Tag Inspo

Gift-giving during the holidays can be a bit… hectic. (To say the least.) Each year, I aim for a heartfelt way to show my loved ones their importance in my life, but it’s not always easy to communicate love and appreciation through material things. To put everyone’s mind at ease this holiday season, I tapped the Camille Styles team for our editors’ best gifts they never tire of giving.

The most thoughtful gifts don’t have to leave your wallet empty, but there’s definitely a time and place to splurge on some of these great items. From food subscriptions to specialty appliances to warm and cozy clothing, this list will help you get inspired for every gifting occasion this year.

Our Editor’s Best Gifts of 2023

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Sézane Claude Bag

Everyone needs a staple purse like the Claude bag from Sézane. It’s timeless, simple, and matches just about any outfit you could throw together. It’s definitely worth the price and is sure to become one of your most reached-for accessories. — Casey McKee, Editorial Intern

Casa Zuma Coffee Bundle

Save for those who have sworn off caffeine, it’s safe to say that a bundle of artisan beans will make anyone happy. (And even for those who are going cold turkey, it’s a nice reminder of all they have to look forward to when their detox is done.) Because the cozy, warm beverage is something we prep every morning, it poses the perfect opportunity to turn the habit into a ritual. This duo of two Casa Zuma Solstice Mugs, a handcrafted coffee scoop, and a bag of (our favorite) beans from LA-based Canyon Coffee invites anyone to slow down and savor their AM cuppa. — Isabelle Eyman, Managing Editor

Haven Well Within Cashmere Socks

Nothing will make you feel more spoiled than a pair of cashmere socks. I was recently gifted a pair of Haven Well Within socks. (Thank you, Camille!) and they are to die for. — Brandy Joy Smith, Wellness Contributor.

Jenni’s Ice Cream

Packages are great. Packages that are full of ice cream are even better. I toggle back and forth between Jenni’s or Salt & Straw, but ice cream is the ultimate gift when you’re buying for a whole family or the person who “doesn’t want anything.” — Brittany Chatburn, Content Marketing Director.

Sweet Laurel Apple Crumb Pie

I have several friends with various food allergies, and I love the chance to treat them to something really delicious that they can devour stress-free. Sweet Laurel has tons of grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free treats that ship nationwide—and this apple crumb pie is one that everyone can dig into. — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief

Too Collective Too Cozy Robe

I can’t stop talking about the Too Cozy robes from Too Collective. The name doesn’t lie. I have literally fallen asleep in mine more times than I can count. I bought myself one and proceeded to buy one for all my friends’ birthdays. This holiday season, everyone already knows what to expect from me. They also make a terrycloth version, so there’s something for everyone! — Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor

Chiara Wrist Cuff Bracelet

I’ve owned this bracelet for a few months, and it’s my favorite way to add a touch of sophistication to a blazer and jeans. This year I’m planning to gift it to a female family member who I know will love it as much as I do—but I can’t spoil the surprise by saying who! — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief

Winter Citrus Trio

My Grandma has 11 children and too many grandkids (and great-grandkids) to count. One year she sent each family a box of oranges and called it a day. I admired the simplicity of that choice, but also noticed how my family treasured these oranges. They were DIVINE. In a kitchen full of holiday treats, that bright citrus fruit was a welcome reprieve. — Brittany Chatburn, Content Marketing Director

Björn’s Sampler

For those who live near (or far), I love gifting locally-made honey. It’s the present that keeps on giving. Björn’s sampler bundle has a little bit of everything: raw whipped honey for a creamy treat, raw traditional honey for everyday use, and propolis honey to boost immune health. Encourage your loved ones to get creative in the kitchen! — Edie Horstman, Wellness Contributor

I’ll forever stand by my belief that a soft and cozy beanie is the perfect holiday gift. I love the idea of keeping someone special to me warm—and they’ll always think of you every time they put it on. This one comes in a range of colors, so there’s something for everyone. — Isabelle Eyman, Managing Editor

Dartwood Candle Warmer Lamp with Adjustable Brightness and Timer Function

I’m all for not burning candles directly in my house, and this candle lamp warmer is a simple (and aesthetically pleasing) alternative. It includes a feature for adjusting brightness and a fool-proof timer function for people like me who become obsessed with delicious-smelling candles and forget to blow them out. — Casey McKee, Editorial Intern

The Magnolia Journal Subscription

For my mom, it’s Magnolia; for my husband, it’s Architectural Digest; for my kids, it’s Nat Geo, etc. There’s something special about receiving a new issue every month or every quarter. A gift that offers inspiration, something to look forward to, and/or something to learn all year round. — Brittany Chatburn, Content Marketing Director

Signature Chocolate Mice

If you haven’t enjoyed chocolate from L.A. Burdick, you haven’t lived (seriously). With cafés in Boston, Chicago, New York, D.C., and New Hampshire, it’s well worth the trek if you don’t live nearby. These sweet little mice come in a trio of flavors—white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate—and all are delish. These are perfect for a coworker, boss, neighbor, or anyone in your life who could use a touch of sweetness this holiday. — Isabelle Eyman, Managing Editor

Osea Super Glow Body Gift Set

I received the Osea body oil last year for Christmas, and I’m now completely hooked on the brand. Their scents are delicious yet neutral, and my skin has loved every product. This gift set has all of their greatest hits for silky smooth skin at a reasonable price point and would make a great gift for anyone on your list (or yourself hehe).  — Michelle Nash, Executive Producer

Breville Bambino Stainless Steel Espresso Maker

If there’s one thing I think of as the best gift to receive, it’s a coffee machine. Specifically, this espresso maker from Breville. It’s the perfect size and produces the freshest coffee in no time. Plus, it’s a stunning appliance that doesn’t take up too much precious counter space. — Casey McKee, Editorial Intern

Fresh Sends – The Send

While I love winter décor, I make it a point even in the colder months to pick up a bouquet of something fresh from Trader Joe’s each week. For a more elevated touch, this sweet little floral delivery service ships arrangements overnight all across the country. They’re wrapped in a cute little newspaper and come in Mini, Regular, or Full. Oh, and the brand also offers candles, perfume, and lotions if you want to throw in something extra. — Isabelle Eyman, Managing Editor

Salt & Stone Candle

I’m on a nontoxic candle kick and I’m loving every scent from Salt & Stone. The aroma is strong enough to make my little house smell great without feeling overpowering and the candles are also just CUTE — Michelle Nash, Executive Producer

Girl Dinner has entered the chat. IYKYK: it’s a medley of stray ingredients with snack vibes. Leave it to the ‘Tok to turn a low-effort meal into a trending phenomenon. A trend that—like most—comes with plenty of critiques. According to Gen Z, this solo supper has a cult following, and ‘girl dinner’ is blessed with its own hashtag. Ironically, the concept of charcuterie board-ish bites is far from revolutionary. A mealtime snack plate is centuries old. With satisfaction in mind, we’re taking our own spin on this style of eating. Scroll for simple, no-cook grazing menus—aka, humble healthy girl dinners.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

What is a #GirlDinner?

A girl dinner is essentially a plate of small bites—a smörgåsbord of ingredients. It requires minimal effort and equally minimal prep. Think: an adult lunchable. It’s a grazing board of your favorite nibbles: a few pieces of cheese, crackers, veg, and hummus. A freezer waffle slathered in peanut butter with a glass of wine in hand. A bag of popcorn and a lone rotisserie chicken. You get the gist. In many ways, anything goes. In the best (and most random way) possible, a girl dinner is an unsophisticated charcuterie board. Your cravings—and pantry findings—take the reigns.

Are girl dinners healthy?

As with every viral trend, there’s controversy—and girl dinners are no exception. In theory, it’s innocent: throw together an assortment of whatever ingredients sound good. And according to Olivia Maher, the woman behind this popular concept, girl dinners should do just that: hone in on what you want. So in theory, they can absolutely be healthy.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the not-so-subtle hinting that young women should default to dainty, snacky meals. In turn, this reinforces gender stereotypes and, potentially, toxic diet culture. All of that to say, so long as you’re cobbling together enough balanced, wholesome ingredients to satiate you, girl dinners pass with flying colors.

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How often should you eat a girl dinner?

There’s no quota. But your intention matters. Say it’s the end of a long day and you want something low-effort. In that case, go for it. Compiling your favorite foods—and kicking your feet up on the couch—is a luxury worth relishing. It’s also a creative opportunity to reduce waste.

That said, if you’re meticulously mimicking low-calorie dinners you see online, it’s a slippery slope. Sparse plates can point to restrictive, comparative tendencies. Not the goal. Additionally, the point isn’t to prioritize ultra-processed foods. When in doubt, use moderation as your model.

Bread and Cheese: A Perfect Girl Dinner Pairing

Skim #GirlDinner on TikTok, and you’ll likely notice some form of grains and dairy (or dairy substitute). No surprise, as this combo is delicious. This popular pairing is a tale of two ancient foods—enjoyed separately and together for millennia. In fact, travelers, soldiers, and laborers often relied on bread and cheese, thanks to its portability and sustenance. Today, it’s evolved into a vast array of bread types and cheese varieties. Toss your favorites on a serving board and et voilà, you have a girl dinner.

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How to Make a Healthy Girl Dinner

As women, we’ve long been programmed to view food as the enemy (been there, experienced that). But at its core, girl dinners celebrate the simple pleasure of grazing for a meal. Just make sure you’re tailoring your small plate to two things: your own nutritional needs and your hunger level. If you decide to hop on the trend, consider the following guidelines—they’ll help you stay fuller, longer while keeping blood sugar in check.

Protein

Aim for 4-6 ounces of high-quality protein (poultry, eggs, cottage cheese, grass-fed red meat, sustainable seafood, etc.) or 1/2-1 cup of non-GMO soy, beans, or legumes. This is roughly a fist’s size of protein.

Starchy Carbs

A serving of starchy carbs (roasted potatoes, rice, crackers, bread, pasta, etc.). This is roughly 1/4-1/3 of your plate.

Fiber-Rich Veggies

About half your plate should be filled with colorful, fiber-rich produce—fruits and veggies like leafy greens, eggplant, tomatoes, and berries.

Healthy Fats

Last but not least, for hormone health, vitamin absorption, and satisfaction, don’t forget a serving or two of healthy fats: cheese, avocado, olives, nuts, etc.

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Healthy Girl Dinner Ideas

With the aforementioned guidelines, let’s get more specific with your healthy girl dinner:

• Protein: hard-boiled eggs (meal prep these in advance!), no-sugar-added beef jerky, deli turkey, rotisserie chicken, smoked salmon, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, raw cheddar cheese, roasted edamame, smoked tofu, etc.
• Starchy carbs: toasted sourdough, pita bread, seedy crackers, corn tortilla chips, whole-wheat tortilla, rice, whole grain noodles, beans, potatoes, beets, banana, apple, etc.
• High-fiber veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, baby bell peppers, celery, marinated artichokes, snap peas, small side salad, etc.
• Healthy fat: guacamole, nut butter, tahini, hummus, olives, full-fat cheese, etc.

Simple Recipes for Your Next Girl Dinner

To get your creative gears turning, these are a few no-fuss, minimal-prep recipes that totally pass for healthy girl dinners. Enjoy!

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Tuna and Avocado Niçosie Toast

No need to labor through an entire Niçoise salad. Instead, whip up these mouthwatering, protein-packed toasts. They’re rich in flavor and texture.

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Bruschetta and Tomatoes

This is a solid no-recipe recipe for a simple dinner or lunch. To make this extra girl dinner-friendly, sub the roasted tomatoes for jarred sundried tomatoes. Chef’s kiss.

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Smoked Salmon Toast

One more flavorful toast to add to your repertoire! Tangy mustard meets thinly sliced veg, smoked salmon, and fresh herbs. Hot tip: keep a loaf of sliced bakery bread in your freezer. When the restaurant-worthy toast craving strikes, you’re covered.

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Breakfast Grazing Board

Spoon out a generous portion of Greek yogurt, chop up any fruit you have on hand, add granola for crunch, and sprinkle on a few seeds. Breakfast for dinner is served.

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Work Day Breakfast Board

A simpler version of the breakfast board above, this throw-together meal has a little bit of everything: cheese, veg, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and nuts. It’s the epitome of a healthy girl dinner.

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Simple Potato Salad

If you’ve done the leg work to meal prep your potatoes ahead of time, this girl dinner has it all—protein, carbs, and fat. Boil a couple of eggs, toss them with your pre-cooked potatoes, and your girl dinner just got a delicious upgrade.

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Grapefruit Avocado Salad

When it comes to this recipe, here are a few girl dinner tips: opt for pre-roasted and packaged beets (sold in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores) and use a bag of roasted chickpeas to save time. Otherwise, this plate of goodness comes together in minutes.