsey Brown, and yes, I might be a little biased because she is one of my TikTok friends, AND she featured my home in the book, but hear me out: Shut The Front Door is a book for the interior decorator who wants to DIY their home design. Chelsey gives expert tips and tricks and shares her approachable secrets to design on a dime. 

The second is Cheap Old Houses. You may recognize the name from the HGTV show or the famous Instagram account. This book is chocked full of Victorian mansions, off-the-beaten-path cabins, and even old churches that have been turned into residences. But gift giver, beware, this book will inspire her to start searching for that perfect fixer-upper, so be prepared for a new/old affordable home to come into your life in the near future! 

12. Funky Cool Girl Artwork

If the unique woman in your life is anything like me, she likes off-the-wall artwork—nothing run of the mill via a big box store. A few of my favorite independent artists are Francis Berry of Where Is Frances (you may recognize her work from the old shop), Kelly Caldwell (I have 2 of his pieces in my home, and you will find his work sprinkled around High Point Market), and Tony Curry (I hung his work in my home office).

13. Unique, Sculptural Vase

If you want a more elevated piece for her, check out Twig and Beetle Pottery by Jesse Sasso. I immediately fell in love with this artist’s one of a kind work, and one day, I hope to own one of her gorgeous vessels. The price point pushes towards the luxury gifts level, but if the budget works, it’s the perfect present for your leading lady. 

14. Colorful Handmade Christmas Ornaments

When it comes to unique holiday gifts, you can’t go wrong with handmade colorful holiday ornaments. These are stunning, and I can see why the artist is one of the finalists in the global 2023 Etsy Design Awards. Grab one of these now before she wins and the prices double. Oh, and don’t dawdle because they sell out fast.

15. For The Woman Who Has Everything

You may recognize this Bunny Williams shopping bag waste bin from last year. I was shocked that it was one of the most clicked-on holiday gift ideas from last year’s holiday gift ideas for her, so of course, I had to include it again. It’s the perfect addition to the chic work from home office. 

16. The Hostess Gift With The Mostest

If your budget is higher, these wooden serving spoons are a great option for the best friend who loves to host a dinner party. I found this set on Matches—a great place if you’re looking for luxury gifts for her (fashion and home decor). 

17. The Kitchen And Foodie Fanatic

Alice Lane Interiors uses a similar acrylic book easel in their interior styling, and I adore how it looks on a kitchen counter. Yes, it’s perfect for holding a favorite cookbook, but I also love styling it on a coffee table. 

18. Fresh Flowers With A Twist

If you want to give her fresh flowers, make the gift more meaningful with this footed vase with a removable flower frog. Create a beautiful floral centerpiece with those Trader Joe’s stems, and I guarantee she’ll use the beautiful footed vase over and over again for years to come. 

19. Perfect For Everyday Wear Or Special Occasions

Yes, I know, it’s a sweatshirt for $400, but this is my form of quiet luxury and how I roll. I’m obsessed with this Raquel Allegra Tie-Dyed Sweatshirt, and no one can talk me out of it. I’d pair it with anything from joggers to a sequin skirt. Dress it up or dress it down. It’s incredibly versatile and perfect for everyday wear.

This NYC coffee cup print pajama set by Rachel Antonoff is a winner in my book, but a more affordable option are these black and white flannel pajama pants (here’s the matching buttondown top). And for all the NYC coffee lovers out there, check out this classic NYC take-out ceramic coffee cup.

Also by Rachel Antonoff is this Tony’s Toile print puffer jacket (sold out). I love its subtle nod to The Sopranos (see Tony holding the pizza?), and it is perfect for those cold weather commutes. BTDubs, this brand is size-inclusive, so you can find the perfect size for almost anyone. 

This cropped vest caught my eye on FELT’s Insta account, but it sold out so fast that I had to source it elsewhere. It zips up the front and has adjustable side straps. I also picked up the faux shearling mittens. 

20. Unique Statement Bag For Her

I’m fairly sure I shared this Tibetian Wool Weekend Bag by Rebellion last year, but after breaking it out for winter, I decided to share it again. It’s lightweight, comfortable to carry, and gets so much attention! People grab me on the street to tell me how much they love my bag. Rebellion bags are handmade in Chicago, IL, and come in all different sizes and a variety of colors. Yes, the price point is on the higher end, but this unique bag will last her a lifetime. BTDubs, these bags also make for an incredible birthday gift…just sayin’. 

Speaking of unique bags, I cannot forget fashion designer and friend Neon Fringey, who recently released her FW23 Handbag Collection. Each bag is designed as a sculptural piece of art and adds texture to your wardrobe—total statement makers. The kelly green border clutch and tan bubble bag are high on my wish list. 

21. Cute Socks With Shoes, Yes, It’s A Thing

There might be many different types of women, but we all have one thing in common—we all wear socks. Since they come in different colors with a multitude of patterns, this basic stocking stuffer becomes one of the most unique gift ideas in this holiday gift guide! 

Sheer Ankle Socks from J Crew — The dainty dot pattern is adorable and immediately caught my eye. The best part is that they come in a three-pack. 

Maria La Rosa Laminated Socks — If the unique woman in your life is fashion-forward, don’t sleep on these socks. I know they’re pricier, but hear me out. These lightweight laminated socks are large and in charge. Plus, she can wear them with pretty much any shoe, from loafers to sneakers to Mary Jane heels to ballet flats. These lime greenies are high on my wish list. 

22. Sustainable Weekender Bag With Vegan Leather

The Paravel Weekender Bag is the perfect carry-on made from recycled plastic bottles and vegan leather. You can also personalize it for her by monogramming it! I use mine to carry my CPAP snore machine—it’s much prettier than a medical bag. 

23. For The Jetset Commuter

If I’m carrying my laptop, this TUMI backpack is my bag of choice because it fits my 17″ MacBook Pro. It’s designed to make every journey (and commute) easier and has no shortage of multifunctional compartments, including a water-resistant pocket for a water bottle. 

24. Paintbox Press On Nails

I’ve waxed poetic about my love of the Kiss Impress Press On Nails, but if your unique lady loves a more magnificent mani, check out these artful press-ons from Paintbox. I recently purchased Koi (they look like watercolor paintings) and Twosome (a graphic pick and coral red set). They are presently Buy 2 Get 30% Off! I highly suggest these press-ons if you’re looking for a best friend gift! How fun would it be to have a girls’ night in with DIY manis and a glass of bubbles? Just add a movie favorite like Drop Dead Gorgeous or Sixteen Candles. 

25. Personal Skin Care Favorites — Support Small Business

For me, skin care is always a winner, and there is one beauty brand that I always reach for — Rodina Botanicals. This company is local to Barrington, IL (they do ship), and the products are organic and handmade with locally sourced ingredients—zero nasty chemicals and fragrance-free. My favorite products are the cuticle oil (a best seller), Botanical Glow Facial Oil (made with rosehip seed oil and perfect for those with rosacea), and the newly released Neroli Hydrosol (sold out). 

If you’re unsure what to buy for the unique beauty lover in your life, check out the Winter Discovery Kit (sold out). This gift set includes curated favorites, like the Pure and Simple Lip Balm, which I use every night. 

26. Chill Out With These Beauty Products And Self Care Favorites

If you have not perused this year’s Favorite Things Gift Ideas Under $25 post, go now because that round-up has some of the best white elephant gifts, but there’s one particular item that stands out from the rest: the OSEA Vagus Nerve Spray…and after the most recent visit to my therapist, I discovered it also comes in oil form (now on my wish list because I can place it on my wrists). The vagus nerve activates the body’s relaxation response, and this pillow spray contains essential oils that promote relaxation and regulate stress. BTDubs, there’s also this OSEA body care gift set for silky-smooth and hydrated skin, which I think will look nice in my stocking. Just sayin’! 

A few other unique beauty gifts I love and use daily are the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Mascara and the Henry Rose perfume Discovery Kit (which can be a gift for you, too, because you’ll receive a $20 off code to apply towards your first full-size fragrance). Check out last year’s Favorite Things Party Gift Ideas if you want more unique white elephant gift ideas. 

Last year, I shared GOOP’s Moon Calendar, and Santa bought it for me. I loved it, so I’m including it again. Tracking the lunar and astrological cycles might be a little woo-woo, but comparing them to the day’s events is fun. Plus, it might inspire you to change your frame of mind for the day. So, if your BFF wants to know how best to harness the cosmic energy on any given day, this unique gift is a winner. 

27. Trending LED Face Masks That Work

There are a ton of these on the market right now, but 2 LED face masks are at the top of my list. The first mask is by Current Body—I bought mine two years ago and am thrilled with it. It has balanced out my skin tones, brightened my face, and improved my fine lines and wrinkles. BTDubs, it’s also available as a face and neck kit in case she wants to work on her decollate.

If this one ever stops working, the more powerful TheraFace LED Face Mask is next on my list of devices to try. The beauty world is buzzing about this upgraded face mask because it has red light therapy and includes infrared, blue light, and vibration therapy for the ultimate calming experience. 

28. Microcurrent Devices For An At Home Facial

I shared a couple of microcurrent devices I was eyeing in my Amazon Big Deals Day sale items round-up—the Foreo Bear and the NuFace Trinity Starter Kit. I wound up purchasing the NuFace mainly because I already owned additional attachments. Both of these devices reduce wrinkles and improve the firmness of your face in a week. I first discovered microcurrent treatment during a facial at Sundara Spa and was shocked by how healthy and less puffy my face looked. It’s like your face went to the gym! One word of warning: be sure to use it with the gel! 

29. Spa Day Is The Best Day! 

Since I mentioned Sundara Inn & Spa (located in Wisconsin Dells), I should include a spa day gift certificate (obviously local to your leading ladies). In last year’s list of the best gifts for her, I mentioned Aire Ancient Baths Chicago (Aire has multiple locations worldwide). Both spas are at the top of my let’s get pampered in the lap of luxury list. My favorite experience at Aire is the Himalayan Salt Ritual massage. After hanging out in the baths, your massage therapist pours warm oil over your body and wraps you up while you lay on a heated slab of stone — then you start the massage. Yes, it is one of the best Christmas gifts ever! 

My favorite experience at Sundara is the energy therapy Shirodhara, which calms your nervous system. The massage is wonderful on its own but concludes with a luxurious flow of oil on your forehead (third eye). It’s an experience that is so unique I can’t explain it. I’ve never stayed at the inn, but if you’d like to spend the day at the spa, book two or more experiences. Be sure to hit the purifying bath ritual, including the cold plunge, and the outdoor pools (spectacular during the winter months on snowy days) are perfect for quiet conversations. 

30. Dyson Airwrap

I gifted myself a Dyson Airwrap on Mother’s Day because spending that much money on a fancy hair styler for no reason was a tough pill to swallow. But even on sale, it’s a lot of money, so the question is, is it worth it? Yup! It sure is! My fine, thin hair has never looked bouncier. Using it has a slight learning curve, but it’s a game-changer once you figure it out! 

31. Sonic Skin Cleanser

The Clarisonic Mia Smart is a household favorite for face washing because it removes makeup, impurities, and pollution from your skin. And in case you missed it, this Clarisonic is smart because it cleverly connects to an app on your phone and creates custom skincare routines personalized to your needs.