30 Highly-Specific Gifts Worth Giving (and Getting)

From cozy slippers to sumptuous designer bags.

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Friends! I’m so happy to say that the “discourse” around gift guides has maybe officially died. In case you don’t know what I’m referring to, here’s the TLDR: Last year, the internet was in a tizzy and loads of people seemed to be OVER gift guides. I, of course, encouraged people to…I don’t know, have some fun! Spread cheer! Read the gift guides and shop them…or don’t. Because ultimately, is it ever really that deep?

Which leads me to today’s edit: my first gift guide of 2025! I genuinely had so much fun putting this together—as you can tell from the categories—and I hope you enjoy it!

FOR THE FRIEND WHO’S ALWAYS ON THE VERGE OF A CRASH OUT

TBH, they need to chill out. While you may not be able to fix every structural thing that’s causing them stress, you can give them things that help them manage it—from supplements that actually work to products that will encourage them to slow down.

FOR THE FRIEND WHO LOVES A TINY LUXURY

My favorite gift to give: a semi-expensive thing that your recipient would never dream of buying themselves. The perfect indulgence, if you will!

FOR THE FRIEND WHO IS CHRONICALLY ONLINE, BUT REALLY SHOULD TOUCH SOME GRASS

The trick to getting them off their phone and into the real world is equipping them with the tools to do so! The perfect run/walk/weight-training shoe; books and games to keep their hands full; and, if they really need it, the piece of tech many phone addicts have said helped them lower their screen time.

FOR THE LEAST EMBARRASSING MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Have you heard? Having a boyfriend is embarrassing now. A fiancé or husband? Yikes, maybe even worse! JK, I’m being facetious (and quite actually love this on-going debate). If you’re blessed to have men in your life who do their best to not make you hang your head in shame, why not reward them with something great?

MY PERSONAL WISH LIST, IN CASE ANYONE IS TAKING NOTES

For those who are feeling extra generous this year…and by “those” I mean…maybe me?

Reading List

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Nikki Ogunnaike
Nikki Ogunnaike
Editor-in-Chief

Nikki Ogunnaike is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire US. She has previously held roles at Harper's Bazaar, GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. She authors the popular Marie Claire newsletter Self Checkout. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, in her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame. You can follow her at @nikkiogun.