It's that time of year (again!) when the stores are way too crowded and you have to come up with things to give people who seem to already have everything... or everything they want is WAY out of your price range.


Well, hopefully some of my gift suggestions will be helpful. I plan on doing another post soon with some homemade items that are always a hit! I try to keep most of my gifts under $50
by combining a lot of small stuff that I know people will like.

The best way to find out what your friends and family would love for you to get for them is to listen. Listen to them year-round and when they say something they really want/need - write it down in your planner or journal or where ever. It really makes things easier later on.

I've separated the gifts into two categories. Obviously some of the things you will give your boyfriend/fiancee/husband will not be things you would want to give your dad. But some things will overlap. And it differs from family to family; I know some girls my age who could give their moms lingerie, but not me.

Girlfriend/Sister/Mom Gifts:

• OPI/Essie Nail polish in a shade they desire
• Sexy underwear - Hanky Panky has some great one and they are one size fits all
• Gift certificate for a facial/massage
• Cocktail ring - the J.Crew Starburst ring is really cute!
• Pedicure or manicure gift certificate at their salon of choice
• Yankee candle - my favorite scent is Sweet Pea
• Planner - the Moleskine weekly pocket planner is my absolute favorite
• Coat from Forever 21 - usually priced around $50, a fun wardrobe addition
• Pretty calender - I like to pick ones with cool, big pictures on one side so when you are done with it you can use the pictures to decorate your walls - one like this or this would be ideal
• Luxe hair products - get some of their favorite premium brand shampoo, conditioner, Fekkai glossing cream (makes your hair the silkiest it will ever be!), or Ojon rub-out dry cleanser (to prolong time in between blow-outs)
• Roll-on or travel size bottle of their favorite perfume
• Coach cashmere-lined leather gloves
• Boxed set of her favorite TV shows
• Sephora scent sampler - perfect gift for the girl who still hasn't found her perfume
• Cute top/dress from Forever 21 - when in doubt just buy a medium, their sizing is all pretty much the same
• Gift certificate for mystic tanning sessions
• Stationary - it can be a great gift - some places to look: high end - Mrs. John L Strong, medium - Crane & Co, cheaper (but still nice) Papyrus
• Burberry headband - dresses up any outfit
• Anthropologie earrings
• Great books - either pick something you've read and know know they will love - or get something fun with great advice: Emily Post's Etiquette, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, or Kevyn Aucoin's Making Faces
• Gift certificate to favorite clothing store

In general, I like to receive gifts that are things I want, but are out of my price range. For example, I love premium hair products like the Fekkai Technician line, but at $32.50 a bottle, I would much rather get TRESseme and save the extra bucks for essentials.

This also covers the issue of giving gift cards - some people disagree with gift card giving - why not just give money? They can see how much you're spending on them anyway. Well, whenever I receive cash, I deposit it into my bank account and then I usually spend it on groceries or gas - the whole point of a gift is to give something they will really like. I like gift cards - just make sure they have easy access to the store and it's somewhere they like to shop.


Boyfriend/Brother/Dad Gifts:

• Boxers - they always seem to need more of these, some places to look: high end - Ralph Lauren, medium - Gap, cheaper - Old Navy
• Luggage pieces - I've found a lot of guys don't have a good garment bag - some of these are great
• Dress socks - look at Marshall's or TJ Maxx
• A new game for their chosen game system (or a fancy controller)
• Tickets to a sporting event or concert they would love to go to
• Boxed set of his favorite TV shows
• Nice dress shirts - just look at what they have in the closet and pick more - most of the men I know don't like too much change
• Ties - buy one you like so then he'll have at least one ;)
• Collectors set of their favorite liquor
• Gift certificate to Lowes/Home Depot
• Cologne you like - ah, the power scent can have over a woman...
• Humidor with a few cigars
• Gift certificate to a local brewery - look for one that does beer flights, that's always fun

Everyone Gifts (good to keep on hand in case of unexpected gift givers):

• Baked Goods (cupcakes, cookies, brownies - Betty Crocker Triple Chunk are the best)
• iTunes Gift Card
• Favorite bottle of wine

Happy hunting! Also, presentation is almost as important as the gift. The most interesting you make the set up - the more fun it is. Think Bridget's gifts (she coordinated her gift to the playmate of the year to match her dress) on the Girls Next Door.

{this is a repost from several years ago - I think it's still pretty relevant though and hopefully helpful! I plan on doing a few more Christmas posts in the next few weeks!}