14 Gifts for Your Son’s New Girlfriend That You’ve Literally Just Met
You don’t know her favorite color yet, but you can still make her feel welcome.
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The holidays are full of gifts for people you know by heart: your best friends, siblings, parents, and significant other. Then there are the people you’re still getting to know—like your son’s new girlfriend, who’s coming home for Christmas. Does that sound oddly specific? Maybe, but even if you don’t know her well yet, you can still give her something thoughtful.
I’ve been that girlfriend, showing up at my new boyfriend’s house and receiving gifts that felt incredibly kind. You don’t need to make a grand gesture. A small, thoughtful gift can help her feel welcome without putting pressure on either of you.
As editors, we see plenty of products come across our desks, and these are some of my personal favorites. They’re popular gifts that can help your son’s girlfriend feel welcome—and earn you a reputation as a great gift-giver. And remember, when in doubt, include a gift receipt.
If you have a little sense of her style, a pretty, dainty piece of jewelry can be a lovely choice. These trendy hoops are versatile enough to wear during the day or at night.
When you barely know what someone likes, you really can’t go wrong with a fun home find. These colorful glasses have a vintage-inspired look that makes them feel way more special than an average drinking glass. They’re cute enough for cocktails but practical enough for her morning coffee or a glass of water.
Who doesn’t love a Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm set? It comes with two of the brand’s cult-favorite shades, Vanilla and Vanilla Beige, giving her a little variety without having to commit to just one. Both add a glossy wash of color while keeping lips soft and hydrated—and honestly, you can never have too many lip balms.
I have this crewneck and would wear it every day if I could. It’s incredibly soft and has a slightly cropped silhouette that fits me just right. The relaxed style is easy to layer under a coat and polished enough to wear on its own.
You could even grab two—one for you and one for her. A sleep mask makes every night feel a little bit more luxurious. The silk is designed to help prevent sleep creases and protect hair from damage.
I love Le Labo, and this discovery set makes a fun gift if you’re not sure which scent she’d like. It includes five 1.5-mL fragrances, including Santal 33, Thé Matcha 26, and Rose 31, so she can try a few before choosing a full-size bottle. The set comes in a kraft box with a personalized label, too.
These are definitely on my wish list. The tartan is incredibly stylish, and the leather outer layer makes them feel like a special gift. If your son’s girlfriend lives somewhere cold, they’re a practical pick that can keep her warm.
A coffee-table book can be a thoughtful gift if you know a topic she’s interested in—or maybe there’s one you love and think she might enjoy. I have this one and am obsessed: It’s colorful, makes a beautiful display, and feels like a luxe gift. It’s filled with images and stories about wellness, food, design, nature, and more.
I love this tapestry-style throw, and I think your son’s girlfriend will too. It’s high-quality, comes in several designs and can add a little color to any room. Plus, it looks like a piece of art.
When in doubt, a self-care gift is a great idea. I especially love a hair-care set, and this one from Crown Affair is designed for all hair types. It helps hydrate hair, smooth frizz, and boost shine without weighing it down.
If you’re thinking, “Wow, so original,” I get it—but a nice candle is a thoughtful middle-ground gift for someone you’re still getting to know. Snif’s Mornings at Levain candle is inspired by the bakery, with notes of sea salt, cookie, chopped walnuts, and fluffy musk. The 8.5-ounce candle burns for 50+ hours, so she can enjoy that cozy, just-stepped-into-a-bakery feeling long after Christmas.
Who doesn’t love a chic toiletry bag? This burgundy croc vanity case is perfect for use at home or on the go. It’ll add a little polish to her daily routine while keeping her makeup and other essentials together.
Who doesn’t love a good pair of sunglasses, especially when they’re on the more affordable side? These ’90s-inspired Le Specs sunglasses are not only incredibly retro-chic, but they’re also lightweight and easy to wear and carry around every day. And if they’re not quite her style, she can easily return them and choose from hundreds of other options from the brand.
If she’s the type of person who loves a little skincare ritual, this Caudalie set is a fun one to consider. For $49, you get three of the brand’s popular products: a full-size Beauty Elixir, a mini Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum, and an Instant Detox Mask.
Balim Tezel (she/her) is a social media editor at Good Housekeeping, where she manages social strategy and creates content across social and digital platforms. Her work spans fashion, shopping, beauty, lifestyle, food, and more. Previously, Balim was a fashion and commerce writer at Popsugar, where she covered product reviews, gift guides, deals, and shopping trends. A Northwestern graduate, Balim’s work has appeared in Glamour, Vogue Turkey, and more. She’s also the founder of Maison des Nus, an affordable luxury clothing brand. When she’s not working, you can find her sourcing fabrics in the Garment District or taking a hot yoga sculpt class. Follow her at @balimtezel.
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