Inspired by the lists at InStyle and others, I thought I'd throw together a list of my top recommendations this year...
1. For the chocoholic:
Sweet Riot. $47.99 for 12, 1 oz. tins (about $5.00 each if you find them somewhere sold seperately)
Chocolate-coated cocoa nibs. This is for someone SERIOUS about chocolate or seriously on a diet (the entire tin, which I defy ANYONE to eat in one sitting, is 140 calories).
2. For the conversationalist:
Off the Books: The Underground Economy of the Urban Poor ,$27.95 (less on Amazon)
I'm still waiting on my copy from Amazon.com, but the reviews that I've read, including this one from Slate.com, make it sound fabulously engrossing.
3. For coffee lovers:
Smart Travel Mug. $39.98
An insulated coffee mug that not only keeps your beverage warm, it can actually heat it up! I bought one of these for my mom and she LOVES it!
4. For your most elegant friend:
Customized calling cards. (also HERE) , price varies.
I bought these from Crane last year, and they were a hit. Printed with name, address, e-mail and/or phone number, they are perfect to slip inside a gift, and so much more chic than scrawling your name/e-mail on a napkin somewhere! These come in a wide variety of styles and price ranges (It is possible to print them on your home computer). The only problem is that it is a bit late, perhaps, to order this year...
5. For a child:
Bowling Bunnies, $35.00.
You might think that this is a game for babies, but you would be wrong. I bought this for Susan (over protests that she is too old), and it was a hit. We love to play together, and the bunnies are so super cute!
6. For![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
kirixchi
A gift card from Aedes.com, price varies.
Scent is very personal, and so you might not want to choose for yourself. Aedes has an outstanding sampling program (7 samples for an $15.00 deliver fee), and so you could put the samples in a box with the gift card and allow the recipient to choose. On the other hand, Aedes does have the most exquisite gift wrap of any store I've ever encountered. If you DO want to choose, it is hard to go wrong with any fragrance by L'Artisan Parfumeur . I wear La chasse aux papillions , but I've always wanted to try Fou d'Absinthe .
7. For a smartass:
God Detector , starting at $4.95.
Might I also suggest a surge protector if the recipient works with electronics.
8. For a man:
Swedish Firesteel, $15.99.
Go ahead, throw in the Maya Dust too. Nothing says manly like flame.
9. For your dog:
Tuffies Dog Toys, $7.50- $99.00
Used at kennels, these are the closest thing to indestructable that you are going to find- and Siri loves them! He could devour a plush toy in a matter of minutes. So far, the Tuffies have stood up to his jaws of doom.
10. For a mommy:
Dress-Up Pancake Molds, $16.00
Okay, YOUR Mommy wouldn't like it, but anyone with little kids is going to be able to keep the wee ones entertained with these. If the recipient happens to be a mom of boys, they come in Holiday Shapes as well. Williams-Sonoma carries these all year long, so look out for the "cars and trucks" , "sports" and "dinosaurs" version as well. In addition to dress-up, Susie and I have Farm Animals. They are easy to use, work perfectly and are non-stick, so a breeze to clean up. These are a huge hit at slumber parties.
11. For a TV Lover:
A slingbox, $150-$250.
Watch your TV wherever YOU are. If these things are as cool in person as they look in print, I need one NOW....and I don't even watch TV!
12. For you and your best friend/significant other, after you win the lottery:
A 15-day antartic cruise, starting at $8890.
The adventure, the romance, the sub-zero temperatures! Okay, it isn't exactly the beach, but you'll be the only person you know who has traveled to the Southernmost continent. I'll be green with envy!
I'd love to hear your ideas too!
1. For the chocoholic:
Sweet Riot. $47.99 for 12, 1 oz. tins (about $5.00 each if you find them somewhere sold seperately)
Chocolate-coated cocoa nibs. This is for someone SERIOUS about chocolate or seriously on a diet (the entire tin, which I defy ANYONE to eat in one sitting, is 140 calories).
2. For the conversationalist:
Off the Books: The Underground Economy of the Urban Poor ,$27.95 (less on Amazon)
I'm still waiting on my copy from Amazon.com, but the reviews that I've read, including this one from Slate.com, make it sound fabulously engrossing.
3. For coffee lovers:
Smart Travel Mug. $39.98
An insulated coffee mug that not only keeps your beverage warm, it can actually heat it up! I bought one of these for my mom and she LOVES it!
4. For your most elegant friend:
Customized calling cards. (also HERE) , price varies.
I bought these from Crane last year, and they were a hit. Printed with name, address, e-mail and/or phone number, they are perfect to slip inside a gift, and so much more chic than scrawling your name/e-mail on a napkin somewhere! These come in a wide variety of styles and price ranges (It is possible to print them on your home computer). The only problem is that it is a bit late, perhaps, to order this year...
5. For a child:
Bowling Bunnies, $35.00.
You might think that this is a game for babies, but you would be wrong. I bought this for Susan (over protests that she is too old), and it was a hit. We love to play together, and the bunnies are so super cute!
6. For
kirixchiA gift card from Aedes.com, price varies.
Scent is very personal, and so you might not want to choose for yourself. Aedes has an outstanding sampling program (7 samples for an $15.00 deliver fee), and so you could put the samples in a box with the gift card and allow the recipient to choose. On the other hand, Aedes does have the most exquisite gift wrap of any store I've ever encountered. If you DO want to choose, it is hard to go wrong with any fragrance by L'Artisan Parfumeur . I wear La chasse aux papillions , but I've always wanted to try Fou d'Absinthe .
7. For a smartass:
God Detector , starting at $4.95.
Might I also suggest a surge protector if the recipient works with electronics.
8. For a man:
Swedish Firesteel, $15.99.
Go ahead, throw in the Maya Dust too. Nothing says manly like flame.
9. For your dog:
Tuffies Dog Toys, $7.50- $99.00
Used at kennels, these are the closest thing to indestructable that you are going to find- and Siri loves them! He could devour a plush toy in a matter of minutes. So far, the Tuffies have stood up to his jaws of doom.
10. For a mommy:
Dress-Up Pancake Molds, $16.00
Okay, YOUR Mommy wouldn't like it, but anyone with little kids is going to be able to keep the wee ones entertained with these. If the recipient happens to be a mom of boys, they come in Holiday Shapes as well. Williams-Sonoma carries these all year long, so look out for the "cars and trucks" , "sports" and "dinosaurs" version as well. In addition to dress-up, Susie and I have Farm Animals. They are easy to use, work perfectly and are non-stick, so a breeze to clean up. These are a huge hit at slumber parties.
11. For a TV Lover:
A slingbox, $150-$250.
Watch your TV wherever YOU are. If these things are as cool in person as they look in print, I need one NOW....and I don't even watch TV!
12. For you and your best friend/significant other, after you win the lottery:
A 15-day antartic cruise, starting at $8890.
The adventure, the romance, the sub-zero temperatures! Okay, it isn't exactly the beach, but you'll be the only person you know who has traveled to the Southernmost continent. I'll be green with envy!
I'd love to hear your ideas too!
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