The 31 Best Gifts for Your Girlfriend in 2023

We’ve added a few more gift ideas to this guide, including our favorite sheer bralette and a fancy lotion orb.

Whether the person you’re shopping for is an established bae or a recent fling, a long-distance lover or a live-in partner, it can be uniquely challenging to find a gift that expresses the right level of intimacy within an appropriate budget. So we’ve pulled from the very best of our staff's testing and our own favorite things—ranging from silly to sweet to serious—to ensure there's something here to delight your girlfriend or any other special someone.

Negative Sieve Non-Wire Bra ($65 at the time of publication)

If your girl is in the market for a sexy, sheer bralette, you won't find a better option than the Negative Sieve Non-Wire Bra, a top pick in our bra guide. It's overall best for smaller breasts, since it doesn't offer much support. But for the right body, this bra provides a lovely low-key fit, and it comes in a range of both neutral colors and poppy, limited-edition shades, like the red above. The ribbon straps don't dig, and the delicate, slightly stretchy mesh is quite comfortable (not scratchy) against the skin.

TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses ($14 at time of publication)

After an extensive bit of research, senior staff writer Kaitlyn Wells found that even though some of the claims surrounding blue-light-blocking-glasses are murky, most experts agreed that wearing a pair may help you fall and stay asleep. (Research shows that blue light from devices can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle.) If your girlfriend struggles to sleep deeply after a day in the digital mines—or you think she’d like the glasses as a fashion accessory—we suggest the TIJN Blue Light Blocking Glasses, some of our favorites from testing. The nerdy-cool frames are cheap and sturdy, and they come in more than a dozen colors, any of which would look adorable on her.

Bala Bangles ($55 at the time of publication)

It's true that most at-home weights have heavy-duty workouts in mind—and if your girlfriend is a serious strength trainer, then she’d certainly prefer a set of our favorite adjustable dumbells. For someone with a more varied exercise routine, we suggest a set of Bala Bangles. The one or two pound bracelets are worn around the wrists or ankles to enhance a workout, be it a Peloton ride, run, or mat session. And unlike the cold, brutalist aesthetic of most weights, these feel smooth against the skin and are pretty enough to store in plain sight—excellent if she's living in a small space.

Kate McLeod Daily Stone Lotion Bar ($45 at the time of publication)

Supervising editor Daniela Gorny first turned us onto this solid moisturizer "stone," and many staffers have since indulged. Rather than pump a bottle of single-use plastic, you warm the orb of cocoa butter and blended oils between your hands before smoothing it head to toe. It's particularly nice for full-body hydration after a shower or to quench craggy hands and cuticles throughout the day. And it comes with a beautiful, glide-top bamboo canister to store it in. Refills are nearly $40, which may sound pricey, but we’re guessing she’ll fall as hard for the subtle rose, frankincense, and neroli scent and non-greasy, sustainable moisture as we did and enjoy this little luxury every day.

Birthdate Candles ($50 at the time of publication)

If your girlfriend loves astrology, she’ll appreciate a hand-poured Birthdate Candle, which comes with a personalized scent and character reading based on the day they were born. For staff writer Dorie Chevlen, a Scorpio, the candle has a woodsy, floral smell, with a mahogany and musk base, a top note of bergamot and plum, and just a touch of cinnamon. According to the candle, this complexity reflects the "imaginative, passionate, intense souls born on November 2." (She thought that all sounded spot-on.) The Wirecutter staffers who’ve bought them report that the candles burn cleanly and smell amazing. And even if your recipient is not that into astrology, they’ll likely just be impressed you remembered their birthday.

Gldn Basquiat Bar Bracelet (from about $55 at the time of publication)

Whether your girlfriend has an understated jewelry style or likes to stack bold baubles from her wrist to her elbow, this sleek engraved bar bracelet from Gldn will beautifully complement any look. Customize it with the cute nickname you gave her, or keep it simple with her initials or birthday. Pay attention to the jewelry she wears regularly to help gauge what metal she might like best: The bracelet comes in 14-karat gold fill, rose gold fill, sterling silver, or 14-karat solid gold, plus two finishes (hammered or smooth). If you’re stumped on the style, don't worry. Mixing metals is incredibly chic, so even your gold lover can don a little silver and still look fabulous.

BoxFox (price varies; from about $35 for a small box at the time of publication)

If you want to give your gal a beautiful medley of items, but you don't have the skills or the time to scour stores and sites to select things on your own, a care-package service like BoxFox will help you find a marvelous mélange, fast. Among all the care packages we tested, we thought BoxFox offered the most luxurious versions of gifting staples: gourmet treats from Sugarfina and chocolate from Compartés (rather than drug-store snacks) and chic calendars and notebooks from Rifle Paper Co. and Poketo (rather than plain, standard stationery). On BoxFox's straightforward site, you can choose from premade boxes (like the "Birthday" box pictured above) or build your own, starting from about $30 for a simple set including a candle, a chocolate, and a few skin-care items. Choose from hundreds of carefully curated items organized by color, occasion, or price, so you won't drown in an otherwise overwhelming sea of linens, sweets, and soaps.

Chunks Mini Claw Clip ($8 at the time of publication)Chunks Medium Claw Clip ($18 at the time of publication)Chunks Large Claw Clip (from $20 at the time of publication)

Whether your girlfriend is looking to do more or do less with her strands, she’ll love a hair clip from Chunks. Sizes range from a teensy 1-inch version to a powerful 5.75-inch clip, so there is something for every length and texture at this woman-owned, Seattle-based company. (And you can consult this handy size comparisons chart.) More impressive, though, are the prints and patterns, which go way beyond the standard tortoise shell, with checkers, sprinkles, swirls, swoops, and stripes, all in a durable cellulose acetate. The smaller clips look cute layered at the temples or tucked into a braid, and the longer ones can create an easy French twist or a more-fun ponytail. Get more ideas on Chunks’ Instagram page, where founder Tiffany Ju models clips and offers advice on which hair types they best suit.

Porcelain Shorts ($50 at the time of publication)

She needn't be a basketball star to appreciate the swishy, breathable luxury that is a flawless pair of mesh shorts—especially ones covered in the prettiest blue and white botanicals. These toile-patterned shorts are sewn to order in Kansas City, and they come in sizes small to 5XL, with roomy pockets and a 5- or 7- inch inseam. The former falls mid-thigh while the latter offers a more traditional above-the-knee fit. Both are a slam dunk, any way she styles them.

Lunya Washable Silk Set (about $190 at the time of publication)

Residing happily in the space between loungy pajamas and sexy negligee, this silk pajama set from Lunya is a pleasure to wear and to launder. And this set has a more youthful silhouette than some of the picks in our pajamas guide (though all of those are, of course, excellent). Unlike most silk sets, this one is entirely washable. So it can be an everyday indulgence, not something you put on only to take off (though it's good for that, too). The sporty racerback is flattering on a range of bodies, but we’ve found that the abbreviated crop top is definitely best for those comfortable exposing their midriff. The set comes in sizes XS through 2XL and in six elegant colors.

Riley Four Layer Throw ($95 at the time of publication)

Enable endless cuddles with one of Wirecutter's favorite throw blankets, the Riley Four Layer Throw. Light yet substantial, the combed-cotton blanket won't cause overheating, and at 70 by 50 inches in size, it offers plenty of room for you, your girlfriend, and perhaps even a very lucky pet. The whole lot of you could dig into a vat of takeout without reservation: Our testers found that the blanket remained soft and bouncy even after machine washing. It's also a nice bed blanket draped on her side, should she run a bit colder than you.

Our Tarot: Guidebook + Deck Featuring Notable Women in History (about $35 at the time of publication)

If your girlfriend is the spiritual type, she’ll love reading tarot with this artful deck of cards, cleverly featuring remarkable women who shaped history. Frida Kahlo, for instance, is on the elusive Death card, while the Three of Cups, often a representation of friendship and camaraderie, features the Brontë sisters. The included guide book is also a cut above, offering in-depth biographies for each of the 78 women, alongside thoughtful insights and perspectives. And unlike some tarot cards that inevitably end up shuffled and incomplete—aka ruined—this set is housed in a sturdy, magnetic-closing box that fits snugly in a drawer or slides easily onto a bookshelf.

La Ligne Mini Toujours Sweater ($295 at the time of publication)

If she's perennially stealing your sweaters, it's high time for one of her own. A favorite from our cashmere sweaters guide, this slightly cropped, dropped-shoulder design by La Ligne is made from a heavy knit that feels extra warm. The sweater is available in sizes XS through XL and in six elegant colors, from deep navy to a soft cream and cheery periwinkle. There's no doubt this gift is a splurge, but with the right care—our guide has helpful advice—it's a gift she will treasure forever.

Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit (price varies)

For the girlfriend who doesn't mind rolling up her sleeves for a groovy project, consider the gift of tie-dye. Of all the kits we tested at Wirecutter, none impressed as much as the Tulip One-Step, which made the brightest and boldest projects with the least effort and mess. (The Tulip Celestial 8-Color Tie-Dye Kit has the most grown-up palette.) The set comes with two pairs of disposable gloves, 20 rubber bands, and prefilled squeeze bottles that just need water. Since the dye needs to set for only about seven hours before you rinse and wash, your giftee can finish a project in a single day. For an even better gift, make sure you pick up a couple T-shirts, dish towels, or a table cloth to get started.

Ippodo Tea Essential Matcha Kit ($130 at the time of publication)

If your favorite gal favors the mellow invigoration of a matcha over a jittery coffee buzz, she’ll likely appreciate this elegant make-your-own matcha kit from Ippodo Tea, a famous tea shop in Kyoto, Japan. Each individual piece is intentional and a joy to use, from the cream-colored bowl to the lipped strainer that hitches effortlessly onto the bowl's edge. The kit also comes with a whisk fashioned from a single piece of bamboo, a hollow stand for that whisk to prevent molding, a tiny ladle, and 20 grams of Horai matcha (a variety that our kitchen team found lovely and grassy). The set, which ships for free, also comes with a helpful booklet that includes instructions for crafting all sorts of matchas, like lattes and iced.

Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker (about $40 at the time of publication)

Anyone would appreciate a little magic in the home—especially when it involves crystals! Look no further than this light catcher, which affixes to the window via a surprisingly reliable suction cup. The sun warms the solar battery, and the dangling prism rotates and refracts rays, transforming a casual weekday into an impromptu discotheque. As much as the dancing rainbows delight humans, they also delight cats: If this all becomes too much of a distraction for either, you can easily slide the light catcher off the window. To see for yourself what this rainbow maker brings to a space, check out this video.

Lego Flower Bouquet (about $50 at the time of publication)

Some people may find the transient nature of bouquets to be rather maddening (why waste the money on something doomed to wither in a vase?). If that's not your partner, though, we do recommend a few excellent flower deliveries. But for something more interactive and longer-lasting, consider a LEGO flower bouquet. Present the intricate, 756-piece set fully assembled, or give her the pleasure of bringing 15 stems of plasticine roses, daisies, and asters to "life." Once built, the bouquet stands 14 inches tall, just like a regular posy. And though it won't require any water or sun, regular dusting would be welcome.

W+P Collapsible Popcorn Bowl ($25 at the time of publication)

Wirecutter staffers firmly believe there's no wrong way to enjoy popcorn. But if your paramour has been microwaving unimaginative bags of the prefab variety, a dedicated popcorn bowl will be an ebullient upgrade. A favorite among the popping methods we’ve tried, this silicone bowl is dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. It collapses to about 2 inches (for easy storage) and pops up a fluffy bowl in about two minutes (adding oil is optional). Package this bowl alongside a bag of kernels and novel seasoning, and at least the snacking portion of movie night will be settled. Agreeing on something to watch, well, that's your business.

Takenaka Bento Bite Dual (about $40 at the time of publication)

With nearly a dozen dreamy pastel tones to choose from and a pleasingly rounded shape, the Takenaka Bento Bite Dual is a joy both to look at and to eat from. Each squat little unit houses two tiers (with a removable divider) of microwave- and dishwasher-safe compartments for infinite snack-storage options. And it comes with a nestled fork, which doesn't clatter around. Several years ago, my non-romantic girlfriend (my sister) gave me one stuffed with Korean candies, a presentation you are hereby allowed to copy. I used to pack my bento full of veggies, crackers, hummus, cheese, and fruit for office lunches. Now it makes me smile as a tea organizer.

Min & Mon keychain (from about $25 at the time of publication)

A unique creature charm transforms an everyday bag from a ho-hum necessity to something that's exciting to carry. New York City–based accessories label Min & Mon (named after the co-founders’ two sons) creates a menagerie of leather designs in several different spunky motifs. So your challenge will be settling on just one (designs include a boots-wearing bird, octopus twins, and a squid with blue hair). Because charms are topped with both a small clip and a key ring, they can liven up a purse, a backpack, keys, or whatever your girlfriend chooses. And if you can't resist getting one for yourself, go for it! They also look delightful dangling from a car mirror.

Estelle Colored Glass Decanter ($160 at the time of publication)

The mixologist on your list likely has a full stock of favorite liquors, so a beautiful and unique decanter would be a great gift. The glass decanters from South Carolina–based Estelle Colored Glass are some of our favorite gifts for cocktail lovers. Crafted by artisans in Poland, the pieces (available in several stunning shapes and colors) might look delicate, but the thick glass still feels sturdy. Mixing a cocktail has never felt more elegant.

Birkenstock Arizona EVAs ($50 at the time of publication)

Though perhaps not the footwear one immediately thinks of for a romantic evening, the Birkenstock Arizona EVAs are a great gift for the gal who loves comfort. Since they’re made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (hence the name), the EVAS are waterproof, extremely lightweight, and (gasp!) machine-washable. Accordingly, they are our favorite shoes for hand-holding beach walks, bodega runs, and even casual days at the office. If your sweetie is a sartorial risk-taker, consider giving the slides with a pair of socks—it’ll personalize the look and help them extend wear even through cold months.

When Harry Met Sally T-Shirt (about $25 at the time of publication)

For the rom-com fan or progressive feminist on your list, this printed cotton T-shirt will be an instant hit. The line-drawn image depicts one of the most memorable scenes from Nora Ephron's untouchable When Harry Met Sally… . Meg Ryan's exuberant petite mort brought female orgasms (even fake ones) into the mainstream conversation—not that your girlfriend would know anything about that. The T-shirt itself is happily not fake, though: It is 100% cotton, super-soft, and available in 16 gratifying shades that hold up to machine-washing.

Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion ($13 at the time of publication)

We tell ourselves stories in order to live, and few do it better than Joan Didion. Though any of her works would make a stirring gift, the new initiate and the longtime devotee will both appreciate a copy of the seminal Slouching Towards Bethlehem. The essays, written between 1961 and 1967, are quintessential Didion, focusing on California's distinct moral and cultural tumult in the 1960s. Even half a century later, the insights they offer—from the limits of feminism to the risks of celebrity—resonate wholly with contemporary readers.

Bodum Caffettiera French Press ($16 at the time of publication)

There's no doubt your beloved coffee aficionado will enjoy the deep flavor brewed by one of our favorite French presses, the classic, Dutch-designed Bodum Caffettiera. First, the carafe is highly functional: The press plunges readily, the handle is sturdily affixed, the spout doesn't dribble. And second, the colorful offerings—from a punchy periwinkle to cheery yellow—will bring optimism to mornings and look high-spirited on a counter or shelf. Should your lover moonlight as a klutz, the company sells replacement parts.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 (about $210 at the time of publication)

If your sweetie hates rising to the cloying chimes of a phone alarm (and it's not exactly your favorite sound in the world, either), give them the gift of a more-humane wake-up experience, with the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light. Wirecutter's favorite sunrise alarm clock, the Philips SmartSleep mimics natural dawn, gradually building in brightness from a dim red-orange glow to the white-yellow brilliance of a clear day. To accompany that rising "sun," you can also set one of five natural sounds, including forest birds or ocean waves. And, yes, this clock snoozes with the serene wack tap of a hand.

Bavel: Modern Recipes Inspired by the Middle East by Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis ($40 at the time of publication)

If you date someone who loves both Middle Eastern food and experimenting in the kitchen, Bavel: Modern Recipes Inspired by the Middle East—written by the chef-owners of the eponymous Los Angeles restaurant—will be a useful addition to their cookbook collection. The 80 or so recipes lean primarily Israeli and Egyptian (think tagines and tabbouleh). But they also pull delicious inspiration from across the globe, such as an especially lovely confit okra with whipped feta. True, a newbie chef may find the pickling or preserving techniques ambitious, and some ingredients, such as rose oil and licorice powder, are best sourced from speciality stores. Overall, however, for the passionate cook, Bavel is sure to become a dog-eared, well-splattered homage to mastering the varied and appealing cuisine.

Seattle Chocolate Co. Jcoco Prism Gift Box ($40 for 10 one-ounce bars at the time of publication)

Jcoco, part of woman-owned Seattle Chocolate Co., makes chocolate that looks as good as it tastes. Presented in a mod black-and-white-printed box, each of the 10 rainbow-foiled bars features a different globally inspired flavor, like Cayenne Veracruz Orange in white chocolate and Boharat Middle Eastern Spice in 60% dark chocolate. Honestly, though, each flavor is exceptional—not too sweet, not too bitter, and perfectly smooth in texture. What's more, for every 3 ounces of chocolate sold, Jcoco donates one meal to food-bank partners in Washington state, California, and New York.

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack ($95 at the time of publication)

Handbags are great, some of the time. For all of those other times—like grocery-store runs, park picnics, or bike rides—a fanny pack is a convenient alternative. And the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack is among our favorites. Its puffy build is fun yet stylish, and this fanny pack easily stashes all manner of loot, including (but not limited to) phone, sunglasses, wallet, keys, gum, pen, receipts, loyalty cards, and hand sanitizer. The Ace sits comfortably over the hips or across the chest, and it comes in five understated colors.

National Parks & Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass ($80 for one year at the time of publication)

If Ken Burns is right that the National Parks System is America's best idea, then your best gift idea would be a pass that can get your girlfriend and three guests into every single one of the country's 420 parks (116 of which charge fees) for a year. Whether your beloved wants to watch the sun set over Half Dome, trek the Pacific Crest Trail à la Cheryl Strayed, or feel the exquisite weight of mortality while peering into the river-cut depths of the Grand Canyon, well, it's all possible—an unlimited number of times and for free.

Baba Tree Bicycle Basket ($100 for a large basket at the time of publication)

If your gal is a serious biker, you should consider giving her a serious bike rack. But for the casual cyclist who needs only to transport a phone, a baguette, and a wedge of Camembert, a handwoven bike basket makes a thoughtful gift. We particularly like these from Baba Tree. Craftspeople in Ghana weave each basket with locally sourced straw, so this gift is not only utilitarian, it's also an objet d’art. The basket secures to handlebars with two adjustable leather straps, and it's a cinch to attach and take off. After toting mine for a year (and leaving it to weather along with my bike in a courtyard), the basket is still holding up—with just a little bit of fading.

This article was edited by Hannah Morrill, Catherine Kast, and Jennifer Hunter.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

Dorie Chevlen

Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—"a lot."

Hannah Morrill

Hannah Morrill is an editor on Wirecutter's style team, spearheading the gifts and beauty sections. For the past decade, she has worked as a freelance writer and editor for publications such as Allure, Elle, and InStyle, among others. She lives in Portland, Maine, with her partner and their two children.

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