Finding the best gifts for women is easier said than done. Whether it’s because mom insists she already has everything, little sis is super picky about skin care, or your BFF with a baby on the way already crossed out every item on her registry, choosing something special, suitable, and unique is no small feat. Lucky for you, we’ve scoured the web and made a gift guide of the best of the best to help you prep your prezzies (especially gifts for moms as Mother’s Day rolls around). No matter your recipient, you’re bound to find something to make her day…and the day after that, and the day after that. Scroll on for the best gifts for women and thank us later.
Our Top Picks
- Best Gift Overall: Esker Firming Body Plane Set, $85
- Best Minis: Diptyque Cafe, Chantilly, & Biscuit 3-Piece Mini Candle Set, $140
- Best Skin-Care Gift: Chanel N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing and Nourishing Duo , $170
- Best Fragrance Gift: Tom Ford Private Blend Eau de Parfum Discovery Set, $100
- Best Hair-Care Gift: Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb Straightener & Smoother, $100
- Best Shower Upgrade: Jolie Filtered Showerhead, $165
- Best Practical Gift: Saie Makeup Bag, $35
- Best Splurgy Gift: Guerlain Abeille Royale Oil & Double R Serum Set, $275
Esker Firming Body Plane Set
The Esker Firming Body Plane Set marks the beginning of your best friend’s brand-new exfoliation routine. It comes with an exfoliating tool, a two-ounce body oil, and a reusable cloth to wipe down her skin, and the tool’s blunt, colloidal silver blade. Tell her it works best when her skin is a little warm.
Diptyque Cafe, Chantilly, & Biscuit 3-Piece Mini Candle Set
Your mom probably already has the iconic Diptyque Baies candle, so give her the Diptyque Cafe, Chantilly, & Biscuit 3-Piece Mini Candle Set that smells straight up like you’re walking past a boulangerie on the streets of Le Marais in Paris. The real-life Café Verlet inspires it, and the outsides are decorated with sweet illustrations of Parisian streets.
N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing and Nourishing Duo
Raring to go in a red pouch, the N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing and Nourishing Duo comes with a travel-size serum and rich cream that nourishes skin, boosts elasticity, and softens the look of pores. Tell your giftee the Chanel N°1 formulas are powered courtesy of the red camellia flower, which smells as good as it feels.
Tom Ford Private Blend Eau de Parfum Discovery Set
You’ll be flexing on the whole family when your giftee unwraps this Tom Ford Private Blend Eau de Parfum Discovery Set. It has four bottles of some of the brand’s most iconic scents, like Soleil Blanc, Tobacco Vanille, Rose Prick, and Oud Wood. Once she’s figured out her favorite of the bunch, you can gift her a full-sized bottle for the next special occasion.
Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb Straightener & Smoother With Storage Bag
For the mama with less than zero time for hairstyling in the morning, the Shark SmoothStyle will open up a whole new world. She can use the speedy AF tool on wet or dry hair, and expect a frizz-free finish every time. As a birthday gift, Mother’s Day present, or “just ‘cause I love you” treat, this one’s a winner.
Jolie Filtered Showerhead
Hard water means hard times for hair. If you’ve heard your giftee complaining about brittle locks (or dry skin), she may be in the market for a shower head filter and not even know it. Jolie makes a beautiful, high-quality option that promises to strip your water of chlorine, which can be drying to skin and hair.
Saie Makeup Bag
Ok, so she already has every beauty product known to humankind—but does she have a cute purple Saie Makeup Bag to put it all in? Well, she should, and that’s where you come in. This cosmetics bag is just the right amount of oversized, so she can fit all her stuff without feeling like she’s lugging around a duffle bag.
Guerlain Abeille Royale Oil & Double R Serum Set
The power of honey is the secret behind Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Oil & Double R Serum Set, which includes a large Abeille Royale Double R Serum, mini Advanced Youth Watery Oil, and a travel-size lotion and cream. This luxe collection of skin care goodies works together to hydrate, tone, and tighten fine lines.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Sure, the robot-chic appearance of the Dr. Dennis Gross DRX SpectraLite FaceWare Pro (a Best of Beauty winner, no less) may cause grandma to raise an eyebrow, but once she puts on the FDA-approved red light treatment mask, she’ll understand stat. The splurge-worthy, hands-free mask smooths fine lines, firms skin, and zaps bacteria. Self-care just got very cool.
Allure Beauty Box
The Allure Beauty Box is the gift that keeps on giving with skin care, makeup, hair care, and more delivered to their door every month. Each box comes with at least six products worth $100 or more that have been tested and approved by Allure beauty editors. For example, the May 2024 box contains seven products—four of which are full-size—and is valued at $166.
From May 1 to 31, you can score up to $25 off with quarterly ($69, now $64) and annual ($250, now $225) gift subscription options with promo code WELCOME. You or your giftee also gets $10 to use at the members-only shop, which features editor-fave products priced up to 80% off their retail value.
Aveda Invati Rich System Set
Is mom in need of a hair-care overhaul? Leave it to the Aveda Invati Rich System Set, which revitalizes, thickens, cleanses, and conditions—smelling like rosemary-geranium-vanilla goodness all the while. She’ll adore it.
SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand
Don’t have $455 to spare? We’ve got another (portable) LED option for you—and it’s often on sale. (Ahem, Amazon.) In her review, commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says the SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand lives up to its FYP hype. This palm-sized tool employs spa-level tech, like LED light therapy, vibration-powered facial massages, and soothing warmth to tackle a multitude of skin concerns—from dullness and puffiness to acne and fine lines.
Calpak Duffel Bag
You can’t go wrong with a Calpak Duffle Bag for the giftee who’s always on the go. This bad boy is lightweight, water-resistant, spacious, and has plenty of pockets. Whether she’s packing for a trip to the gym or a trip to Asia, it’s the only weekender she’ll ever need again. Did we mention it comes in 20 colors? If you’re shopping for a new mama, gift the easy-breezy Calpak Portable Changing Pad Clutch.
La Mer Refreshing Radiance Collection
If your mom has released a wistful sigh every time she passed the La Mer section in the department store, it’s time to snag the La Mer Refreshing Radiance Collection for Mother’s Day. This gift set of four of the brand’s must-haves—featuring the iconic Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, the literal cream of the crop—is likely to align with all of her skin-care goals, and then some.
Estelle Colored Glass Stem Wineglasses
A set of six hand-blown pink Estelle Colored Glass Stem Wineglasses is the beautiful gift your loved one didn’t see coming. If they’re not team-vino, Estelle Colored Glass makes rocks tumblers and highball glasses that’ll dazzle equally.
UrbanStems The Sweet Tulips
We can vouch that UrbanStems’ bouquets look as good in the picture as they do upon arrival, so you know this flower delivery service is money well spent. And don’t let anyone tell you that flowers are a Valentine’s Day-only fall-back gift: A stunning bouquet is not something she’d treat herself to any old day.
Hatch Mama Must Haves Set
Surprise an expecting loved one with the Hatch Mama Must Haves, a bundle of pregnancy-friendly essentials, packaged up in a sleek, black gift-ready box. The set includes a cooling cream for all sorts of swelling, a soothing nipple and lip balm, and (our favorite) a hydrating oil made with calming calendula and moisturizing almond oil.
ColdHER Cooling Bra Inserts
There’s the miracle of life, and then there’s the miracle of ColdHer Coolign Bra Inserts, which help soothe even the sorest of boobies. Or, if you’re shopping for someone experiencing menopause-related hot flashes, these inserts can be a huge help for heat relief. In any case, we’re happy to say that the days of stuffing a lumpy bag of frozen peas into your bra are behind us.
Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler
The Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler—an absolute unit—will keep your bestie hydrated all day long. Whether she’s been lamenting a lack of hydration or has a reputation for drinking water like a champ, this stainless steel tumbler will be a huge hit. Even if she already has a water bottle she likes, the Stanley can live in her car for on-the-go sipping.
Tushy Spa 3.0
If talking about bodily functions with your fam is as second nature as the functions themselves, the Tushy Spa 3.0 is the perfect gift. This high-tech bidet features warm-to-cool water temperature control, pressure customization, and a precision nozzle adjuster to make sure the stream hits all the right places. Clean butts, can’t lose.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Skin Care Discovery Set
The Dr. Barbara Sturm Skin Care Discovery Set is a discovery in its own right. Complete with seven pieces of travel-size skin care (roll call: Cleanser, Facial Scrub, Face Mask, Hyaluronic Serum, Eye Cream, Face Cream, and Body Cream), this set covers every base to have ever existed, and each piece fits right into her handbag. And thank goodness, frankly!
Merit Five Minute Morning
It’s no secret we love Merit (the minimalist beauty brand earned three Best of Beauty awards in 2022, its debut year), and its Five Minute Morning is an unstoppable roundup of winners that reminds us why. This seven-piece set includes a cream blush balm, makeup brush, lash-enhancing mascara, and more. Anyone who abides by a no-frills AM routine rule will adore this set.
Dior Addict Refillable Shine Lipstick Case
Your mom didn’t know that her favorite Dior lipstick could be customized with a chic case, which means you have the distinct honor of showing her that it indeed can. The Dior Addict Refillable Shine Lipstick Case is a small but mighty way to take her favorite lipstick to the next level. “I already own two but need more,” says Allure contributor Talia Abbas. “The price is just right, but it’s still a super luxe gift—especially if she already uses Dior lipstick.” (And if she doesn’t, you know what to do).
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Years after its debut, the Dyson Supersonic is still one of the brand’s most coveted hot tools for its power and versatility. Pro tip: if the Supersonic sits slightly outside your budget, go halfsies with a like-minded gifter. Right now, you can snag it in a limited-edition Pink and Rose Gold colorway that’ll stun on her vanity.
Mejuri Dôme Huggies
For earring-wearers of any age, the Mejuri Dôme Huggies are affordable for you and beautiful for her. Made of 18k gold vermeil and 92.5% pure silver, these effortlessly cool, chunky huggies are perfect for sensitive ears. If hoops aren’t her thing, Mejuri makes a ton of other sweet options, like these Gemstone Mini Studs.
Sisley-Paris Supremya Ginkgo Gua Sha Massage Tool
A worthy splurge for traditional Chinese medicine enthusiasts, this uniquely shaped gua sha tool—made of the cooling Zamac alloy in a ginkgo leaf design—is ideal for depuffing and releasing muscular tension in the face and neck. If she already has a gua sha, consider this a Mother’s Day gift opportunity to upgrade her favorite analog beauty tool.
Byredo Rouge Chaotique Extrait de Parfum
Byredo Rouge Chaotique Extrait de Parfum is scrumptiously gourmand, featuring notes of juicy currant, spiced leather, upcycled oak, and sweet plum. The elements blend dreamily to form your giftee’s newest (and maybe even fanciest) signature scent. Commerce editor Sarah Han has never been into woody/oud scents but this one has singlehandedly changed her mind. “It makes me feel powerful and mysterious—like I’m starring in my own Taylor Swift-esque music video.”
Oribe Hair Alchemy Strengthening Hair Set
Oribe’s The Hair Alchemy Strengthening Hair Set is formulated to strengthen brittle, damaged hair with a blend of nourishing, plant-based protein. Hyaluronic acid steps in to hydrate and encourage elasticity, and botanical extracts (shout out daisy and honeysuckle) strengthen hair from the roots to the ends. It’s an especially thoughtful gift idea for a loved one who’s famously hesitant to splurge on hair care.
Osea Bestsellers Body Care Set
The Osea Bestsellers Body Care Set might just transform her everything. Harnessing the power of seaweed, botanical oils, and essential fatty acids, these formulas buff, smooth, and rehydrate dry skin. This non-daunting four-piece kit makes it easy for her to incorporate new steps into her routine without a total overhaul.
Therabody Mini
The portable version of Therabody’s massager, the Theragun Mini (which comes with three attachments) is great for smoothing out smaller kinks and knots in the hips and shoulders. It’s luxe, practical, and might just blow her mind. Whether she needs the muscle therapy post-workout or is struggling with mobility in her later years, this gadget can be a huge help.
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
Shopping director Shanna Shipin called the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow “life-changing” and had no regrets when she figured out she accidentally ordered two. If you’re familiar with synthetic down, you know it never quite feels like down-down. Mulberry silk turns out to be the perfect dupe; it’s stuffed inside the actual pillowcase, which makes for the ideal firmness.
Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe
If your mother-in-law has finally come around to replacing to the robe she’s been using since you first met, Parachute’s plush option is a strong contender. It’s soft and absorbent, but won’t retain water for mildewly ickiness. The brand also sells some of our favorite bath towels, in case you want to tack those onto your order.
Lunya Long Sleeve Washable Silk Pajamas
For your “nothing-but-the-best” sister, Lunya’s Long Sleeve Washable Silk Pajamas are right on the money. This slightly oversized silk pajama set is dangerously cozy, and she can toss them in the wash when it’s time for a refresh. And no, it doesn’t need to be Christmas morning to justify wearing your finest PJs.
Hermès Les Mains Nail File Set
The Hermès Les Mains Nail File Set is a perfect example of a lowkey, luxury lift your loved one didn’t know she needed. The set is a welcome step up from the disintegrating nail file she’s had for eons and the signature orange Hermès box is a serotonin boost in and of itself.
Emi Jay Mini Boar Bristle Brush
This sparkly beaut of a boar-bristle brush is pretty, practical, and perfect for frizz-prone hair (Fort Lauderdale-based stylist Olivia Smalley recommends boar-bristle brushes for keeping static and split ends in check). Emi Jay also offers customizable claw clips on its website, if you want to bolster your brush gift.
YSL Libre Eau de Parfum
This TikTok-loved fragrance has all the makings of her new signature scent. It’s warm yet floral, and notes of lavender and orange blossom are thoughtfully rounded out with hints of vanilla. As one Allure editor previously put this fragrance, “smells like the kind of woman whose finances are together.” Sold.
Drybar Big Hair Besties Rollers & Hair Clips Set
Whether your mom puts in rollers when her hair is warm (a.k.a. post-blow-dry) or when her hair is dry (with a bit of hairspray, ideally), these rollers will not budge. Complete with 16 self-grip rollers and six hair clips, the curls will be curling and the bounce will be bouncing.
Dusen Dusen Sea Stripe Cotton Terry Hand Towel
Help upgrade your girlie’s drab towel set with this stunning striped set from Dusen Dusen. The Brooklyn-based brand often plays with “clashing” colors and patterns that, spoiler alert, actually go together perfectly to instantly uplift any home decor vibe. Don’t even get us started on this ultra-cozy checkered bathrobe.
Aesop Resurrection Duet
Ask any Allure editor and they’ll emphatically explain that Aesop’s hand wash and lotion duo is unrivaled—and it’s not just because of the Insta-worthy packaging. The formulas are super luxe and aromatic, and you only need a little of either to cleanse or moisturize your skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Wardrobe Lip Kit
Of all the Charlotte Tilbury products we ever tried and loved, the Pillow Talk line is still our favorite. This lip kit has all our go-tos in a cute pink box, so you wrap it or hand it over naked. Your bestie will love this roundup, especially the Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balm for its moisturizing abilities.
Papier Wellness Journal
Papier has a vast selection of personalized gifts, but there’s something standout about the vibe of this painterly Wellness Journal. Inside, there are 12 weeks of pages that guide her through reflecting on her goals, habits, sleep, and moments of gratitude. Best daughter award goes to you.
Smythson Dogs Soho Notebook
Does Mom have the neatest penmanship of anyone you know? Perhaps an affinity for the royals? Smythson has long been the official stationer for the British monarchy, which means anything from the luxe paper and leather goods brand would be fit for the queen in your life. We love the customizable notebooks, but you can also snag rare journals with cute art, like this “Soho” edition covered in pampered pets.
NuFace Mini + Starter Kit
If she’s lamented that her skin-care routine needs a jolt of newness, the NuFace Mini + Starter Kit is sure to be a hit. The microcurrent tool is like a face-sculpting workout that, sure, might sound too good to be true, but take it from Zain Husain, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of New Jersey Dermatology & Aesthetics Center. Husain explains that the microcurrent stimulates energy production to drive the creation of collagen and elastin in the skin, creating a more “lifted” appearance.
Tatcha Mini Favorites Set
Day one Tatcha loyalists and newcomers alike will be over the moon upon unwrapping this gift. The set contains six of the brand’s hero products—all in packable minis—including The Water Cream, a 2022 Allure Reader’s Choice Award winner. Abbas is a big fan of The Rice Wash (included), a textured facial cleanser that smells divine and leaves skin feeling refreshed.
Hatch Restore 2
Another TikTok-viral product that’s actually worth it, the Hatch Restore 2 kind of does everything. It’s a sunrise alarm clock, white noise machine, and bedside light rolled into one. If anything can turn her into a morning person, it’s this.
Bodha Smokeless Incense
Shipin and Abbas are both fans of Bodha’s smokeless incense, which has a slow burn that perfumes spaces with a vibey scent, without creating a musty cloud of smoke in its wake. A box contains 60 sticks and each stick has a burn time of 30 hours. Woah.
Bonita Fierce Abuela’s Bakery Candle
Finding a candle that smells like home is no easy feat. But the smell of the sweet treats she loved growing up is an excellent place to start. On the menu? Bonita Fierce’s Abuela’s Bakery Candle. The Latina-owned brand makes fragrances from horchata to cafecito con leche to elote to our personal favorite, Abuela’s Bakery. The wide-casting coconut wax candle smells like saffron, coconut, and caramelized sugar.
Helen Kaminski Mita Packable Raffia Visor
Sun protection can be more than just remembering to wear your SPF. Keep grandma’s skin extra safe by gifting the selfie-ready Helen Kaminski Mita Packable Raffia Visor. The visor’s aesthetic is a nod to the retro glam she embodied when she was your age.
Brightland Luminous 4-Piece Set
Fancy olive oil or a fancy bottle of wine? Tough decision, but we have to go with the olive oil, especially when paired with champagne vinegar and California honey. Pick up the Brightland Luminous 4-Piece Set for your aspiring chef aunt who’s ready to build out her collection of cabinet staples.
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Bakeware Set
Caraway’s Nonstick Ceramic Bakeware Set is an 11-piecer that contains everything she could possibly need for slaying the hundreds of New York Times Cooking baking recipes she’s been bookmarking since March 2020. Each piece of ceramic bakeware cleans and stores like a breeze, and the set comes in a ton of sweet hues. If she’s more savory than sweet, opt for the cookware set.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
There are coffee sippers and coffee chuggers, and this one’s for the former, who’ll appreciate still being able to drink warm tea or coffee hours after it was made. She can charge the mug for 1.5 hours of portable heat, or keep it set on its charging station for all-day toastiness.
SkinCeuticals Anti-Aging Skin System
Mom deserves nothing less than the best, which is what she’ll get in this three-piece SkinCeuticals set. The highlight is the brand’s C E Ferulic concoction — a potent antioxidant serum known for brightening dark spots and discoloration and tackling fine lines. Commerce writer Jennifer Hussein previously described the derm-approved investment as “the mother of all vitamin C and ferulic acid serums.”
Canopy Humidifier Plus
Turns out your loved one’s beauty routine can extend beyond the products on top of her vanity. Air quality can be just as significant to her skin health as her favorite moisturizer, and the Canopy Humidifier Starter Set can help with that. The humidifier can also help relieve allergy and cold symptoms, and doubles as a scent diffuser.
Alo Warrior Mat
The Alo Warrior Mat is satisfyingly thick, weighty, and nonslip. At eight pounds, it’s definitely heavier than most travel mats but if she drives to the studio then it shouldn’t be an issue. Like everything else at Alo, this yoga mat comes in a bunch of cute colors.
