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  1. Real Simple
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  5. 32 Great Gifts for Your Sister (That She Would Never Dream of Returning)

32 Great Gifts for Your Sister (That She Would Never Dream of Returning)

By Lauren Phillips,  Lisa Milbrand and Morgan Noll Updated May 21, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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yellow and pink roller skates
Credit: Urban Outfitters

Sisters can be your best friends, your friendliest rivals, your biggest cheerleaders, and your confidantes—but finding the right gifts for sisters can be nearly impossible. Whether it's because your sisters (or sisters-in-law) mean so much to you or because gift ideas for women who already have everything are often challenging, you likely put an exorbitant amount of time into finding and fretting over the right present for your sister.

Fret no more: We've tracked down the best sister-approved gifts, whether it's her birthday, Christmas, just because, or another occasion. No matter your budget or your sister's personality, there's sure to be a gift to help show your sister how much she means to you.

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Pottery with a Purpose Flower Vase Kit

pottery flower vase kit
Credit: Pottery with a Purpose
$84, potterywithapurpose.com

Complete with a dried-flower bouquet, air-dry clay, and all the tools needed to make a handmade flower vase, the value of this DIY pottery kit is twofold: It's the gift of an experience and a soon-to-be-treasured home decor item. Plus, the woman-owned, sustainable brand gives a portion of its profits to mental wellness initiatives, so it's all in all a gift you can feel really good about.

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GOLDE Matcha Kit

matcha kit with whisk
Credit: Free People
$45, freepeople.com

Whether your sister is a matcha-lover or just loves to try new things, this matcha kit—which includes GOLDE's pure matcha powder and bamboo whisk—will brighten up her morning routine. She can save money on matcha lattes from coffee shops and make her own at home or add the powder to a smoothie for a quick energy boost.

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C7skates Premium Quad Roller Skate

yellow roller skates
Credit: Urban Outfitters
$139, urbanoutfitters.com

Roller skates are officially back and they make for a great gift. For the sister who is always down for an adventure, this retro gift will give her a reason to take on a new and fun hobby. 

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Dusen Dusen Window Pillow

dusen dusen pillow
Credit: Dusen Dusen
$89, dusendusen.com

For the design-minded sister who's always looking to update her home, this playful and fun pillow is a great addition to her tasteful decor. From the woman-owned brand Dusen Dusen, the embroidered pillow cover is 100% cotton, washable, and is sure to be a statement piece in any room.

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Little Daily Thanks Gratitude Journal

gratitude journal
Credit: Papier
$33, papier.com

Gratitude isn't just for the holiday season. In fact, research shows that regularly practicing gratitude can reduce stress and improve physical and mental health. Whether your sister is already someone who loves to journal or is looking for ways to be more mindful in her everyday life, this little book truly is the gift that keeps on giving. 

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Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Rib Trim Throw

pink barefoot dreams blanket
Credit: Nordstrom Rack
$60, nordstromrack.com

If your sister doesn't already have one of these extremely soft blankets, she's probably heard of them. Barefoot Dreams throws have long been beloved by a list of celebs and they typically can cost over $200. That's why shopping them for discounted prices at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack makes for a much more affordable—but just as luxurious—gift.

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We Gather Mini Loom Artful Weaving Kit

mini loom weaving kit
Credit: Boon Market
$30, market.boonsupply.com

This mini weaving kit takes thoughtful gifting to the next level. Not only is it a great idea for a crafty sister looking to learn a new skill, but every part of the kit—from the all-natural yarn to the recycled packaging—was sustainably made. 

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Sparkly Flower Pow Pow Earrings

dangly gold flower earrings
Credit: Notte Jewelry
$89, nottejewelry.com

Forget chocolates, this trendy ear candy is a much sweeter treat for an accessory-loving sister. These Notte Jewelry earrings are handmade, meaning your sister will get a truly one-of-a-kind piece that's made (and gifted) with love. 

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Peaches and Cream Scrunchie and Bandana Set

matching dog and owner bandana set
Credit: The Foggy Dog
$32, thefoggydog.com

This one is for the sister whose Instagram feed is filled with photos of her pup—or who's always texting you photos of her dog. With this matching scrunchie and bandana set (that comes in 19 different patterns) she can twin with her beloved furry friend and unlock a new level of pet-owner cuteness. 

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Kiramoon Moon Globes

kiramoon freezable facial rollers
Credit: Kiramoon
$42, kiramoon.com

For the beauty-loving sister, these freezable facial massagers check off multiple good-gift qualifications: cool gadget, useful, and nice to look at. When these Moon Globes get cold, they can be used to reduce puffiness and inflammation, calm redness, and make your sister's at-home facials way more fun.

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Brown Girl Jane Rest Wellness Drops

brown girl jane cbd drops
Credit: Brown Girl Jane
$104, browngirljane.com

Not everyone is a CBD fan, but for those who are, this is a highly valuable gift. By the Black-owned brand Brown Girl Jane (which is also owned by two sisters!), these 1500mg CBD drops were formulated to help with nighttime anxiety and restlessness, so you'll be gifting your sister better sleep.

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Estelle Colored Stemless Wine Glasses

estelle colored stemless wine glasses
Credit: Estelle Colored Glass
$160, estellecoloredglass.com

If your sister is always hosting book clubs and movie nights with friends (aka wine nights), these candy-colored glasses are a great choice. They'll be put to use often and they're sure to earn her plenty of compliments. 

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Mean Girls: The Party Game

mean girls party game
Credit: Amazon
$20, target.com

Does your sister love game nights and cult-classic movies? This Mean Girls party game—which is essentially an orchestrated friendly roast—is sure to inspire some laughs among friends while paying tribute to this widely-quoted early 2000s film.

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White Zircon 18k Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver Ring

taurus zodiac sign ring
Credit: JTV.com
$63, jtv.com

This one is for the sister who is always sending you astrology memes or telling you that something is in retrograde. Help her show off her zodiac sign with this subtle, everyday ring.

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Mark and Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case

travel jewelry case
Credit: Mark and Graham
$69, markandgraham.com

Traveling with jewelry can get messy, and shoving all your precious pieces into a cosmetic bag is not the way to go. If your sister travels frequently and has a big collection of accessories, she's sure to appreciate this practical and cute gift. Plus, you can customize it with her initials for an extra personalized touch.

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Pura The Housewarming Set

pura gift box
Credit: Pura
$76, trypura.com

Candles are never a bad gift idea—but this app-controlled diffuser is even better. Your sister can fill her room with calming, refreshing, and cozy scents with the tap of a button. Plus, the fragrances are safe for use around pets, so they can work in any home.

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Cone Candles

MOMA candles for sister gift
Credit: MOMA
$24, store.moma.org

These colorful cone-shaped candles are a great way to brighten up her dining room table. They're the perfect gift for sisters with a love of modern design.

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Black/Black Long Jambys

Gifts for sisters - Black/Black Long Jambys
Credit: jambys.com
$78, jambys.com

The brand new Long Jambys are bound to become her new go-to pants. (The very stretchable waistband is a plus here.) Lightweight, breathable, and a welcome break from shapeless sweatpants or too-tight leggings, they're supremely comfortable without making her too hot or too cold—and they're unassuming enough that she can run errands or head out for a walk without having to change.

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Rifle Paper Co. Herb Garden Recipe Tin

Best gifts for sisters - Rifle Paper Co. Herb Garden Recipe Tin
Credit: amazon.com
$37, amazon.com

Help your sister on her culinary journey with this charming vintage-style recipe holder. She can write her favorite, tried-and-true recipes down on the included cards, collect recipes from friends and family members, and eventually build a full recipe assortment—and if you're nice to her, she might share the meals and treats she makes along the way.

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Ariat Two24 Penny sneakers

Best gifts for sisters - Ariat Two24 Penny sneakers
Credit: ariat.com
$150, ariat.com

Maybe she loves sneakers, or maybe she stands all day long and is always complaining about her feet hurting. Either way, your sister will love these sneakers, which have amazing support, are sturdy enough to handle all her running around, and come in five trendy colors to match her style. Best of all, these shoes are made with premium leather, so they'll last (and look good) forever.

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Let the Sun Shine In 1,000-Piece Puzzle

Best gifts for sisters - Let the Sun Shine In 1,000-Piece Puzzle
Credit: amazon.com
$14, amazon.com

As far as gifts for sisters go, this is a pretty good one: This large-scale puzzle is full of light and color, perfect for brightening up her fall or winter. She'll spend hours working on it, making it a great distraction, and when she's finished, you can count on getting a text with a photo of the final product.

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Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

Best gifts for sisters - Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush
Credit: nordstrom.com
$150, nordstrom.com

The best gift for your sister is probably the one that makes her life easier, and few things can improve her morning routine like this blow-drying brush can. If drying her hair takes too much of her time, help her out with this multi-tasker, which serves as a round brush and a hair dryer in one so she can dry, smooth, and straighten with one motion.

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Nintendo Switch Lite

Best gifts for sisters - Nintendo Switch Lite
Credit: amazon.com
$200, amazon.com

Whether she never really got into video games or she used to count her Gameboy Advance among her most precious possessions, there's a very good chance she'll love playing a Nintendo Switch. The beloved Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a great starter game to get her hooked, but after that, she might start playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and other games—giving you endless ideas for future gifting occasions.

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Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Best gifts for sisters - Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
Credit: dagnedover.com
$175, dagnedover.com

One can never have enough backpacks. Whether she needs a new work bag, something for her weekend adventures, or a fresh gym bag, this sturdy (and sporty) backpack can handle it. She'll love the on-trend look and washable make, and you'll love knowing you gave her something she'll truly use every day.

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Birdies Starling slippers

Best gifts for sisters - Birdies Starling slippers
Credit: birdies.com
From $95, birdies.com

All sisters deserve a pair of reliable slippers. These slippers just happen to be pretty enough for her to wear to work, should she so choose, but wherever she wears them, she'll be comfortable, with warm toes and supported soles. Even better, these much-loved slippers have a huge variety of color options, so you can pick the perfect color for her and make this gift for your sister feel even more special.

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Bloomscape Kimberly Queen Fern

Best gifts for sisters - Bloomscape Kimberly Queen Fern
Credit: bloomscape.com
$65, bloomscape.com

There's a good chance she already has a plant she loves, but there's also a good chance she would love another one. This low-maintenance fern thrives in low light, is pet-friendly, and even removes toxins from the air, so it's a gift that will bring your sister joy and improve the health of her home at the same time.

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OXO BREW Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Best gifts for sisters - OXO BREW Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Credit: amazon.com
$30, amazon.com

Save her the expense of a daily coffeeshop run—and give her the gift of better coffee—with this easy-to-use, compact coffee maker, which makes great cold brew without taking up half the kitchen. If she's already a big cold brew fan, she'll calls this the best sister gift you've ever given her; if not, she'll be a cold brew convert soon enough.

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Weezie Makeup Towels

Best gifts for sisters - Weezie Makeup Towels
Credit: weezietowels.com
$40 for two, weezietowels.com

Help her wash the day away—without ruining her pretty towels—with these makeup towels. They're dark to hide makeup stains, made with organic cotton, and hypoallergenic, so they'll be the first thing she reaches for during her nighttime routine, and she's sure to think of you every time.

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simplehuman Sensor Mirror

Gifts for sisters ideas - Simple Human Mirror 8
Credit: amazon.com
$200, amazon.com

If she's a true makeup connoisseur, give her one of the tools she needs for a perfectly polished look with this smart mirror, which has a tru-lux light system to mimic natural sunlight, so she'll get the most accurate look at herself even indoors. Beyond that, the mirror has a built-in sensor so it will light up automatically as she approaches and 5x magnification. With this mirror, practicing her contouring skills will be easier than ever.

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Free Period Press Collage Kit Magazine Vol. 1

Best gifts for sisters - Free Period Press Collage Kit Magazine Vol. 1
Credit: freeperiodpress.com
$28, freeperiodpress.com

Encourage her to get crafty—and give your sister a fresh activity to help fill her time—with this gorgeous collage magazine. It's filled with curated photographs, illustrations, and textures from up-and-coming artists that she can use to craft a collage or a vision board—or even an artsy thank you note to you, for giving her such a great gift.

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Olive and June The Winter Mani Box

olive and june the winter mani box nail polish kit
Credit: Olive and June
$100, oliveandjune.com

Complete with clippers, cuticle serum, nine festive polishes, and more, this kit is basically a fancy salon in a box.

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Inc.redible Party Recharge Hydrating Hyaluronic Eye Mask

glitter eye masks
Credit: Nails.Inc
$20, nailsinc.com

Bring the spa to your sister with cool-to-the-touch gel eye masks with hyaluronic acid. The sparkly design will make her feel glam on even the most drab of mornings.

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    1 of 32 Pottery with a Purpose Flower Vase Kit
    2 of 32 GOLDE Matcha Kit
    3 of 32 C7skates Premium Quad Roller Skate
    4 of 32 Dusen Dusen Window Pillow
    5 of 32 Little Daily Thanks Gratitude Journal
    6 of 32 Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Rib Trim Throw
    7 of 32 We Gather Mini Loom Artful Weaving Kit
    8 of 32 Sparkly Flower Pow Pow Earrings
    9 of 32 Peaches and Cream Scrunchie and Bandana Set
    10 of 32 Kiramoon Moon Globes
    11 of 32 Brown Girl Jane Rest Wellness Drops
    12 of 32 Estelle Colored Stemless Wine Glasses
    13 of 32 Mean Girls: The Party Game
    14 of 32 White Zircon 18k Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver Ring
    15 of 32 Mark and Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case
    16 of 32 Pura The Housewarming Set
    17 of 32 Cone Candles
    18 of 32 Black/Black Long Jambys
    19 of 32 Rifle Paper Co. Herb Garden Recipe Tin
    20 of 32 Ariat Two24 Penny sneakers
    21 of 32 Let the Sun Shine In 1,000-Piece Puzzle
    22 of 32 Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush
    23 of 32 Nintendo Switch Lite
    24 of 32 Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
    25 of 32 Birdies Starling slippers
    26 of 32 Bloomscape Kimberly Queen Fern
    27 of 32 OXO BREW Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
    28 of 32 Weezie Makeup Towels
    29 of 32 simplehuman Sensor Mirror
    30 of 32 Free Period Press Collage Kit Magazine Vol. 1
    31 of 32 Olive and June The Winter Mani Box
    32 of 32 Inc.redible Party Recharge Hydrating Hyaluronic Eye Mask

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    32 Great Gifts for Your Sister (That She Would Never Dream of Returning)
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