These Essentials for Women and Men Should Be On Your Radar
When it comes to women essentials, who’s to say they should not apply to men? I’ve spent a lot of time—and money—over the years searching and testing a multitude of products that were marketed to specific demographics only to find out I also loved the product myself! Now that I finally took the time to compile all the items that stay in my “gift ideas” rotation or “restocking” cart, what better way to keep track of it all then writing an article about it. Think of this as the ultimate gift ideas guide as many of the items listed are not only practical, but also reasonably priced.
This isn’t a standard capsule wardrobe article, instead this list covers your basic travel, beauty, and home essentials. From small items that should stay stocked in your bag, such as oil sheets, to large items that I can no longer see myself without, such as an air purifier—who doesn’t love clean air?! Save this to your favorites and remember to shop responsibly!
Restocking Must Buys
Intelligent Change
The Five Minute Journal
$29
This journal is perfect for those who do or don’t like to journal— which is why I love it!
LJCM
Dual Eyeshadow Brush
$12
This is my number one hidden gem find. Retractable, easy to clean, and compact making it perfect for touching up concealer under the eyes on the go.
ROSELYNBOUTIQUE
Cryotherapy Ice Roller
$10
Say goodbye to eye puffiness and dark circles.
Aquaphor
Lip Repair Stick with Sunscreen
$16
When I found out that Aquaphor made an SPF 30 lip balm, I immediately grabbed two for me and my partner. This gets the ‘Women and Men Essentials’ stamp of approval.
Jade Leaf
Organic Matcha Tea Powder
$10
I’m a matcha lover, what more can I say.
LANEIGE
Water Sleeping Mask
$32
Well-loved skincare product that should be on your radar.
Scentered
Sleep Well Aromatherapy Essential Oils Balm Stick
$25
My partner swears by this and therefore I continue to gift it.
Aveeno
Repairing Hand Mask
$3
I highly recommend this and Aveeno’s foot mask as essentials for women or men who suffer from dry skin.
LANEIGE
Lip Glowy Balm
$18
The only lip gloss you need in constant rotation.
UTENA
Super Hold Hair Styling Stick
$10
Keep your edges laid or your bun slick throughout the day.
Schick Hydro Silk
Dermaplaning Wand
$14
I like to dermaplane at home. It takes getting used to, but I highly recommend it for that crisp feel.
Weleda
Nourishing Body Cream
$14
The only hand cream I use. It’s not heavy or greasy, yet it lasts a long time.
European Spa Source
Eucalyptus Shower Spa Mist Spray
$30
This turns an ordinary shower into an extraordinary shower.
Pioni
5 Pairs Ankle High Sheer Socks
$12
Ladies and gentlemen, always have a pair of sheer socks on hand in case it’s needed to complete an outfit.
Electronics Guide
KDD
Tablet Holder Mount
$20
Great for mounting on a Peloton bike or traveling with.
KOSS
KSC21 Sport Clip-On Headphones
$12
KOSS
KSC75 On-Ear Clip Headphones
$20
If you are like me and find that sticking earbuds inside your ear gets uncomfortable FAST, then look no further. Not only do on-ear headphones provide better situational awareness, but they also are more comfortable in my opinion.
Elago
Charging Pad Compatible with MagSafe Charger
$11
Apple
MagSafe Charger
$40
This makes for a very clean desk setup. Choose a charging pad color that matches the color of your desk for a seamless look.
APEKX
Clip Bluetooth Audio Adapter
$16
Turn any wired device into a Bluetooth device!
Apple
AirTag 4 Pack
$80
One for travel luggage, one for your car, one for your pet, and one to gift!
Hair Care
MADHOLLY
No Bend No Crease Hair Clips
$7
Hair clips that don’t pull your hair are a win in my book.
KareCo
Detangler Brush
$13
The flexible brush head moves and separates making for a smooth brush glide.
Diane
Reinforced Boar Bristle Brush
$7
A must have for achieving the perfect chignon hairstyle.
PATTERN
Hair Pick
$9
I love using this to give my roots a pop of volume without affecting my curls!
PATTERN
Edge Control Tool
$9
Tracy Ellis Ross’ PATTERN brand never ceases to amaze me.
ALASKA BEAR
100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase and Scrunchie
$26
Women essentials or men essentials? The answer is both.
AQUIS
Microfiber Hair Towel
$25
I was gifted this brand not too long ago and I will never use a cotton towel to dry my hair ever again.
Kenllas
Satin Lined Shower Cap
$18
My new favorite shower cap.
SAYMRE
Satin Lined Bonnet
$17
My go-to sleep cap.
BeautifyBeauties
Hair Mist Spray Bottle
$6
H20 is life for our hair. Just ask any curl specialist.
Home Products
Stori
Stackable Clear Bin Organizer Drawer
$23
I use these on my work desk and in the bathroom for organizing.
BuildLife
1 Gallon Water Bottle
$26
My favorite gallon water bottle that’s chic and sporty.
Ozaiic
Yoga Socks
$15
These are Amazon’s number one yoga socks, rightfully so. They are comfortable, stylish, and durable.
Pro-Master Smart & Simple
Professional Leather Hole Puncher
$20
I recently found out that this exists, and it was nothing short of a game changer for my belts and bags.
MISSLO
Cotton Dust Bag
$18
If you decide to invest in dust bags for your handbags, be sure that they are 100% cotton. Otherwise, you risk the chance of ruining your handbag.
mDesign
Stackable Eye Glass Storage Organizer Box
$26
Get that showroom setup at home.
simplehuman
Triple Wall Mount Shower Pump
$80
There is a reason hotel chains use wall mounted pumps. They are visually appealing and a space saver.
SONGMICS
Hanging Jewelry Cabinet
$130
The best two for one money can buy.
OXO
Garment Brush
$18
First, throw away your paper lint rollers, and then buy this. You won’t be replacing this for a long time.
Conair
Recharger Fabric Shaver Depiller
$30
Third, shave off any remaining fraying fabric after using your lint brush.
Conair
Travel Garment Steamer
$50
My favorite travel garment steamer just dropped in limited edition colors!
LEVOIT
LV-H135 Air Purifier with HEPA Filter
$250
The healthiest purifiers are ones that don’t emit ozone. Therefore, avoid purifiers that use ionizers. I found this Levoit model to be perfect for my needs as it is ozone free and does not require wi-fi.
LEVOIT
Humidifier
$35
Invest in a reputable humidifier while you’re at it.
mDesign
Storage Organizer Hanger
$16
I use these for organizing my hats.
Elong Home
Belt Organizer
$10
Be sure to purchase two. One for your scarves and another for your belts.
HiGift
8 Pack Bag Hooks
$10
When it comes to laying out my outfits for the week, I like to use these on my garment rack to hang any accessories, such as a bag, scarf, or belt. It helps me get full vision of the outfit.
MIZGI
Premium Velvet Hangers (50 Pack)
$33
If you know how hard it is to hang some women garments, then you’d understand why non-slip velvet hangers made the essentials list.
Travel Essentials
ROSARDEN
Travel Perfume Refillable Container
$5
Take your scent on the go without needing to travel with the entire perfume bottle.
Tweezerman
Petite Tweeze Travel Set
$25
Perfect for cleaning up your eyebrows while away.
Tweezerman
Mini Nail Rescue Travel Kit
$22
Thats correct, it even comes with its own travel case.
Gillette Venus
The Go Razor
$12
Don’t forget the shaving cream.
eKids
Travel Mirror with Light and Adjustable Stand
$40
Do not be fooled by the kids labeling. This travel mirror is high quality and luxe. Barbie fever is not over!
NISHEL
Travel Cord Organizer Case
$13
Use this for cables and other items. For example, your tweezers and nail files will fit in here perfectly.
BAGSMART
Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook
$23
Keeps your toiletries organized when traveling.
Soy For You
Silicone Makeup Toiletry Bag
$25
I love this mocha brown.
Bagail
6 Set Packing Cubes
$25
Rule #1: Never travel without using packing cubes.
Stasher
Reusable Clear Storage Bag
$20
Good as snack bag, but great as a waterproof cell phone holder.
Anker
Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger
$60
Cable-free charging on the go.
Anker
Nano Power Bank w/ Built-in USB C Connector
$30
Always have a backup portable charger. This one is compact and easy to carry.
Apple
35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter
$59
This has two USB-C ports making it ideal for charging your phone and laptop at the same time.
Apple
World Travel Adapter Kit
$29
Use this with the above charger when traveling internationally.
GITIBAB
Weekender Bag
$38
UseLike
Weekender Bag Large
$50
BÉIS travel luggage has taken over social media. Specifically, their weekender bag can be seen all over TikTok. Here are two great dupes that are worth your time.
Samsonite
Carry-On 21-Inch
$150
When it comes to quality and durability, Samsonite stands among the best reviewed. I love vibrant colors and this orange is no exception.
Women Essentials
Silky Toes
Foldable Travel Ballet Flat Slipper
$19
O-M-G… why am I just finding out about these!
Wolford
Satin Touch 20 Denier Tights
$38
HUE
40 Denier Tights
$13
Here are two styles of tights that should stay in your closet.
Antonio “Tony” Gilliam
Tony is an editor who loves discovering new styles and detailing the best ways to build a wardrobe with both classics and season trends. If you found some amazing finds or simply found this guide helpful, consider buying our editor a coffee.