Gifts for a female friend

The widths go by code, from 005 (0.20 mm) for hatching to 08 (0.50 mm) for outlines and headings. Sakura’s Pigma ink is fade-resistant and quick-drying, won’t bleed through most papers and sits happily under a watercolour wash; give it a moment before rubbing out the pencil underneath.

• 6 black widths, 0.20–0.50 mm
• Waterproof, fade-resistant pigment ink
• Fine enough for hatching

What owners say: Owners use them for writing, drawing and outlining, with no bleeding or feathering, and like the spread of tip sizes. How long the ink lasts is the mixed point.

The light, medium and heavy bands run from about 9 to 32 kg (20 to 70 lb). Sit one on the thighs just over the knees for squats and side steps, or move it down to the ankles for kickbacks once the lighter band feels easy. A small carry case keeps all three together, so the set can live in a backpack, the car or a drawer at work.

• Resistance about 9–32 kg
• Woven fabric loops
• Won’t roll up or pinch

What owners say: The bands stay put without sliding, owners say, and inner and outer thigh work is where they feel them most, moving up a band as they get stronger. How long they last is the one thing that divides them.

Heads up: All three bands are black, and the listing mentions no labels, so mark each one’s strength with a tag or a dab of fabric marker when the set arrives.

It holds 473 mL (16 oz) and keeps drinks hot for up to 11 hours, or cold for 24, by Contigo’s figures. One hand holds, sips and locks it. A hook inside the lid keeps a tea bag’s string tidy, the lid goes on the dishwasher’s top rack, and the steel body is washed by hand.

• Hot up to 11 hours
• Push-button lid that locks
• Tea-bag hook in the lid

What owners say: Coffee stays hot for a long time and nothing leaks or spills, owners say, and they like the lock button; it travels well and cleans easily.

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Two tiers of teeth share the work: long ones loosen the knots and short ones smooth. Tangle Teezer makes it for straight, wavy and curly hair, and for adults and children alike. Take it for a second pass on towel-dried hair too, but keep it away from the blow-dryer: Tangle Teezer says not to use its brushes with direct heat.

• Two tiers of flexible teeth
• Straight, wavy or curly hair
• Special-edition chrome finish

What owners say: Morning knots come out without pulling or snapping and with little pressure, owners report, and they like the gold finish and how easily it cleans.

WoodWick’s medium hourglass holds 275 g (9.7 oz) of soy and paraffin wax and burns for up to 60 hours, by the maker’s figure, with a wooden lid to keep dust off between evenings. Break off the blackened tip of the wick before each lighting so the flame catches cleanly. At about 11.5 cm (4.5 in) tall, it fits a bedside table or a desk.

• Crackling wooden wick
• Burns up to 60 hours
• Wooden lid keeps dust off

What owners say: Owners love the warm vanilla and the comforting crackle, and say it burns for days on end, longer than other candles.

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It brews about four mugs at a time. The filter has three layers of steel mesh, and two spare screens come in the box: stack one on for a cleaner cup when the grind is on the fine side. The handle and knob stay cool, and every part, filter included, goes in the dishwasher.

• Double-walled steel, 1 litre
• 3-layer filter, 2 spare screens
• Won’t crack like glass

What owners say: Owners say it keeps coffee hot well after pressing, looks smart on the counter and is easy to clean, and they find it sturdy.

Featured in Gifts for coffee lovers →

It weighs 5.4 kg (12 lb) and is sized for one person rather than the whole bed. Fine glass beads sit in small stitched pockets so the weight stays even, it goes in a home washer and dryer on low, and Mr. Sandman backs it with a 12-month guarantee.

• 5.4 kg (12 lb)
• Minky-dot and smooth sides
• Weight stays even, no bunching

What owners say: Owners describe it as luxuriously soft with the weight spread nicely, say they sleep deeply under it and feel it’s good value.

Heads up: The listing calls it queen size, but at 122 × 183 cm (48 × 72 in) it’s cut for one sleeper rather than to cover a queen bed.

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It stands upright on its own steel stand by the coffee maker, so it’s always within reach. For the thickest foam, tilt the cup a little and keep the whisk near the top of the warm milk. The USB cable is in the box but the plug isn’t, so charge it from a phone charger.

• USB rechargeable
• Steel stand included
• Hardly any splashing

What owners say: Owners find it froths well and feels well made at a fair price, the battery holds up well between charges, and it rinses clean in seconds; they like the steel stand too, and nobody raises a recurring fault.

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Momme is the weight of silk, and 22 has more body than the lighter 19 momme cases; this one is GOTS-certified organic, undyed natural white and grade 6A. RENESSY sells a queen size separately, so measure the pillow first. It comes in a gift box with a care card, and washes by hand or on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag.

• Silk weight 22 momme
• Silk on both sides
• GOTS-certified organic silk

What owners say: Owners praise the soft, smooth feel, the colour and how well it washes, and say it’s kind to their hair; the price is where opinions part.

Featured in Pamper gifts for her →

Speeds run from 6,000 to 35,000rpm, one button reverses it for left-handers, and sanding discs come in three grits alongside practice nail tips for trying each bit first. Give it the full two-hour charge before the first session, then start on the lowest speed and keep the bit moving. It runs 4.5 to 6 hours a charge, stays under 40 dB and weighs 85 g (3 oz).

• 35,000 rpm, 6 speeds
• 4.5–6 hours per charge
• Practice nail tips included

What owners say: Solidly built and very straightforward, owners say, with every accessory they need in the box. It charges quickly, the battery lasts, and it’s small enough to take along on a trip.