52 Unique and Chic Gift Ideas
Don’t get the ladies on your gift list the standard fare this year. Here, we’ve compiled a range of fashionable clothing, accessories, and jewelry for every personality type and budget (from strictly-under-$50 to over-the-top splurge). Surprise your cousin who loves Egyptology with a bronze-and-ceramic handmade scarab cuff, or the travel addict with a personalized weekender, or everyone with sequined socks. Click ahead for those and 49 more ideas that you’ll want to give (and get).
*This article appears in the November 23, 2015 issue of New York Magazine.
Après-Ski Sweater Chloé’s red, cream, and navy Snow Capsule sweater is knit from 100 percent wool and goes nicely with a hot toddy....
Après-Ski Sweater Chloé’s red, cream, and navy Snow Capsule sweater is knit from 100 percent wool and goes nicely with a hot toddy. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
Graphic Socks The gift of an instantly less boring outfit, from California line Richer Poorer.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Sprinkles Duffle So they can carry it to the gym as a reminder of all the ice cream they’re no longer eating. Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Cocktail Party Skirt Nothing says “Happy New Year!” like a silk lamé skirt; this ankle-length version by Lauren Ralph Lauren has a figur...
A Cocktail Party Skirt Nothing says “Happy New Year!” like a silk lamé skirt; this ankle-length version by Lauren Ralph Lauren has a figure-skimming A-line silhouette. Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Clip-on Nose Ring An adjustable FKA Twigs look for those not actually cool enough to commit to the piercing.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Pearly Cuff Seven rows of costume pearls that stretch to fit any wrist.
Photo: KIRKPATRICK
A Pizza Pouch Too small for a New York slice, just right for a few bucks and an iPhone.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Clamp Earrings Taking the safety-pin earring to the next level. Crafted in stainless steel by Drilling Lab.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Sequined Socks Hand-embellished tube socks from Australian duo Di$count Univer$e — for sparkling, not sweating.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Palm Springs Shades Metal-and-crystal-embellished Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses for the girl who stepped out of a Slim Aarons photograph.
Photo...
Palm Springs Shades Metal-and-crystal-embellished Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses for the girl who stepped out of a Slim Aarons photograph.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
A Bronze-and-Ceramic Handmade Scarab Cuff Wrapped in vintage French receipt paper and tied with distressed aged ribbons.
Photo: Courtesy o...
A Bronze-and-Ceramic Handmade Scarab Cuff Wrapped in vintage French receipt paper and tied with distressed aged ribbons.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
The Ultimate Coat Whether their style is more Kardashian or Marilyn, a Max Mara camel-hair robe coat never fails.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Salmon-Skin Slippers Handmade in Chile with Patagonia sheep-wool uppers and tanned salmon-skin soles.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
An Art Ring A clump of magnificent stones tops Karl Fritsch’s wearable art piece, part of a show currently up at Salon 94 gallery.
Photo: Bobby ...
An Art Ring A clump of magnificent stones tops Karl Fritsch’s wearable art piece, part of a show currently up at Salon 94 gallery.
Photo: Bobby Doherty
Ramenwear Christina J. Wang painted her six favorite bowls of ramen (Momofuku Noodle Bar, Maialino, and Ippudo’s among them) onto a featherweight...
Ramenwear Christina J. Wang painted her six favorite bowls of ramen (Momofuku Noodle Bar, Maialino, and Ippudo’s among them) onto a featherweight wool scarf.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Holiday-Party Dress A satin REDValentino frock topped off with an embellished organza collar.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Fuzzy Vest A slim-fitting, machine-washable fleece with gold zippers.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Fuzzy Phone Case Faux fur that’s hard enough to protect a dropped phone and soft enough to rub against your cheek.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vend...
A Fuzzy Phone Case Faux fur that’s hard enough to protect a dropped phone and soft enough to rub against your cheek.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Splatterwear A metallic Maison Margiela cardholder in the splatter motif of the moment.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Ginkgo-Leaf Earrings This design by Aurélie Bidermann is cast from actual leaves and plated in 18-karat rose gold. Photo: Courtesy of the ...
Ginkgo-Leaf Earrings This design by Aurélie Bidermann is cast from actual leaves and plated in 18-karat rose gold. Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Scarf Watch It’s way more fun than a leather band.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Tool Bracelet Leatherman’s stainless-steel cuff hides 29 tools (screwdrivers, etc.) and is still somehow TSA-compliant.
Photo: Courtesy of the V...
Tool Bracelet Leatherman’s stainless-steel cuff hides 29 tools (screwdrivers, etc.) and is still somehow TSA-compliant.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Handsy Coin Purse Designers Welcome Companions up-cycled old leather kids’ gloves, adding red fingernails and a clasp.
Photo: Courtesy of the ...
A Handsy Coin Purse Designers Welcome Companions up-cycled old leather kids’ gloves, adding red fingernails and a clasp.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Sixth-Grade Dance Dress Gucci’s pleated leather frock with a double-breasted button front says, “Don’t try any funny business.”
Photo: Courtes...
A Sixth-Grade Dance Dress Gucci’s pleated leather frock with a double-breasted button front says, “Don’t try any funny business.”
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Furry Slippers These Brother Vellies slippers are soled in leather, topped in fox fur, and handmade in Africa.
Photo: Rodrigo Pereda/Rodrigo Pereda
A Mod Tote The sculpted wooden handles and bright buttery leather give this Michael Kors bag an arty touch.
Photo: Tom Hayes/Courtesy of the Ven...
A Mod Tote The sculpted wooden handles and bright buttery leather give this Michael Kors bag an arty touch.
Photo: Tom Hayes/Courtesy of the Vendor/Copyright 2013 - All Rights Reserved
A Water Repellent Beanie Exclusive to Bird, this Active Cashmere innovation feels like cashmere, survives the elements like nylon, comes in five ...
A Water Repellent Beanie Exclusive to Bird, this Active Cashmere innovation feels like cashmere, survives the elements like nylon, comes in five colors.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Not-So-Basic Houndstooth An everyday J.Crew blazer that renders the traditional pattern in bright red.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Fashion Bondage These black-and-gold bracelets have removable chains, depending on whether you want to wear them for a night out or a night … in....
Fashion Bondage These black-and-gold bracelets have removable chains, depending on whether you want to wear them for a night out or a night … in.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor/LAURE MELONE
Something More Comfortable A little La Perla number, the silk-blend satin “Maison” chemise is finished in frastaglio lace.
Photo: Courtesy of th...
Something More Comfortable A little La Perla number, the silk-blend satin “Maison” chemise is finished in frastaglio lace.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Beanie Eugenia Kim’s hand-knit alpaca-wool hat is like a warm sweater for your head.
Photo: Melvin Harper/Copyright 2012 Melvin Harper
Coachella Shades Some pink-mirrored, metallic-pearl-adorned Chanel sunglasses.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Personalized Weekender That finicky friend can pick out the color of the body, strap, handles, lining — even the metal tabs.
Photo: Courtesy o...
A Personalized Weekender That finicky friend can pick out the color of the body, strap, handles, lining — even the metal tabs.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Mary Heilmann Scarf A silk scarf inspired by the silkscreened fabrics artist Mary Heilmann made in the ’90s.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Third Eye This vintage gold-plated Hermès “Cleopatra Eye” magnifying glass can be hung on a chain around the neck. Photo: Courtesy of th...
A Third Eye This vintage gold-plated Hermès “Cleopatra Eye” magnifying glass can be hung on a chain around the neck. Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Disco Earrings In addition to red, these four-inch-long Prada danglers come in black, turquoise, white, and yellow paillettes. Photo: Courte...
Disco Earrings In addition to red, these four-inch-long Prada danglers come in black, turquoise, white, and yellow paillettes. Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Two-tone Vuitton Louis Vuitton’s City Steamer comes in minimalist color-blocked calfskin and has a detachable strap as well as lots of room ...
Two-tone Vuitton Louis Vuitton’s City Steamer comes in minimalist color-blocked calfskin and has a detachable strap as well as lots of room for work files. Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Mixed-up Scarf A plaid, striped, and houndstooth wool wrap from Acne Studios that comes with an oversize safety pin.
Photo: Courtesy of the Ve...
A Mixed-up Scarf A plaid, striped, and houndstooth wool wrap from Acne Studios that comes with an oversize safety pin.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Fox-Fur Flats Two fuzzy poufs top off these metallic-turquoise Jimmy Choo Dolly flats.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Mixed-Media Duffel When you can’t decide whether to buy them pink or purple, striped or solid; this canvas carryall by Chief Trunk has a little b...
Mixed-Media Duffel When you can’t decide whether to buy them pink or purple, striped or solid; this canvas carryall by Chief Trunk has a little bit of everything — including bold chevron-print lining.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Scarf With Pockets A puffy shawl from the Eight Senses that’ll warm their body and their hands.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Tasseled Slippers A colorful change from the typical brown shearling slippers.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Lipstick Pins This felt flair is the perfect addition to a denim jacket.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Vintage Valentino Lizard This crystal-and-gold brooch has a real New York provenance: recently purchased from a Westchester estate sale and ori...
A Vintage Valentino Lizard This crystal-and-gold brooch has a real New York provenance: recently purchased from a Westchester estate sale and originally bought at either Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf in the late ’80s.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
18-Karat-Rose-Gold Charm Bracelet With wrapping paper made from artist John Williamson’s colorful paintings (which are on display at the Stand ga...
18-Karat-Rose-Gold Charm Bracelet With wrapping paper made from artist John Williamson’s colorful paintings (which are on display at the Stand gallery in the East Village).
Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine; Courtesy of the Vendor
A Nirvana Cardigan If Kurt Cobain had worn Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane.
Photo: Jody Wissner/New York Magazine
New Year's Necklace A festive crystal-flower-strewn piece from Miu Miu.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Ringling Bros. Bag Pull back the curtains, open the cage, and plop keys and Chapstick in this satin circus tent from Singapore streetwear line ...
A Ringling Bros. Bag Pull back the curtains, open the cage, and plop keys and Chapstick in this satin circus tent from Singapore streetwear line 77th Street.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Patchwork PJ's Inspired by elaborate tapestries, these Etro pajamas are a mix of jacquards, velvets, sequins, and printed silks.
Photo: Courtesy...
Patchwork PJ's Inspired by elaborate tapestries, these Etro pajamas are a mix of jacquards, velvets, sequins, and printed silks.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Royal Tiara A 1930s crystal bridal crown similar to the one Kate Middleton wore to her wedding.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
A Hillary-esque Scrunchie If she can pull off this ’80s relic, so can the leading lady in your life.
Photo: PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/Getty Images
A Colorful Trapper Lined with sheepskin shearling, merino wool, and cashmere for warmth; finished with pom-poms for fun.
Photo: Courtesy of the ...
A Colorful Trapper Lined with sheepskin shearling, merino wool, and cashmere for warmth; finished with pom-poms for fun.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor/Copyright 2015, Coach
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