35 Gifts for a Bunch of Super-Specific Life Phases

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Brainstorming gift ideas by specific holiday, specific size, or specific relationship is fine and dandy, but another fun way to land on a great present is by pondering what personal news the people you love would be (or already are) posting about. Whether they spontaneously quit their job, miraculously quit coffee, put down a down payment, or created a whole new human, here are some holiday gift ideas based on super-specific life phases that at least one person on your list is probably going through right now. As a team whose job entails extensively researching the best products for each and every one of these life phases, you can trust we’ve included products that readers love in our respective roundups and in real life.

For the sibling who just became a plant parent

Burgon & Ball Steel Watering Can

A stylish watering can should ensure they keep their new herbage alive.

$28 at Amazon

For the couple who just got married

Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set - Queen

Wish the happy couple an eternity of the most comfortable sleep with this linen sheet set that will change their lives.

$299 at Brooklinen

For the 40-something friend

Theragun Mini

This pocket-size massager melts away all those mysterious muscle aches and weird hip pains that were never there before.

$200 at Best Buy

$199 at Therabody

$199 at Amazon

$200 at Target

For the friend who is going to get engaged soon

Mischo Beauty Manicure Kit

Keep their hands ring-selfie-ready with this all-in-one kit that features an oil to nourish cuticles, a glass file to shape nails, and a quick-dry clear top coat for long-lasting polish and shine.

For the friend who is newly sober

Ghia Apéritif

This biting, botanic-filled aperitif makes seltzer feel special and is a beautiful addition to a budding alcohol-free home bar.

$38 at Amazon

$38 at Ghia

For your sibling going through their Saturn return

Birthdate Co. The Tarot Trio

While they’re questioning their existence and purpose in life, the wax from each candle will gradually melt, revealing tarot readings that will hopefully shed some light on it all.

$145 at Birthdate Co.

For the friend who just signed a new lease

Byredo Suede Hand Wash

Give their new sink bougie-hotel vibes with this fancy hand wash that smells so good visitors will actually want to wash for the full 40 to 60 seconds like they’re supposed to.

$68 at Nordstrom

$68 at Bloomingdale's

$75 at Amazon

$68 at Saks Fifth Avenue

For the friend going through a breakup

Bodha Smokeless Incense

Help them clear their head by breathing in good vibes and snuffing out the bad ones with these smoke-free incense sticks.

$40 at Free People

$35 at Anthropologie

$35 at Standard Dose

$40 at Standard Dose

For the friend embarking on her natural-hair journey

Grace Eleyae Satin-Lined Cap

Set them up for success with this stylish satin-lined cap they can wear to bed, on Zoom, and out and about to keep strands soft and safe.

$22 at Amazon

$13 at Sephora

For the friend who just made a drastic hair-color change

K18 Hair Repair Starter Set

This kit is made for all hair types and features the Cut Shop–approved hair-prepping shampoo, repairing leave-in conditioner, and post-wash hair oil that smoothes frizz and doubles as a heat protectant. So your friend’s hair is covered no matter how many times she switches or touches it up.

$58 at Sephora

For the friend who finally quit coffee

Visp The Elixir Mixer

Give them a quick and easy way to whip up matcha lattes and energizing protein powders. The rechargeable mixer froths all their essential powders and mixtures and is easy to take on the go.

$88 at Visp

For the friend who is cutting out caffeine altogether

Caraway Whistling Tea Kettle

This incredibly chic kettle has the charm of an old-school teapot — just without the ear-splitting scream so they can pour a cup of jitter-free tea in peace.

$195 at Nordstrom

$245 at Caraway

$195 at Crate and Barrel

For the cousin who just graduated from college

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

This multitasker takes the place of eight different pieces of cookware, which makes it ideal for small spaces and chefs who are just starting out.

$150 at Our Place

$150 at Amazon

For the sister-in-law who is very pregnant

Good Side The Bed Set

This silky, skin-loving set is not only a thoughtful splurge, but can easily travel to the hospital, where it’s hard to get quality shut-eye.

$205 at Good Side

For the sister who just had a baby

Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe in Fawn

Keep her as comfy as possible with this super-plush robe that comes in colors other than bright white, which is begging for stains.

$109 at Nordstrom

$109 at Parachute

For the sibling who is openly smoking plants now

Edie Parker Ice Pipe

This adorable pipe doubles as décor they’ll feel fine leaving strewn about.

$65 at Edie Parker

For the sibling who just landed their dream job

Diff Eyewear Weston Blue Light Glasses

Help them look not only bright-eyed but pretty cool for their first day of full-time Zoom.

$89 at Diff Eyewear

For the sibling who is going back to office in 2023

Bentgo Classic Lunch Box

These lunch boxes come in a rainbow of colors cheery enough to cancel out the commute dread.

$16.99 at Amazon

$16.99 at Target

$17 at Walmart

For the friend who needs to hyper-fixate on a new snack

Honey Mama’s Multi-Serve Variety Pack

How many Honey Mama’s bars are too many Honey Mama’s bars? The limit does not exist because once your friend tries any flavor of this multipack, they will be hooked.

$54 at Honey Mama's

For the friend making a big career change

Smythson 2023 Panama Agenda with Pocket

Nothing is more suitable for their new job than a fancy leather agenda. They can plan out their weeks and jot down all those Zoom-meeting notes in this pocket planner. We recommend gifting their favorite colors and customizing with their initials.

$85 at Smythson

For the friend going all in on their pour-over

Fellow Ode Brew Grinder

This design-first burr grinder will blitz their beans quietly, while leave virtually zero debris on their countertop.

$169 at Amazon

$255 at Best Buy

$299 at Fellow

For the dad who can’t keep track of his wallet

Nomad Goods Modern Leather Folio

Consider this a double gift for your mom, who’s always leading the search party. Nomad Goods recently launched its iPhone 15 collection of cases, and this one has a sleek profile that still manages to hold cash, cards, receipts, and probably your high school graduation photo.

$60 at Nomad Goods

For the cousin heading to college

Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphones

This season’s hottest accessory is over-the-ear headphones. Bonus points if they are noise-canceling ones. Gift this to the future coed to dedicate quiet time to their studies or watching TikTok without waking up their roommate.

$148 at Walmart

$150 at Target

$150 at Best Buy

For your cousin who already has AirPods

Wildflower Peony Floral AirPods Max Cover

Keep them scratch-free and safe with these colorful covers from their favorite “It” girl, Devon Lee Carlson. Looking cute walking across campus is just a bonus.

For the mom who still thinks she’s getting away with three “personal items” on the plane

Tumi International Carry-On

Give her back, and the flight attendant, a break with the ultimate carry-on from Tumi. Unique enough to spot out of a sea of muted-blue Away bags, this aluminum-sided piece glides across floors and has protective bumpers for the inevitable, well, bumps. It has smart internal compartments (including a hanger bracket) and can even be monogrammed with three initials. 

$1295 at TUMI

For the friend who just bought a house

Vitruvi x Mejuri Move Essential Oil Diffuser

Vitruvi’s collab with jewelry brand Mejuri is probably the chicest way to scent their home. The gold diffuser is cordless so they can effortlessly move it from room to room.

$182 at Amazon

$199 at Vitruvi

For the sibling who is working remotely, forever

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

The best WFH desk accessory is piping-hot coffee that doesn’t require repeat trips to the microwave.

$145 at Amazon

$150 at Ember

$150 at Target

For the couple who recently renovated their home

OSEA for Parachute Shower Mist Set

Put the finishing touch on an updated bathroom with these aromatherapy mists that make regular shower steam feel spa-worthy.

$16 at Parachute

$28 at Osea

For your friend who just got into wellness

Acupressure Mat Set

Perfect for stress, sleep, and pain, this mat is a go-to for anyone looking to up their wellness routine.

$78 at Neiman Marcus

For the friend who’s working on their fitness

Bala Beam

This 15-pound beam looks like a sculpture but is actually a strength-training bar that won’t blister their hands, thanks to its soft silicone wrapping.

$109 at bala

$109 at Amazon

For the sister who’s building an enviable bag collection

Ombres d’Hermès Eye Shadow Quartet

If she isn’t in with an Hermès sales associate, this will more than make do. The French fashion house debuted its first foray into eye makeup, and our pick of the collection are these sumptuous quartets. Each palette is refillable with three neutral shades and one bold pop of color.

$100 at Nordstrom

For the sister who doesn’t understand the importance of accessories…yet

Loewe Silver Tone Brooch

Fasten this Loewe brooch to sweaters, shirts, scarves, and more for a literal instant outfit upgrade. It may be a far cry from your mom’s costume jewelry, but we’re betting everyone in the family will find a way to borrow it (yourself included).

$350 at Net-A-Porter

For the brother planning a warm-weather escape

Tekla Blue Striped Organic Cotton Bath Sheet

First, we hope he’s taking you with him. Second, we’re almost sure he wouldn’t buy himself a nice bath towel. Show him there are options other than bringing a ratty beige scrap of cloth on vacation.

$78 at MatchesFashion

For the friend who attended their first NYFW

Velvet Mary Jane Ballerina Flats

She can click her heels and be transported right back to the front row, at least in spirit. Red shoes may feel like a fleeting trend, but when dressed up in a moody “Marie Antionette” scarlet, these coquette cuties are bound to become wardrobe mainstays.

$150 at Bergdorf Goodman

For the cousin who uses the term “flared leggings”

Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flared Pant Regular

Respectfully, they’re called yoga pants. Gift her the ultimate pair from Lululemon; this pared-back pair offers a bit more functionality than most stretchy bell bottoms.

$118 at Lululemon