36 Gift Ideas to Streamline Your Holiday Shopping This Year

Straight from an editor's personal shopping list.

Collage of Bow, Red Matching Suit Set, Byredo Perfume, Pendant Necklace
(Image credit: Original Illustration by Jamie Brown)

Quick, efficient, and effective—these are the three words I'm applying to my holiday shopping this year. Yes, there are many loved ones to shop for and, of course, party outfits to plan, but I'm here to remind you that seasonal shopping can be fun, not just a chore.

The easiest way to knock out your to-do list is by taking a scroll through our curated list below. I've rounded up editor-favorite brands that we return to year after year for holiday gifting and outfitting. In the beauty category, Byredo and QVC offer a wide range of fragrances, makeup, skincare, and hair tools. To shop apparel to gift (and wear), you can't go wrong with these pieces from Vuori, AG, and Express. Lastly, if you need just "a little something" for a gift exchange, The Paper Store should be your go-to retailer. My curation of "shops" below will have you shopping quickly, effectively, and effectively this holiday season.

Collage of Holiday Gifts

(Image credit: Original Illustration by Jamie Brown)

If you want to knock it out of the park with the beauty lover in your life, start with Byredo. Its packaging, signature scents, and now holiday gift sets are the definition of luxury. Whether they prefer more floral scents or woody, earthy notes, the following six gifts will be a hit with your loved ones. I wouldn't hesitate on these purchases, as a few of my favorite gift sets have already sold out.

Collage of Holiday Gifts

(Image credit: Original Illustration by Jamie Brown)

While this section is dedicated to holiday gifting, I'd like to purchase a few of these AG pieces for my own wardrobe as well. AG denim is a mainstay in my weekly outfit rotation. The pieces I own are comfortable, maintain their shape and wash over time, and best of all, make every outfit feel effortlessly cool. Every fashion enthusiast would love to wear these pieces from AG this holiday season and beyond.

Collage of Holiday Gifts

(Image credit: Original Illustration by Jamie Brown)

We've been here before: You get an invitation to a party with a gift exchange, and now you need something small and affordable, yet thoughtful. Instead of running to the mall to find the perfect gift, shop the six items below. I'm the first to steer clear of cheesy gifts and The Paper Store has plenty of cute options. From viral hits to cozy accessories, these items are just a taste of what this retailer has to offer.

Collage of Holiday Gifts

(Image credit: Original Illustration by Jamie Brown)

Now onto my favorite gifting category: winterwear. Sweaters and coats are the pieces we wear most during this time of year, so they're practical gifts. But these options from Express let you combine practicality and style, making them so much more fun to unwrap. Personally, the wrap coat and striped sweater are on my wish list, but there are plenty of options below that fit a variety of styles.

Collage of Holiday Gifts

(Image credit: Original Illustration by Jamie Brown)

If you're in the market for viral beauty hits, head over to QVC. It has all the face masks, hand creams, hair tools, and fragrances beauty editors and influencers rave about in one place. I've personally tested the L'Occitane Shea Intensive Hand Balm during this dry winter season and the T3 Airebrush for a salon-style blowout at home. All of these items come highly recommended by the beauty enthusiasts I trust.

Collage of Holiday Gifts

(Image credit: Original Illustration by Jamie Brown)

While many of the above gifts could be considered gender-neutral, I had to throw in a few gift ideas for the men in your life as well. My dad fell in love with Vuori after receiving a workout set during the holidays last year, and he and I both agree that its products are soft, supportive, and stylish. Vuori's collections can be worn from the gym to dinner, and everywhere in between.

Natalie Gray Herder
Editor

Natalie Gray Herder is an editor on the branded content team at Who What Wear and Marie Claire. Originally from Los Angeles, Natalie decided to make the move to NYC after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2019. She had plans of applying to law school until doing a 180 to follow her more creative passions: writing and fashion. She is an avid researcher, reader, and explorer in and out of the office. She is inspired by the street style of her fellow New Yorkers and her laid-back roots in California.