28 Gifts We're Planning to Buy for Others But Secretly Want for Ourselves

I’ll be honest with you: Gift giving isn’t my love language. However, shopping and curating guides of cool and of-the-moment styles is my job, so when it’s time to shop for the people in my life, I’m pretty good at it despite my fatigue. During this time of year, the market is saturated with an overwhelming amount of attractive options and promotional deals, but I think I’ve mastered the art of holiday shopping, and I’m officially ready to share my secret.

Of all of the stores that I frequent throughout the year, Gap has its shining moment during the holidays. It has just about everything you could possibly think of to gift your loved ones. And as much as I love to keep my options open, by the time my Gap cart is full, I’ve checked off everyone on my list (and, of course, snagged some pieces for myself). I’m talking luxe outerwear, elevated basics, and cozy essentials that remain relevant throughout the evolving trend cycle. My fellow editors are also gift shopping at Gap this year, so I enlisted them for their top-tier recommendations below. Keep scrolling to see their picks.

“I got my mom a massive winter coat last year for the holidays, and I swear every time I call her when the weather is even close to chilly, she’s wrapped up in it. As a result, I’m recycling the gift idea and getting this duvet-like style for the rest of my family.”

“In my family, cashmere is a love language, so when it comes time to buy gifts, I always include at least one cashmere item. After spotting this bold orange option at Gap, I made up my mind that it would be the one for 2022.”

“Much of my time during the holidays is spent with friends and family just lounging around, watching movies, looking through old photos, and drinking unusually large amounts of hot cocoa. This year will be no different—besides the fact that everyone I spend it with will be wearing some version of this hoodie.”

“When we were kids, my grandmother would gift every one of her grandchildren with a robe during the holidays, but she hasn’t done it in forever. Since most of us are probably still using the last version she gave us, I feel like it’s probably time for an upgrade.”

“Yes, I’m one of those people who spoils my dog. She will look so cute in this striped sweater. I actually may buy the matching one for myself!”

“My mom, like me, loves a good knit. This cable-knit silhouette is perfection. It will be great for her everyday life.”

“My husband has a pretty extensive baseball-hat collection, and I know he’ll adore this cool plaid style.”

"Oversize shirting is trending hard right now, and I know my sister-in-law will be all about this chic plaid silhouette."

“My boyfriend is always wearing beanies, which means he’s also always losing them. I love gifting him with a new one every season in a color that’s fun and vibrant.”

“One of my friends recently had a baby, and I’m already anticipating her postpartum wardrobe needs. I think surprising her with a cozy new matching sweatsuit will do just the trick.”

“My best friend is always asking for advice on what to wear. I’ve been trying to convince her to invest in a nice slip dress, so I’m taking this opportunity to gift her with one.”

“My aunt is always complaining about her struggle to find a perfect cable-knit sweater, but thanks to this one, I can finally put her search to rest. I mean, could this be any more impeccable?”

“One of my closest friends loves going skiing and is generally an outdoorsy type of gal. I know she’ll appreciate this beige beanie because it’s a muted tone that goes with everything and has a cute pom-pom.”

“My mom is always complaining about how she doesn’t have any winter sweaters. Since she also lives in L.A., she doesn’t really need anything too heavy, but I think this cardigan is the perfect California winter sweater for her.”

“My best friend is already shopping for a New Year's Eve dress, and I think I’m going to surprise her with this one. The neckline and cut are so cute, and I think she’ll love this gorgeous chocolate shade.”

“My sister loves a good pair of boots, and these cowboy ankle boots are just so perfect. They’ll go with any outfit and are incredibly sturdy for winter. I may selfishly buy them for her because then I’ll get to borrow them.”

“When I was a kid, my parents always dressed me in Gap sweatshirts—there are so many photos of me in them! My boyfriend’s sister recently had a baby, and this is the perfect set to gift her.”

"My mom loves statement earrings, and I know she’ll find a way to wear this fun pair all the time."

“My best friend is always complaining about how cold her apartment gets in the winter—this cozy robe is the ultimate gift to give her this year.”

“My boyfriend is hard to shop for—he has such specific style! When I saw this oxford, however, I knew he would wear it all the time. It’s such a fun piece that’s still easy to incorporate into daily wear.”

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The Beanie Is My Winter Essential - 14 Cozy Options to Shop

I am a firm believer that if your head is cold, you are cold. That's why a hat is an absolute essential come fall and winter. As much as I love accessories, though, hats are so tricky. I love the way hats look on other people, but every time I put one on, I feel like an imposter. Enter, the beanie. It's the one hat that really looks good on everyone, and it'a a cozy accessory that keeps you super warm; there's nothing not to like. Now that the temperature has dipped, I won't leave the house without one; honestly, sometimes I even wear one inside.

If you're looking for a great hat, shop the 14 best beanies we sourced on the internet. We found options that are neutral and go with everything, as well as colorful picks that add a pop of color to any look. Plus, where would we be without a few pom-poms? These hats also make for great gifts, so if you're preparing for an upcoming birthday party, or want to get a head start on holiday shopping, these are awesome options. Just keep reading to shop our favorite winter accessory, a cute beanie.

Related:

What POPSUGAR Readers Bought in August: Gel Nail Polish and Halloween Costumes

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Every Chic Thing I'm Packing for Winter Vacations

Everyone has a favorite aspect of the holiday season. Some people are all about the gifts, and others live for holiday decorations. But for me, it's the travel. I'll take just about any excuse to pack my bags for a weekend away with my best friend. And the only thing that sounds more fun than mapping out the trip is planning the outfits we'd wear during it. Hello, I'm a fashion editor—please don't act so surprised.

Naturally, the looks in question must be trend-forward and chic, but I'll also require some matching moments (whether my friend likes it or not). No matter how small my carry-on luggage is, one item that will always make the cut is Longchamp's Box-Trot handbag. It's the perfect, classic leather bag to complete every cool outfit I want to wear right now. It's no surprise that the French brand has mastered this style. Ahead, see how to style this editor-favorite accessory. (Airline tickets not included. Sorry.)

Wearing matching bags is just the right amount of coordination for a twin moment in all the photos I inevitably take on vacation. The Box-Trot comes in three sizes, all of which feature an adjustable crossbody strap, an especially convenient detail when running around a city all day. (I like to have my hands free so I can properly focus while shopping, but that's another story.) But my absolute favorite detail is the boxy shape—it feels both classic and modern.

The casual vibe of this sweaterdress and cropped puffer vest is perfectly suited for a tiny Box-Trot worn as a crossbody. I love the way the black leather and gold hardware stand out against the olive-green color of the knit dress. 

This look feels very "downtown city girl" with the plaid miniskirt, knee-high rubber boots, and oversize bomber, but the addition of the bag adds a polished touch. The green leather makes a bold and playful statement, especially when paired with matching green sunglasses, which are not required but very much encouraged.

These chic looks are a lesson in taking matching outfits to the next level. The coordinated plaid prints and pops of orange play off one another so well. I'd be tempted to swap bags halfway through the day just because.

The medium Box-Trot would allow me to stash a few extra things when I'm out from morning until night, such as sunglasses, makeup, and even a camera (because again, I will be documenting every detail of this trip). The orange color stands out, yet it's surprisingly wearable. I'd style it with neutrals to give it a solo moment, but pairing it with other orange details like these shoes and the stripe on the pants feels a bit more festive.

Between the shearling vest and the oversize knit, this look has "cozy" written all over it. I love the addition of the crisp, white cotton trousers and baseball cap for a daytime outfit. Come evening, I'd lose the hat, vest, and sneakers in exchange for a blazer and heels. The bag stays because that's the beauty of the Box-Trot—it's casual enough for the daytime and sleek enough for whatever the night brings.

Photographer: Jared Kocka

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An NYC Girl Walks Into Nordstrom—7 Winter Trends She'd Buy and 7 She'd Skip

Everyone loves Nordstrom, but perhaps none more than the fashion set in New York City. With the end of the year rapidly approaching (seriously, can we slow things down a bit?), there's no better time to hit up our favorite retailer. 

Here, I rounded up seven winter trends that editors, influencers, and It girls of NYC are all into currently and seven that they might pass on. With floor-sweeping coats, knee-length skirts, sporty sunglasses, and even snoods, you'll find something to freshen up your outfits. If you're looking for some newer pieces to add to your cold-weather wardrobe, keep scrolling for some inspiration straight from the most stylish inhabitants of the Big Apple. 

Chunky sneakers are great to have for extra traction, but if you're in need of a new pair, do what the New Yorkers do and opt for a sleeker retro style instead, like Nike Cortezs or Tretorns. 

The forest-green accents on this will go with your winter looks. 

A classic for a reason. 

The mix of the light-gray suede and contrasting brown rubber sole is eye-catching. 

Have you ever seen sneakers so pretty? 

Light-blue kicks will stand out from a sea of black footwear. 

Loewe's retro design has an "L" logo and a waved rubber sole. 

Sport-inspired sunglasses are having more of a moment. It's totally fine if you want to give your micro sunglasses a spin, but NYC girls are gravitating more toward shield sunnies now, and it's easy to see why with these cool protective styles that have wraparound lenses. 

Wear your greens.

Keep harmful UV rays out of your eyes with this pink pair. 

Go for a Matrix vibe with this thin design that still has sporty wraparound lenses. 

Can't go wrong with a simple black pair. 

This shield shape ensures your eyewear is the focal point of any look. 

The tubular frame of these sporty sunnies is stunning. 

The next time you have the urge to add yet another leather blazer to your closet, get yourself a dramatically long coat instead. They are the outfit, and you'll be much more bundled up when the temperatures start dropping. 

What winter-white dreams are made of. 

This plaid one looks like a wearable blanket. 

You'll get so much wear out of a houndstooth coat this season. 

Keep yourself toasty in this hooded floor-length style. 

Add some pattern in the form of plaid. 

This structured double-breasted maxi coat is one you'll have in your wardrobe forever. 

You might have long abandoned your skinnies, but if you're still holding on to yours, consider trying a pair of roomy carpenter jeans. The contrast stitching, hammer loops, and extra pockets give a utilitarian feel to your look and add extra details to your denim. 

Can't beat white stitching on black pants. 

You can never have too many pockets. 

This green pair is ideal for your future winter ensembles. 

If you want ones with a slight flare at the hem, look no further. 

The barrel shape combined with the gorgeous hue makes these a must. 

Bet you don't have a pair of pants in this color yet. 

This was the year for platforms, but if you're looking for an equally striking shoe trend that gives you height, get yourself metallic heels. They're still a neutral and go with any outfit you put together. Plus, they have a bit more pizzazz than brown or black ones and would be great for any holiday parties you have coming up.

Kitten heels are always a safer choice if you're not great with heights. 

From the wraparound ankle strap to the gold stiletto and the under-$100 price tag, these are everything. 

A ruched detail makes these heels feel special. 

The double strap across the toes keeps them extra secure. 

Still can't get over these. 

For a little peep-toe action, give these babies a whirl. 

Miu Miu made the pleated mini the ultimate trend this year. If you've stocked up on enough of the shorter skirts and are looking for something that feels a little more new, knee-length skirts are something I've seen pop up in the NYC street style scene—especially over pants if you're more daring. 

Slits on the side make a classic black pencil skirt anything but boring. 

The perfect mid-length skirt does exist. 

A denim skater skirt that hits right at the knees gives off that nostalgic vibe. 

Bubble skirts have arrived! 

If you really want an investment piece, a Thom Browne skirt is one you'll wear for life. 

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't embrace bright colors. 

For winter headwear, NYC girls are all about snoods to keep their noggins warm. You might still see berets appear while you're out, but rest assured, snoods and balaclavas will only continue to rise in popularity. You better get in on them now. 

Snoods and balaclavas are very similar—the latter of which simply covers more of the face. This black wool one will keep you so warm. 

This ribbed one works as both a scarf and a snood when you unroll it. 

The wavy design on this cream style is irresistible. 

Wrap your head in this cashmere snood and you'll look like pure luxury. 

Frame your face with this ribbed design. 

Next: I'm an Editor With Expensive Taste—37 Nordstrom Sale Finds I'm Shopping ASAP

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