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A Betch-Approved Gift Guide To What’s Actually Worth Asking For This Holiday Season

Who made me the happiest this year? Who really deserves the world? Who needs an $89 pair of gloves because they’re bound to make her 10% happier each time she steps outside in the snow this winter? The answer is me.

Holiday shopping is a burden on its own, and on top of it, you have to field “What do you want for the holidays?” questions from family and friends starting November 1. At Betches Style, we’re well aware that everyone and their mother has published a gift guide for the season, so we decided to put our own spin on ours — and help you make sense of what’s actually worth it — by putting together a Sparknotes, no-nonsense style guide to our top editor-vetted fashion and beauty products. They’re the ones we’d recommend to our moms, sisters, friends, and pat ourselves on the back for owning every time we use them.

Whether you’re putting a wish list together for your partner or deciding what to blow your Christmas bonus on, read on for our Betches-approved guide to treating yourself this holiday season.

Under $100

Phlur’s Cherry Stem managed to turn me into a perfume girl this year. It’s warm, sexy, and gets me compliments year-round.

People ask me about my lip combo whenever I wear this POV Beauty liner and gloss and they stay on, like, forever.

The next book you should pick up if you quote The Devil Wears Prada five times a week.

Need some c*nty gloves to make any winter outfit look instantly glam? Get these. (Fear not, they’re tech-friendly.)

A pick-me-up hair mask for dry, damaged strands that’ll actually make your hair healthier.

Blue-light glasses that’ll trick your coworkers into thinking you tried, even when you’re taking a zoom meeting from bed.

soft-matte blush that lasts all day without ever looking dry or patchy.

An equally cool and comfortable pair of Nike sneakers for days spent boppin’ around or running errands.

This jewel-encrusted lighter case that’ll be the perfect finishing touch to your coffee table.

Under $500

Add a little somethin’ extra to your outfits all year round with these cheeky Dolce Vita heels.

Don’t own any colorful sunglasses? Trust us, you need to. This Jimmy Fairly pair is calling your name.

Cool up your ear stack with a pair of climber earrings that are guaranteed to rack you up compliments all throughout 2026.

Have trips on the calendar in 2026? This solid fragrance that won’t run the risk of spilling during travel (and lasts on your skin all day).

A gorgeous work tote that can fit everything plus the kitchen sink. (Bonus: It includes a hidden waterproof compartment.)

A luxe bra from Chantelle that actually fits. That’s it, that’s the gift.

An editor-approved red-light mask that’ll encourage you to give yourself a little extra TLC every night.

A customizable signet pinky ring that’ll become a permanent part of your daily stack.

Wrap-around sunglasses (because you deserve to feel like Charli XCX when you pop out for groceries)

Warm up through the first days of spring with a little hat will liven up your all-black winter outfits.

Do you get Botox, Juvéderm, or CoolSculpting? This gift card (and rewards program) is like a coffee punch card for wrinkles.

charm ring from James Avery that’ll look just as good stacked as it does on its own.

An editor-loved cardigan that’ll never go out of style (and looks just as good draped over your shoulders as it does, you know, actually on.)

Grown-up loafers that’ll accompany you on your morning commute without any pesky blisters joining in.

Splurge

Have a big Christmas bonus that you want to splurge on yourself with (Clark Griswold style)? Designer bags and shoes run the risk of going out of style, but this beautiful lab-grown necklace never will. You won’t take it off until you pass it down to a child one day (but only if they’re really nice to you).

For less time spent at the salon getting blowouts and more spent, you know, living life.

If you’re going to splurge on a piece for your closet, Toteme’s fringe wool jacket will hit a low enough cost-per-wear that it’ll justify the spend.

Looking for a timepiece that you can have forever? Michele’s Mini Deco Watch fits the bill.

A pair of cult-favorite Maison Margiela Tabi pumps will add a little bit of controversy (positive connotation) to your wardrobe.

Need a bag that hits somewhere between statement and everyday? This Ganni hobo bag will play well with anything, but manages to feel special enough to justify the splurge.

If you like getting Botox but don’t like needing to schedule appointments, Skin Clique sends a provider right to your living room.

You can’t go wrong with a statement coat that makes you look rich even though you might still be bumming your parents’ Netflix password.

Brittany Leitner
Brittany Leitner is a freelance journalist and poet based in New York City and originally from San Antonio, Texas. She previously held editorial roles at Elite Daily and The Dr. Oz Show. Her work in digital journalism earned her a Digital Health Award in 2019, and her writing has been published in Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Oprah Daily, Shape, and more. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in Palette Poetry, Gasher, Cutthroat, and New York Quarterly. Follow her on Instagram @britariail.