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While gift-giving often involves factoring in the occasion and the recipient’s interests, sometimes the mind just draws a blank. That’s where this list of timeless gifts comes in: Some presents are so classic and universal that they can’t be tied to any one particular season or holiday.
Whether it’s to celebrate a graduation, a birthday, or just a little treat to say hello, there are some ideas you can turn to time and time again and know they’ll be well received.
These are the ones you’ll want to have on standby for the moments when you’ve run out of ideas. To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of the most timeless gifts you can give — from the ubiquitous flower bouquet to a more creative way to send a bottle (or four) of wine.
26 timeless gifts that work for any occasion:
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask Standard Bottle (24 oz), available at Amazon, Nordstrom, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, from $30.81
Everyone could use a high-quality water bottle, and Hydro Flask definitely delivers. Its insulated interior can keep cold beverages cold for 24 hours and hot ones for up to 12.
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Apple Airpods with Charging Case, available at Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart, from $169
A pair of good headphones is always a popular gift and one they’ll likely see tons of use from. Apple’s wireless Airpods are a favorite for their convenient, barely-there design that can transition from virtual meetings to jogs around the park.
Maude
Maude Tub Kit No. 1 Soaking Salts and Coconut Milk Bath Set, available at Maude, Sephora, and Nordstrom, $36
Bath sets are timeless gifts because everyone bathes, but quality soaking salts and soaps aren’t always things people think to buy for themselves. This set from Maude has warm notes of amber, cedar leaf, lemongrass, tonka bean, and Medjool dates.
Macy’s
MVMT Legacy Slim Watch, available at Amazon, MVMT, and Macy’s, from $88.50
Available with leather and metal wristbands, this classic-looking watch goes with any style and is from one of our favorite watch brands.
Amazon
Bellroy Slim Sleeve Wallet, available at Amazon and Bellroy, $79
If their current wallet is looking a bit worn, it might be time for a replacement. Gift them an upgrade with the Bellroy Slim Sleeve, a leather bifold style that’s beloved by the Reviews team. Its clever minimalist design holds a surprising amount of cards and cash.
Mark & Graham
Wood and Marble Appetizer Serving Platter, available at Mark & Graham, from $139
Made from a combination of wood and marble, this classic-looking serving platter is perfect for charcuterie boards and cheese plates. Plus, you can get it monogrammed with your giftee’s name.
Amazon
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, $139.99
With an Amazon Kindle, they’ll always have the latest bestseller at their fingertips. This version of the Paperwhite is the lightest, thinnest yet so it’s easy to stash in a beach tote or briefcase. Plus, it’s now waterproof so they won’t have to worry about splashing when reading by the pool.
Leatherology
Deluxe Luggage Tag, available at Amazon and Leatherology, from $40
Even if they’re not heading to any exotic locales right now, a quality luggage tag is still a gift they’ll have and use for years to come. It’s an easy and fairly affordable way to upgrade someone’s existing suitcase or weekender bag. Leatherology offers more than a dozen colors and two monogram styles to choose from.
Bearaby
Bearaby Cotton Napper Knitted Weighted Blanket, available at Bearaby and Nordstrom, from $199
This organic cotton blanket blends the best of two worlds: The cozy look and feel of a knitted throw with the utility of a weighted blanket.
Williams Sonoma
Le Creuset Signature Dutch Oven, available at Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, and Nordstrom, from $420
Le Creusets are reputable, coveted Dutch ovens because of how durable they are. Made from cast iron and enamel, they can be used to make everything from soups to bread, and are resistant to scratches and chips.
Anthropologie
Kupia Hand Painted Vases (Set of 3), available at Anthropologie, $58
Besides flowers, vases are timeless home decor gifts. This set of 3 features handpainted black-and-white patterns that can match pretty much any space.
Otherland
Otherland Dappled Wood Scented Candle, available at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Otherland, $36
A nice candle is a truly universal gift. We especially love those from Otherland, a cool candle startup with quality ingredients at a reasonable cost. This warm, spicy scent has top notes of sandalwood that’ll make any room feel instantly cozier.
The Sill
Hoya Kerrii Plant, available at The Sill, from $34
It’s hard to go wrong with a small, cute plant that’s easy to care for. This heart-shaped one from The Sill can easily be added to your giftee’s home plant collection or office desk.
Goldbelly
Gift Card, available at Goldbelly, from $25
Goldbelly is one of our favorite services for ordering gourmet food from popular restaurants and chefs all over the country. If you don’t know what treat they’d like, a gift card can help them pick out what they’d like.
West Elm
Hand Painted Cereal Bowls, available at West Elm, from $12
These bright, artsy bowls will be a welcome addition to any kitchen cabinet. You can buy them individually or in a set of four.
Mejuri
Croissant Dôme Hoops, available at Mejuri, $78
If you want to gift jewelry, these bestselling Mejuri hoops can’t be beat. They’re small and casual enough to wear every day, but still feature an eye-catching design that makes them stand out.
West Elm
Horizon Lead-Free Crystal Glassware, available at West Elm, from $30.40
Perfect for a housewarming or wedding gift, these stylish wine glasses come in sets of four or eight and can be ordered in stemmed or stemless form.
Artifact Uprising
Custom Photo Book, available at Artifact Uprising, from $15.30
If you’re struggling to come up with a gift idea, a photo album of your favorite memories together is one that’s always meaningful. Artifact Uprising has plenty of sophisticated, customizable options that look nice enough to earn a permanent spot on the coffee table.
J.Crew
Oversized Cashmere Wrap, available at J.Crew, $112.50
Whether they want to wear it as a super-warm scarf or throw it over their shoulders as a shawl, this cashmere wrap will be put to good use.
Paper Source
Beary Much Thank You Card, available at Paper Source, $5.50
If nothing else, a card is always a nice gesture. Brands like Paper Source carry many creative, fun options, like this “Thank You Beary Much” card.
1-800-Flowers
Fresh Bouquets, available at 1-800-Flowers, from $29.99
There are few (if any) gifts more classic than a delivery of fresh flowers. No matter the occasion, you’re sure to brighten their day with an arrangement from 1-800-Flowers, which we named as the option for last-minute shoppers in our guide to the best flower delivery services.
Parachute
Classic Bathrobe, available at Parachute, $109
You’ll have a hard time finding someone who wouldn’t enjoy the gift of a plush, spa-quality bathrobe. This one from Parachute is one of our favorites, and they’ll love wrapping themselves up in soft, long-staple Turkish cotton.
Anthropologie
Tiled Margot Monogram Mug, available at Anthropologie, $14
Whether you’re looking for a fun stocking stuffer or just a little something to say you’re thinking of them, a coffee mug is always a good, practical choice. This mug lets you choose their initial for a more personal touch.
Winc
Wine subscription, available at Winc, from $29.95
You could swing by the wine store and pick up a bottle, or you could go the extra mile and gift a subscription to Winc, an online wine club. After taking a short quiz, your giftee will receive a box of four bottles hand-picked just for them based on their palate and current trends. You can choose from a one- to three-month subscription. Read our full review here.
Milk Bar
The Milk Bar Sampler, available at Milk Bar, $60
Whatever you’re celebrating, the occasion will be that much sweeter with a box of cookies and treats. This sampler from the famed Milk Bar bakery is sure to be a hit with its assortment of cookies, birthday cake truffles, and pie, and it’s easy to ship straight to their door.
Cuyana
Leather Travel Case Set, available at Cuyana, $128
Made with Cuyana’s motto of “fewer, better” in mind, this simple-yet-high quality travel set is meant to last for many years. Whether they’re at home or on the road, it’s a better way to keep toiletries, charging cords, and other accessories organized.