(Gift Guide)

Brilliant Holiday Gift Ideas From America’s Best Boutiques

Knock out your whole list here.

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: Dec. 2, 2022

thoughtful holiday gift ideas lisa says gah

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

There are those who were born with a sort of holiday season telepathy, an intrinsic quality that makes selecting a sentimental, obnoxiously perfect present for each member in their inner circle a total breeze. As for the rest of us, help is required. After all, end of year is the most demanding time to come up with thoughtful gift ideas — pressure is high, budgets are limited, and timing is everything (shipping timing, to be more specific). But if you’re ready to free yourself from the stressors of December and hand over the reigns to the experts, the guide ahead is a good place to start.

Tapping some of the best boutiques around the country, TZR asked the stores’ founders, fashion directors, and buyers one very important question: what’s a good gift? Unsurprisingly, the answers flooded in, and they address everyone on your list, from in-laws and significant others to co-workers and best friends. There are, of course, the usual suspects — candles, socks, scarfs — but with fresh design twists. You’ll also find somewhat unexpected picks that you may not have before (you’ll have to scroll down to find out what those ones are). In short, the roundup below will get you and your holiday season shopping list squared away in no time.

Le Point in San Francisco, California

What's your bullet-proof holiday gift?

“Darner socks. I know, socks for holiday — groundbreaking. But this mesh pair is super unique and makes for the best gift.” — Pauline Montupet, owner and buyer

Any general advice for holiday gifting?

“Don't overthink it. It's easy to get wrapped up in 'are we getting each other gifts?’ or ‘is it a big enough gift?’ — but I think if you find something that is perfect for someone, just get it. Even if it's something small. It's the thought that matters, not the cost.” — PM

Shop More of Pauline’s Holiday Gift Ideas

Greentree Home

16-Inch Square Taper Candles Set of 2

$35

"These beautiful taper candles from Greentree Home are perfect for a hostess. You can mix and match styles and colors for a pretty whimsical table. They are handmade from North American beeswax in the Catskills in New York."

MM6 x Salmono

Cross Low Sneakers

$360

"Salomon are on the top of the list for most sneakerheads these days and this MM6 collab hits the mark."

Rus

Rus Shita Scarf

$162

"For the co-worker that's always cold in the office, the Shita scarfs by the Spanish brand Rus will keep you cozy and they look like you have a sweater tied around your shoulders without all the bulk."

Liis Fragrances

Candle

$65

"Perfume lovers have already fallen for the four scents by Liis Fragrance. But now — they just launched candles, so your whole house can smell like the brand's signature scent, Bo."

J. Hannah

Nail Polish

$22

"J. Hannah's new color Gamay is a sheer wine-colored nail polish. It's a perfect little something you can give to a whole group of friends."

Lisa Says Gah in Los Angeles, California

What’s your bullet-proof holiday gift?

“I'm feeling extra confident in an easy-fit cardigan with (bonus if they have a dog) a matching dog sweater for the ultimate gift.” - Lisa Bühler, Founder

Any general advice for holiday gifting?

“Don't forget a card and don't overthink it. Giving anything is thoughtful enough and really so lovely to do, and a little note makes the gift more meaningful.” - LB

Shop More of Lisa’s Holiday Gift Ideas

Baggu

Hand Towel Set of 2

$34

"Get your in-laws cute and fun bath towels that you'll also want to see when you visit."

Lisa Says Gah

Buttercup Rosebud Earrings

$64

"For your friend? Fun novelty earrings — the perfect one-size-fits-all."

Zoe Schlacter

Peaks & Valleys Blanket

$198

"Gift your partner a blanket to snuggle together with. AKA, also a gift for you."

"Your co-worker will love a novelty hair accessory. It has that 'wow' factor but won't break the bank."

ByGeorge in Austin, Texas

What’s your bullet-proof holiday gift?

“My absolute favorite across the board is a nice bottle of Tequila — I like Herradura Reposado, or a bottle of Chamucos Reposado. It's a little more unexpected than Champagne, and also a little cheekier. If I know the recipient doesn't drink, I'll make them a batch of my family's secret recipe Pecan Thins cookies. Or, if I want to really make an impression, I'd send one of Attersee's striped blankets. It's exactly the sort of thing you wouldn't want to buy for yourself, but would be so thrilled to receive. It's a great beach or picnic blanket, but also looks so chic on your bed or couch. AND! The rope tie makes a fabulous belt. I'm hoping to get one myself this year.” — Laurel Pantin, SVP, Fashion Director at Large

Shop More of Laurel’s Holiday Gift Ideas

Maria Mcmanus

Reverse Jersey Hoodie

$1,050

"For more personal gifts, I always turn to Maria McManus - her knits are heaven (and sustainable!) and makes a perfect gift for your mom, mother-in law, best friend — or an especially generous hostess."

Henry Dean

Jerzy Glassware

$250

"I also think you can't go wrong with a neutrally colored vase by Henry Dean. It's a generous gift, but not presumptuous when it comes to someone's decor, and also isn't too over the top."

Tsubota Pearl

Hard Edge Marble Petrol Lighter

$72

"Guys are so tricky, but I like something a little unusual like this lighter from Tsubota Pearl."

GRAV

Clear Helix Beaker

$175

"That [the lighter above], plus a nice book — or, a cutie pie smoking accessory — makes a really sweet little gift!"

Still By Hand

Cashmere Mix Sweater

$220

"I'm not giving my father-in-law a bong, however. In his case, I might go classic with some really excellent cashmere. Who could resist this blue sweater?"

Grainne Morton

Mismatched Stud Earrings

$275

"When it comes to my friends, I also try and gift something kind of indulgent, which I know they wouldn't get for themselves. There's nothing more luxurious than a candle from Perfumer H (I like Ink!) and an Augustinus Bader Lip Balm, or a really sweet piece of jewelry."

Hampden in Charleston, South Carolina

Hampden

What’s your general advice for gift giving this time of year?

“I absolutely love giving gifts. It’s an opportunity to show someone you not only care about them but also know them so well. I think about their hobbies, a memory you share that you might remind them of, a trip that might be coming soon, or their style. Instead of focusing on the gift first, try focusing on the person and the ideas will easily lead you to the most thoughtful gift of the year.” — Stacy Smallwood, Founder and Owner

Shop More of Stacy’s Holiday Gift Ideas

Isabel Marant

Yenky Tote

$850

"Sallie Holder, my twin sister and author of the book Hitting Rock Middle, has been traveling a ton to give inspiring speeches to female entrepreneurs looking to grow their business. A chic but functional carry-on bag that would allow her to travel in style is the perfect gift."

Stephen Wilson

Magna Carta Holy Grail Jay Z 4

$900

For my husband, who is a big music fan, artist Stephen Wilson has hand-stitched over, reworking some of the best album covers of all time. They are framed in beautiful acrylic shadow boxes that are ready to hang."

La Double J

Set of 6 Dessert Plates

$410

"My best friend is the ultimate hostess and loves to entertain at home. I love the dessert plate sets from La DoubleJ because the patterns are eclectic, but they seem to go with everything and the packaging is so beautiful. These add the perfect pop of color without having to commit to full place settings."

Estelle

Champagne Coupe Stemware in Mint Green - Set of 2

$85

"The holidays are a time for celebration and what better way than with a set of beautiful glasses. Estelle offers the most stunning array of colorways and styles for its champagne coupes."

Monty in Montclair, New Jersey

What’s your bullet-proof holiday gift?

“Generally speaking, you can’t ever go wrong with a luxe and cozy knit for the holidays, but I think this particular year calls for a little extra pizazz, no? This season, I’m itching to go out, not stay in, so if the Martiniano Party Sandals in Pewter showed up under my tree, I would not be upset.” — Natalie Haddad, Owner

Any general advice for holiday gifting?

“There’s a fine line between frivolity and uselessness, so a gift should delight the recipient but still serve some function. No one wants to give a gift that will go unused or unworn. I love to give (and receive) something useful that’s also a bit of an indulgence: a luscious sweater, a piece of jewelry, new luggage (surprisingly, one of the best gifts I’ve ever received), but when in absolute doubt, a bottle of bubbly will always do the trick!” - NH

Shop More of Natalie’s Holiday Gift Ideas

Boy Smells

Grace Jones Magnum Candle

$96

"My mom lives in Arizona, so I have to steer clear of anything too toasty for her, but a sexy scent is right up her alley! I’ll be sending her the Grace Jones x Boy Smells magnum candle, redolent of a breezy Jamaican beach since she’s stuck in the sweltering desert."

Cordera

Boucle Sweater

$329

"This one’s easy – the no fail Boucle Sweater from Cordera. Lofty, warm, an easy fit, and it looks great on everyone. It’s the equivalent of gifting a hug."

Nöl Collective

Songbird Tatreez Tee

$88

"I love Nöl Collective’s ethos and commitment to preserving Palestinian textile traditions, so my bestie will be getting the hand-embroidered Songbird Tatreez Tee, made in Bethlehem. It doesn’t get much more Christmas-y than that!"

Primecut

Fruit Salad Pouch

$68

"I love putting together little assortments of treats for my team, and the colorful shearling and leather pouches from Primecut are fun AND useful. I’ll include a Checker Claw from Chunks and my new fave lip treatment, Zizia Botanicals Viper Balm for an extra kick.'

Corey Moranis

Lucite Rod Keychain

$40

“This may seem small, but last year I gifted my SO a Lucite Rod Keychain from Corey Moranis and it was unexpectedly the best gift! Every time I use my keys, I exclaim ‘I love this keychain!’ – even a year later! It’s easy to grab, feels great in your hand, and in these luminescent colors it’s impossible to lose."

Pilot & Powell in New Orleans, Louisiana

What’s your bullet-proof holiday gift?

“I am feeling a little indulgent this holiday season and my bulletproof gift is this super sweet but super wearable Citrine Hearts Bracelet by Christina Alexiou. There is something timeless about a piece of heart jewelry and a bracelet is a great jewelry gift that does not have to be read as romantic. I am planning on splurging on this bracelet for both my mom and my sister!” — Coeli Hilferty, Co-founder

Shop Gift Ideas From Pilot & Powell