The "best friend" is always one of the most fun people on my Christmas shopping list. Let's be serious, how many people do you know as well as your besty? The best (no pun intended) piece of advice I can give you on this one is just to get her something totally from the heart. Here are a few of my suggestions:
1. For the girl who Purrell's her hands constantly, and usually asks us if we would like some Purrell as well before dining toghether... Cell phone wipes. I couldn't believe I found it, but it's a perfect gag gift. Round it out with something else she'll appreciate (in my girl's case, anything from J. Crew) but this will be the gift that shows how well I know her - and that's the kind of gift that always makes people happy.
2. College roommates. Just the thought of them conjures up memories of debauchery. Now that we're "adults" and a few notches classier (or so we'd like to think) I'm gifting my college roommate a chic crystal decanter. Her Scotch/drink of choice will be so Mad Men in a monogram engraved decanter, instead of so sorority house mini fridge. If she's not a Scotch drinker, which she most likely is not, think about a quality set of Champagne glasses...
3. Sephora Survival Kit - we tend to know exactly what kind of make up our friends use, and if not by brand, at least by type. Nail polish, lip gloss or balm, and mascara are must-haves for even the natural look girl, so get her the best of the best. Either stick with the brands she always uses, or if you feel like you know her better than she knows herself, try introducing her to some new products that you love.
4. One of my friends doesn't leave the house without at least 2 rings on. Jewelry is such a fun gift to give, and it always goes to good use. Think about what she might be missing (maybe she has a lot of gold accessories, and could use something of the silver genre?) Whatever it is, make sure it's in keeping with her sense of style.
5. You know how you feel like your handwriting is prettier with certain pens? My singer/songwriter friend has been keeping Sharpie in business since about 1995 (at least), so I picked up a pack with all the colors of the rainbow and a Parisian inspired journal, to "inspire" her.
6. Book Clubs? They're great, but my friends and I have tended to go the road of "you have to read this book I just finished." We always seem to have the right suggestion for whatever our friend is going through - or simply something that we know they'll devour in 3 days. Making the perfect book of the moment, the perfect gift. I personally loved this one by Candace Bushnell.
7. Staying close to home for the holidays? Sometimes it's nice to just get a flower. Peonies are among my favorites, but I'm guessing you know what your friend loves. Something that dries nicely is even better - like roses or hydrangeas. One of my girls bought me a bouquet of orange roses for my birthday one year. After about a week of in-the-vase-love, I sprayed them with hairspray and hung them upside down. Such a simple gift lasted me over a year!
8. Don't skimp on the cards ladies. Some of the best gifts I've ever received from friends are actually the cards. I think doing something creative, like a collage of photos of each other or symbolic snapshots, are great ways to put a personal spin on your "happy holidays" message. If you're creatively challenged, I love the retro card lines dripping with irony. "Dear Santa, Define Naughty."
