Like it or not, it’s time to start getting ready for the holiday season. I’m trying to roll out gift guides earlier this year for those of you who like to shop earlier. I’ll likely wait until Thanksgiving but that’s me. This gift guide was orginally published in 2020 but I’ve updated it for 2025. These are tried and true items I’d recommend year after year. Let’s start with the most difficult- gifts for the woman who wants nothing.
We all have that special lady on our gift list that says she wants nothing for Christmas. She will give you no clues as to what to get her, yet we want to honor her and show her that she’s special. And there are just so many sweaters, water bottles and mugs you can give someone before these gifts seem less than thoughtful. Want to know how to find the best gifts for the woman who wants nothing?
Shop where she shops! Know her styles and her interests. And if you don’t know, at least find out where she likes to shop and get her a gift card to that place.
Please don’t assume that if you like it, she’ll like it. I have family members who shop from their point of view, what they like and what they like to buy, and while I’m grateful for the the thought, I’ve carted many a gift to the Goodwill or sold them in my Poshmark closet because they didn’t fit (and there was no gift receipt) or they just were not me.
Here’s another tip- if you are buying a clothing item as a gift, get a gift receipt. Sizing is wonky at almost every store, and unless you are very close the the person you are shopping for, it’s hard to get sizes right. Heck, I buy two or three sizes for myself when shopping online.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here are some recommendations for gifts for her- whoever she is- mother, sister, wife, aunt, bestie. These are things that a majority of women do enjoy. The woman who wants nothing probably doesn’t know what she is missing.
1 Jewelry– My favorite brands are Kendra Scott and Pavoi on Amazon. This CZ tennis bracelet still looks great after two years. I wear my Kendra Scott pieces on a daily basis and they have held up to constant wear. I have given Kendra Scott pieces to my mother and mother-in-law and they both loved them.
2 Pajamas– Soma cool nights pajamas receive a lot of rave reviews. I have a pair and enjoy them. You can even get them in a short inseam for the petites or longer for the talls. I also enjoy these pjs and this set from Amazon.
3 Leggings– Zella leggings and 90 Degree by Reflex are both nice quality leggings. If the recipient doesn’t wear leggings (my mother doesn’t), get them a cozy pair of joggers for lounging.
4. Coffee warmer- Anyone who loves to savor a cup of coffee or tea, or anyone who is now working from home will love this. I have one and use it daily. It keeps my warm drinks warm but not too hot. This one comes with four temperature settings and an auto shut off. If you really want to lavish her, spring for an Ember smart mug.
5 10″ Genuine Marble Round Vanity Tray My vanity area could use jazzing up a bit.
6 Vera Bradley Slim card wallet Given the current state, this is all I need some days. I don’t need the whole purse, and even when I do, this would fit nicely inside with the essential license and cards. The woman who wants nothing probably doesn’t replace wallets and daily use items like she should, so a new wallet would be a great idea.
7 Slip silk pillowcase– This one is a splurge and my hubby thinks a $100+ pillowcase is the craziest thing he’s ever bought me, but I love it and it works! It makes a significant reduction in bedhead and I don’t wake up with wrinkles and creases from the sheets. The woman who says she doesn’t want anything definitely doesn’t know what she is missing with these. The silk pillowcase should be at the top of every woman’s list and would makes excellent gifts for the woman for wants nothing.
8 Packing cubes– This is one of those things you have to try to appreciate. I’ve had mine for a few years now. Even if you don’t travel much, you will appreciate these when you do. You can fit so much more in a suitcase or bag. I even use these when I’m just taking a backpack or overnight bag. I sold the hubby on them when he used them for our camping trip, so these make great gifts for her or him.
9- Purse organizer I have these in medium and large and love them. I have given them to my mother and she loves them too.
10-Hair tool caddy– I use one of these. You can plop hot tools right into this and there is no need to wait for them to cool to put them away.
11 Quince cashmere sweater I know I said to be wary of clothing, but these are soft and comfortable at a great price point. And they have a great return policy.
12 Tri-Fold lighted make up mirror I used to have a similar one but stopped using it after a few moves. I use natural light bulbs in my bathroom now and I just use the regular mirror but if I ever go back to using one of these, this one looks promising with tons of 5 star reviews.
There’s no need to stress over gifts for the woman who wants nothing. Any of these gifts would be appreciated.
What’s on your wish list this year?
Be sure to check out 20 gifts guys really want.
