This year, my holiday gift guide for women in midlife is full of things that have either brought me joy or made my life simpler in some way. It includes items that have helped me to stay healthier, wearable gifts that have made me feel (and look) good, books I loved, and random gifts/stocking stuffers. Use this as inspiration for gifts for the perimenopausal/menopausal women in your life or in coming up with your own wish list.
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This is my 3rd year putting together a gift guide for women in midlife. In years past, my annual gift guides focused on cooking (check out my edible holiday gift ideas, my gift guide for every kind of cook, and this year’s new cooking supplies gift guide), then two years ago I thought it would be fun to put together a gift guide for women in midlife. It was such a hit with readers, that I decided to make another one last year, and now it’s become a tradition!
This gift guide is filled with things that either I found inspiring, meaningful, or helpful, as well as some items that are on my own personal wish list after many friends have gushed about these products. Some have been helpful to me as I have focused on staying as healthy as possible during this stage of life, some are practical, and some are just fun. And make sure to go all the way to the end for a unique gift idea for women midlife! So, whether you are looking for inspiration for yourself or one of your loved ones, I hope you’ll find some fun ideas here.
A Gift Guide for Women in Midlife (2025 Edition)
Things that helped me stay healthier
Weights
The message is clear: women in midlife should be doing strength training. Well, I don’t know about you, but I am not a big fan of lifting weights in front of other people – especially gym bros. Plus, finding the time to get to the gym with all of the other things I have going on is just not realistic. That is why I LOVE my weights. Having them in the house means that I regularly lift 3x/week without feeling totally overwhelmed. I have a 10-pound set and a 15-pound set and am planning on asking for a 20-poind set this year. If those sound too heavy, start with 3-, 5-, or 8-pounds and then you can build from there!
Foam Roller
Even with regular exercise, I can still feel my body getting creakier and stiffer, which is why having a foam roller at home has been a game-changer. I use it when my shoulders, back, or hamstrings are feeling tight and it provides almost instant relief.
Things to Wear
Wide-leg jeans
When I first saw that wide-leg jeans were back in fashion, I was super reluctant to make the switch (I had gotten so accustomed to skinny jeans), but now that I’m wearing them, I don’t ever want to go back! They are so much more comfortable and I feel much less self-conscious on days when I am struggling to come to terms with my changing body (yes, I have those days, too).
Tall boots
I am THRILLED that tall boots are back in fashion! I love wearing them with dresses (and, of course, jeans), especially in the fall and winter. They make me feel confident and put together without much effort at all. I don’t have these exact boots (I have ones very like them), but this is my favorite boots brand. They are not cheap, but they last forever and are incredibly comfortable.
Knee-high socks
While I do run warmer than I used to, I still get cold quite often in the winter and maybe I’m late to the game, but one of my favorite ways to stay warm, but not too warm, are light-weight knee socks. There’s something about that little bit of extra insulation on my ankles and calves that really makes a difference!
Fleece Onesie
A few years ago, my “third son” (my sons’ best friend) gave me a fleece onesie that he had grown out of (he is now 6’4”) and while it may not look stylish, it is one of my favorite things to wear once I’ve changed out of work clothes for the day in the wintertime. It’s so cozy and comforting – it truly feels like a warm hug! I’ve come to see wearing it as a small act of self-care.
Things to Read
Small Things Like These by Claire Kegan
This was the best novel I read this year. It’s about coming to grips with one’s past, the duty we have to others, and the silencing nature of powerful external forces. Truly a beautiful book. Her book Foster is also fantastic.
The Let Them Theory
This book was incredibly helpful for me this year. In it, she describes the “Let Them” theory and how it can help to provide you with a sense of control and emotional stability, while also improving the most important relationships in your life. If you have relationships in your life that bring you stress, are a people-pleaser, or are someone who is often irritated or triggered by how others move through the world, this book is for you!
The New Menopause
When people ask me what they should read to learn about menopause, this is one the first books I recommend. It’s very easy to follow and does a really nice job of explaining what’s happening to your body and what you can do about it.
Random Items
My new toiletries bag
After using the same toiletries bag for over 15 years, I finally decided it was time to get a new one and I LOVE the one I got! It fits a huge amount, is easy to keep organized, and folds up to be quite compact (especially considering how much stuff fits in it)!
Eye Mask
I did a good amount of traveling this year and I didn’t go anywhere without my eye mask. As someone who is woken up by even the faintest light, it helped so much when sharing hotel rooms with people and when staying in bedrooms where the morning light poured in.
Shower Gloves
I first noticed these in a friend’s bathroom and was curious, so I bought a pair. Game-changer. My skin has never felt softer or cleaner.
Airpods
I have had my pair for years and they have served me very well, but I suspect they are on their last legs, so I’ve been looking at a potential upgrade to these. Personally, I’m not a fan of noise cancellation (I like to know what’s going on around me), but they have noise-canceling versions, too.