A Gift Guide for Women: 40+ Chic and Classic Finds

My secret to a stress-free holiday season? Shopping early, and shopping from a wishlist that I’ve been adding gift ideas to throughout the entire year. I have a note in my phone with everyone’s name whom I need to buy for, and throughout the year, I’ll add bullet points under each name with ideas that they mention offhand, or things that I see when I’m out shopping that make me think of them. It’s not revolutionary, but it has completely changed my stress levels during the holidays! And even if you’re just starting to shop, don’t sweat it – I’m sharing some ideas below that I’ve sourced to help you find the perfect gift for the chic woman in your life. Keep reading for a gift guide for women, spotlighting 40 of my favorite finds from this year.

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1. Mason Pearson Hairbrush

This hairbrush is on my own wishlist this holiday season. The Mason Pearson hairbrush was created all the way back in 1885, and today it’s known as an heirloom piece meant to last for generations. It might be a luxury item, but it’s a practical one! Beyond just being able to use it every day, it’s beautiful and would add a classic, expensive look to any vanity setup. It’s the little luxuries that make every day feel special, and I feel like a high-quality hairbrush would be one of those things!

2. Tartan Throw Blanket

The Pendleton throw would be perfect for the classic woman who loves all things Ralph Lauren and who likes her home to have a warm, lived-in feel. A quality throw blanket makes all the difference in spending a cozy winter inside, especially when you live in a cold climate. This blanket looks as warm as I’m sure it feels, and would be a great gift for the homebody who lives to spend their nights indoors by the fireplace.

3. Cable Knit Sweater

For your sister, mother, or friend who loves classic fashion and abides by a capsule wardrobe for most of her outfits, add this wool and cashmere sweater from Ralph Lauren to your shopping list. It’s cozy, timeless, and made with quality materials that are meant to last. This sweater is also the perfect layering staple that she’ll be able to mix and match with the rest of her favorite pieces, so it will fit in seamlessly with the rest of her wardrobe.

4. Penny Loafers

If your giftee dresses with a preppy style, then she’ll love a new pair of penny loafers. Loafers are the perfect shoes to gift because they can be worn almost all year long, and complement a number of different personal style aesthetics. The croc-embossing on this pair from Madewell also makes them stand out, so they might be a style that she doesn’t already own.

5. Notebook Cover

Journal covers have been a popular Parisian souvenir this year from the shop Louise Carmen – but you can save yourself a plane ticket and order a refillable notebook cover online, instead. The idea is that it’s the gift that just keeps giving – once the notepad inside is filled, it can be swapped out for a new one instead, and your giftee can keep using the notebook cover for years to come. It’s the perfect gift idea for your friend or family member who loves to spend time journaling!

6. Hand Balm

This is a personal favorite of mine, and one that I’ve both shopped for myself and gifted in the past! It’s a great size to keep at home, although it is available in a smaller version, too, for travel. This balm is extra hydrating and perfect for dry skin in the winter (ideal to gift to teachers or nurses who might wash their hands a lot). It also has a very light scent, so you don’t have to worry about an overpowering fragrance.

7. Pearl Earrings

A pair of freshwater pearl stud earrings is the perfect gift for a mother or grandmother who may have more sophisticated, minimalist taste when it comes to their jewelry. A pair of pearl stud earrings will fit right in with a classic, understated style that never goes out of fashion.

8. Ralph Lauren Cable Socks

This is another gift idea that I happen to own myself, and can personally recommend! A pair of cable knit socks is a great stocking stuffer. They’re extra cozy in cold weather, and I love styling them with clogs or boots. The Ralph Lauren pair is soft without being overly thick, so they work for transitional weather, too.

9. Lip Balm

A quality lip balm is always a great gift for the women in your life, especially if they live in a dry climate in the wintertime. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this one is sleek and clean in its design – it’s another one of those little luxuries that she’ll appreciate every time she uses it.

10. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag

Another personal recommendation here: the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag. This is an MCO team favorite because it’s as functional as it is stylish! These bags are made to last, easy to wipe clean, and perfect for carrying in the rain or snow in case of inclement weather. Whether your giftee needs a new work bag or one for traveling, the Longchamp Le Pliage is a classic style that she’ll be able to use for years to come.

11. Silver Trinket Tray

For the chic woman who appreciates the finer details in life, a small vintage trinket tray can gift her a beautiful way to organize and display her favorite perfumes, jewelry, etc. It could also be styled as a catch-all tray in her entryway, or a candle holder on her coffee table.

12. Two-Tone Watch

When you’re not sure whether to gift someone gold or silver jewelry, a two-toned piece is the perfect solution. This watch looks like a well-known designer Cartier style, but at a much more affordable price tag. It’s classic, polished, and makes any outfit look more put-together.

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13. Chanel Compact

A compact might be small, but it’s a thoughtful gift that your giftee might not think to get herself! Especially a Chanel version. This little luxury is elegant, sleek, and useful – it’s much easier than trying to use your selfie camera when you’re out and about!

14. Tote Bag

For the chic woman who’s always looking to expand her bag collection, the Berkeley Bucket Bag from J.Crew could be just what she’s been missing. The leopard print makes it stand out, but the neutral color palette means it will still coordinate with the rest of her classic wardrobe. The size also makes it a versatile choice for work, traveling, or everyday use.

15. Espresso Cups

The friend who can’t start her morning without a cup of coffee will love this two-pack of espresso cups. The simple design would look right at home in a Parisian cafe, and this gift is the perfect excuse to set up a breakfast date to enjoy them together. Add a pack of espresso beans and some homemade pastries, and you have a gift that’s as thoughtful as it is valuable for a great start to the morning.

16. Tortoiseshell Comb

Here’s another gift idea to upgrade the classic woman’s morning routine! The Mason Pearson dressing comb is the perfect size to throw in her purse when she’s on the go, or display on her vanity at home. It works well for a variety of hair types and has a timeless tortoiseshell pattern.

17. Diptyque Perfume

French brand Diptyque is a special brand for any perfume lover. Their bottles look all too aesthetic, and they have a wide variety of fragrances, whether your giftee loves gourmands, florals, or woody scents. The Eau Rose is a natural floral that isn’t too overwhelmingly sweet, so it’s a great middle-of-the-road option.

18. Earrings

Pearl and gold hoops are a timeless option for those who like a modern take on the classics. This is the perfect style for those who don’t want to choose between an elegant pair of pearls and a more casual pair of gold hoops. They’re dainty enough to wear every day, but still make a statement.

19. Nail Polish

The French fashion follower would love to open a bottle of classic red Chanel nail polish. This shade of red looks chic year-round, but is especially fitting for the colder months! French women tend to stick to minimal nail looks, but opt for a neutral pink or red if they do paint their nails.

20. Claw Clip

A red claw clip is a fun pop of color in a neutral outfit. As for size, a medium claw clip is ideal for the friend who’s always pulling her hair back, no matter how long her hair is. A medium clip is perfect for half-up styles on longer, thicker hair or all-up styles for short hair. She’ll love the deep shade of cherry red, which will complement any hair color.

21. Hand Balm

The Diptyque hand balm is one of my favorite gifts I’ve received in the past! It’s super hydrating without being too oily, and has a gentle scent that smells expensive and luxurious. In the Midwest, dry skin is a common problem in the winter, and this Diptyque hand balm is the perfect remedy.

22. Coffee Table Book

If you want to gift the chic woman in your life a piece of home decor, consider a coffee table book. It’s a piece she’ll love reading as much as she’ll love styling it, and if she likes fashion, In Vogue is the perfect choice.

23. Lipstick Holder

This is another idea I can vouch for from experience! I’ve gifted the Guerlain lipstick case to a friend, and loved both the quality and the ability to personalize the interior mirror. How it works is that you choose the case design you like, decide if you’d like to engrave the inside, and then purchase a lipstick color separately. Classic red is always a great choice, or try a more neutral shade if she prefers a day-to-day look.

24. Cosmetic Case

I’ve already included the Longchamp Large Le Pliage tote on this list, but it’s worth adding the cosmetics case from Longchamp as well! This is a great size for holding makeup when traveling, but a strap can also be added separately if you want to turn it into a small crossbody bag.

25. Watch

The woman who loves classy, elegant fashion would love to receive a gold bracelet watch from Breda! It’s dainty without being too small, and has just the right amount of detail to set it apart from other watches. The pearl face will complement her other classic jewelry pieces, which also helps to give it a timeless, vintage-inspired feel.

26. Leopard Flats

Leopard print shoes are one of our favorite ways to add personality to a simple outfit formula! If your giftee loves to wear minimalist pieces, a pair of leopard print flats can make her classic style feel more modern, and is a subtle way to add a fun pattern to any look. Plus, the Mary Jane silhouette never goes out of style.

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27. Silk Pillowcase

For the woman who has a steadfast hair and skincare routine, gift her a silk pillowcase! It’s shown to have great benefits for both the skin and hair to prevent damage. Plus, silk pillowcases are super soft for a comfortable night’s sleep. (And you can’t put a price tag on that!)

28. Cashmere Wrap

A cashmere wrap is the perfect gift for a chic woman of any age. It’s easy to throw on at the office to keep warm when the air conditioning is blasting, and it’s perfect for traveling as it can double as a blanket. Cashmere is soft and luxurious, making this wrap ideal for looking elegant and put-together without sacrificing comfort. Plus, there are so many ways to style it!

29. Silk Scarf

Parisians love adding a silk scarf to complete their effortlessly chic outfits, and your giftee will too. Polka dots aren’t only trending, but also a classic pattern that will look great with capsule wardrobe pieces.

30. Room Spray

For those who don’t want to mess with an open flame due to kids, pets, etc., a fragrance room spray is the perfect alternative to a traditional candle. Diptyque offers a line of room sprays in their most iconic scents, and a little goes a long way, so this gift will last a while! One mist is all it takes to make a space feel fresh, and as luxurious as a 5-star hotel lobby.

31. Hand Soap

There might be a number of Diptyque gifts on this list, but that’s with good reason! I’ve tried a wide variety of Diptyque products (including their hand wash), and I can confirm that every product I’ve sampled is a little luxury that makes even washing your hands or putting on lotion feel special and out of the ordinary. These are the perfect gifts to brighten someone’s day, and just luxurious enough that they might not purchase them for themselves.

32. Knot Stud Earrings

A pair of knot stud earrings is a great addition to a capsule jewelry collection. They may be small, but the detail makes them more interesting than a typical pair of gold round studs. They’re also the perfect size and style for everyday wear.

33. Baking Dish

Le Creuset is the gold standard when it comes to cookware that looks as beautiful as it functions. The square baking dish is a great choice to gift at the holidays, as it’s the ideal size for comfort foods like pasta bakes, macaroni and cheese, and a whole range of desserts.

34. Oval Sunglasses

You can never have too many pairs of sunglasses, and the Russell Oval Sunglasses from Madewell are the perfect choice for a friend who loves classic style but also likes to experiment with trendy pieces, too. This pair has great reviews and is available in a number of different colorways.

35. Phone Case

If your giftee has had the same phone case for ages (or maybe likes to switch it up often), a new phone case is a go-to gift idea. Just make sure you know what phone she has before you start shopping! It might be a small detail, but it will instantly update the look of her mirror selfies and make her phone feel brand new.

36. Pajama Set

The woman who always looks put-together would love a matching pajama set. A short cotton set is ideal for almost any climate, and can be worn for most of the year. A matching set is the perfect way to elevate any outfit – even sleepwear.

37. Chignon Hair Pin

An elegant French twist or chignon might just be one of the most effortlessly chic hairstyles there is. A knot hair pin will allow your giftee to practice this style, and looks like a piece of jewelry in the hair!

38. Jewelry Box

A monogram will make any gift feel more thoughtful and personal. Your giftee will know immediately that you put extra thought into their gift, and appreciate it! This monogram jewelry box is the perfect size for holding a capsule jewelry collection and will look beautiful on their dresser.

39. Perfume Set

Jo Malone fragrances are ideal for the fragrance lover who gravitates towards floral or woody scents. This cologne set will allow her to try two of their most popular perfumes, and is a great size for traveling.

40. Espadrille Slippers

Last, but certainly not least, the classic woman in your life is sure to get a lot of wear out of these espadrille loafers. They’re said to be as comfortable as sneakers, but have a soft, elegant look that’s ideal for the office or working from home.

Your Search for the Perfect Gift

If you’ve ever struggled shopping for the classic, chic women in your life, you’re in the right place! She probably knows what she likes, and you want to make sure that any gift you give her complements what she already owns. Any of these 40 gift ideas will be sure to do just that!

Still looking for more gift ideas? We’ve rounded up some of our favorites – these are the ideas that our team has tried and loved: MCO Gift Guide: The Best Gift Ideas From the Team (Our Favorite Gifts We Love and Use!)

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