61 Gifts For That Hard-To-Shop For Sister
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Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or other special occasion, finding the perfect gift for your sister can be a challenge. If you live far away from her or you can’t see each other often, gift selection might be even more challenging! But we understand — and that’s why we’ve done all of the hard work for you. Whether your sister is a girly girl who loves fashion, makeup, or the newest skincare, or she loves getting dirty in the outdoors, we have something on this list for her!
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $50
$$ | Between $50-$100
$$$ | Over $100
Fashion/Skincare
For your sister's birthday, why not treat her to a thoughtful gift with her (or your) favorite beauty product? This special occasion is the perfect time to help her stock up on an essential, but it’s also a great time to introduce her to something new or an item that she might not otherwise buy for herself. We love a luxurious skincare set that’s customized uniquely to her, such as a rejuvenating night serum or a hydrating face mask. But if she is a lover of fashion, you can never go wrong with something new and trendy, or a classic piece that complements her style, like a chic handbag or a cozy cashmere sweater. By choosing a gift that caters to her beauty needs or personal style, you'll undoubtedly make her birthday extra special and show her how much you care.
Image: Sephora
Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil
FEnty Skin
Price: $
At Swift, we love Fenty! Why not give this gift of makeup luxury to all of the sisters in your life? This hydrating lip oil is an award-winning product that your sister will love.
Image: Etsy
Sisters Necklace
Gracefully Made STudio
Price: $
The bond that you have with your sister is special. Give her a simple gold necklace with a symbolic pendant to proudly share that bond.
Image: ILIA Beauty
The Skincare Set
ILIA
Price: $$
The gift of sustainable beauty is always a good idea, and you can’t go wrong with anything from ILIA Beauty. This duo makes the perfect introduction to this notable beauty brand.
Image: Etsy
Personalized Mirrored Cosmetic Organizer
Black Yak Customs
Price: $
Personalize this makeup organizer with your sister’s name (or nickname) as a thoughtful gift. The mirrored design comes in a variety of colors and designs to match any aesthetic. This is sure to be a gift that will be put to good use!
Image: Nordstrom
LA CRÈME Main Texture Riche Hand & Nail Cream
Chanel
Price: $$
A good hand creme is an underrated beauty essential that anyone will appreciate.
Image: Nordstrom
Joy Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
JW PEi
Price: $$
For the fashionable sister in your life, a trendy shoulder bag is guaranteed to be a gift that she will love.
Image: Nordstrom
Signature Square Bracelet Watch
MVMT
Price: $$$
This elegant gold watch is perfect for any occasion your sister has on her social calendar this year, dressy or casual.
Image: Amazon
Acrylic Hair Clips
Sunolga
Price: $
Help your sister out when she’s having a lazy-girl hair day—these cute hair clips are a quick fix!
Image: OSEA
Vagus Nerve Bath Oil
Osea
Price: $
Why not let your sister soak away the stress and leave the day behind? This soothing bath oil helps to promote a sense of serenity that relaxes the mind, heart, and soul.
Image: Etsy
Zodiac Birthday Ring
Caitlyn Minimalist
Price: $$$
A dainty and fashionable ring that they can wear every day! This thin gold band is flattering and will match all of your sister’s gold jewelry pieces.
Outdoorsy
When choosing a gift for your outdoors-loving sister, the first thing that comes to mind are gifts that are both practical and enriching for her adventures. If she loves to get out into nature, why not gift her a high-quality waterproof backpack to carry her essentials while hiking, camping, or exploring or a durable, insulated water bottle to keep her hydrated during long treks. If she is someone who is constantly on the go or jet-setting across the country, you can’t go with a piece of quality luggage! Whatever you choose, a thoughtful gift that aligns with her passion for the outdoors will surely be appreciated and enhance her experiences.
Image: Nordstrom
The 21-Inch Carry-On Roller
Béis
Price: $
If a fun weekend trip is your sister’s definition of being outdoors, help her prepare and enjoy her travels with this durable, hard-cased design by Béis.
Image: Nordstrom
XT-6 Sneaker
Salomon
Price: $$$
Your sister can wear these shoes for everything from outdoor adventures to cool streetwear looks. We love the all-black, but check out the other color ways, too.
Image: Amazon
Reversible Plastic Straw Mat
Sand Mine
Price: $
The perfect rug to take to the beach, place on the grass while camping, put on the patio, or use in your backyard. It folds easily and can be carried around to any outdoor event!
Image: Athleta
Endless High Rise Cargo Pants
Athleta
Price: $$
These pants are beyond functional and a gift that your sister will love. They’re made of breathable, recycled polyester that is perfect for sunny hikes or cool athleisure looks. Plus, they are comfortable, yet durable enough to wear while on the move.
Image: UGG
Classic Mini II Boot
UGG
Price: $$$
Warm, cozy UGGs are comfy to wear while out camping or even after a workout class!
Image: Backcountry
Lightweight Snap-T Fleece Pullover
Patagonia
Price: $$$
A classic, extra-soft fleece your sister can wear for snowy treks and long travels! It provides just enough warmth and coziness throughout any adventure.
Image: Amazon
Knit Seamless Soft Cropped Tanks
ODODOS
Price: $$
You can’t ever have too many sports bras, right? These soft racerback bras are comfortable to wear all day or during any low-impact workouts that your sister enjoys!
Image: Nordstrom
Bisphera 68mm Prizm™ Gradient Oversize Rectangular Sunglasses
Oakley
Price: $$$
Does your sister enjoy outdoor sports? These polarized sunglasses offer optimal grip and support for any intense run, hike, or outdoor activity.
Image: Lululemon
The Mat 5mm
Lululemon
Price: $$
This cult-favorite yoga mat by Lululemon has been raved about for years, so if you think it’s time for your sister to upgrade her mat—this is the one for her!
Image: Amazon
Quencher H2.0 Tumbler
Stanley
Price: $
This is the internet-breaking water bottle and thermos that everyone has been going crazy for. Your sister can use it for everything from the gym to the office to weekend errands. She will absolutely love it!
Image: Amazon
Instax Mini EVO
FujiFilm
Price: $$$
There’s something charming about an old school Polaroid camera, but we especially love the vintage styling of this one!
Home & Decor
There’s nowhere more special than your home. Whether you live together or apart, a gift that allows her to customize her space juuusssttt how she likes it can not only be a thoughtful gift but one of the most used items that she owns. Plus, if she is someone who has just about everything and is impossible to shop for, choosing something for her home can be an inventive way to find a creative gift or break her out of her comfort zone with something unique.
Image: Etsy
Customized Bath Salts
Savory Sweet Sisters
Price: $
Home is where the relaxation…well, should be. If she doesn’t take enough time for herself, treat her to some custom bath salts. Plus, you can add her name to each vial so it’s unique to just her!
Image: Etsy
Personalized Sister paintings
AnsAtelier
Price: $
Artwork of the two of you can be a fun and custom way to add a bit of color to the walls of her home. Choose your favorite photo and this artist will make a special print just for you!
Image: Amazon
Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
Magnasonic
Price: $
Does she collect jewelry or have a few favorite pieces that she loves to wear? This ultrasonic cleaner is exactly as useful as it sounds — by using gentle vibration, it can clean her favorite rings in no time.
Image: Etsy
‘Not My Circus’ Kitchen Towels
Preppy Pineapple Home
Price: $
There really isn’t much more to say than this sassy towel, is there?
Image: Caraway
Muffin Pan
Caraway
Price: $
Caraway has long been a leader in high-quality cookware, ranging from their ceramic pots and pants to, more recently, a line of bakeware. It’s time to update that old, beat up muffin tin she has with something new!
Image: Etsy
Acrylic Book Vase
Komorebill Printiful
Price: $
Is your sister a bookworm? This unique acrylic vase would look great on her bookshelf filled with her favorite fresh flowers.
Image: Anthropologie
Waterfall Wine Glasses
Anthropologie
Price: $$
Whether she is a wine lover or loves being a hostess, these delicate waterfall glasses are a huge upgrade from your standard glassware.
Image: Anthropologie
Morgan Decanter
Anthropologie
Price: $$
If she prefers her cocktails in a stemless glass—or has a variety of spirits she likes to enjoy—these decanters are heavy, elegant, and would look great on her shelf or on a home bar. (Or, fill it with water and leave it by the nightstand!)
Image: Amazon
Himalayan Salt Block
UMAID
Price: $
For the foodie among us, this Himalayan salt block is one part serving tray and one part unique way to give your food a little extra flavor.
Image: Amazon
Antique Brass Coat Hooks
SDH
Price: $
Did your sister recently move or buy a home? This hook is a very chic way to give her something for her space that also has a vintage feel. Plus, she’ll use it every day!
Tech & Electronics
Choosing a gift that is full of the latest technology can be the type of gift that she would never buy for herself. And, if she is tech-adverse, this might be the perfect time to help her ease her way into the world of smart electronics and useful gadgets.
Image: Amazon
Mushroom Night Light
AUSAYE
Price: $
There’s chic upgrades to your home and then there are just fun upgrades. This mushroom night light is purely whimsical, and we’re here for it.
Image: Amazon
Lap Desk For Writing
Lifelong
Price: $
Whether your sister is a college student studying in her dorm, or she has a journaling practice in bed before she goes to sleep, this lap desk gives her space to write or hold her tablet with ease.
Image: Amazon
Rechargeable Hand Warmers
OCOOPA
Price: $
These rechargeable hand warmers get toasty warm in just seconds and can be quickly and conveniently stored in pockets, backpacks, or even coats when she is out hiking or camping (or just gets cold easily).
Image: Amazon
Walking Pad Treadmill
REvo
Price: $$$
If your sister works from home, chances are that she spends a lot of time sitting. A walking pad fits right underneath a standing desk and makes it oh-so-simple to get your steps in while reading through those mundane work emails.
Image: Nordstrom
4-in-1 Skin Care Wand
SolaWave
Price: $$$
This wand is a portable facial tool that allows you to smooth out imperfections and have more radiant skin almost instantly. A perfect gift for a homebody, too!
Image: Amazon
Folding Book Light
VeeSee
Price: $
Okay, so you don’t have to be a bookworm to appreciate this ultra-unique light. It can be opened for warm or cool light tones and provides a soft glow that creates the perfect evening ambiance. If she has a dark academia aesthetic, this is a must-have piece of home decor.
Image: Amazon
Kindle
Amazon
Price: $$$
Any frequent traveler will tell you that there’s nothing worse than getting stuck somewhere without something to do. Even worse, on those long flights, you might run out of battery on your electronics. So, why not be prepared to curl up with a good book (or two…or three) all in one portable reading device?
Image: Amazon
Hue Smart Light Starter Kit
Philips
Price: $$$
New homeowner? First apartment of her own? If she doesn’t know where to begin with creating a smart home, this starter kit makes it simple to get customizable lighting with the press of a button.
Image: Amazon
Face Tracking Phone Mount
Belkin
Price: $
The ideal gift for a sister who lives far away, this tracking phone mount will always keep her face in focus, even if she can’t sit still to video chat with you. It’s also a great gift for someone who loves to film videos because this unique mount will track your face and adjust accordingly so that you’re never out of frame.
Image: Amazon
Selfie Ring Light
TSAI
Price: $
Another incredibly affordable tech find, this selfie ring light can be clipped onto a phone, tablet, or laptop to give her better lighting quickly. This is a perfect work from home gift, but also for any college student who is doing classes virtually.
Self Care For The Homebody
Chances are, if your sister is a homebody, she’s extra-easy to shop for (because you know exactly what you’d like to get) or extra-challenging (because who likes to stay home anyway?). But, you don’t have to be an introvert to need to take time to yourself and practice a little bit of self-care. In fact, we could say the busy non-homebody is the person that might need these relaxing gifts the most. These are the gifts you’ll want to consider if you know that she needs a little pampering.
Image: Amazon
Shower Steamers
Body Restore
Price: $
Sometimes a little self-care is the best gift of all. These shower steamers act just like a bath bomb to create a fragrant, spa-like effect for her next shower.
Image: Amazon
Weighted Heat/Cool Mask
Natracure
Price: $
We all love a great way to unwind at the end of a long day. This weighted mask can be worn hot or cold to give a gentle, soothing pressure to her face, eyes, and scalp. Even better, this could be a great gift to ease migraines or tension headaches if she is prone to them!
Image: Amazon
Faux Fur Slide Slipper
Dream Pairs
Price: $
There’s nothing better than a pair of soft slippers to slide on at the end of the day. These come in a variety of colors for a softness that will fit her personal style.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Acupressure Neck Relief Cushion
Uncommon Goods
Price: $
Another gift that is centered around relaxation (or pain relief), this little pillow might look strange, but it provides gentle pressure to muscles around her neck and shoulders, helping to work out tension, stress, and painful knots.
Image: Nordstrom
Coastline Faux Fur Throw Blanket
UGG
Price: $$
A warm blanket like this can be her new favorite addition to her Netflix binge watching sessions.
Image: Amazon
Satin Pillowcases
Bedsure
Price: $
Another affordable upgrade to her bedroom, these satin pillowcases are a beauty gift that can help prevent hair breakage or frizz while she sleeps.
Image: Nordstrom
Lounge Ankle Socks
Stems
Price: $
These fluffy socks can be paired with other items on this list to create a full nighttime self-care basket to encourage her to unwind at the end of the day.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Therapy Dough
Uncommon Goods
Price: $
Similar to a fidget spinner, this therapy dough can allow her to work out any nervous energy or a way to control any unconscious movement. Or, she could use it as a way to unwind if she’s in a stressful situation.
Image: Amazon
Motorized Foot Spa
Best Choice
Price: $$
At home pedicures anyone? This foot spa could be paired with her favorite nail polish for an ideal gift for a beauty lover.
Image: Anthropologie
Bubble Bath
Lollia
Price: $$
If she would rather take a bath than a shower, a great smelling bubble bath should be your go-to!
When She’s Hard To Shop For
We understand — picking out a gift, whether for a birthday or a special occasion can be a labor of love in itself. It is just made even more difficult when you don’t know what to get. If you’re still stumped on what present to give, these unique and personalized gifts are out-of-the-box ideas that might help you to break free from the indecision you’re facing right now!
Image: Amazon
Create Your Own Pet Portrait
Haus And Hues
Price: $
Is your sister a pet lover or has recently lost a pet? This small business will create a custom pet portrait for you from a photo of your fur baby to commemorate them forever.
Image: Etsy
Custom Library Stamp
Paper Peach Shop
Price: $
Now this is the quintessential gift for a book lover! Not only can she customize her books, but she can make sure that you know who to return them to after you’re done borrowing them!
Image: Amazon
Anxiety Relief Activity Book
Leah Guzman ATR-BC
Price: $
We’re always looking for new ways to disconnect from our electronics after a long day, and this activity book makes it so easy. You can work through it daily or weekly to do small projects to relax your brain and unwind from daily stresses.
Image: Amazon
Wall-E 4-Inch Ceramic Mini Planter
Silver Buffalo
Price: $
Give her a cutting of your favorite houseplant or start her collection off with something new in this adorable planter!
Image: Amazon
Quilted Crossbody HydroBag
WanderFull
Price: $$
Hiker? Camper? Or just someone who can never leave home without her water bottle? This portable crossbody bag allows her to carry her favorite beverage completely hands-free!
Image: Credo Beauty
Muscle Soak Bath Salts
Vertly
Price: $
Okay, we couldn’t add shower steamers to the list without giving you the bath equivalent. These relaxing bath soaks are infused with arnica, too, for the utmost relaxation and sore muscle relief.
Image: Dermstore
DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro Device
Dr. Dennis Gross
Price: $$$
This is a splurge gift for when you really want to spoil your sister. This mask uses LED light to boost collagen production in your skin, helping to reduce unwanted fine lines and wrinkles.
Image: Amazon
Image: Anthropologie
Mushroom Birthday Candles
Meri Meri
Price: $
Why not say happy birthday with another whimsical touch? Bonus points if you pair these candles with the nightlight above!
Image: Anthropologie
Nature Table Monogram Mug
Lou Rota
Price: $
These monogram mugs are a feminine and delicate way to give her something personalized just for her —and one that she can use every morning with her favorite cup of coffee or tea.