Half the fun of gift giving is the anticipation: the wish list writing and mood board pinning and daydreaming about how it would feel to finally own our personal grails, or to give one to someone we love. Tracking down gifts that garner big reactions is a year-round pursuit here at Bazaar—and when it’s finally time to pull out the festive wrapping paper and prepare for the holidays, we know exactly what we want for ourselves. More importantly, we can safely predict what the most style-inclined wives, friends, sisters, and well-dressed Swifties are hoping for, too.
This year, Bazaar editors’ picks for the best gifts of 2023 range from pretty indulgences to haute couture twists on the classics. Some members of the team are eyeing the most elevated new takes on closet staples—no fewer than three editors have their fingers crossed for leather boots—while others have their eyes on It bags from Gucci, the Row, and Chanel. Festive homewares and statement furniture were a recurring request; so were comfortable yet glamorous shoes from Prada and Adidas. Our favorite gifts also include crowd-pleasing categories that land on wish lists year after year: the jewelry gifts for some fanciful adornment, the housewarming gifts to tie a room together, and the fail-safe luxury gifts that make every day a little more opulent.
Below, our editors share their picks for the best gifts of 2023—which anyone on your own list would probably love to unwrap, too. After you pick a present or two, be sure to order it ASAP. Shipping for delivery by the end of Hanukkah on December 15 closes this Friday (December 1), while Christmas deliveries are guaranteed only on orders placed by December 18.
Olivia Alchek, senior designer
Sandy Liang Bommy Puffer
Reformation Francesca Boot
Maison Balzac Pomponette Gobelets
“I simply have not stopped thinking about Sandy Liang’s red bow puffer coat all year. I love the idea of looking playful and feminine on even the dreariest of winter days. It’s definitely the most dreamy holiday gift I could imagine, and would keep me looking chic and festive all winter long!
“Do I already own too many pairs of black leather boots? Yes. And yet, I keep daydreaming about this moto pair. I love the mid-calf height and the timeless buckle detail. They’re perfect for dressing up or down—whether I’d wear them with a miniskirt and tights or a longer dress. I certainly wouldn’t mind receiving this gift for the holidays.
“I’ve obsessed over these polka-dotted glasses for years. As someone who loves to entertain, I would love to dress up my dinner party tablescapes with these funky cocktail glasses!”
Christopher John Rogers Striped Sweater
Now 40% Off
Jennifer Fisher Natasha Hoop Earrings
Mara Hoffman Saubirah Jacket
Mara Hoffman Marella Pant
“I’ve been fiending for a pair of Jennifer Fisher hoops for as long as I can remember, and this holiday season might be the time to make that dream come true! They’re sturdy and statement-making, which is all you can really ask for in an everyday earring. Christopher John Rogers plays with color like no other designer out there right now. Every season, he releases the perfect statement sweater, and this striped number is something I want to keep in my closet for years to come. Last but not least, I love the ease and functionality of an everyday suit, and this Mara Hoffman set has a sublime silhouette combined with an eye-catching checkered print. It’s a suit that can easily transition from winter to spring, depending how you dress it up or down, and ultimate functionality is all I want out of my wardrobe right now!”
Avec Les Filles Metallic Faux Leather Trench Coat Jacket
Skims Boy Short (5-Pack)
Ooni Volt 12 Electric Pizza Oven
“I saw this coat in the store the other day and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. I love a wardrobe basic done in a metallic—it’s SO me. But I don’t actually NEED another coat or trench coat, so having someone else buy it for me would be ideal.
“Is underwear a weird gift? Maybe! But I am on a mission to slowly redo my whole wardrobe after having my son, and that starts with great basics like these Skims boy shorts. I have two pairs, and it’s not enough—I want to wear them every day and not have to do laundry 24/7. They’re so comfortable and so flattering.
“I absolutely do not have the counter space for this indoor pizza oven, but maybe in another dimension I do and can make amazing homemade vegan pizzas, like, three times a week. If anyone feels like gifting me a kitchen reno first … then I will happily buy one myself!”
Jamie Haller The Two Tone Penny Loafer
Chanel Classic Wallet on Chain Lambskin & Black Metal Coral Pink
Wild One x HVN Collar Walk Kit
Now 25% Off
Rabanne 1969 Nano Chainmail Shoulder Bag
“The absolute best gift I could hope for this holiday season is getting off the wait list for the Eras Tour show on my 30th birthday next year. Does Santa have a direct line to Tree Paine?
“If I’m being slightly more realistic, I’m hoping for fashion treats that can bring some pizzazz to my wardrobe without giving up any practicality. Looking back on all the purchases I made in 2023, I realized that I’ve been playing it way too safe, wardrobe-wise. Jamie Haller’s insider-favorite two-tone loafers would inject some fun colorblocking into my footwear lineup. (And, I’ve heard these are luxuriously comfortable.) I double up on bags every day with one laptop-proportioned tote and one small purse for my phone and keys. For the second category, I’d love to graduate from my beat-up, black leather crossbody to Chanel’s bubblegum-pink flap bag or one of Rabanne’s flashy chainmail bags. And since I love to coordinate with my dog, Dolly, I’m hoping for a punchy—and damage-proof—leash set for all of our walks next year.”
Dior Black Butterfly Sunglasses
The Attico Dada 100mm Slouchy Boots
The Sena Trench
“For this year’s wish list, I’m keeping it monochromatic with timeless, classic black. I’m in love with this Brandon Blackwood coat, which brings chic texture to the leather trench we’ve been seeing everywhere lately. Attico’s Dada boots complement the look perfectly (and it doesn’t hurt that they bear the same name as my grandmother!). Finally, you can never go wrong with a pair of Dior sunnies. These bring a twist to the classic cat-eye that would add to any outfit.”
Hereu Black Anella Boots
Now 33% Off
Sophie Buhai Mermaid Silver and Pearl Earrings
Agmes Rachael Earrings
“I’m obsessed with these perfect boots! I love the woven detail and the shape, which is somehow a little tougher than the average equestrian boot. I would wear these all winter with sweaters and midi skirts.
“Sophie Buhai’s jewelry is so gorgeous—it always feels sculptural but not overwhelming. I’ve been eyeing these earrings for a while, but would honestly be thrilled to get anything from her collection. And while we’re talking about earrings, I’m also drawn to these pearl beauties from Agmes. The little touch of lapis really sets them apart.”
Gucci Jackie 1961 Large Shoulder Bag
Kiko Kostadinov Quad Belt Leather Boots
Now 40% Off
Miu Miu Polka Dot Chiffon Button Up Blouse
“I have Gucci’s red horsebit chain shoulder bag, and it is one of the sexiest things I own. It’s also my first-ever Gucci bag, and now I can’t stop thinking about how I need to add this large metallic Jackie 1961 to my growing collection. There’s something so sensual about a bag this loud and large that demands to be seen. Plus, the fact that it might actually hold my laptop doesn’t hurt either.
“I’ve long been a fan of Laura and Deanna Fanning, the designers of Kiko Kostandinov’s womenswear, but I don’t actually own any of their work yet! So Santa, if you’re listening, these belt boots feel like they were made for me. I love how the Fanning sisters utilize belts here in a way that’s not at all utilitarian but absolutely a little bit naughty. Perfect for a nice girl like myself, of course.
“I always tell my boyfriend he could blindfold himself, walk into a Miu Miu store, grab anything, and walk out with a gift I would like. I stand by that claim and more than encourage he follow through on it! But if he didn’t want to walk in blindly, he could also just get me this full polka-dot chiffon ensemble. When I saw it on the runway, I salivated. While the models opted to wear this in all its sheer glory, I think the opacity actually welcomes lots of fun layering options as well. Also, I’m Spanish, so I’m a sucker for polka dots. They remind me of the flamenco costumes I wore growing up as a kid; but safe to say Miu Miu’s interpretation of the print—sans big puffy ruffles—makes it feel a little more like something I’d wear off of a traditional stage and onto one of my own making on the street.”
Dilara Findikoglu Boleyn Necklace
Faris Silver Sophia Earrings
Now 40% Off
Elhanati Jardín Forest Necklace
“My taste in jewelry bends toward organic shapes and unpolished textures, with the occasional detour into antique craftsmanship—something I think the Anne Boleyn–inspired pearl necklace from Dilara Findikoglu does well. In the winter months, when most of my outfits are reduced to a simple sweater-and-jeans formula, I especially like to rely on unique jewelry to make a statement, and there’s something so quietly cool about the Faris pearl drop earrings encrusted in a molten silver setting and Elhanati’s delicately hammered floral choker. The best part is that they’re all perfectly sized for a stocking stuffer.”
Miu Miu Garment-Dyed Gabardine Blouson Jacket
The Row Soft Margaux Tote Bag
Prada Leather Twist Floral Ballerina Flats
“Some investment pieces are truly the gifts that keep on giving. Take Miu Miu’s cropped barn jacket, a heritage piece that can take you through all of the seasons. I would wear this over striped shirting and jeans in the fall, layered over knits and leather pants with Chelsea boots in the winter, and over a floral dress in the spring. As for the Row’s leather tote, this is the perfect top-handle bag: big enough to hold all my work essentials, but small enough to carry around for a night out to dinner. I love that Prada’s ballerina flats look like a piece of art. They’re comfortable to run around in throughout the day, and elegant enough to wear to an event in the evening. All of these items are huge highlights from 2023—and gifts I hope to unwrap soon!”
Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Pony Tonal Low Shoes
Saint Laurent Small Sade Tube Bag in Quilted Lambskin
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Watch
“There isn’t an Adidas drop this year that I haven’t loved, but the latest with Wales Bonner feels especially chic. These vintage-inspired cream and maroon sneakers give me elegant, old-school baseball vibes, in the best way.
“I’m a big ‘ludicrously capacious tote bag’ girl, but I’ve been looking for a night-out mini bag, like this Saint Laurent one, that is small and easy and timeless, but with some personality.
“Lastly, I’ve been wanting this watch for so long! It’s just so classic, and dainty yet bold. My friend just proposed to his boyfriend with one, which is iconic, and I think a sign that I finally have to buy it, too.”
Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor
Crate & Barrel x Athena Calderone Sassolino Concrete and Burl Wood Coffee Table
Alaïa Ballerina Flats
“On my wish list this season are some pretty practical picks—like this Sassolino coffee table designed by Athena Calderone, to stylishly support my wine and water glasses as I sit in my living room. And while we’re on the subject of home design, I’d also love to unwrap this colorful art print from Wrong Shop to add a hint of color to my otherwise white walls. And to elevate my holiday outfits? I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a pair of Alaïa’s coveted Black Strass ballerina flats.”
Labucq Joan Boot Black
Diptyque Do Son Eau de Parfum
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
“Perfectly proportioned and with a comfy, chunky heels, Labucq’s Joan Boot is at the top of my list.
“I bought one of Diptyque’s Tubéreuse candles, burned through it in under a week, and forbade myself from buying another due to my lack of restraint in lighting it. Do Son, the brand’s jasmine and orange blossom perfume, hits similar floral notes. I can wear it all day and the bottle will surely last longer than a week—win, win.
“Finally, this $80 pass gets you into any national park in the United States for an entire year. For an avid hiker and camper, it’s a dream of a deal! With 63 parks to choose from across the country, there’s a destination for everyone.”
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
Fashion Commerce Editor
Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper’s BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.