It’s that time of year again. Wish lists are being drafted, jingles are hitting the airways, and somewhere Mariah Carey is prepping a return to her seasonal throne. That’s right. The countdown to the holidays is on.
If you’re like this writer, then you have a not-so-great habit of last-minute holiday shopping. So here’s a 2023 challenge we all should get behind: get it done early. And to help, our team has created the ultimate fail-proof gift guide that will please anyone on your list.
Are they into sneakers but you have no idea what’s “cool”? We’ve got you. Have they been complaining about “not having anything to wear” all year? Covered.
Skip stressfully stalking UPS tracking numbers, and secure your holiday heat early.
Sneakers & Shoes
Jordan 3 Retro SP J Balvin Medellín Sunset
When it comes to holiday heat for most sneakerheads, Jordans are usually at the top of the list, and the Jumpman rarely misses the mark this time of the year. Back in 2021, J Balvin and Jordan Bran teamed up for their first collab, and have been releasing colorful Jumpman designs since, from AJ1 to their latest AJ3. The Air Jordan 3 SP J Balvin will be a highly sought-after pair this year with its more neutral color palette and pop of red ombre.
Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP Union LA Bephies Beauty Supply Summer of ‘96
This list is all about getting the best gifts early, and our newest feature Xpress Ship is all about saving you from disappointment with three-day delivery, and the Jordan 1 Retro High OG SP Union LA “Bephies Beauty Supply” are available with the service. Designed in collaboration with Union LA, their release has become a must-have collector’s piece, appealing to both sneaker enthusiasts and folks who appreciate the cultural significance of the summer of ’96. The pair is a genuine snapshot of sneaker and street fashion’s golden era, and a thoughtful gift for the sneakerhead in your life.
Jordan 1 Retro High OG Chicago Lost and Found
The Air Jordan 1 Chicago is a certified classic that the sneakerhead on your list will absolutely appreciate. Their latest retro from 2022 added a twist to the OG design and gave Jordan fans another crack at locking down the fabled pair. gifting a pair of Jordan 1s in their most iconic colorway is the perfect way to deliver nostalgia and holiday hype. Plus, it’s another Xpress Ship pair, so a win-win for everyone.
adidas Campus 00s Core Black
Adidas has had a solid year with the re-emergence of heritage silhouettes like the Samba and Gazelle. This year, they added an updated look to their classic Campus sneaker with the puffier Campus 00s edition. The pair features exaggerated features like larger stripes on the upper, a bigger tongue, and a thicker midsole, giving the pair a trendier, chunky look, reminiscent of popular skate shoes from the early 2000s.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 14Cream Black Metallic Plum
ASICS has been on a roll this year following a roster of hyped collabs. As a result, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 has been one of 2023’s top silhouettes, praised for its comfort, price, and popular runner aesthetic. For the “IYKYK” sneakerhead on your list, the Metallic Plum colorway makes an amazing gift and will get your loved one a lot of clout with their fits.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70 HiComme des Garcons PLAY White
You can literally never go wrong with a pair of Converse, and the Comme des Garçons PLAY collab is still in heavy rotation for sneaker fans. The special-edition Chucks come in the low and Hi silhouettes and feature the signature CDG heart – a sweet way to show your love this season.
UGG Tazz Slipper Mustard Seed (Women’s)
We all know the holidays are about the cozy vibes, so what better way to celebrate than by giving the gift of comfort in UGG’s newest shade. The trendy slipper’s plush lining and platform sole will be a welcomed treat for the person on your list who appreciates function and style, for lounging in the house or running errands around town.
Crocs Pollex Clogby Salehe Bembury Niagara
Following the comfort trend, Crocs’ ongoing collab with Salehe Bembury is a perfect blend of comfort and innovation. If you’re shopping for someone who likes to test fashion boundaries, this just might scratch their itch. The designer and brand have a longstanding release lineup of vibrant colors to choose from, but if you want to play it safe, this Niagara shade is a more wearable option that can fit into any everyday rotation.
Jordan 11 Retro Cherry (2022)
Sure the AJ1 gets a lot of love, but the Jordan 11 is an iconic silhouette in it’s own right, and is usually an annual release during the holidays. The Cherry colorway is a revered OG, originally debuting during MJ’s ‘95-96 season after returning from his brief retirement, so whoever’s doing the unwrapping will be both impressed in your purchase and thrilled to have the pair in their collection. Plus, red is the color of the season this year.
UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boot Chestnut (Women’s)
That’s right. There’s two UGGs on this list. That’s how popular they’re going to be this season. Like handbags, we’re big fans of anything mini and UGG outdid themselves with an ultra mini boot that needs to be on your shopping list. It’s not quite a slip on, but also not a tall boot, so you get the best of both worlds. And because of it’s short height, it fits nicely under a wide leg jean or an ankle cuff jogger.
Outerwear, Tees, & Bottoms
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse 700 Fill Packable JacketRecycled TNF Black
This iconic outerwear pays homage to The North Face’s classic (and perhaps most beloved) design, now ingeniously crafted from 100% recycled fabric, making it a sustainable choice for the eco-conscious recipient. Retaining all the features that made the original Nuptse Jacket famous, this eco-friendly version boasts 700 Fill-down insulation, a convenient stowable hood, and a water-repellent finish, ensuring warmth, versatility, and style for any winter adventure. It’s not just a jacket; it’s a gift of nostalgia and sustainability
Nike x NOCTA Tech Fleece Hoodie Black
Nike and Drake’s brand NOCTA are no strangers to collabs, recently adding the Nike Tech Fleece to their lineup. The Nike staple is known for being super comfortable and warm – perfect for a winter workout, running errands, or pulling up to the kickback. The drop’s sleek design and quality fabric make the pieces a versatile addition to any wardrobe – a sure pleaser for the person on your list who loves fashion and function.
Nike Life Cable Knit Sweater Rattan
It’s sweater weather, and a knit crewneck is a timeless, quality gift. Nike’s Life Cable Knit Sweater is top on our list with its luxe blend of cotton. The cableknit pattern gives it dimension and the rattan colorway is a versatile addition for a growing wardrobe. It’s an investment piece, but your recipient will have it in their collection for years to come.
Acne Studios Relaxed Fit Jeans Blue
Relaxed fit and wider pant silhouettes are undoubtedly having a moment in fashion following the revitalization of Y2K trends. If you’re looking for a trendy gift this season, consider the Acne Studios Relaxed Fit Jeans. The pants feature fading and slight distressing you would find in a well-worn vintage pair of pants, without compromising on quality. With such a timeless wash and shape, they’ll receive plenty of love and wear in any wardrobe.
Sp5der TC Hoodie Blue
Young Thug’s Sp5der apparel brand has been on a nonstop growth trajectory for a few years now. The continued success has been carried throughout 2023, as the Atlanta artist-founded brand has become one of the better-selling apparel labels on StockX. This blue Sp5der TC Hoodie features one of the brand’s most popular logos in a bright new colorway. The hoodie features a yellow and white puff print of the Sp5der logo set over a black spider web. It’s a must-have this holiday season.
Travis Scott Utopia A2 Hooded Sweatshirt Brown
Nobody does artist merch like Travis Scott. The Houston-born artist has been delivering massive merch collections since the release of Astroworld in 2018. In July, Scott delivered his long awaited Utopia album, which was accompanied by a solid apparel collection. This hoodie delivers a worn, almost vintage look, featuring a spray painted Utopia logo on its chest and several spooky graphics on the back. This is guaranteed to be a holiday hit for any Travis Scott fan.
Hellstar The Future T-Shirt Black
Every now and then, a new streetwear brand emerges from the shadows that grabs the attention of the zeitgeist. Recently, Hellstar is that brand. Getting their start in 2020, the brand has quickly grown as a favorite of many of hip-hop’s superstars. Their most popular pieces feature sprawling, colorful graphics printed on vintage-looking garments. This particular tee was made in Los Angeles and features a graphic-heavy design on the front and back – perfect for your edgy friend’s wishlist.
Accessories
Gucci Horsebit Chain Small Shoulder Bag
Under new Creative Director Sabato De Sarno, Gucci has been top of mind this year in the fashion world and it’s also at the top of my list when it comes to holiday shopping. If you’re looking for a handbag to splurge on for the season, the Gucci Horsebit Chain Small Shoulder Bag is having a major moment. The handbag is a reimagined style of the popular 90s-era Tom Ford for Gucci design. We love the updated extra-large horsebit detail on the front for a modern spin on the brand’s iconic equestrian-inspired symbol. The red version is our favorite, giving any ‘90s minimalism outfit a fun pop of color while also hitting the red-hot color trend of the season.
Saint Laurent Le 5 A 7 Hobo Bag In Smooth Leather
While the Saint Laurent Le 5 A 7 Hobo Bag has been seen on every “It Girl’s” arm since its release, it’s just one of those iconic designs that will be just as trendy as it is timeless for years to come. It’s the perfect gift for the fashionista who loves the latest trends but still wants to invest in staples that will last a lifetime. The bag is made from smooth calfskin leather and is branded with the YSL logo. We love the shoulder bag shape for a fun Y2K touch.
Goyard Victoire Wallet
When it comes to accessories for the holidays, a wallet is always a sophisticated yet universal choice. It’s an accessory everyone needs (and loves) and there are so many options to choose from. The Goyard Victoire Wallet in Monogram Chevron Black is a stylish staple for any fashion lover. The size is a perfect fit for all your essentials, yet still compact enough to carry in a clutch or your pocket on a night out. Our favorite design feature is the black chevron monogram for a subtle hint of luxury.
Diesel B-1dr W Belt
The Diesel B-1dr W Belt is a trendsetter’s dream holiday gift. Thanks to new Creative Director Glenn Martens and his modern approach to weaving together the brand’s iconic alternative aesthetic with current trends, the brand is back and cooler than ever (especially on TikTok and your favorite style influencers). The unisex belt features the iconic D logo in the antiqued silver buckle and Italian vegetable-tanned leather. We’re big fans of the oversized buckle design – it plays into that early 2000s Paris Hilton aesthetic styled with low-rise denim. Whether you’re gift-giving or looking for your own #selfcare present, this belt takes you to style tastemaker status instantly.
Louis Vuitton Mini Bumbag
For the luxury lovers who are looking to add a timeless handbag to your collection, look no further than the Louis Vuitton Mini Bumbag. This must-have blends together classic luxury with a more current, playful design. The iconic brown monogram print makes this bumbag a splurgeworthy choice while the compact size keeps the style modern and fashion-forward. Keep it trendy by styling it with a modern minimalist outfit – mom jeans, a white tee, a knit cardigan, and your favorite sneakers.
Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch Mission to the Moon
It’s been a little over a year since the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch broke the internet. If you’re looking to gift a new timepiece to yourself or a loved one this holiday season, the Moonswatch is the way to go. The collaborative watch is inspired by Omega’s iconic Moonwatch, delivering a more accessible version of the NASA-approved, first-ever timepiece to be worn on the moon. The watch features a black velcro strap with a white tachymeter scale, similar to the timepiece it was inspired by. If you’ve even remotely considered grabbing a Moonswatch for yourself or a loved one, the only better time than now was yesterday.
Tech
Sony PlayStation 5 PS5 Blu-ray Edition Console
If your loved one doesn’t have a PS5 by this point, are you really a gamer? Jokes aside, it was nearly impossible to get your hands on Sony’s latest console two years ago due to chip shortages. Now that the PS5 shortage is essentially over, you can grab one on StockX for below retail pricing (if you told anyone that even a year ago, they wouldn’t have believed you). If the goal is to earn major brownie points with the fam this year (or just treat yourself), this is the year is to secure.
Apple AirPods Max Headphones
Apple’s premium headphones quickly became an accessory of choice for influencers and professionals alike. Their top-of-the-line noise-canceling capabilities make them an absolute dream for students, frequent travelers, or even audiophiles who just want an immersive sonic experience. And true to Apple form, the design is luxe and sleek with premium materials and construction. The price tag might be hefty, but if you’re looking for a splurge gift that’s sure to please, this is it.
Nintendo Switch (OLED) HEGSKAAAA USZ
It’s been nearly two years since Nintendo’s Switch OLED release – a major upgrade from the original screen specs. The OLED technology delivers vibrant colors and bigger real estate, making it, without question, one of the best value-for-money gaming consoles on the market. Whether they’re a casual gamer or a longtime player looking for something on the go, the handheld and its huge catalog of games will keep them entertained. Best part? You can grab an OLED for nearly $100 under retail on our marketplace. It’s a no-brainer.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
Do you have that one uncle who turns every room into a treasure hunt for his keys? Or maybe you know someone who treats airport baggage claims like a game of chance? Stop the madness this year with a set of Apple AirTags – the ultimate solution for the world’s best (worst?) hide-and-seek champions. This gift of peace of mind and time saved will make you the family’s tech genius and problem-solver extraordinaire.
