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42 best Christmas gifts for women in 2025, from luxury gifts to unique ideas
The worst Christmas present I’ve ever heard of was a hedge trimmer, given to my step-mother by her ex-husband. The hedge outside their front door needed a cut and he decided a trimmer was a thoughtful and practical idea.
I think it’s probably safe to say, even in these more equal times, that the best Christmas gift for a woman is not a hedge trimmer. Or a can opener. June, a Telegraph reader, reports that her ex-husband gave her just that one year. “Note the ex,” she stresses.
June is one of 250 readers who recently shared advice on the best gifts to buy this Christmas. You can read a few choice comments below, followed by a guide to this year’s best Christmas presents, chosen by Telegraph Recommended experts and categorised by different interests.
For each category, they’ve recommended not only gifts they’ve tested themselves, but also those that are trending – where there’s a buzz on social media, or a steep rise in online searches. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at this year’s most popular products.
The best Christmas gifts for women: At a glance
Look, buying presents for women can be tricky. “I’m yet to find an answer on the best gift to give a woman,” says Norman, another Telegraph reader. I feel his pain. We can be picky, demanding, exacting and judgemental. There she sits, unwrapping the present you’ve spent months thinking about, holds it aloft and says, “Did they not have it in another colour?”
Many years ago, a sweet ex-boyfriend bought me a watch with a pearlescent strap. I hated it. It took me several hours of wearing it before I plucked up the courage to tell him, whereupon he said, “I could tell that from your face when you opened it.” Here are my tips for avoiding that fate.
Sophia’s advice on choosing Christmas gifts for women
Romantic gifts
Watches and jewellery are risky, because personal taste is so subjective. You might get it very wrong. The same applies to perfume, clothes and undies. “Reactions vary wildly,” muses Kelvin, a reader from Wales, about lingerie. “Can be terrifying either way.”
Experience gifts
According to those surveyed, and to me, an experience is often the best present. Another ex-boyfriend bought us tickets to New York. That was pretty fabulous. But it doesn’t have to be extravagant.
What about a voucher for a restaurant you know she likes? You could go there together. A voucher for a massage – so long as she likes massages – is also a kind gesture. Especially if she’s overworked and exhausted and unlikely to book a treat like that for herself. One brother gave me a very generous voucher for a spa for my birthday and he is now my favourite brother.
Tasteful gifts
Some people sniff about scented candles, but I’ve never been upset to receive one. Look for something that smells expensive and will last; Cire Trudon, if you really want to push the boat out.
A well-chosen book also gets top marks from me, but a considered book instead of any old romantic comedy from the shelf in Sainsbury’s. Magazine subscriptions, especially if they’re into something niche – knitting? dogs? bird watching? – are also good because they make a present stretch throughout the year.
Garden gifts
Talking of birds, they seem a popular choice among Telegraph readers. Pamela says her best-ever present was a hand-carved stone bird bath which still gives her pleasure every time she looks through the window. Victoria says the best present she’s given her mother was a bird feeder.
You can now get feeders with cameras, too, in order to monitor which birds are flying in and out for their seeds. I’d take one of those over a pair of lacy knickers any day.
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No brand or retailer ever sees Telegraph Recommended articles before publication and we don’t accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles.
Our team of in-house consumer journalists curate our gift guides, recommending brands and products that have previously been tested or approved by the Recommended team. We also ask our readers to give feedback on their favourite gifts via surveys, which may be included in our guides.
Best Christmas gifts for women
Best cosy gift ideas
Who wouldn’t want to receive something warm, soft and comforting for Christmas? It’s the most fail-safe type of gift you can buy, whatever her age. Here’s a selection, at different price points.
