Gift Ideas from the Big Nordstrom Sale

Mar. 2023 Update: Curious about the next big Nordstrom sale? The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will start July 11, 2023 — but also keep an eye out for their Half-Yearly Sale, usually the last weekend in May. Unfamiliar with the NAS? Check out this page for more info on why it’s the best sale of the year.) Sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all the major workwear sales, or check out our roundup of the latest sales on workwear!

The below content is about the 2016 Nordstrom Black Friday sale. 

The Nordstrom Thanksgiving Sale is so good for workwear it’s a bit of a downer to remember, ah yes, I’m supposed to be buying for other folks too. So I thought I’d put together a few quick gift ideas if you’re on the hunt — with Nordstrom’s very customer-friendly, open ended return policy, they’re great for everyone. CYBER MONDAY UPDATE: Don’t forget, Nordstrom is offering an extra 20% off select items through the end of today! (updated prices in red below). 

(Check out our other favorite Black Friday Sales here.)

Pictured at top: cardigan

Pictured below: pillow / glasses / hat / bubble bath

• Barefoot Dreams. I’ve heard great things about the drape front cardigan for YEARS, and finally got the circle cardigan during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I’m hooked on the super, super soft material — it’s a nylon/rayon blend that feels like cashmere but is machine washable. In addition to lots of cardigans and wraps for the women in your family (note: they come in plus sizes also!), they also make manly-looking plaid pillows (pictured above) and throw blankets. The cardigan at top is now $54-$68; the pillow is $39.
• Drinkware.  Personally, I’m a total sucker for anything art deco, like these $41 double old fashioned glasses (now sold out, alas, but check out this set of whiskey glasses and decanter, now on sale for $40)— but they’ve got a ton of nice glasses on sale.
• Cashmere beanie. Kate and I were just talking about how it’s so hard to find a stylish winter hat — you either look like you’re 20 or you look like you’re 60. This cashmere beanie is highly reviewed, and on sale for $26 — it looks like a great gift idea too. It comes in ELEVEN colors. They have a ton of hats on sale though.
• Bath and beauty stuff. A bubble bath/gel is always a safe bet (this Philosophy special edition one is marked to $12 from $18, which is a pretty great deal) — but there’s a ton of fun makeup markdowns in the sale. (PLUS, there’s a “mystery beauty gift with purchase” today.) Makeup can be hard to buy for grown women — but if you’re on the hunt for a teenager or a makeup addict, there’s a lot of fun things in the Nordstrom sale. (I for some reason am drooling over most of the MAC Star Trek collection, mostly 40% off — doesn’t this illuminating powder look like a much more affordable version of Guerlain’s Meteorites?). Hmmn: this $17 shower cap looks great for the blowout addict on your gift list (now sold out, alas).

Ladies, what are you hunting for as far as gifts go? Have you gotten anything great at the Nordstrom sale? 

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Workwear sales of note for 5.26.23:

• Nordstrom – The Half-Yearly Sale just started! See our thoughts here.
• Amazon – Memorial Day Sales! Lots of discounts on Amazon Essentials and more.
• Ann Taylor – Extra 30% off lots of sale styles (prices as marked).
• Anthropologie – Extra 40% off sale.
• Banana Republic Factory – 50%-70% off everything + extra 25% off purchase (ends 5/31).
• Boden – Sale, up to 50% off.
• Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off sale; already up to 70% off (ends 5/31) – also mix & match sale with men’s shirts, 4 for $249.
• Cole Haan – Up to 50% off sale styles (ends 5/31).
• Eloquii – 400+ styles starting at $19; up to 50% off everything.
• Express – Summer kickoff sale, 30-50% off everything (plus $35+ steals) (ends 6/1).
• H&M – Up to 60% off online and in-store.
• J.Crew – Up to 50% off “dressed up” styles (lots of cute dresses!).
• J.Crew Factory – 50% off everything, no exclusions.
• J.McLaughlin – The Sale Event, extra 30% off.
• Loft – 40% off full-price styles
• M.M.LaFleur – Short but sweet sale (ends 6/1).
• Madewell – Get 30% off your purchase.
• Ministry of Supply – 25% off sitewide (ends 6/1).
• Sephora – Up to 50% off select beauty.
• Shopbop – Up to 50% off designer sale!
• Sue Sartor – Lots of cute dresses on sale!
• Talbots – Extra 40% off all markdowns (ends 6/1)!
• Theory – Up to 60% off + an extra 20% off.
• Universal Standard – 25% off sitewide (ends 6/1).

Other noteworthy sales:

• CB2.com – Up to 50% off everything!
• Joss & Main – Up to 60% off, plus an extra 20% off with code.
• Tuft & Needle – Save up to $775 on mattresses. (Reader favorite bed brand; Kat really likes hers!)
• West Elm – Memorialy Day Sale, up to 60% off.

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