Welcome to Who What Wear Gifts. With the festive season fast approaching, we wanted to curate the ultimate gift guide of the pieces we truly think are worth it, so you’ll know your chosen item will be treasured for years to come. Featuring everything from luxury homeware and editor-adored beauty products to show-stopping handbags and forever accessories, whether you’re shopping for a loved one or for yourself, consider this the perfect destination for all your gifting needs. Happy shopping!
I may be biased, but as a handbag enthusiast, I believe a bag is one of the greatest gifts you can give (or receive). Christmases, graduations and birthdays are often marked by the receipt of a beautiful bag, and I can confirm first-hand that it’s a gift they’ll truly appreciate. Soon enough our to-do lists will be filled with hanging wreaths, decorating trees and peeling plenty of potatoes ready for roasting, and whilst I can’t assist with those, I can help tick “Find a great gift” off your list.
I’ll admit I’ve been caught out by last-minute gifting panic. You can imagine the scene; hurriedly shoving bath bombs into wrapping paper, grappling to find the end of the sellotape as the clock declares Christmas Day has arrived. It’s not the best way to ring in the festivities or show the person you’re gifting that you’ve really thought about what they’d like, so this year I’m getting ahead of the game and bringing you with me.
When it comes to gifting, I’m a big fan of a present that can be used and appreciated, and handbags are just that. A well-chosen bag will feature in their outfit builds year-round, perhaps as their trusted work tote, weekend shoulder bag or a standout clutch to accompany elegant dresses on special occasions.
I’ve put together the ultimate list of the best handbags they’re sure to love and use on repeat, so forget the last-minute scramble for next-day delivery—it’s time to sit back, scroll and check off your Christmas gifting list, one chic handbag at a time. I’m also a big believer in the old saying that you should give a gift you’d like to receive, so you may even find something to add to your own wish list.
Shop the Best Handbags to Gift This Year:
The Best Bags to Gift Under £100:
Melie Bianco
Larissa Woven Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag
If elegant ease were a handbag it would look just like this.
ZARA
Metal Detail Shoulder Bag
Wear neatly over the shoulder or adjust the strap for an easy crossbody style.
JW PEI
Hana Mini Faux Suede Tote Bag
I just gifted my sister this bag for her birthday, and I can confirm she was truly grateful.
M&S Collection
Faux Leather Woven Structured Tote Bag
For work or weekend, this sleek woven tote is sure to rise to the occasion.
Sister Jane
Dream Dusk Jacquard Drawstring Bag
For evenings out or to bring a little joy to the everyday, look to Sister Jane’s Dream bag.
The Best Bags to Gift Under £250:
COS
Swing Crossbody – Leather
Smooth, refined and seriously spacious, the COS Swing bag is an icon for a reason.
Longchamp
Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag
Chic, sturdy and ready to fold up and go for adventures.
Charles & Keith
Gabine Leather Saddle Bag
So many of our editors have Charles & Keith’s elegant Gabine bag in their arsenal.
The Best Bags to Gift Under £500:
DeMellier
The Midi New York
Massimo Dutti
Woven Nappa Leather Basket Bag
They’ll hardly believe this comes from the high street.
Elleme
Trousse Intrecciata Leather Black
Personally, I’m a huge fan of every Elleme bag, but the Trousse has a timeless feel that can’t be denied.
Behno
Ina Bag Large Pebble
I’ve fallen for every shade of the Ina bag, but this deep blue feels so unique.
Marc Jacobs
The Mini Dual Bag
I’m calling it: this is Marc Jacobs’ next It bag.
STAUD
Tommy Beaded Faux Leather-Trimmed Embellished Satin Shoulder Bag
Staud’s Tommy bags are known for their intricate beadwork and playful colours.
I use this as my work bag thanks to the two straps that allow you to carry it in hand or over the shoulder, whilst the magnetic sides allow for extra space if needed.
Strathberry
Lana Midi Bucket Bag
Handmade in Spain, this timeless bucket bag is destined to be a lifelong companion.
The Best Bags to Gift Best Bags Under £1000:
Toteme
Belted Croco-Embossed Bucket Bag
Toteme’s latest It bag is understated, minimalist and sure to be appreciated for years to come.
Neous
Phoenix Leather Bag
This was featured in another roundup, and I had so many friends message me to say how beautiful it is.
Mansur Gavriel
Soft M Hobo
The sleekest way to carry all your essentials and plenty more.
Aspinal of London
London Tote Bag
The hard part is choosing between the 18 elegant colourways.
Classic with just a touch of contemporary edge.
Perfect for party season, summer events, weddings… the list goes on!
The Best Bags to Gift Best Bags Over £1000:
Jimmy Choo
Diamond Hobo/M
With a striking shape, soft suede finish and adjustable strap, Jimmy Choo’s Hobo bag gets it just right.
Salvatore Ferragamo
Hug Soft Bicolor Shoulder Bag (M)
Whilst its logos are subtle, the Ferragamo Hug is identifiable by its buckle detail. Plus, the red lining is such a nice touch.
Loewe
Small Puzzle Bag in Calfskin
The Row
India 15.75 Bag in Leather
You can now pre-order The Row’s new India bag. With a smooth silhouette, grained leather and a logo-less design, this will move quickly.
Gucci
Blondie Small Top Handle Bag
The Blondie bag may be new, but the timeless design makes it an instant classic.
Prada
Medium Leather Tote Bag
If I’m on your gifting list, just know I’ve had my eye on this for months…
Perfect for party season, summer events, weddings… the list goes on!
Bottega Veneta
Medium Andiamo
No matter how much time passes, the Andiamo bag will be a gift they always admire.