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Christmas Wishlist: Things I Would Ask for if I Didn’t Already Have Them

Ava Liles Student Contributor, University of Cincinnati
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cincinnati chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

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The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, which means it’s officially time to start curating your 2026 Christmas list. Personally, I’m getting a little tired of TikTok hauls where someone’s entire video is just a $1,400 Canon G7 X and a $200 Hatch Alarm Clock. Sometimes I want gift inspiration that feels a little more personal and, most importantly, realistic. Not everything has to be the latest trending product or come with a hefty price tag to be worth asking for. So, whether you’re shopping for somebody else or putting together your own wish list, here are some of my personal favorite finds that I’d happily recommend (or ask for all over again):

Christmas Gifts under $300:

1. Shark FlexStyle ($250): Let’s be honest, you don’t need to spend $700 on a Dyson Airwrap to get a good blowout or voluminous curls. The Shark FlexStyle gives you plenty of styling options at a much more reasonable price, and I’ve had mine for years without any issues. If you’ve been looking for an upgrade to your day-to-day hair routine, the FlexStyle is a great addition.

2. Aritzia Super Puff Climatte ($275): If there’s one thing I don’t like about the snowy holiday season, it’s walking to class without a good winter coat. The Super Puff has become a staple of mine for a reason, and I love that it’s both incredibly warm and super stylish. Though it’s a more recent addition to my closet, I know it’ll be a worthwhile investment for anyone who gives it a try

3. Burberry Goddess Perfume($185): I’m a firm believer that you can never have too many perfumes, and Burberry Goddess is one I’d absolutely recommend adding to your collection. It’s a little bit of luxury that makes an everyday routine feel more special, and it has become my signature scent that I can’t leave the house without.

4. Bose SoundLink Speaker($180): This is probably one of the items I can personally vouch for the most. I’ve had my Bose speaker for about eight years now, and it’s still in great shape with excellent sound quality. I’ve taken it to the beach, brought it along on a cross-country road trip, and it’s been through just about everything with me and has held up incredibly well. If you’re looking for something practical to use every day that will actually last, I can’t recommend this one enough

Christmas gifts under $100:

1. Boy Smells Coco Cream Perfume ($78): Another perfume recommendation because, clearly, I have a thing for fragrance. Boy Smells has some really interesting scents, and Coco Cream is a fun option for anyone who typically likes more gourmand or vanilla scents. It lasts all day long, and I’ve gotten tons of compliments on it– definitely worth a spot in your scent rotation without having to worry about a hefty price tag.

2. DC Court Graffik Shoes ($70): Any avid baggy jean wearer will get this one– I’ve always adored the look of a chunky skate shoe, and I love that DCs are making a comeback. I remember my mom always used to wear these back in the late 2000s, and I always thought they looked so cool, so I knew they needed to be an addition to my shoe collection ASAP. For anyone wanting to switch up from Vans or Converse, DCs are still on-brand and super comfortable.

3. Davines Beautiful Things Restoring Leave-In Mask($73): If you know anyone who takes their haircare routine as seriously as I do, this is a great pick. I’ve been using Davines products for over five years, and since using this mask for the first time, it’s never let me down with repairing my heat-damaged curls or helping my color last through the occasional spur-of-the-moment dye job. It may seem like a high price for a hair mask, but I promise it’s worth every penny

4. Gabriela Ceballos Charm Necklace ($90): This is easily one of my favorite jewelry pieces, so I had to include it. I actually got a custom-made necklace from Gabriela Ceballos at her West Village storefront in NYC, but she also has a website if you’re not planning a trip to New York anytime soon. I’ve worn mine almost every day, and it has yet to tarnish, turn my skin green, or show any signs of wear. It’s become my favorite statement piece, and I love that it’s something I can wear with practically anything.

Christmas gifts under $50

1. Aerie Cloud Fleece Shorts($28): If comfort is your priority, these are a must. I’m always looking for cute loungewear that I can actually live in, and these shorts are perfect for cozy nights in with my roommates, slow mornings, or even a quick trip to the store. I probably own like six pairs of these shorts, and have even gotten
some of my friends hooked on them too– they’re a necessity in any cozy girl’s wardrobe.

2. Davines Curl Gel Oil ($34): I genuinely don’t think I could live without this product. This Curl Gel Oil is my absolute holy grail hair product, and I recommend it to anyone with curly hair. It gives my curls so much definition without weighing them down or leaving behind that stiff, crunchy gel cast that nobody wants. Perfect for either a wash-and-go or a full step routine day, the versatility of this product can’t be beat.

3. Dossier Fruity Honey Perfume ($32): You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a good fragrance, and this is exactly why I wanted to include Dossier. It’s a great option for anyone who loves a good designer scent dupe and doesn’t want to commit to the price of a more expensive bottle. You can literally find it at Target, and it makes a great budget-friendly gift.

4. LED Nightstand with Charging Station($30): This might be one of the most practical picks on the list, but I honestly think it’s such a fun bedroom upgrade. Between the LED lighting and built-in charging station, it’s one of those little things that makes your space feel more put together without spending much at all.

At the end of the day, the best gifts aren’t necessarily ones with the biggest price tags or the most TikTok hype behind them. Some of my favorite things are products I’ve had for years that I use in my day-to-day to make my routines easier. Hopefully, this list gives you a little inspiration for your own Christmas wish list or helps you find something special for someone else. Happy holiday shopping!

Ava Liles

Cincinnati '29

Ava is a second year English major at UC with a minor in Film and Media Studies. Writing has always been her niche- and she loves all things fashion, travel, activism, and foodie related.

Outside of writing for Her Campus, Ava enjoys going to concerts, trying new food or coffee spots with her friends, and watching the latest cheesy sitcom or horror film.