Michelle Obama's Holiday Gift Guide: The Former First Lady Curates Her Favorite Finds for Women

The former first lady and Becoming author shares her favorite finds for the women in her life with PEOPLE
By Mackenzie Schmidt
November 20, 2018 03:30 PM
Products in this story are independently selected and featured editorially. If you make a purchase using these links we may earn commission.

1 of 11

O.P.I. Nail Polish in "Dreams Need Clara-fication" Shade

Credit: OPI

"This is one of my go-to nail colors. It is actually similar to the shade that I wore for my portrait sitting with Amy Sherald for the National Portrait Gallery. It’s the perfect color for any season.”

Buy It! $10.50; ulta.com

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Aretha’s Jazz by Aretha Franklin Vinyl Album 

"“Music is a huge part of how I grew up and who I’ve become, so I like to give people something they can add to their personal soundtrack," Obama says. “Trust me: Drop the needle on 'Somewhere' and your day will immediately get better.”

Buy It! $64.99; amazon.com

3 of 11

Bigger Picture by Rita Wilson

"A beautiful and introspective album from a wonderful singer and woman.”

Buy It! $11.99; amazon.com

Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

4 of 11

Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Eyeshadow Palette

Credit: Anastasia

"These are my preferred eyeshadows. The colors in this palette are so rich and natural— it’s one I can use, no matter the setting.”

Buy It! $45; ulta.com

Advertisement

5 of 11

Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic Coffee Table Book

Credit: Peter Zambouros

“Barack and I love Kehinde. Every piece of his is a conversation starter.”

Buy It! $49.95 barnesandnoble.com

6 of 11

Bespoke Plate Necklace

Credit: Gorjana

“I love to gift a friend a necklace engraved with a special touch like their name, the year we met, or the coordinates of our favorite places.”

Buy It! $65; gorjana.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

7 of 11

Becoming Candle and Journal

Credit: Becoming Michelle Obama Shop

"“I kept a journal in my late twenties, when I was getting serious with Barack and beginning to search more deeply for meaning in my career. More recently, I was able to carve out time to reflect when I wrote my memoir, Becoming. I hope this journal and candle give people an opportunity to focus, to breathe, and to embrace their own stories in all their fullness.”

Buy It! $35 each; becomingmichelleobamashop.com

Advertisement
Advertisement

8 of 11

Eat a Little Better: Great Flavor, Good Health, Better World by Sam Kass

Credit: Brian Henn

“Simple, fun, and delicious recipes—a lot of these were staples on our table in the White House. And they’re all healthy, too!”

Buy It! $29.25; barnesandnoble.com

Advertisement

9 of 11

Jennifer Brodeur L’extrait Peoni Oil

Credit: Peoni

"I’d give this to anyone because this oil does everything—good for any skin type, any time of year.”

Buy It! $225 (get 45% off with discount code PEOPLE45 through Dec. 31); jbskinguru.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

10 of 11

A Museum Pass

Credit: Joshua White

"I often like to give experiences as gifts, not just things you can put in a box," Obama says. One of her personal favorites is Mark Bradford’s Tomorrow is Another Day Exhibit at the Baltimore Museum (free admission). "Mark’s art is something that will stay with you for a long time. Just make sure you also donate to the museum so exhibits like this can stay free!”

For New York City natives, she recommends an annual membership pass to the Studio Museum in Harlem ($50).

“When I first became a mother, my girlfriends and I used to take our kids on museum tours. A lot of these institutions need support to keep their doors open. The Studio Museum in Harlem is one of our favorites.”

Buy It! Prices Vary

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

11 of 11

Tracy Wilson Mourning Dress

Credit: Gesi Schilling

“Tracy has such incredible style, and her dresses are some of the most comfortable and versatile that I’ve worn.”

Coming Soon! $250;

tracywilsonmourning.com

For more of Michelle Obama's holiday gift ideas, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Mackenzie Schmidt