Instead, have a list of great gifts that work for almost everyone, not only for the holidays but for birthdays, housewarming, showers, etc.
For starters, I often go straight for candles. I am a huge candle fan, but some brands are certainly better smelling, longer lasting, and more luxurious than others. My two favorites are Jo Malone ($65) and Diptyque ($60). I have given these candle brands as housewarming, birthday, and bridal shower gifts and have always gotten a positive response. Both are available online and in finer department stores (think Barney's, Neiman Marcus, and Saks).
Her bath oils and perfumes are to die for as well (one of my mom's favorite gifts!).
These candles run at around $60. If you are in Chicago, stop by Jayson Home and Garden on Clybourn, one of my FAVORITE stores (and a great spot to grab unique housewarming gifts). If not, they can also be bought at barneys.com.
I also love to give costume jewelry as a great and easy gift. For affordable and stylish picks, I favor J Crew and Banana Republic, which both offer some vintage inspired baubles that look pricier than they actually are. Ditto for Kenneth Jay Lane (buy his pieces at Intermix stores, Nordstrom, or at shopbop.com). I have also been paying attention to the new jewelry available at Ann Taylor Loft-quite cute and eye-catching! Coach has great bangles too. If you're looking to spend a bit more, I am partial to little blue boxes from Tiffany of course, especially their new key pendants. These work because they are so many incarnations available-large keys, small keys, basic sterling silver, diamond encrusted, platinum, gold, gem studded, etc. So there is something to satisfy every price point and taste level.
Is money no object? I think any girl would be thrilled to get a orange box from Hermes! Everything this fashion house touches becomes a classic! Their silk scarves are TO DIE, as are their enamel bangle bracelets. And of course, a Birkin or Kelly bag is nothing to scoff at!
The scarves are available online, at hermes.com. They are also carried at Neiman Marcus. However, you can snap up some deals and discounts at bluefly.com on several Hermes items. The scarves are around $375, though they come in a variety of sizes.
The bracelets and bags are only available at Hermes boutiques and hermes.com
Another money-is-no-object item? A Lanvin pearl and ribbon choker! I adore these necklaces beyond words. While they vary in price, the one at the right is from net-a-porter.com and will cost you $825. I have also seen these elegant baubles at Barney's and online at kirnazabete.com These necklaces are instantly recognizable and work with cocktail dresses or jeans and a tee. Instant glamour!
But don't think I've forgotten the fellas! Guys can be much tougher to buy for. When in doubt, I go for super soft tees. I love Junk Food tees. They are available with sports logos, classic TV shows, superheroes, anything! It's a great way to let you guy show some love for a childhood favorite. Bloomingdale's carries the brand, as does Urban Outfitters. If you're guy is on the skinner side, Aviator Nation tees are ridiculously soft. I've seen them at Scoop stores, but again, they run small.
I also love Coach products. Not the first thing that pops into your head for men, right? But their wallets, key chains, and money clips are surprisingly stylish and mainly logo free. The slim card case below is $48.
And, as I was saying, their key fobs. They come in tough and manly sterling silver and my favorite is the bottle opener key chain below, $98. Your guy will love the easy access to his beer on his next night out!
Just remember, of course, that the holidays are about giving as opposed to getting. As long as you put true sentiment and thought behind your gifts, and show the effort you put in to make it special, you can feel confident that you're giving some good gift! And if there are still doubts? Well, that's what gift receipts are for! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment