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Photo-Illustration: Courtesy of retailer As an older sibling, it’s virtually a requirement that I keep up with my younger sister’s changing tastes (and opinions) — and to prove just how well I know her, it’s essential that I go all out in the gift-giving department. That means choosing an item that’s surprising (as in, she wouldn’t think to buy it for herself) but touches on her interests or a recent memory of ours. With those qualifications in mind, I’ve gifted plenty of winners — for her birthday, important holidays we’ve spent apart, her white-coat ceremony, and her next big gig — that she can actually put to use while reminding her of our bond. To help you find a gift that suits your sister, I’ve combed through our archives to uncover 43 standout ideas — many of which are Strategist-tested and -approved by a sister or were successfully gifted to one. And because no two are exactly alike, I found delightful options for every type of sister, including the UGG mary jane that captured our team’s Slack channel and a weighted vest that’s comfortable for bigger chests. Below, I’ve organized each selection by price for those with a specific budget in mind, plus everything is available on Amazon for purchasing ease. If you’re still stuck on what to give her, we also have a holiday hub with hundreds more gift ideas. Under $25 For the sister who’s curious about creatine Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. I love these single-serve packets of lemon-flavored creatine, which your sister can mix into a glass of cold water each morning. They taste just like electrolytes and are free of artificial ingredients. (Momentous also makes creatine chews.) For the sister who’s extra sentimental Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Canvas ‘One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book’ $13 $19 now 32% off $13 Susan Orlean can’t live without this memory-keeping book, which allows you to record any entry on the same date for five successive years. “It’s a kind of simple way of reflecting on the path of your life that I really enjoy,” says Orlean. “It also is a great way to remember events that you otherwise forget about.” For the sister who would still pick Hello Kitty over Labubu Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. House of Earth and Blood, by Sarah J. Maas $10 $19 now 47% off $10 Give her another series by fantasy-romance author Sarah J. Maas to dive in to over the holiday break. House of Earth and Blood is the first book in The Crescent City book series, which Maas’s publisher recommends reading after A Court of Thorns and Roses. For the sister who offers you a face mask before your flight Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. This limited-edition Touchland and Hello Kitty collaboration features the popular berry-scented hand sanitizer plus a bag-charm-esque case. For the sister who isn’t a fan of lip liner Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Wonderskin Wonder Blading All Day Lip Stain Peel Off Masque From $22 $24 now 8% off From $22 This peel-off lip stain is a bluish-purple when applied, but after letting it set for ten seconds or so, it wipes off to reveal natural, locked-in color. It’s perfect for the sister who doesn’t use lip liners but wants a long-lasting soft tint. For the sister who’s always steeping green tea Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Lily Rabe swears by manuka honey, which she discovered years ago while performing in a play and still loves to add into her tea. “I think it’s great for your voice and has all sorts of antimicrobial properties. And it also is delicious,” she says. For the sister who thinks she’s Dr. Pimple Popper Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $15 These star-shaped pimple patches draw gunk out from active acne spots and are also a handy way to prevent skin-picking. According to Paramore front woman Hayley Williams, they look cool on your face, too. For the sister who can never find the toilet during 3 a.m. bathroom breaks Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $9 During the day, this charming mushroom-shaped night-light will look like a toadstool sprouting from a wall, and at night, it’ll save your sister from turning on jarring overhead lights. It’s also color-changing for a little extra magic. For the sister who offers you a face mask before every travel day Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Whether she’s boarding a long-haul flight or relaxing after her nine-to-five, this buzzy Biodance mask will brighten and soften her skin. For the sister who’s studying for the MCAT Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Prepping for medical school is overwhelming. (I know because my little sister just started her first semester this fall.) To lighten her mood, go for this coffee-table book, which has descriptions of rare and common conditions and will add a fun twist to her regular anatomy studies. For the sister who’s quitting her acrylics Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. If she finally gave gel extensions the boot, this tinted polish will repair her natural nails while making them look instantly healthier. It contains hydrating and strengthening ingredients, such as vitamin E, calcium, and bamboo extract. For the sister who’s team Owala over Stanley Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Owala’s Free Sip water bottle was super popular last year — in fact, no fewer than 11 Strategist staffers bought one. But this fall, the brand launched a new product for Owala loyalists: a stainless-steel tumbler designed to hold hot or cold beverages and that can easily fit into your car cupholder. For the sister who has Sofia Coppola’s Archive on her coffee table Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. To go along with the travel mug above, here’s the tea-sommelier-approved Yorkshire Gold that Sofia Coppola told us she drinks every morning. Under $50 For the sister who complains about dull winter skin … Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. The Claudia Sulewski–founded brand Cyklar is beloved by celebrities (including Rebecca Black), and this body oil does wonders for dehydrated skin. It contains vitamin C, which offers antioxidant nourishment and brightens to restore the skin’s natural glow. … and the one who’s extremely oily Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. The Outset Ultralight Moisture-Boosting Oil $29 $44 now 34% off $29 Actor and comedian Ego Nwodim told us that she never thought to moisturize her face because she has oily skin. Then she tried this face oil from the Outset line, which was founded by Scarlett Johansson. “It’s just so light and gives you a glow that looks like makeup without looking like makeup,” Nwodim says. For the sister who just bought a fancy Breville espresso machine Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Airscape Classic $44 $44 This sleek, airtight container will preserve her coffee beans since it’s resistant to temperature changes and locks out excess humidity. For the sister who’s trained in classical piano Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. ‘Chopin: The Ultimate Piano Collection’ $35 $45 now 22% off $35 There’s nothing better than the holidays and gathering around a piano. Even if your sister is out of practice, she’ll enjoy revisiting this actress-approved collection of Frédéric Chopin’s most beloved masterpieces. For the sister who hits her step count on the West Side Highway Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $39 This stretchy neoprene belt can fit your sister’s phone and other small essentials, like keys. It’s tight enough to keep from bouncing when she’s running or on a quick (“hot girl”) walk. I own one and appreciate how comfortable it is to wear. For the sister who knows martinis should be stirred, not shaken Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Libbey Signature Kentfield Coupe Cocktail Glasses $20 for 4 $37 now 46% off $20 for 4 Instead of a traditional triangular martini glass, add this more unexpected round-bottomed coupe to her bar cart. It’s easy to hold and offers a bit more heft (and there’s less chance of spilling). For the sister whose Google calendar isn’t cutting it Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $40 From the makers of the viral Five-Minute Journal, here’s a planner with guided prompts and inspirational quotes to encourage daily reflection and mindfulness. It’ll offer a much-needed break from her cluttered computer calendar. For the sister who lives in athleisure Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $48 We’ve been fans of Baleaf’s yoga pants for many years, and contributor Maggie Slepian says these outperform pricier pairs in her closet from brands including Alo, Prana, and Lululemon. For the sister whose ideal ingredient is retinol Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion $25 $28 now 11% off $25 If your sister swears by the anti-aging power of retinol on her face, it might be time she tried body retinol. Naturium’s formula contains encapsulated retinol to improve skin texture and firmness, plus shea butter to target dryness. For the sister who’s strictly a shower person Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Containing three types of salt sourced from New Zealand, the Himalayas, and Hawaii, this Osea body scrub is our top pick for dry skin — and will make even the tiniest apartment showers feel spalike. For the sister who’s fine-tuning her booze-free home bar Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. If she always goes for light, floral mocktails, gift her this springy nonalcoholic spirit that only needs a splash of tonic. Garden 108 has hints of hay, spearmint, rosemary, and thyme, plus it’s from the U.K.–based company Seedlip, a brand every expert mentioned when we asked them about everything you need to stock an alcohol-free bar. For the sister who’s personally invested in Paris Hilton’s DJ career Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. She’ll appreciate these self-tanning drops that come recommended by Paris Hilton herself and give an Ibiza-like glow. Hilton says she uses the drops with a lotion, and the application lasts around a week. Under $100 For the sister who went to the Short n’ Sweet Tour Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. When Sabrina Carpenter posted a photo dump in July, we clocked her Drowsy sleep mask. It’s our favorite luxury pick because it has 360-degree padding and therefore its light-blocking capabilities are on max. For the sister whose phone battery always hits 0 percent when you’re FaceTiming Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. She’s not great at charging her iPhone, so maybe it’s time you got her an ultraslim, portable power bank. When we compared Anker to Apple, our senior writer Michael Zhao liked the iPhone Air battery because it never gets hot and has a more gradually rounded bevel that fits more comfortably in your hand. For the sister who’s in her Pilates era Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. This isn’t your average fitness mat. It’s designed to double as a block for exercises like tricep dips or push-ups, but it can also add a little extra support during at-home workouts. For the sister who loves an everything shower Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe From $119 From $119 This fluffy bathrobe is an easy upgrade that will make your sister feel like she’s visiting a luxury spa. It has a tie waist and pockets, and the material is highly absorbent, so she can go straight to lotioning up without needing a towel to wipe away leftover water. For the sister who stuffs her feet into any old shoes to bring in the groceries Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Unlike a pair of stepped-on tennis shoes, these puffy North Face mules have an elastic heel, making them ideal for slipping on when she’s running out to grab the mail or taking her pup for a quick bathroom break. I own a pair and love how the outer P.E.T. material and fleece lining are especially cozy on frigid days. Under $200 For the sister who has yet to find her ideal UGGs Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. We wrote about how the UGG mary jane exploded in the Strategist team Slack channel. And while many of us wondered if “science has gone too far,” it’s hard not to be charmed by these platform mary janes, which look so adorable when paired with slouchy knit socks. For the sister who just moved to the East Coast Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. ORORO Women’s Heated Fleece Vest $120 $150 now 20% off $120 She probably isn’t prepared for the cold, snow-filled winter, but this heated vest will make the transition a lot easier. It has four heated zones — around the neck, pockets, and back area — plus she can wear it alone or layer it under a puffer coat. For the sister who blends her makeup with her fingers Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. I have nothing against applying makeup with your fingers, but your sister could always use a brush in her final buffing step. I own a handful of Saie brushes and they are my favorite for diffusing blush, setting my under eyes, and even adding some contour. For the sister who swears by her stone bath mat Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $126 I own this quick-drying stone drying pad, and I love the way it looks like a piece of art on my counter. We used to lay out dish clothes, but when I was looking for a better solution I found that the smaller Dorai version was recommended by professional home organizer Diane Lowy. For the sister who attempts to cut an entire steak with a butter knife Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. J.A. Henckels Statement 15-Piece Knife Block Set $125 $150 now 17% off $125 If she’s never experienced the thrill of easy slicing, get her this knife set, which includes all the basics, plus kitchen scissors and six hefty steak knives. The wood block will also look attractive on her countertop while freeing up some much-needed drawer space. For the sister who’s training for the New York City Marathon Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Miko Shiatsu Deep-Tissue Foot-Massager Machine $270 $350 now 23% off $270 For a super-active sister, this foot massager will work wonders on her cramps and save her some money on pricey massage-therapy appointments. It has three deep-kneading modes, five pressure settings, and a heat-therapy button to release tension and soothe achy arches ahead of race day (or just any day). For the sister who wants to expand her cooking repertoire beyond dino nuggets Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Instant Vortex 5.7QT Air Fryer Oven Combo $106 $140 now 24% off $106 If she’s moving out on her own after graduation, our top-rated air fryer will allow her to roast, bake, broil, or dehydrate meals for one (or many) in a snap. This basket-style model — which has an interior light and a clear window for peeking inside — is more durable than other versions cookbook author Jenny Tschiesche has tested. (This is also the one I gifted to my sister when she graduated from Drake University. She uses it practically every day, she says.) Over $200 For the sister who still uses her phone to track mileage Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Garmin Forerunner 570 (42mm) From $550 From $550 It’s time she tried a GPS watch, and the new Garmin 570 is perfect, whether she’s training for a marathon or just enjoys going for a run here and there. The built-in microphone and speaker will allow her to make and take phone calls from her wrist, so there’s no need to carry an extra device. For the sister who tries to haul heavy books on your family vacations Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Kindle Colorsoft $280 $280 For travel, the Kindle is a no-brainer. Plus, this version has a new display optimized for reading (and highlighting text) in color unlike the Kindle Paperwhite, which is only black-and-white. For the sister who just learned what “rucking” is Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. She can go rucking with a weighted vest like this one from Omorpho. I admit it’s on the pricey side, but it’s the most comfortable design I’ve come across for women (especially folks like myself who have a bigger cup size). For the sister who still can’t commit to the Airwrap Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit $243 $300 now 19% off $243 For half the price of Dyson’s Airwrap, get her this multi-styling system from T3, which has been the secret to my frizz-free blowouts. As someone with long, color-treated hair, I love how the blowdryer attachment quickly dries my strands and the ceramic curling barrels seal in shine. For the sister who can never make time for the massage table Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. I can’t say enough good things about this vibrating back wrap that eases muscle tension in my lower back and quickly decreases soreness. It has three different heat levels and three vibration patterns, plus it’s completely cord-free. For the sister who enjoys spilling anti-aging secrets Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $349 She’ll like this HigherDose mask, which uses red and near-infrared LEDs to target fine lines and wrinkles, plus stimulate collagen production. It’s made of high-quality silicone and features a cordless design that makes it great for multitasking or travel. More Christmas Gift Ideas Get Our Favorite Screen-Free Audio Player for 20 Percent Off How Kate Berlant Gifts An Advent Calendar for Every Kind of Person The 60 Best Holiday Gifts for Every Type of Boyfriend See All The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. The 43 Best Christmas Gifts for Every Type of Sister
