Finding the perfect gift for the sister, friend, mom, or mentor in your life can be surprisingly stressful—especially when she seems to have it all. Maybe she’s always on the go, loves her skincare routine, or has a running wish list that’s impossible to keep up with. Whatever her vibe, the best gifts for women are the ones that feel both thoughtful and functional; something she’ll not only love opening but actually use long after the wrapping paper’s gone.
To make the search a little easier, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for women who love to travel, unwind, and indulge in life’s little luxuries. From cozy plane outfits to clever tech accessories and TSA-approved skincare, these picks are equal parts practical and stylish—and sure to put a smile on her face. After all, the only thing better than giving a great gift is knowing your favorite jetsetter will actually use it. Scroll down to see all of our gift recommendations or jump right to the section you think she’ll love most.
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Luggage and bags
Any traveler—frequent flier 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 clever compartments and roomy interiors, and Tumi for its indestructible designs. Meanwhile, for day-to-day travel and versatility, MZ Wallace’s Metro tote and Cuyana’s System tote are favorites of our editors. Additionally, a two-in-one convertible bag comes in handy for travel since—you guessed it—it can be worn at least two ways, ultimately saving precious suitcase space.
Travel accessories
Help the giftee stay organized while on the go with a thoughtful travel accessory, be it a sleek jewelry case, a space-saving hanging Dopp kit, or a set of leakproof toiletry bottles. Parallelle’s makeup bag is another top pick of ours: After you unzip it, each side can be pulled down to lie flat, allowing you to easily see all of your beauty products at once. To make the in-flight experience even more enjoyable and relaxing, consider treating them to a sumptuous cashmere travel set, complete with a blanket, eye mask, and zippered storage pouch for convenient carrying. Or give the gift of sleep with a weighted eye mask or a memory foam travel pillow to help them catch some z’s from 35,000 feet in the air.
Beauty and skincare products
Treat your lucky gift recipient to something they’ll truly use and love—at home, on the go, or away on vacation. Hydration is the name of the travel game, especially on airplanes, where cabin air is dry and humidity levels are low, and you can’t go wrong with nourishing staples like Tatcha’s dewy skin cream, L’Occitane’s shea butter hand cream, or Osea’s Undaria Algae body oil. We’ve also hand-picked 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 appreciate the TSA-approved St. Barts body set from Ouai and Merit’s Great Skin Trio, too.
Travel-friendly clothing and shoes
When it comes to fashion on the go, comfort is key—and some things just never go out of style. It’s always a good idea to stock up on travel-friendly wardrobe staples, including cute joggers and cozy cashmere sweaters from brands like Jenni Kayne and Ann Taylor to keep you or your loved one warm and toasty in-flight. Alternatively, present your giftee with a matching loungewear set or 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 chic ballet flats and cozy boots.
Tech essentials
If you’re shopping for a new mom, Hatch’s portable sound machine is a nice option; it clips onto backpacks, diaper bags, and totes, making it easy for kids and adults alike to snooze (almost) anywhere. Wearable tech items, including Oura Rings and Apple Watches, are functional and fascinating, tracking biometrics like heart rate, step count, sleep, and more. Meanwhile, a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones can come in especially handy on plane, train, and car rides filled with screaming children, chatty 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 press coffee reminiscent of the cups you’d find in a Parisian café. Other honorable mentions include a glossy Gray Malin coffee table book that’s chic enough to double as decor, and a splurge-worthy sheet set from none other than the Four Seasons, transforming any ordinary bedroom into a luxury hotel suite.
Food gifts
Gourmands will especially love one of these food-centric gifts, which let them savor the flavors of the world from the comfort of home. Ladurée’s French macarons make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Similarly, sugar lovers can indulge in Belgian chocolate courtesy of Neuhaus; the 24-piece Collection Box is filled with a combination of pralinés, ganaches, and caramels that are (essentially) edible works of art. Or, for a taste of everything, snag a snack box filled with Japanese treats. If your loved one prefers savory to sweet, opt for a gourmet assortment of French cheeses paired with smoked salmon, pork pâté, trout roe, and French-made blinis.
Neuhaus
Chocolate All Milk 24-piece collection
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
