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Gifting guide 2026: Our top picks range from perfumes, copper bottles, to wallets and more

Year 2026 is almost here, and with resolutions, new trips, and skincare routines all being assessed, here are our top picks to help you gift smarter and better in the new year!

Published on: Dec 16, 2025, 17:15:11 IST
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Our Picks

Our Picks

ProductRatingPrice

Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette For Men, 100mlView Details...

₹2,145

...

Davidoff Cool Water Eau de Parfum Intense For Men 125mlView Details...

₹5,015

...

Unlock Personalized
EMI Offers

₹358x 6 months₹2,145

POLICE To Be Born To Shine - 125ml (For Men)View Details...

₹2,665

...

Mercedes-Benz Eau De Toilette for Men, 50mlView Details...

₹4,649

...

Roberto Cavalli Nero Eau de Perfume for her, 2.5 Fl OzView Details...

...
View More...
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Research-Backed Choices

Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research.

Gifting guide for 2026. Unique finds and more so, you can gift smarter and more consciously in the coming year. (Ai Generated)
Gifting guide for 2026. Unique finds and more so, you can gift smarter and more consciously in the coming year. (Ai Generated)
Neha Ravi Khandelwal

Neha Khandelwal
Content Lead, HT Travel | Travel & Lifestyle Journalist
With over 10 years of content writing experience, Neha Khandelwal is a lifestyle journalist and the Content Lead at HT Travel. She specialises in destinations, hotels, aviation, luggage, travel gear, and practical guides that help readers plan smarter and travel better. Her work combines first-hand experience, expert insights, and extensive research to create stories that are informative, useful, and easy to follow.

Career Journey & Experience
Neha began her writing career as a freelance journalist in 2010 before entering mainstream media with The Times of India in 2022. She later joined Hindustan Times, where she has written extensively across travel, lifestyle, home, and consumer trends. Her professional background extends beyond journalism. Before moving into digital media full-time, she spent nearly a decade in interior design, managing residential projects from concept to execution. She also trained in visual merchandising with Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons and worked with women-led startups across design and operations. These experiences continue to shape her storytelling, especially in how she evaluates hotels, design-led stays, hospitality spaces, and travel experiences.

A naturally curious learner, Neha has completed beginner certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and other creative pursuits. She has read more than 2,000 books, trained in Bharatanatyam for 8 years, and ghostwritten a book on Ladakh tourism.

Subject Expertise
Travel is at the heart of Neha's work. She covers destinations, hotels, airlines, luggage, packing strategies, travel accessories, and emerging travel trends through a mix of reporting, product testing, and conversations with industry experts. A frequent traveller herself, she approaches every trip with a journalist's curiosity and a planner's mindset, focusing on experiences that readers can realistically recreate. From choosing the right cabin bag to decoding hotel openings and destination trends, her writing prioritises practical advice over promotional claims. Her background in interior design also gives her a distinct perspective on architecture, hospitality design, boutique hotels, luxury stays, and thoughtfully designed spaces.

Education & Professional Background
Neha holds a Master's degree in Interior Design. Her early experience in interior design, visual merchandising, and design operations gives her a unique understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, adding depth to her coverage of hotels, resorts, and travel spaces.

Editorial Philosophy
"As an avid, research-driven traveller, my goal is simple. To answer the questions you actually have before booking a trip. I cut through the promotional noise with honest reporting and expert insights. Making travel planning seamless, smart, and reliable so you always know where to go next."

Read moreRead less
,
Shweta Pandey

Shweta Pandey is a Senior Content Writer at Hindustan Times, with over 12 years of experience in beauty and wellness journalism, specialising in makeup, skincare, and hair care.

She began her professional writing journey in 2011, entering the evolving world of digital lifestyle journalism as beauty and wellness content rapidly transformed in India. Over the years, she has worked with reputed digital media houses like India Today, the Times of India and Skymet Weather, steadily building credibility through well-researched features, product reviews, and trend analyses. Her career reflects consistent growth, moving from content contributor to senior writer. She now plays a key role in shaping editorial strategy, social media content, and ensuring high-quality, reader-focused content that aligns with evolving audience needs.

Shweta’s core expertise spans makeup, skincare, hair care, and holistic health and fitness. She specialises in in-depth beauty product reviews, ingredient analysis, skincare routines, and evidence-based wellness advice. Known for her analytical and data-driven approach, she relies on verified sources, dermatological insights, and expert consultations to ensure credibility. Her field experience includes interviewing Bollywood celebrities, beauty and makeup professionals, tracking consumer trends, and simplifying the top picks.

Shweta holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Advertising, and Journalism and has done Bachelor’s in Commerce from Delhi University. She believes in delivering reader-first insights that empower informed decisions while maintaining transparency, credibility, and trust.

Beyond her writing desk, Shweta enjoys exploring new destinations, experimenting in the kitchen with delightful recipes, and staying in tune with the latest beauty and wellness trends.

Read moreRead less

Year 2026 is going to be the year of homecoming for everyone! After a few years of assessing, learning new ways to stay fit and understanding the need to go back to our basics, we can all feel the energy shifting. And with this new age outlook, where we move forward with tech-savvy choices and self-love as our core themes, the team at HT ShopNow has come together to help you find the perfect options to gift to your loved ones or take to house parties.

No more regular gifts that are either passed on at the next party or never used. Here is a curated list that will act as your reference guide for the coming year!

Perfumes for men

A luxury perfume is one New Year's gift that never loses its charm. More than just a fragrance, it becomes a personal expression, an invisible signature that reflects his mood, confidence, and sense of style. Whether he loves warm woody notes, bold spicy accords, or refreshing citrus and aquatic blends, there’s a scent that perfectly matches his personality and lifestyle. This New Year, go beyond the ordinary and choose a fragrance he already loves or surprise him with a premium bottle he’s been longing for. It’s a gift that feels intimate and thoughtful, one that lingers long after the moment is over. With every spritz, he’ll be reminded of you.

our principles

Our Principles

Full Transparency

Every product review clearly lists the Pros and Cons, giving you a balanced view.

Brand Confidence

We focus on products from brands with a proven reputation and long-standing market trust.

Perfumes for women

This New Year, charm the woman in your life with a fragrance that reflects her elegance and individuality. Whether she likes soft florals, vibrant fruity notes, warm orientals, or deep musky undertones, a timeless scent becomes a signature she can carry with her wherever she goes. Select one from her favourite brand for a personal touch, or surprise her with a fragrance that speaks from your heart. Let this New Year begin with a gift that lingers long after the moment.

Wallets

Feng shui and colour trend prediction show that there are 2 major colours you can pick for the coming year for good luck, peace, steady flow of money and more. Choose the universally approved green colour wallet for prosperity and money. Cloud dancer white is the Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 for a reason. It is the symbol of calm and tranquillity, something we all need in our lives to drown out the noise. Pick these wallets to gift to your favourite people and help them have a better year with your subtle support!

Copper bottles

Copper bottles are becoming the norm. Rooted in Ayurveda, this philosophy is being embraced by everyone looking for sustainable options and wanting to avoid microplastics in their everyday life. Gifting a copper bottle is a great way to give someone a premium present that they can enjoy, that also has health benefits without having to worry about preference, routine and more. These are not only healthy but also so good-looking that they add a decorative aesthetic to a space as well.

Skincare and Grooming set

Surprise your loved ones with a thoughtful skincare or grooming kit this New Year that promotes self-care and wellness. These curated kits often include cleansers, moisturisers, serums, shaving or grooming essentials, making them perfect for daily routines. Suitable for both men and women, these sets cater to different skin types and concerns. As the New Year inspires renewal and self-improvement, a skincare and grooming set supports glowing skin, refined style, and a refreshed outlook for the year ahead.

Smart rings

For the tech-savvy people in your life, a smart ring is a thoughtful New Year gift that reflects care and intention. Blending elegant design with advanced technology, a smart ring quietly supports everyday well-being, from sleep and activity tracking to mindfulness. Gifting one signals your wish for their health, balance, and personal growth in the year ahead. It’s a meaningful way to encourage healthier habits and a more mindful, connected start to the New Year.

French press coffee maker

Coffee and speciality teas are becoming a lifestyle choice for many. Especially Gen Z, who are more health-conscious with their Matcha tea and black coffee rituals. A French press coffee/tea maker makes the best choice of gifts. These are easy to use, fancy enough to tickle someone's interest and add a sense of premium gratification when used. Perfect for gifting in 2026.

Styling tools

Styling tools are excellent New Year gifts for those who love effortless grooming and polished looks. From hair dryers and straighteners to curlers and trimmers, these tools combine technology with convenience. Gifting styling tools reflects encouragement for self-expression and confidence in personal style.

Chocolate hampers

Chocolate hampers make an indulgent and thoughtful New Year gift, perfect for spreading sweetness and celebration. Elegantly packaged, these hampers feature a delightful assortment of premium chocolates, including rich dark, creamy milk, smooth white, and filled varieties with nuts, caramel, or fruit centres. Carefully curated for taste and presentation, they often include artisanal truffles, chocolate bars, and festive treats that appeal to all ages.

Travel accessories

The wanderlust bug has bitten us all! And the best gifts for 2026 are little tools and accessories that make travel easier for your people. From travel cubes and vacuum bags that are never enough and always on everyone's wishlist to curate luggage weighing scales and more, there is a whole array of gifts to pick from to win those brownie points in becoming the next gifting champion!

No matter who the special person is, if you are looking for a meaningful gift, then this is it! This list was curated to help you gift more sustainably in 2026 and to make the receiver feel special with your unique choice. Hope this simplifies your search and helps you shop quicker and smarter. Happy shopping from team HT ShopNow!

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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

  • Neha Khandelwal
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Neha Khandelwal

    Neha Khandelwal Content Lead, HT Travel | Travel & Lifestyle Journalist With over 10 years of content writing experience, Neha Khandelwal is a lifestyle journalist and the Content Lead at HT Travel. She specialises in destinations, hotels, aviation, luggage, travel gear, and practical guides that help readers plan smarter and travel better. Her work combines first-hand experience, expert insights, and extensive research to create stories that are informative, useful, and easy to follow. Career Journey & Experience Neha began her writing career as a freelance journalist in 2010 before entering mainstream media with The Times of India in 2022. She later joined Hindustan Times, where she has written extensively across travel, lifestyle, home, and consumer trends. Her professional background extends beyond journalism. Before moving into digital media full-time, she spent nearly a decade in interior design, managing residential projects from concept to execution. She also trained in visual merchandising with Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons and worked with women-led startups across design and operations. These experiences continue to shape her storytelling, especially in how she evaluates hotels, design-led stays, hospitality spaces, and travel experiences. A naturally curious learner, Neha has completed beginner certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and other creative pursuits. She has read more than 2,000 books, trained in Bharatanatyam for 8 years, and ghostwritten a book on Ladakh tourism. Subject Expertise Travel is at the heart of Neha's work. She covers destinations, hotels, airlines, luggage, packing strategies, travel accessories, and emerging travel trends through a mix of reporting, product testing, and conversations with industry experts. A frequent traveller herself, she approaches every trip with a journalist's curiosity and a planner's mindset, focusing on experiences that readers can realistically recreate. From choosing the right cabin bag to decoding hotel openings and destination trends, her writing prioritises practical advice over promotional claims. Her background in interior design also gives her a distinct perspective on architecture, hospitality design, boutique hotels, luxury stays, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Education & Professional Background Neha holds a Master's degree in Interior Design. Her early experience in interior design, visual merchandising, and design operations gives her a unique understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, adding depth to her coverage of hotels, resorts, and travel spaces. Editorial Philosophy "As an avid, research-driven traveller, my goal is simple. To answer the questions you actually have before booking a trip. I cut through the promotional noise with honest reporting and expert insights. Making travel planning seamless, smart, and reliable so you always know where to go next."Read More

  • Shweta Pandey
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Pandey

    Shweta Pandey is a Senior Content Writer at Hindustan Times, with over 12 years of experience in beauty and wellness journalism, specialising in makeup, skincare, and hair care. She began her professional writing journey in 2011, entering the evolving world of digital lifestyle journalism as beauty and wellness content rapidly transformed in India. Over the years, she has worked with reputed digital media houses like India Today, the Times of India and Skymet Weather, steadily building credibility through well-researched features, product reviews, and trend analyses. Her career reflects consistent growth, moving from content contributor to senior writer. She now plays a key role in shaping editorial strategy, social media content, and ensuring high-quality, reader-focused content that aligns with evolving audience needs. Shweta’s core expertise spans makeup, skincare, hair care, and holistic health and fitness. She specialises in in-depth beauty product reviews, ingredient analysis, skincare routines, and evidence-based wellness advice. Known for her analytical and data-driven approach, she relies on verified sources, dermatological insights, and expert consultations to ensure credibility. Her field experience includes interviewing Bollywood celebrities, beauty and makeup professionals, tracking consumer trends, and simplifying the top picks. Shweta holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Advertising, and Journalism and has done Bachelor’s in Commerce from Delhi University. She believes in delivering reader-first insights that empower informed decisions while maintaining transparency, credibility, and trust. Beyond her writing desk, Shweta enjoys exploring new destinations, experimenting in the kitchen with delightful recipes, and staying in tune with the latest beauty and wellness trends.Read More

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