Your Most Picky Relatives Are No Match for InStyle's Editors' Picks Gift Guide
Grab your credit card, we're going shopping.
Good riddance, 2020! Celebrate the end of one of the most trying years of all time with gifts handpicked by us for everyone on your list, and maybe something for yourself, too. (Let’s be honest — you deserve it.)
For the Beauty Queen
GLOW UP: Sweep this rosy hue on your cheeks or eyes for a radiant glow.
Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shade in Zebra, $52; chantecaille.com. Proceeds benefit the Grevy’s Zebra Trust in Kenya and the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association.
BLOW A KISS: Unleash your inner badass with our very own lipsticks in shades to suit every occasion. Bonus: They come stashed in an equally stylish pouch from Clare V.
InStyle Badass Lipstick x Clare V. Set (pouch made of leftover materials), $65; instylebadass.com.
SUPREME SET: All the hype around Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton’s luxe skin-care line should prompt you to treat yourself to this ultimate bundle.
Epi.Logic Cult Favorites Set, $400; epilogicskincare.com.
BEST PACKAGING AWARD: When an already superb lipstick gets a glamorous makeover, it deserves a spot on your vanity.
YSL Beauty’s Holiday Collection Rouge Volupté Shine No. 139 Burgundy in Wild, $38; yslbeautyus.com.
GOLDEN RULE: Finally, the perfect excuse to swap out your everyday scrunchie for a très chic accessory.
Leonor Greyl Gold Hair Cuff, $25; leonorgreyl-usa.com.
HIT THE JACKPOT: Stacked with 12 full- and travel-size skin-care and makeup goodies, this set straight out of a beauty lover’s dream is hard to resist.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Bejewelled Chest of Beauty Treasures, $200; charlottetilbury.com.
HAIR GOALS: No hair appointment? No problem. Play stylist at home with this dryer (it’s part of a limited-edition kit) that will make wash day so easy.
Dyson Supersonic Gift Set in Fuchsia, $399; dyson.com.
PUCKER UP: Gift this Bad Gal RiRi–approved formula to all the lipstick lovers in your life, or save it for yourself.
Fenty Beauty Two Lil Stunnas Mini Longwear Fluid Lip Color Duo, $25; fentybeauty.com.
For the Style Savant
HEART OF GOLD: The perfect charm for starting a layered jewelry look.
Gabriel & Co. pendant necklace (made of ethically sourced materials), $275; gabrielny.com.
BASKET CASE: This funky woven bag is a standout from Loewe’s collection inspired by the American artist Kenneth Price.
Loewe bag, $2,100; loewe.com.
CAT’S MEOW: Few can resist Gucci’s offbeat charm—especially when a feline face is involved.
Gucci trinket tray, $230; farfetch.com.
HOT TICKET: Snag a T from our collaboration with star stylist Karla Welch while you still can.
xKarla x InStyle T-shirt, $40; xkarla.com.
HATS OFF: A beaded bucket hat that makes a statement and is sustainable.
Edas x Cameron Tea hat (made-to-order to reduce waste), $365; edas.store.
BLING IT ON: Nothing makes a fashion lover’s heart go pitter-pat quite like Chanel’s double C’s.
Chanel earrings, $850; at Chanel.
FANCY FEET: Versace’s emblem-emblazoned house slippers are perfectly over-the-top.
Versace slippers, $175; saks.com.
SHADY LADY: Every aspiring style star needs a pair of classic oversize sunnies.
Guess sunglasses, $88; guess.com.
HARD WIRED: From our collaboration with Paris-based Atelier Paulin, a subtle daily reminder of one’s own badassedness.
Atelier Paulin x InStyle Badass bracelet, $135; atelierpaulin.com.
PUPPY LOVE: Not only is this coat super-plushy, but it also supports a good cause.
MA by Maison Atia trench (made from recycled water bottles), $850; maisonatia.com. Each purchase helps transfer one homeless dog or cat to a no-kill shelter.
HELLO, MOTHER: Makeup artist Pat McGrath’s latest eye-shadow palette is sure to sell out—and thus the perfect choice for your tough-to-impress friend.
Pat McGrath Labs Mthrshp Mega: Celestial Divinity Palette, $78; patmcgrath.com.
For the Good Guy
STAY PUFT: Outside hangouts are all the more possible with a warm, cozy coat.
Amazon Essentials coat, $54; amazon.com.
ROAD TRIP: From a boutique fragrance brand, this hand sanitizer’s scent was inspired by Northern California.
D.S. & Durga Hand Sanitizer, $30/8 fl. oz.; dsanddurga.com.
HOT POCKET: For the guy who actually wants to put a label on things, a designer AirPod case.
Dolce & Gabbana AirPod case, $145; saks.com.
BABY FACE: This grooming set is formulated specifically for people of color and has everything a man needs to pamper himself.
Bevel Shave System Starter Kit, $90; target.com.
WELL HEELED: Any serious sneaker head will be happy to add this book featuring 350-plus memorable designs to his collection.
The Adidas Archive: The Footwear Collection, by Christian Habermeier, Taschen, $150; amazon.com.
EASY ESCAPE: A go-anywhere carryall for when we’re finally able to travel again.
Patagonia duffel bag (made of recycled polyester), $159; patagonia.com. One percent of all sales will benefit the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.
WATCH THIS: The ultimate eye candy for any watch enthusiast, this book takes a comprehensive look at the history of this iconic brand.
Vintage Rolex: The Largest Collection in the World, by David Silver, Pavilion, $75; amazon.com.
SOUND OFF: The vintage-inspired speaker comes equipped with Amazon’s Alexa.
Marshall Uxbridge Home Voice Speaker with Amazon Alexa built-in, $200; amazon.com.
HISTORY CLASS: With photos from 34 contemporary artists, this tome explores Afro-Latino identity and the African diaspora in Latin America.
Africamericanos, by Claudi Carreras, Abraham Nahon, German Rey, and Sheila Walker, D.A.P., $50; goodeeworld.com.
For the Haute Hostess
HANDS ON: This keepsake cookbook includes family recipes from all around Africa.
In Bibi’s Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean, by Hawa Hassan with Julia Turshen, Ten Speed Press, $35; amazon.com.
BRIGHT EYED: Spare your guests a hangover with our favorite mocktail.
Ghia nonalcoholic aperitif, $33/18.1 fl. oz.; drinkghia.com.
PRINTS CHARMING: These eco-friendly napkins are almost too pretty to use.
The Oula Company napkins (made of responsibly sourced fabric), $32/4; theoulacompany.com. A percentage of sales will help Oula support food justice for Black Americans.
SWEET SPOT: Printed ceramic dessert plates are the icing on the cake.
Arjumand’s World dessert plates, $475/5; modaoperandi.com.
RAINBOW CONNECTION: Candy-colored coupe glasses are sure to delight even the most stubborn scrooge.
Estelle Colored Glass Champagne coupe glasses, $195/6; estellecoloredglass.com.
GOOD TO GO: Reusable silicone bags perfect for toting snacks and storing leftovers.
Stasher World Oceans Bundle (made of reusable silicone), $34/3; stasherbag.com. A portion of proceeds benefit environmental nonprofits working to protect our planet.
POWER HOUR: A handheld mixer to take any novice baker’s cakes to pro level.
KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer, $100; kitchenaid.com.
POUR ONE OUT: We’re not sure what’s better—the extra-virgin olive oil or the gorgeous speckled bottle.
Frantoio Galantino Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Ceramic Bottle, $47; lucysmarket.com.
FULL HEARTS: A professional-looking apron for anyone with Top Chef ambitions.
Feed apron, $68; feedprojects.com. Each apron purchased provides 25 school meals for children in need.
Yellowpop custom neon sign (using energy-efficient LEDs), from $150; yellowpop.com.
For the Trendy Teen
SO CHARMING: This sleek bracelet is perfect for a teen with high style aspirations.
Uncommon James bracelet, $48; uncommonjames.com.
GREEN MONSTER: We’ve yet to find a teen who doesn’t want an iPad—get them one in this year’s coolest color.
Apple iPad Air (uses a 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure), from $600; apple.com.
HALF AND HALF: Bank on this unisex yin-yang ring for a jewelry-loving teen.
Wilhelmina Garcia ring, $174; wilhelminagarcia.com.
EYE SPY: Unisex and so, so cool, these sunnies from cult-favorite brands Daily Paper and Komono are a guaranteed hit.
Daily Paper x Komono sunglasses, $160; dailypaperclothing.com.
BERRY FINE: This beaded necklace feels both nostalgic (hello, ’90s crafts projects!) and totally current.
Beepy Bella necklace, $255; beepybella.world.
SCAVENGER HUNT: Made with found objects and hand-knotted in Haiti, this tote is perfect for an eco-conscious kid.
Petit Kouraj x SVNR tote, $215; petitkouraj.com. Handmade by artisans in Haiti using sustainable materials.
ON THE CASE: Keep splurgy gadgets safe and chic in a designer phone case.
Longchamp iPhone 11 Pro case, $65; longchamp.com.
STAR POWER: Coach’s signature dinosaur gets a wintery makeover in itty-bitty ice skates.
Coach sweater, $450; coach.com.
KNIT WIT: Anyone else getting flashbacks to dELiA*s catalogues? That skater-girl look is back in a major way.
Monki socks, $7; monki.com.
POWER MOVE: This graphic T makes a strong statement in support of Black Lives Matter, and we’re here for it.
Club Fantasy T, $45; clubfantasy.us. All proceeds benefit Black Lives Matter initiatives.
For the Kiddies
OUTDOOR FUN: Kids will love this outdoor playhouse and its fun features make it a great place to entertain their friends. As an extra bonus, InStyle readers get 20% off any Backyard Discovery item; simply enter the discount code InStyle20 at checkout.
Backyard Discovery Aspen Playhouse, $379; backyarddiscovery.com .
ALL-IN-ONE: This subscription service delivers boxes packed with educational activities for little kids—all printed on eco-friendly materials.
Sago Mini Box subscription (boxes are made with zero-waste packaging and recycled materials where possible), from $15/month; sagominibox.com.
WASTE NOT: This too-cute toddler’s chair is entirely earth-friendly and looks at home with more-adult furniture.
Ecobirdy Charlie Chair (made of recycled plastic), $199; goodeeworld.com.
CIRCLE GAME: This shape-sorting garbage truck is made of reclaimed materials—so meta.
Green Toys Shape Sorter Truck (made of recycled plastic), $32; wholeearthprovision.com.
SUGAR AND SPICE: The perfect book for children who love both dinosaurs and glitter.
Roxy: The Last Unisaurus Rex, by Eva Chen, Feiwel & Friends, $19; amazon.com.
CHOW HOUND: This adorable teether provides relief to sore baby gums.
Darlyng & Co. Yummy Buddy Training 3-in-1 Toothbrush/Teether toy (made of eco-friendly silicone), $10; darlyngandco.com.
HIGH FLYING: These airplane kits are sold by 6-year-old Nicholas, and proceeds help send books to babies in NICUs all over the country.
Creations by Nicholas DIY plane kit, $12; creationsbynicholas.com. $1 from each sale benefits the Triple Heart Foundation.
PLAYING HOUSE: A teeny, tiny kitchen can help spark kids’ interest in cooking.
Milton & Goose Essential Play Kitchen (handmade with sustainable wood and eco-friendly finishes), $649; miltonandgoose.com.
TOY STORY: Blow any truck-obsessed toddler’s mind with this ride-on fire engine.
Firetruck Ride-On, $129; potterybarnkids.com.
CREATURE FEATURE: Bath time gets an upgrade with a set of natural soaps in fun animal shapes.
Zaaina natural soap bars, $30/6; zaaina.com.
COLOR THEORY: These ultrabright sneakers are part of a collaboration between Vans and the Museum of Modern Art.
MoMA and Vans sneakers, $50; store.moma.org.
MAKE NO MISTAKE: Cautious little artists will love coloring outside the lines with crayons that actually erase.
Ooly I Heart Art erasable crayons, $12/6; ooly.com.
This fun set of masks transforms into wristlets or hair ties and features the cute Cubcoats characters, Pimm the Puppy, Kali the Kitty and Flynn the Fox. 10% of proceeds go to Feeding America to support COVID-19 relief efforts.
Cubcoats Kids Mask Buddies, $18; cubcoats.com
Give the gift of playful learning with this robotic coding toy. Kids learn invaluable skills through the engineering design process, including coding, testing, planning, and building their robot to bring their creation to life.
KinderLab Robotics KIBO 15 Home Edition - The Screen-Free STEAM Robot Kit, $199; amazon.com
For the Fitness Buff
BOTTLE ROCKET: The key to finally kicking your plastic-water-bottle habit? A reusable version that’s as cute as this one.
Stadium Goods Nalgene water bottle, $30; stadiumgoods.com.
WASH AND GO: A gym-bag-friendly set of curl-styling products from Tracee Ellis Ross.
Pattern On-the-Go kit, $24; patternbeauty.com.
FEATHER WEIGHT: An ultralight and ultra-warm vest helps make outdoor workouts possible year-round.
Herno vest, $1,375; herno.com.
GREAT OUTDOORS: Form meets function in this trail-worthy hat courtesy of Swedish fashion brand Acne Studios.
Acne Studios hat, $160; modaoperandi.com.
SNOW BUNNY: A collaboration between French fashion house Chloé and ski brand Fusalp, this ski helmet promises to protect and serve—serve your look, that is.
Chloé x Fusalp helmet, $795; net-a-porter.com.
IN THE FOLD: Brompton’s genius bike folds up when not in use, making it suitable for even the tiniest apartments.
Brompton Bicycle M6L, $1,755; us.brompton.com.
TOP IT OFF: A cute cap that protects your skin and benefits a great cause? Win-win!
Trouble See Me Coming hat, $32; shop.troublemakers.org. All profits benefit organizations working for gender equity.
MADAM PRESIDENT: Honoring trailblazer Shirley Chisholm, the first Black U.S. presidential candidate, this sweatshirt will never go out of style.
Phenomenal sweatshirt, $55; phenomenalwoman.us. A portion of proceeds benefit the Phenomenal Women Action Campaign.
BRIGHTEN UP: These individually packed and highly portable face-cleansing wipes contain ingredients that amp up your skin’s glow.
Lauren Napier Beauty Flaunt wipes, $46/50; laurennapier.com.
KNOT ANYMORE: Blast tight muscles and sore spots with this cult-favorite massage gun.
Theragun Elite massager, $399; amazon.com.
For the Happy Homebody
SEW SWEET: Dainty, embroidered cocktail napkins are just the thing for a vintage lover.
Tory Burch cocktail napkins, $98/4; toryburch.com.
LIGHT MY FIRE: In scents like tomato leaf, coriander, and marijuana, Loewe’s home fragrances set a distinctly bohemian mood.
Loewe scented candlesticks, $80 each; loewe.com.
ON THE DOT: Clocking in at under $50, this gadget is a powerful speaker and question answerer able to give you the weather and news or settle any kitchen-table debate.
Google Nest Mini (made partially from recycled water bottles and post-consumer recycled plastic), $49; store.google.com.
CARRY ON: We fell hard for 11-year-old Uzziah, who started his candle brand to bring calm to others in the midst of the COVID crisis and social unrest.
Calm & Cure Candle Co. gift box, $54; calmandcurecandles.com. Ten percent of sales benefit mental health research and awareness.
WOVEN WONDER: Feel good about gifting a multipurpose basket that’s both beautiful and sustainable.
Swahili Imports for Domain by Laura Hodges Studio basket (made by artists working within the Fair Trade Federation using renewable resources), $69; domainbylaurahodges.com.
PITCHER PERFECT: Whether filled with ice tea or flowers, a hand-blown Murano glass vessel is a showstopper.
Campbell-Rey x Laguna B carafe, $320; matchesfashion.com.
BRIGHT SPOT: You don’t need a green thumb to keep this sweet succulent alive.
Lula’s Garden succulent box, $46; amazon.com. Each garden sold provides six months of safe water for one person in need.
FLOWER POWER: One can never have too many trays—especially when they’re as eco-friendly and lovely as this one.
Utopia Goods tray (made sustainably of reforested plywood), $129; utopiagoods.com.
ISLAND TIME: Décor and entertaining expert (and resident Bahamian) India Hicks serves up endless inspiration in her new tome.
An Entertaining Story, by India Hicks, Rizzoli New York, $50; amazon.com.
SOFT LANDING: Graphic and textured, these pillows can go in every room.
xN Studio pillow cover (made of naturally dyed organic cotton), $90; xnasozistudio.com.
For more stories like this, pick up the December 2020 issue of InStyle, available on newsstands, on Amazon, and for digital download Nov. 20th.