1. I'm a huge fan of gift accessories. No big surprise here. I can't walk out the door without multiple pieces of jewelry and a scarf, so naturally I can't hand over a gift without a few accompaniments that just complete the whole package. This year I'm going with All Alan, All the Time so my main squeeze can hear The Hangover's biggest hit and his hysterical one liners whenever he wants.
2. Have a video gamer on your hands? What guy doesn't love spending hours in front of a tv playing with a controller? Yet to meet one myself. For the latest in video game technology pick up Microsoft Kinect
3. A timeless gift idea? Give him a great time-keeper. I am loving J. Crew's Timex Watch The perfect balance of classic and cool.
4. For the movie buff, social media guru or TV aficionado(or all of the above) there is really only one gift that will do. Apple TV. This way he can stream Netflix, YouTube, and record TV shoes all with one compact machine. Added bonus: about 1/4 the wires of any other TV system.
5. The right cologne can be just as much a gift for you as it is for him! My top pick is Dolce & Gabbana for Men. If hints of bergamot, cedar and tobacco scroll through Sephora's extensive assortment. Just do me one favor. Do not buy your guy a cologne after a woman's namesake. There is nothing less sexy than saying your man wears Chanel.
6. Odds are, your guy looks to you for fashion advice. I used to spend hours researching sports and the latest technologies to satisfy my athletic/closet techy boyfriend. Turns out, each gifting opportunity he was kind of looking forward to what clothes I would buy him. I still try to surprise him with my sporty know-how from time to time, but it's nice to know that he's just as excited about me buying him something that requires no research on my end at all. Like his favorite country singer says, it just comes natural. A sure thing? Ralph Lauren's classic half zip sweater.
7. Treat him to a concert of one of his favorite bands, and watch him sing your praise.
8. I've always had a thing for athletes - maybe it's just the after effects of my Posh Spice obsession growing up. For the athlete one thing is true. While you may have heard that the way to his heart is through his stomach, I'm here to tell you that the way to an athlete's heart is through his sport. Sports paraphernalia, tickets to a game, autographed photos, whatever it is, it's a way to show that you're paying attention (despite your little habit of napping on the couch during game day).
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."
