Shopping·10 min read

Clothing and Accessories They Actually Won’t Want to Return

the best clothing and accessories gifts
Design: theSkimm | Images: Amazon, Quince, Madewell
October 15, 2024

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Have you ever received a present you didn't know what to do with? (We’d bet your answer is yes.) It could be a holiday trinket that's reserved a permanent spot at the back of your bookshelf, or an itchy sweater hidden in the far corner of your closet. Don't make that mistake for your loved ones this holiday season. From comfy tennis sneakers to silky cashmere scarves and beanies, they won't think twice about wanting to return these gifts. The best part is that most of these pieces aren't just for the colder months. They can be styled throughout the year, which is a win if we’ve seen one. 

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out our full list of gift guides for everyone on your list.

Women's Performance Jogger
Vuori

Stylish joggers they’ll never want to take off…

With an elevated-yet-relaxed fit, these best-selling joggers are the ultimate multitasker. Designed to maximize comfort without sacrificing style, they’re made from a fabric that is somehow both moisture-wicking and ultra soft, meaning they can be worn in colder and warmer months (and everywhere in between). Bonus points: They’re made from 89% recycled content, so they’re doing good while looking good. ($94, Vuori)*

$94 at Vuori
sneakers
Anthropologie

A pair of sneakers for the retro shoe enthusiasts…

Allow your giftee to comfortably start every day with a pair of vintage low-top sneakers. The suede exterior and rubber soles exude that old-school vibe, while the color-contrasted details make this shoe stand out. ($110, Anthropologie)

$110, Anthropologie
scarf
Amazon

A rainbow of classic scarves to give everyone on your list…

Amazon Prime to the rescue. This is the last-minute present that surely won’t disappoint. These affordable checkered scarves boast 4.6 stars and over 10,000 ratings, with reviewers praising the warm yet lightweight feel. Since there are so many colors and prints available, you can feel free to buy for all your relatives or friend groups. ($17.98, Amazon)

$17.98, Amazon
katie kime oxford shirt
Katie Kime

A monogrammed button-down shirt...

We can't imagine anyone who would want to return a piece as classic as this — especially if you give it a personalized touch with their initials embroidered on the chest pocket. This Oxford shirt comes in four colors, from menswear-inspired pinstripe to pale pink, and it's meant to be worn all year long (think: as a bathing suit coverup in summer, or layered under a cable-knit sweater in winter). We love the under-$100 price point. ($98, Katie Kime)

$98, Katie Kime
claw clips
Amazon

A set of large claw clips for the one that always somehow loses one…

Don't let your loved one be at a loss without a good claw clip on hand, and present them with a pack of eight. These jumbo-sized hair clips are nonslip and work for various hair types, from thin to thick, straight, and curly. The popular set has thousands of stellar reviews about its durability and range of colors. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

$7.99+, Amazon
bucket tote bag
Madewell

A bestselling leather bucket tote…

If you’ve ever browsed through Madewell’s accessories, you’d notice that their totes are superior to the rest. With 4.5 stars, the brand’s cool and collected Essential Bucket Tote has proven to be a daily necessity. The tote can comfortably hold a 15-inch laptop, Stanley cup, full-sized wallet, journal, and more with its interior pocket, adjustable shoulder strap, and secure magnetic closure. Plus, it’s available in eight neutral shades, from burnt olive to a soft tawny. ($178, Madewell)

$178, Madewell
women's watch
Amazon

An elegant bracelet watch for the office…

Whether you have a giftee who lives in pantsuits or a work bestie to shop for, it's time to upgrade their office attire with a new accessory. This classic watch will become their go-to accessory. It has a sophisticated rectangular silhouette, with an eye-catching black dial and glossy gold-tone details. It’s the easiest way to elevate their outfits. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

$28.99+, Amazon
sunglasses
Madewell

A pair of timeless oval sunglasses to enter the new year in style…

We love Madewell’s denim, but don’t sleep on their accessories. These sunglasses are one of the brand’s bestsellers because of their ‘90s-inspired elongated oval shape and the full-tint coverage. These sell out fasts, so grab a pair (and one for you) while there still are some left. ($75, Madewell)

$75, Madewell
chelsea boots
Clarks

Black leather Chelsea boots to replace their worn-out pair…

When it comes to cold-weather shoes, you can’t go wrong with a pair of versatile, comfortable Chelsea boots. This Clarks pair is about as classic as they come, and they cost less than $150. The molded and contoured footbed is tailored to support their feet all day long, and they have a stretchy insert to easily get in and out of. ($140, Clarks)

$140, Clarks
cashmere socks
J.Crew

A luxurious pair of socks for your cashmere-obsessed friend…

Cashmere lovers probably have a drawer full of scarves and gloves, but one thing they could be missing is socks. Indulge them with this buttery-soft pair, made of a breathable cashmere blend. There are nine hues to choose from, include cheery brights like cherry red. ($34.50+, J.Crew)

$34.50+, J.Crew
cashmere beanie
Quince

A cashmere ribbed beanie for everyone on your nice list…

Unlike most beanies, which are only available in one size, this cozy design comes in a XS/S and M/L style, and it's available in 11 shades. The under-$30 price is a steal for its warm yet breathable design. ($29.90, Quince)

$29.90, Quince)
fanny pack
Bagsmart

A quilted fanny pack that’ll hold all their essentials…

You have your sleek nylon fanny packs, and then there are pillowy quilted fanny packs. This small yet mighty accessory is soft and durable for errand days, travel, and outdoor activities. The spacious compartment has two mesh interior pockets for daily essentials and an additional exterior pocket with a zipper for security. The fanny pack can impressively hold everything from a mini umbrella to your camera, portable charger, phone, and more. ($36.99, Bagsmart)

$36.99, Bagsmart
water bottle bag
Dagne Dover

A water bottle sling bag to remind them to stay hydrated…

Dagne Dover has fashioned a sling bag perfect for all the active or health-conscious people in your life. Now, they can carry only their utmost necessities, including a 32-ounce water bottle, phone, keys, cards, and more hands-free. ($95, Dagne Dover)

$95, Dagne Dover
spiral dangle earrings
Etsy

An artsy pair of gold spiral earrings to add a delicate touch to their look…

Spice up their holiday wardrobe with these one-of-a-kind spiral earrings. The earring drops only 1.25 inches for a dainty appearance, and the minimalist style complements both casual and upscale outfits. These are a favorite among reviewers for their simple yet well-crafted design. ($18+, Etsy)

$18+, Etsy
leather wristlet
Quince

An Italian leather wristlet card case to make your minimalist’s dream come true…

Functionality is the name of the game with this accessory. Free them of any extra baggage with this sleek Italian leather wristlet that they can comfortably slip around their wrist for errand runs or to walk the dog. Even though it’s small, it has plenty of room for credit cards, cash, and keys. ($34.90, Quince)

$34.90, Quince
sneakers
On

The viral tennis sneaker that’ll prove its worth the hype…

On sneakers are the latest tenniscore accessory that’s attracted everyone’s attention (no doubt thanks to a partnership with Zendaya), and once you wear them, you’ll get the hype. They’re breathable, supportive, and mold to the wearer’s foot. This ROGER Spin is one of their most notable styles, with even more cushioning, a street style-inspired look, and versatile colors to be styled for on- and off-duty days. ($119, Zappos)

$119, Zappos

*This denotes a sponsored product.

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