I Know a Good Bag When I See One—These Are the Best to Give (Or Receive) This Christmas

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.

Arket

Suede Tote Bag

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.

Polène

Cyme

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.