As of late I have been doing a ton of Christmas shopping. This year I will be spending the holidays with two families which means there'll be double the eggnog, double the gifts, and half the money left in my bank account when I'm through with all this holiday shopping - whee!
Lucky for me, the online retail industry is a-boomin' and I've been able to do most of my Christmas shopping in my pajamas. No stressful crowds, long lines, crabby buyers, store hours, or Chicago sales tax to contend with, hallelujah!
I believe the best presents are the ones that the receiver wouldn't normally buy for themselves (out of price, lack of perceived necessity, forgetfulness, etc) but that they would thoroughly enjoy or that would enhance their day-to-day in a small way if they had them. And though I have no qualms admitting that I really enjoy having nice things, at the end of the day it's still the thought that counts. Any girl will probably enjoy that Marc Jacobs for Target clutch. But giving (or making!) her something that is tailored to her hobby or that she casually mentioned a while back shows that you've really thought about her. In my book, that's a pretty special feeling - and it's the one that she'll remember and cherish well beyond the life of the item.
Anyhoo, gift philosophies aside, I've encountered some pretty budget-friendly-yet-still nifty items over the past few days and started bookmarking the ones that I thought most gals my age would probably enjoy receiving. I think of myself an on-the-go urban-girly-girl with a splash of quirkiness and a teaspoon of nerdiness (ok maybe more like a tablespoon...) so most of these will probably be reflective of that mix. In any case, if you have a twenty one to six year old-ish female on your holiday shopping list this year, I hope this guide finds you well. And without further ado:
adidav9's First And Probably Last Annual Holiday Gift Guide "for Her"
adidav9's First And Probably Last Annual Holiday Gift Guide "for Her"
1.) BaByLiss Pro Porcelain Ceramic 2000-Watt Hair Dryer, $57.95 at Amazon.
...because when she is long of hair and short of time, drying her hair can be horrible, but not as horrible as going outside with wet hair in the wintertime (which feels like perpetual brain freeze). A nice hair dryer helps this immensely. Trust me, there is a noticeable difference between standard $20 hair dryers and the next notch above. I know this because in college I had a said standard $20 one and I ended up using my roommate's BaByLiss all the time because it did the job about 2x faster and gave me 10 minutes back into my life every day.
2.) Kikkerland Bear Coasters, $10 at Amazon.
...because they are absolutely adorable, completely functional and will be enjoyed by her guests too, which in turn will make her beam and think of you and silently thank you for your awesome taste in coasters. I bought these for the boy and we can't get enough of them.
3.) Planet Earth DVDs, $58.49 at Amazon.
...because she'll watch it mesmerized by the astounding HD footage, inspired by the luscious orchestral soundtrack, and lulled by David Attenborough's charming narration. I'm usually not a big proponent of buying DVDs but Planet Earth is up on that sacred tier of television shows (along with Arrested Development and erm, Vampire Diaries) that is worth watching again and again.
4.) Himalayan Trading Post Powder Puff Candle, $32 at Urban Outfitters.
...because it will light up her room on a cold winter night while she's reading in bed. I actually picked this up at Urban Outfitters a few days ago but ended up returning it because I have too many candles to justify another that could buy a week's worth of Chipotle burritos. Having said that, if you can look past the high price tag, it is still a good candle and an excellent gift. Not only is it remarkably gorgeous and has a lovely scent, the delicate glass container can be reused for jewelry or trinkets after the candle has burned up, which sort of makes up for the ridiculous price. Sort of. Oh, and it's weighty and well-made in person. And I was very sad to have returned it.
...because when she is long of hair and short of time, drying her hair can be horrible, but not as horrible as going outside with wet hair in the wintertime (which feels like perpetual brain freeze). A nice hair dryer helps this immensely. Trust me, there is a noticeable difference between standard $20 hair dryers and the next notch above. I know this because in college I had a said standard $20 one and I ended up using my roommate's BaByLiss all the time because it did the job about 2x faster and gave me 10 minutes back into my life every day.
2.) Kikkerland Bear Coasters, $10 at Amazon.
...because they are absolutely adorable, completely functional and will be enjoyed by her guests too, which in turn will make her beam and think of you and silently thank you for your awesome taste in coasters. I bought these for the boy and we can't get enough of them.
3.) Planet Earth DVDs, $58.49 at Amazon.
...because she'll watch it mesmerized by the astounding HD footage, inspired by the luscious orchestral soundtrack, and lulled by David Attenborough's charming narration. I'm usually not a big proponent of buying DVDs but Planet Earth is up on that sacred tier of television shows (along with Arrested Development and erm, Vampire Diaries) that is worth watching again and again.
4.) Himalayan Trading Post Powder Puff Candle, $32 at Urban Outfitters.
...because it will light up her room on a cold winter night while she's reading in bed. I actually picked this up at Urban Outfitters a few days ago but ended up returning it because I have too many candles to justify another that could buy a week's worth of Chipotle burritos. Having said that, if you can look past the high price tag, it is still a good candle and an excellent gift. Not only is it remarkably gorgeous and has a lovely scent, the delicate glass container can be reused for jewelry or trinkets after the candle has burned up, which sort of makes up for the ridiculous price. Sort of. Oh, and it's weighty and well-made in person. And I was very sad to have returned it.
5.) Around the World Leather Watch, $39 at Urban Outfitters.
...because it's classy, unique and will go oh so well with her go-to winter cardigan, dress, tights, scarf, and boots outfit. My best friend has this and I immediately noticed and complimented her on it.
6.) Classic Tangoes, $9.99 at Amazon.
...because she will be stumped and delighted by this deceptively simple game. This game is perfect if she likes puzzles games and if she's got a competitive edge. Plus it's two-player so you can always play together.
7.) Huuuuuuuuge Furry Pillow, $49.95 at Pier One Imports.
...because I have one (its name is Fluffers) and I LOVE HIM SO MUCH and I believe everyone should have one. See detailed post here.
8.) Row Boat Salad Bowl, $65 at Uncommon Goods.
...because it makes for a beautiful and unique centerpiece, even when it's not filled with her delicious favorite salads. This is one of those "nice" things that really signify she's fully transitioned from her college days into fabulous womanly adulthood. It helps build some serious domestic goddess cred, yo.
9.) Ayaka Mug, $14.00 at Anthropologie.
...because everything Anthropologie makes is just so gosh darned heart crushingly gorgeous and chances are she's already picked this up before and sighed over it longingly and then seen the price tag and put it away very abruptly after that. Get this for her if she's an avid coffee or tea guzzler or if she's got a weakness for pretty patterns.
10.) Urban Decay Naked Palette, $50 at Sephora.
...because this is the mother of all eyeshadow palettes. Seems expensive but when you factor in that each individual eyeshadow runs $18 a pop, 12 for $50 suddenly seems like a pretty darned good deal. UD is famous for high-quality, ultra-pigmented shadows. And these colors work well for both day and night. These were the only eyeshadows that I brought with me to India for three months and they honestly left nothing to be desired. In fact, when I came back I basically shoved all my other eyeshadows in a box under my bed.
11.) The Big-Ass Book of Crafts, $13.57 at Amazon.
...because you'll inspire and enable her to rediscover her artsy, crafty roots. Also something you can do together!
12.) Flat Cat Sham and/or matching Flat Cat Duvet Cover, $24 and $59 respectively at Urban Outfitters.
...because she will smile so much when she wakes up next to KITTENS every morning!
13.) Antique Monogrammed Journal, $6.49 at Amazon.
...because there's just something about pen and paper that can't be replaced with styluses or keyboards. This one is beautiful, inexpensive and versatile enough to be used at the office. Bonus if you make her a personalized bookmark to go with this!
14.) Settlers of Catan, $33.60 at Amazon.
...because it's Settlers of Catan.
If all else fails, make her a nice handmade card and put thoughtful words inside of it. Key words are nice and thoughtful. And if you really must get her something material - get her a DSW gift card. Because "I hate DSW!" - said no girl ever.
...because it's classy, unique and will go oh so well with her go-to winter cardigan, dress, tights, scarf, and boots outfit. My best friend has this and I immediately noticed and complimented her on it.
6.) Classic Tangoes, $9.99 at Amazon.
...because she will be stumped and delighted by this deceptively simple game. This game is perfect if she likes puzzles games and if she's got a competitive edge. Plus it's two-player so you can always play together.
7.) Huuuuuuuuge Furry Pillow, $49.95 at Pier One Imports.
...because I have one (its name is Fluffers) and I LOVE HIM SO MUCH and I believe everyone should have one. See detailed post here.
8.) Row Boat Salad Bowl, $65 at Uncommon Goods.
...because it makes for a beautiful and unique centerpiece, even when it's not filled with her delicious favorite salads. This is one of those "nice" things that really signify she's fully transitioned from her college days into fabulous womanly adulthood. It helps build some serious domestic goddess cred, yo.
9.) Ayaka Mug, $14.00 at Anthropologie.
...because everything Anthropologie makes is just so gosh darned heart crushingly gorgeous and chances are she's already picked this up before and sighed over it longingly and then seen the price tag and put it away very abruptly after that. Get this for her if she's an avid coffee or tea guzzler or if she's got a weakness for pretty patterns.
10.) Urban Decay Naked Palette, $50 at Sephora.
11.) The Big-Ass Book of Crafts, $13.57 at Amazon.
...because you'll inspire and enable her to rediscover her artsy, crafty roots. Also something you can do together!
12.) Flat Cat Sham and/or matching Flat Cat Duvet Cover, $24 and $59 respectively at Urban Outfitters.
...because she will smile so much when she wakes up next to KITTENS every morning!
13.) Antique Monogrammed Journal, $6.49 at Amazon.
...because there's just something about pen and paper that can't be replaced with styluses or keyboards. This one is beautiful, inexpensive and versatile enough to be used at the office. Bonus if you make her a personalized bookmark to go with this!
14.) Settlers of Catan, $33.60 at Amazon.
...because it's Settlers of Catan.
If all else fails, make her a nice handmade card and put thoughtful words inside of it. Key words are nice and thoughtful. And if you really must get her something material - get her a DSW gift card. Because "I hate DSW!" - said no girl ever.
It's so enjoyable to read this, not because I am thinking I will get one :). You make me like Christmas a bit. All are very thoughtful gifts which reflect a full-of-life kind of girl.
ReplyDeleteDVD is so yesterday. Maria's watched Planet Earth on her computer many times.
love, mom
But the real question on everyone's minds is what did you get ME?
ReplyDeleteP.S. please say it's the watch
Ha, but first I'd have to know who you are!
DeleteThanks for the shout-out! I do love my watch. Pining after the Naked palette, but maybe I should also just get the kitten pillowcases to replace the hole in my heart that is my cat allergy.
ReplyDeleteThose coasters are the cutest thing! And I am seriously in love with that watch.
ReplyDeleteRebeccawithanR