If you, like many of our editors, are looking for the best gifts in 2023 to give and receive (yes, it’s totally acceptable to make your very own holiday wish list), consider this your official guide to easing the burden of holiday shopping. While there are so many trinkets and baubles to choose from, if you do a little digging sometimes, you’ll come across a winner that, surprisingly, could work well for everyone on your shopping list. Throughout our searches, we have unearthed some special finds that are worthy of giving to not just one, but a few of our family members and friends.
From our favorite collabs (hello Madhappy x Ugg slippers) to cozy pajamas to dainty jewelry, we’ve found something for every type of recipient out there. Looking for a token of appreciation for your mother? Try Antik Batik placemats to beautify her place settings. Need something for your hard-to-please sister? Sophie Bille Brahe’s lively jewelry box will house all her bits and bobbles. Open to a splurge? Dorsey’s tennis necklace is a classic.
Ahead, 13 Vogue editors describe their vision of the wishlists of 2023 to give (and receive) for the holidays.
Clarissa Schmidt, commerce producer
To Give:
For the women in my life, I’m planning to gift some beauty cabinet upgrades and small gestures such as small jewels that make a big statement.
To Receive:
I’ve started running again after a little hiatus, so I’m hoping to receive some running essentials to stay warm in this winter.
Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor
To Give:
Food—whether it’s homemade almond butter or an elevated pantry staple—is one of my favorite things to give (and get!). Flamingo Estate’s curated holiday boxes are the chicest, and the perfect for sending loved ones you might not get to spend time with over the holidays. The Chef’s Kiss set has a little something for everyone, too: honey, olive oil, and a smoky, spicy topping. Super soft pajamas are another failsafe choice—Eberjey makes some of the best for women, and now men, too.
To Receive:
If it’s small and sparkly, there’s almost a 100% chance I’ll love it. I haven’t worn earrings much lately, but these drop ones from Dorsey caught my eye. I can already see myself wearing them with a simple grey knit and jeans. As for where to store them? A velvet Sophie Bille Brahe jewelry case, of course.
Madeline Fass, senior commerce fashion market editor
To Give:
Absolutely anything from Officine Buly makes the perfect gift. It’s quirky, chic, impressively packaged (no wrapping needed!), and always personalized, from their bath soaps, mirrors, to combs. Check everyone off your list in one fell swoop.
To Receive:
On my mind this season are these champagne coupes from Louise Roe which I fell in love with at her cafe during my stay for Copenhagen Fashion Week, and a set of sculptural candle holders to match. Gucci’s latest shoulder bag is on my current fashion wishlist, plus I’m always wearing a house shoe or cozy sock at home and these sock booties from Falke meet all of my expectations for lounging and more.
Kylee McGuigan, associate commerce producer
To Give:
It’s (finally) sweater season, so I’ll be on the hunt for all the notable knits to give to friends and family around the holidays. And where better to look than Gap for some of the essentials. Their CashSoft crewneck sweater is the perfect addition to anyone’s wardrobe—and comes in so many colors and patterns!
To Receive:
I’m a jeans girl through and through, and I’m really looking to find my go-to pair that’ll last me for more than just a few months. As of recent, I’ve got my eye on all the bootcut jeans—especially this pair from Frame. I love a high waist and form-fitting cut, so these are at the top of my list!
Lilah Ramzi, shopping & parties editor
To Give:
I aim to be incredibly thoughtful with my gift-giving strategy, so when I’m in a pinch and haven’t drummed up the “perfect” present, I opt for a monogrammed linen—what’s more personal than a personalized handtowel? And Matouk’s linens are some of the best.
To Receive:
I’m calling it: deep emerald green is the new cherry red. I want to douse myself in the color this winter—starting with these incredibly luxurious gloves from Erdem.
Julie Tong, commerce director
To Give:
My mom is a practical woman; she always asks for a home-improvement item during the holidays. And so this year, I’m planning to gift her my favorite home appliance— the Balmuda toaster, which uses steam technology to heat up croissants and pizzas as if they’re freshly baked.
To Receive:
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been looking to build up my jewelry box with classic, timeless pieces I can wear every day and that will last. I have my eye on Kinn Studio’s Solis Ribbed Ring. And, as someone who loves a striped sweater, I surprisingly don’t own La Ligne’s signature Marin sweater yet, so hoping to add that to my wish list for my Secret Santa.
Kiana Murden, beauty commerce writer
To Give:
For me, I like to focus my gift-giving on functional luxuries—basically thoughtful, useful treasures that one might not think to buy. Personalized stationery is one of my favorite gifts—I love the idea of choosing the design that best suits the recipient. Papier has a great assortment. Otherwise, I like to treat my loved ones to a new robe. Pattern’s waffle style, designed in Sergio Hudson’s signature silhouette, is supreme—both comfortable and functional.
To Receive:
If any of my loved ones are reading this—I’m in an accessory mood this season, so I’d delight in any shoes, bags, or jewelry finds. Lié Studio’s Camille earrings are timeless! Or, a new cookbook will do! I recently met Harlem-based chef Adrienne Cheatham, whose debut cookbook features recipes inspired by Southern roots and family dinners—like a flavorful roasted chicken or sweet potato gnocchi. I’m practically drooling already!
Laura Jackson, commerce writer
To Give:
As for what I’m giving, who could resist a snuggly pair of Uggs? I love this chocolate brown pair from the brand’s just-released collaboration with Mad Happy.
To Receive:
Dorsey’s tennis necklace has been on my wish list for a while now–and this holiday season, I’m hoping that it’s finally under my tree. I’m already thinking of styling it with a plain, but perfect white tee, a great pair of jeans, and a timeless trench for a look that’s effortlessly chic.
Ciarra Loren Zatorski, fashion editor
To Give:
Nothing sparks more joy during the holiday season than gifting your loved ones with carefully curated finds that best fit their interests and/or needs. This year, I’m opting for pieces that are a bit more universal and can cross almost everyone off your list. Comfy and cozy is the way to go with Eberjey and Ugg!
To Receive:
While my personal wishlist is still quite a work in progress this year, health and wellness are on my mind. Whether opting for meal plans or safer ways to freshen our homes, subscriptions are the gifts that just keep on giving!
Katie Henwood, senior manager of audience development
To Give:
After a magical trip to northern Italy this summer, I want to give the gift of Italian cooking a bit closer to home. Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking is one of the best cookbooks on this side of the Atlantic, and will help you recreate that dolce vita in your own kitchen. I try to use fresh ingredients as often as I can, and have loved this Click & Grow Garden for growing herbs in my tiny New York City apartment. Of course, you need homemade pasta for a truly stellar meal, and this pasta maker is easy to use and easy to store. Finally, top it off with sauce from a local favorite, and set the table for one more because I’m coming over for dinner.
To Receive:
This holiday season, I have many festive parties and events that I’ll be dressing up for, and my favorite accessory is a bold, red lip (an easy stocking stuffer!). This Loeffler Randall bag will perfectly complement my floor-length black velvet dress for a NYE black tie wedding and will bring the disco ball to the dance floor as we celebrate into 2024. I’m also always adding to my ring collection, and Mejuri is my favorite place to shop-this crossover duo ring will fit perfectly with my everyday stack. I wouldn’t mind this sparkly set as well!
Alexis Bennett, commerce writer
To Give:
This year, I plan to pamper every woman on a nice list with a luxurious sampling of one of my favorite fragrances.
To Receive:
As for myself, I love receiving experiences and learning new things, so I’m hoping for an unlimited Masterclass subscription.
Nicole Phelps, global director, Vogue runway and Vogue business
To Give:
I’m going with nature-related gifts this holiday season. With the year we’ve had, extreme weather-wise, it feels like the right thing to do. My mom will be getting lots and lots of flower seeds, as she’s expanding her vegetable garden to grow flowers next year. These Floret Flower Farm poppies are just the prettiest. And for my sister, who has two little ones, I’ll be re-upping her supply of Farmacopia tinctures like this mood lifter.
To Receive:
We did our first backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada this summer, and all I can think about is our next one. I’d love it if my husband and son arranged a summertime rim-to-rim trip of the Grand Canyon! And invested in a lightweight tent for the hike.
Virginia Smith, global head of fashion network
To Give:
This holiday season, I’m giving the World Central Kitchen cookbook to support their emergency response efforts.
To Receive:
I’m lucky to be spending time with friends and family over the holidays and I’d love to have these embroidered Antik Batik placemats to celebrate the occasion.