When Christmas rolls around, as does the most puzzling task of the year: what to give the most special women in your life. Whether you’re buying for a partner, daughter, mother or sister, our selection of luxury Christmas gifts for her has been painstakingly curated by our discerning team, promising an undilated bout of festive glee come December 25.
[Visit the Elite Traveler Holiday Gift Guide here]
Paula Rowan, Aida Gloves in Tan
Glove Maker to the Stars might sound niche, but Paula Rowan has duly stepped up to the mark (Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Anne Hathaway and Lady Gaga are all fans). Rowan designs each pair herself in Ireland, before they are made by hand in Naples, using time-honored leather craftsmanship. While her A-list clientele often favors the more outlandish designs, there’s plenty for everyday wear too: We like the Aida silhouette in tan suede.
$233, paularowan.com
Diptyque, Figuier candle
Purveyor of delicious, sensual scents – for him and for her, for body and for home – Diptyque is a sure-fire winning gift. This Christmas, go for the crowd-pleasing Figuier candle, a fruity, fresh number that promises to bring any room alive. The deep green glass holder is a real treat too.
$110, diptyqueparis.com
Prada, Two-tone brushed leather loafers
A classic silhouette updated with a contrasting colorway: Prada’s Two-tone brushed leather loafers are a whole lot of fun. Featuring a stylish black sole with a pure white tongue, the shoes are finished with Prada’s signature enameled logo and a touch of classy golden hardware.
$1,200, prada.com
La Mer, The Treatment Lotion
Although best known for its cult Creme de la Mer moisturizer, don’t sleep on La Mer’s The Treatment Lotion, an energizing serum designed to target redness, fine lines and dehydration. Like every product in the French brand’s portfolio, the results speak for themselves: plump, youthful skin, here we come.
From $135, cremedelamer.com
Dior, Small Lady Dior bag
Dinky, delicate and completely adorable – Dior’s Small Lady Dior bag is one of the label’s most iconic shapes. This iteration comes emblazoned with a starry night sky scene that pays homage to Mr Dior’s passion for astrology, as well as the signature metal charms. With a top handle as well as a removable shoulder strap, it’s as versatile as it is pretty.
$9,100, dior.com
Manolo Blahnik, Botiyepla ankle boot
Black ankle boots are a staple in every wardrobe but, true to form, Manolo Blahnik’s offering adds a touch of extra pizazz. From its Winter 2024 collection, the Botiyepla ankle boots feature a patchwork of smooth lamb nappa leather and kid suede, with a timeless stiletto heel and pointed toe.
$1,235, manoloblahnik.com
Rene Caovilla, Juniper Gold and Khaki sandals
Every year, a head-turning party shoe is required – and our pick for 2024 is the Juniper sandal in khaki and gold by Rene Caovilla. Featuring the Italian label’s signature snake-like golden ankle strap, which entwines its way up the leg, and combining it with supple khaki-colored suede, these stilettos are guaranteed head turners.
$1,520, renecaovilla.com
Givenchy, Shark Lock boots
Absolutely not for the faint-hearted, the Givenchy Shark Lock boots are about as statement-making as it gets. A mainstay in the Givenchy lineup, the stand-out profile (categorized by its covered wedge heel) gets a festive upgrade in the form of thousands of glittering silver beads. The now-iconic 4G padlock hangs from one boot; the Givenchy lock suspends from the other.
$6,500, givenchy.com
Schiaparelli, Trompe L’Oeil Shearling peacoat
Oversized collar? Check. Astrakhan-effect shearling? Check. OTT keyhole brass clasp? Check, check and check: Schiaparelli’s Trompe L’Oeil has all the makings of a coat for life, with more than a touch of that maximalist style for which the heritage Italian label is well known. The inlaid black leather spine at the back is an especially gorgeous detail.
$17,342, schiaparelli.com
Valentino, Crepe Couture midi dress
A timeless shape, an ever-flattering shade and a hint of unique detail revealed on closer look: Valentino’s Crepe Couture midi dress is everything an LBD should be. Crafted from wool and silk in Italy, this piece promises to become a wardrobe staple for years to come.
$8,700, valentino.com
Olivia von Halle, Coco Coin Bronze pajamas
Another stalwart purveyor of comfy and chic Christmas gifts, Olivia von Halle has climbed the ranks to become the pinnacle stylish nightwear (so stylish, in fact, that the sets get paired with stilettos as often as with slippers). One of our favorite pairs for this year is the Coco Coin Bronze pajamas – a crinkly silk velvet number, finished with Swarovski crystal buttons.
$770, oliviavonhalle.com
Eden-Roc x Bamford, Bathrobe
There is something special about slipping into an enormous fluffy gown when on vacation – and via its partnership with UK-based wellness brand Bamford, Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc has captured that unrivaled hotel-room-dressing-gown feeling and wrapped it up ready for Christmas. Emblazoned with the slogan ‘La Vie en Eden-Roc’, the 100% linen robe is comfy and chic – i.e. the dream combo.
$615, edenrocrivieracollection.com
Louis Vuitton, Surfboard
An LV-embossed surfboard, you say? A must under every tree this Christmas. Crafted from fiberglass on a wooden spine on the Atlantic Coast of France, this board features that iconic LV monogram in suitably cheery coral hues on the top side, with an artistic floral scene on the underside. In other words, probably the only way to make a wipeout look high fashion.
$15,000, louisvuitton.com
Hermès, Jewelry Trunk
What do you buy the woman who has everything? Something to put it in, of course. Hermès’ jewelry trunk is inspired by traditional travel trunks and crafted from cherry wood, with pristine calfskin inner panels. Inside, there are storage spaces galore, from removable bracelet rolls and ring cones to miniature drawers and necklace holders. There’s even a portable vanity case and a presentation tray.
Price on request, hermes.com
Chanel, Ear Muffs
Nothing ruins a winter’s day out quite like a pair of cold ears. Keep the chill at bay with Chanel’s adorable earmuffs, crafted out of shearling and presented in a muted tan tone, with an oversized Chanel logo to finish. Perfect for out on the slopes, or strolling around the park.
$1,025, chanel.com
Bottega, Made-to-order bag
Bottega Veneta’s buttery soft leather bags have long been on the most stylish women’s Christmas gift list, but for those who like to stand out from the crowd opt for the custom-made choice. Lucky recipients can choose their own model, texture and color to create a completely one-of-a-kind piece that won’t be seen on anyone else’s arm.
Price on request, bottegaveneta.com
Brunello Cucinelli, Cashmere Hooded Cardigan
Yes, the holidays are for partying but they are also very much for relaxing. Lean into cozy season with Brunello Cucinelli’s creamy cashmere cardigan, pimped up with super-soft shearling inserts. A hood adds an extra level of warmth, and oversized black buttons offer some contrast. A $16,000 price tag induces an eye raise, too.
$16,000, brunellocucinelli.com
Amaffi, Ariadna for Women perfume
Powerful, captivating and memorable – Amaffi’s Ariadna for Women is no ordinary fragrance. Heavy with notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle and orchid, the fragrance is rich and promises to long linger on the skin. Such a scent requires a bottle to match and Amaffi has risen to the task: each golden glass bottle is finished by hand and adorned with a medallion of its namesake Cretan princess, Ariadne.
$3,400, amaffi.com
La Prairie, Life Matric Haute Rejuvenation cream
Science-led and results-driven, French brand La Prairie is an established maverick in the world of skincare. The silky Life Matric Haute Rejuvenation cream is designed to prolong skin’s longevity via a combination of peony root and calendula flower extracts, hyaluronic acid and collagen, as well as La Prairie’s propriety active formula, Exclusive Cellular Complex.
$1,950, laprairie.com
Emilio Pucci, Yoga matt
Yes, yoga is about more than looking good, but there is no harm in nailing the outward aesthetic while simultaneously achieving inner zen. Emilio Pucci’s Marmo-print yoga mat features a hypnotic swirling design in calming tones of blue – perfect for gazing at as you hold your downward dog. The accompanying carry handle is extra practical, tool.
$475, pucci.com
Click here to return to the Elite Traveler Holiday Gift Guide