2016 Gift Guide for the Career Woman

Whether the career woman in your life is your daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, or your self (never!), they can be especially difficult to buy for.  The prevailing sentiment of many successful women is, “If I wanted it, I’d buy it for myself.”  And for those still coming up, they’re usually working so hard that they don’t have time to think about a holiday wish list.

For me, the best way to buy for a career woman is to find a gift that brings style and elegance to every day necessities.  After the jump, fine the gifts that I would want under my tree this holiday.

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This Leather Tech Sleeve from Mark & Graham ($149) has been on my wish list for a while.  It’s the perfect thing for road warriors or those who use their iPad to take notes in meetings.  Everything you need in one place, brilliant.  Need something a bit cheaper?  This leather tech pouch from Poketo has a similar look for under-$50.

The genius of the Petite Planner (Anthropologie, $18) is that the small size and spiral binding mean you never have to close it.  Fold it in half, and it sits above your computer keyboard so your meetings and to-dos are always visible.  And if your gift recipient has a problem staying productive, this productivity journal that will totally change the way she completes tasks.

Communal workspaces can be terrible for your concentration, but these Parrot Headphones ($399) can help you drown out the noise.  Because who really wants to listen to a 20-minute phone conversation about what your co-worker is having for dinner tonight?  If you’re on the hunt for something less expensive, these Marshall Headphones ($109) may fit the bill.

For commuters, few moments are as terrifying as when you realize you have to put your dirty shoes in your lovely purse.  Gross.  Save your handbag and your shoes by carrying a Shoe Bag from Bag All ($52 for a set of four, also available in singles for $11). The heavy canvas protects your shoes, keeps dirt in, and is machine washable.

In a world where the office thermostat is still controlled by men, chilly offices are the norm.  Keep your loved one warm this winter season with this chic, cozy Blanket Wrap from ASOS ($25).  I also recommend this Neiman Marcus Cotton Blanket Wrap ($49).  And if the temperature of your friend’s office tilts toward Arctic (why hello, Rayburn House Office Building), skip the scarf and buy them a discreet heating pad (you sit on it) or foot warmer to keep hypothermia at bay.

A great desk calendar like this Sugar Paper Kate Calendar ($62) is an office essential.  Whether it’s a gift for yourself, a co-worker, or your assistant, this gift is half-utilitarian, half-decorative.  For congressional staffers, just underline recess days in gold ink.  Need something a bit more affordable?  I love this simpler design from Sugar Paper ($28) or this hanging calendar from Garance Dore and Rifle Paper ($26).

I spotted this Dagne Dover Simone Satchel ($395) over on Hitha’s blog and immediately rushed to buy it.  It’s the perfect gift for someone who needs to carry a laptop and essentials every day.  It’s also gorgeous.  I’m a huge fan of the Jay-Z-approved ‘all black everything’ edition.

I cannot tell you how many times in law school I left the house without my phone charger.  This chic tassel ($26) conceals a lightning cable and USB so you can use your laptop or your portable battery to give yourself a boost.  Need a charger for both Android and iPhone devices?  Polaroid makes a super sleek portable charger ($41) that will fit into even the smallest bags.