For some, holiday gift searching is practically a sport. They hunt for months to find what they deem the best item for their loved ones to show how much they care and spoil them in a way that may not happen quite so often during the year. But then there are the no-fuss consumers, the ones who want to know what's current and creative, and then cut right to the chase. Or rather, the checkout. For the latter, we reached out to some of the most informed insiders to pinpoint the hottest gifts of the 2021 holiday season.
With the help of trend leaders at Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Violet Grey, and more, we've broken down the top gifting recommendations to please your high-fashion-loving sister or even your BFF who always seems 10 steps ahead of you on every beauty trend. Consider these expert tips as shortcuts to completing your gifting list this year, including selections from cult-favorite beauty brands, luxury accessories that are hard to get your hands on, and exclusive pieces, such as from Bergdorf's holiday pop-up, Bergdorf Goods, that features cheeky, NYC-souvenir-inspired styles.
Read on to explore, shop, and maybe even treat yourself to one of the season's most covetable items—a thank you for saving all that would-be gift-hunting time.
The Hottest Luxury Accessories
Mini Jodie
"Daniel Lee-era Bottega Veneta is in high-demand. The Jodie bag is an iconic style that is the perfect gift this season." —Danielle Gumina, Content Editor, FashionPhile
Neo Classic
"The 'It' bag making a comeback? The Balenciaga Neo Classic of course. The hype for the new and revamped motorcycle bag is surely here to stay." —DG
Caviar Quilted Medium Double
"In the world of ultra-luxury, there is no better gift than the gift of investment. With the market value for CHANEL continuously increasing, the classic style from CHANEL is a smart choice." —DG
The Hottest Fashion Gifts
Padlock Cape
"Holiday dress code calls for statement outerwear. This Schiaparelli cape is so surreal, you can skip the coat check." —Linda Fargo, Senior Vice President Of Women's Fashion and Store Presentation Director, Bergdorf Goodman
It’s a Pleasure Intarsia Knit Sweater
"A cheeky cashmere sweater to make you nostalgic for the city that never sleeps. Available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman!" —LF
Beanie with Embroidery
"For my uber-trendy friend, I'll be gifting her this super cozy beanie from R13. It's the ultimate stylish accessory to pair with her winter coats this season." —Caroline Maguire, Shopbop Fashion Director
Glance Plaid Sleepshirt
"For any of my more minimalist friends, I'd gift them a pair of super cozy pajamas, like this one from Emerson Road. Minimalist and chic–just like them!" —CM
Cable Stitch Funnel Neck Sweater
"Who doesn't want to receive Cashmere this time of year? This Vince sweater is part of an exclusive Vince capsule, and I am obsessed with the oversized cable texture." —Kate Bellman, Fashion Editor at Nordstrom
The Hottest Beauty Gifts
Santal 26 Concrete Candle
"Nothing says I love you like 20-pounds of Le Labo's legendarily sexy Santal 26. The brand's super-sized handcrafted Cement candle doubles as minimalist décor (and maybe a planter, once you've burned through 150 hours of spicy, warm sandalwood and cedar vibes) and comes in its own wooden crate—the ultimate statement gift." —Sarah Brown Executive Director, Violet Lab, Violet Grey
Mountain Pine Bath Oil
"File this under foolproof: Susanne Kaufmann's Mountain Pine Bath Oil. Sometimes you want something that just screams holiday and feels special and winter-wonderland-y, and this is it." —SB
Lip Suede
"A small item that packs a stand-alone punch? Westman Atelier's Lip Suede compact. It's so heavy, so deluxe, so not your average lip gloss." —SB
The Big Glow Deluxe Good Genes Kit
"For the Sunday Riley superfan, this kit features the global bestseller, Good Genes, in the largest size yet. Round out your self-care routine with a deluxe essence and moisturizing cream to achieve visibly smoother and brighter skin." —Mallory Auster, Director of Partnerships for Beauty at THG
Skin Care Bundle
"An exclusive bundle featuring the Tripollar STOP Vx device and U Beauty's Resurfacing Compound and Super Smart Hydrator created by founder Tina Craig. The Stop VX is a multi-functional facial device that uses Radio Frequency technology to reduce lines and wrinkles, lift and tone the jawline area and improve overall skin texture, while the Resurfacing Compound and Super Smart Hydrator exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate the skin post-treatment." —MA
Cleansing Balm Trio
"Get into the holiday spirit by treating someone (or yourself!) to this three-piece collection of melting cleanser icons. Featuring the iconic original, the Rose-infused favorite, and Mediterranean-inspired Neroli, this ultimate gift set elevates any cleansing routine to a sensorial, skin-softening escape" —MA
The Hottest Jewelry Gifts
Tahitian Pearl Adorned Hands Ring
"Tahitian pearls are said to protect their wearer from negative energy. Ward off the haters in style." —LF
18K White Gold Akoya Pearl Necklace
"No longer just for your grandmother; all hail the pearl necklace. Known as a traditional jewelry staple, this classic is now an ultra-modern must-have for him or for her." —Rebecca Boyajian-Pecnik, Fine Jewelry Manager, Fashionphile
Barbie Pink Enamel and Diamond Initial Necklace
"Personalization always adds a special touch for gift giving during the Holidays. I especially love this Stephanie Gottlieb Barbie Pink Enamel Necklace. I would layer mine with a simple gold necklace for the perfect layered accessory look." —CM
Sterling Silver 1873 Charm Bracelet
"Dig to the bottom of that jewelry box and re-introduce to this new decade, your sterling silver charm bracelet. For sentimental reminders and good luck, this centuries-old jewelry adornment will prove you are so 'on trend'." —RBP
18K White Gold Diamond Move Single Earring
"For the ultimate edge, adorn your ear with a single bauble. This mix and match accessory is an unexpected and playful surprise." —RBP
The Hottest Home Gifts
Set of 6 Stemless Wineglasses
"Wine glasses make a great gift for a new homeowner or hostess gift. I love completing the gift with a bottle of wine. I love these pops of color from Estelle Colored Glass, a Black-owned brand, that you can also mix and match as you grow your set." —KB
CozyChic Throw Blanket
"For me, giving the plushest throw blanket is a no-brainer for anyone on my list. Who doesn't want the gift of cozy?" —KB
Holiday Votive Candle Set
"Just about everyone on my list gets a candle. I tend to be driven by both scent and pretty packaging when making my choice. The votives and travel sizes make great stocking stuffers." —KB
Lacquer Arcade Box
"I love gifting thoughtful treasures that are also useful, especially when it comes to my parents. I usually opt for a modern, sleek accent piece that helps elevate their space. I am utterly obsessed with these Jonathan Adler pieces, the Lacquer Arcade Box and Lacquer Tray, which are equal parts beautiful and functional." —CM
The Hottest Wellness Gifts
Cloud Massager
"This would be a gift for either a close (very close) friend or maybe… yourself (and why not?). Let's just say Kiki de Montparnasse's Cloud Massager delivers. And it comes in a silky, lingerie-esque black pouch that does not scream 'vibrator.'" —SB
Gold Cryo Facial Set
"The best gifts are the kind that you might not buy for yourself or even realize you need, direly, until someone else thoughtfully buys them for you. Hollywood super-facialist Angela Caglia's 18-karat gold-plated depuffing cryo wands are NYE morning-after 101." —SB
Nourishing Sacred Heart Balm
"Aman's Sacred Heart Balm is just special. It is a silky, intensely hydrating frangipani- and tuberose-laced nectar that somehow feels like a ritual rather than a beauty product. Warm a dab between your palms before meditating." —SB
The Hottest Tech Gifts
Tribute Radio with Bluetooth
"This speaker is such a great juxtaposition of a retro look with modern technology." —KB
Noise Canceling 700 Over-ear Headphones
"I don't know how I survived airplanes before having these noise-canceling headphones. I definitely want to share that experience with someone special on my list." —KB
Karaoke Kit
"I think we're all looking forward to fun and festive gatherings, and I love the idea of this novel karaoke set to bring everyone back together." —KB
Photo: Getty
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