Coquette Sheepskin Slippers

Why it works as a gift

Good slippers are a classic case of something people wear out and keep wearing rather than replace. A pair she would not buy for herself, from a brand she recognizes, turns an ordinary morning into a small comfort, which is why slippers make a better gift than they sound.

The Amazon listing describes the Coquette as a 17 mm twinface sheepskin upper with a sheepskin collar, a 17 mm sheepskin lining and insole, and UGG's Treadlite outsole. Zappos, which sells the same slipper, adds that the sheepskin sockliner wicks moisture and lets air circulate, and that it contains real fur from sheep or lamb. Chestnut is the warm tan most people picture when they think of UGG, so it reads as the classic choice.

Sizing is the real risk. It comes in whole sizes only. Amazon says to go half a size down if she is between sizes, while Zappos says it runs big and suggests one size down, and Zappos says the fit should be snug but not uncomfortable. Against a cheaper fleece slipper, she gets real sheepskin. Against a full-coverage boot slipper, this is the easier one to step into on the way to the kettle.

Who it’s for

• A mother or grandmother whose kitchen or hallway floors are cold in winter
• A wife or partner who has worn the same flattened slippers for years
• A friend who just moved into an older house or a first apartment with tile floors
• Someone recovering from surgery or spending more time at home, as a comfortable everyday gift

Skip it if

• You don't know her shoe size; it comes in whole sizes only and sources disagree on how much to size down
• She avoids animal products; the slipper contains real sheepskin fur
• She already owns UGG sheepskin slippers in good condition
• She lives somewhere warm and rarely needs a heavy slipper

Giving it

• Ask a family member for her usual shoe size, then follow the listing's sizing note; Zappos says the fit should be snug but not uncomfortable
• Order early enough to exchange a size; this listing is sold by Amazon.com, so check the return terms shown on the listing
• Pair them with the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Solid Robe for a matching at-home set
• Include a gift receipt and leave them unworn until she has tried the size, in case she needs to exchange them

The facts

Upper

17 mm twinface sheepskin with a sheepskin collar

Lining and insole

17 mm sheepskin

Outsole

Treadlite by UGG

Sizing

Whole sizes only; Amazon says go half a size down if between sizes, Zappos says it runs big and suggests one size down

Fur

Contains real fur from sheep or lamb

Color (this listing)

Chestnut, women's sizing

Sold by (this listing)

Amazon.com

Consider instead

• Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks — A no-size-risk soft gift if you don't know her shoe size
• H by Frette Shawl Collar Terry Bathrobe — A terry robe for someone who runs warm and doesn't need sheepskin