“Best birthday gifts for women” is an almost laughably broad category. Ultimately, the “best” gift depends on the lady you’re shopping for. Gifts for your mom tend to focus on a problem she needs to fix, while gifts for your wife focus on self-care. There’s also the tricky task of shopping for a teenage girl, but really all it takes is a keen eye for trends.
If you’re looking for a more general guide to gifts for women, there ARE some viable choices you can turn to – and that’s what we’re here to find out.
The key is to embrace two classifications of gifts: practical gifts and gifts she wouldn’t necessarily buy for herself. Gorgeous candles, beautiful bags and stylish magazines all fit in here, but so do cute Bluetooth keyboards, versatile mini speakers and even reusable grocery bags. Just make sure they have a designated one je ne sais quoi.
Actually, here’s a shortcut. If you want to keep the gift for yourself instead of giving it to her on her special day, it’s a good choice. Carry that powerful, jealous energy with you as you make your purchase.
Here are our picks for the best birthday gifts for women.
Another Matchpoint candle
Credit: The Other Earth / Amazon
For tennis fans: Consider this whimsical Otherland candle, which is formulated to smell like a tennis ball. Well, it’s also formulated to smell like “cut grass and cucumber,” but we’re focusing on the tennis ball thing. Bonus: The candle jar is attractive enough that she’ll want to clean it and reuse it.
Voluspa Moso Bamboo Reed Diffuser
Credit: Voluspa / Amazon
For the distributor user: Or, if she’s more of a reed diffuser fan when it comes to home fragrances, opt for this Voluspa option, which features notes of moso bamboo, black musk, and Japanese cypress. It will also look nice on the shelf.
Casio vintage style watch
Credit: Casio / Amazon
For the fashion girl: A cute gold watch goes with almost everything. This timeless yet retro choice is perfect for everyday wear – and not so expensive that she’ll be afraid to wear it everywhere.
LEUCHTTURM 1917 Notebook
Credit: LEUCHTTURM / Amazon
About the Writer: The reporter just feels more FUN in a beautiful notebook. This one from German brand Leuchtturm 1917 is particularly aesthetically pleasing, with its faux leather cover and clear dot sides.
Logitech POP Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Credit: Logitech / Amazon
For WFH-er: If she’s a work-from-home warrior who wants to mix things up a bit, this cute mechanical keyboard (yes, a cute keyboard) makes a great gift. Its keys imitate the sound of a classic typewriter.
Baggu Standard, Set of 3
Credit: Baggu / Amazon
For the impromptu grocery shopper: If she’s always running to the store to “grab a few things,” a set of Baggu bags will be a godsend. They pack up small enough to keep in her purse at all times, so she’ll never be stranded without her reusable bags at checkout.
Mashable’s Speed of Light
Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler, 40 oz
Credit: Stanley / Amazon
For Queen of Hydration: Help him reach those lofty hydration goals with the wildly popular Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler. It will keep her drink of choice cold for a truly shocking amount of time – and fits snugly in most car cup holders.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle, 40 oz
Credit: Owala / Amazon
For the hydration queen who doesn’t want a Stanley: If she’s not a Stanley girl, no problem. An Owala FreeSip is another great option. We especially love her cheerful color options, including this one called “Summer Sweetness.”
Apple AirTag, pack of 4
Credit: Apple / Amazon
For the forgetful friend: Am I constantly putting the wrong things before they need to be somewhere? Time for some AirTag. This four-pack will give her enough gear to keep track of her wallet, keys, luggage and more.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
Credit: Apple / Amazon
For public transit passengers: A pair of AirPods is a must if she takes the train or bus to work every day. They are lightweight, easy to store and have noise canceling and “transparency” modes for a safe and enjoyable ride.
Libbey Signature Coupe Glasses, Set of 4
Credit: Libbey / Amazon
For the cocktail drink: A new set of coupe glasses will elevate her cocktail (and champagne, and champagne cocktail) game. These from Libbey are classic, stylish and dishwasher safe – and the price for four isn’t too shabby either.
Soucolor 9×12 Sketchbook
Credit: Soucolor / Amazon
For the amateur artist: If she wants to get into drawing but hasn’t taken that step yet, help her get started with a sturdy, well-priced sketchbook. It also comes in a bunch of cute colors – we especially like the light purple.
Woolrich Burlington Berber Blanket
Credit: Woolrich / Amazon
For the cozy girl: Help him get into hibernation mode this winter with a very, very soft blanket from Woolrich, which can also double as extra bedding on a full or queen bed. We like the light blue option, but there are some nice, neutral shades available.
Yeti Rambler Wine Cooler
Credit: Yeti / Amazon
For the host: She can keep that champagne bone-chilling with this Yeti wine cooler. It’s great for outdoor gatherings, but if you want to use it indoors, make sure there’s no condensation by leaving a ring on her desk.
Sony SRS-XB13 Extra Bass Portable Waterproof Speaker
Credit: Sony / Amazon
For the playlist creator: A high-quality (and waterproof) portable speaker makes a good gift for just about anyone. This is an “extra bass” version, so give it to the girl who likes to belt out tunes at pool parties.
ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillow Case
Credit: ZIMASILK / Amazon
For the hair care expert: A silk pillowcase means she’s less likely to wake up with a bad case of the headache. Most importantly, it feels luxurious and amazing to sleep on. Get a group of two and wait for her to tell you how well rested she feels.
cultivate: Board Game
Credit: Pops & Bejou Games / Amazon
For the competitor: In this board game, players take on the role of cult leaders trying to recruit followers to their compounds. Don’t worry; there’s plenty of room to sabotage your messiahs in order to come out on top.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess Vinyl
Credit: Chappell Roan / Amazon
For the record collector: Chappell Roan is EVERYWHERE. Make your giftee’s record one of those places with a double vinyl of her sparkling and fun pop album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
Le Creuset Stoneware Tea Bag Holder
Credit: Le Creuset / Amazon
For the tea boy: Make her nightly mint tea a more luxurious occasion with a Le Creuset tea holder that can also be a spoon rest. It’s a great way to gift something from a more expensive brand without breaking the bank.
Kindle Paperwhite
Credit: Kindle / Amazon
For the reader on the go: Readers know the struggle: You’re halfway through about three books at once (fiction, nonfiction, and a wild card selection, of course), but you can’t fit them all in your backpack to read. take with you on the train. Well, with a Kindle Paperwhite, she can.