{Editor’s Note: This year, I’ve asked a few of the people whose style I spend all year admiring to share their holiday wish lists. Stay tuned – we’ll have a new expert every day for the next two weeks!}

We’re kicking things off with a bang, friends. It gives me an overwhelming mix of awe and squeal-inducing glee to bring you our first gift guide of the season, from none other than Kim France. She of Lucky Magazine editorial fame, and Sassy before that (and much, much more). If you don’t know her current venture, you’re missing out – Girls of a Certain Age is easily my favorite thing to read online (when I’m not manically proofreading SMC). Kim’s personal style is creative and edgy, but utterly approachable – I swear, she’ll make you cooler by osmosis. If you have a friend on your list whose style intimidates you just a smidge, or if you just want everyone to shake their heads in amazement at your unparalleled gift-buying prowess, this is the guide you want.

 

1. Everyone who knows me knows I go bonkers for prints, and the one on this iPhone case from Dannijo is perfectly beyond. Also: it is my belief that all iPhone cases should be extremely loud, so that your phone can always be located at the bottom of your bag, and this definitely succeeds on that count. Dannijo Lana iPhone case, $95
2. Buying jewelry for somebody else can be tricky, but when the piece in question involves an eensy, perfect little black diamond, I think you can assume you’re good to go. Blanca Monros Gomez seed necklace with black diamond, $298
3. Wolfum is a northern California outfit that does housewares in the brightest and most totally fun prints imaginable. I might give some of their coasters in one pattern and a few napkins in another, just to mix things up. Wolfum coasters and napkins, from $35 (also here)
4. One of my golden rules of gift giving is to buy people things that they might never buy themselves, and striped candles definitely fall under that heading. The tiniest of luxuries, but one that would make such a lovely difference when setting the table for a dinner party. Ana striped candles, $24
5. Seriously, I think the only people who don’t like this product are the ones who haven’t tried it yet. Whoever you give it to will either curse you or thank you for saddling them with a new addiction. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, $40
6. Form and function come together in a perfect little marriage with this cute little ceramic teacup with built-in infuser. ForLife teacup with infuser, $23
7. Doug Johnston’s baskets are a great combination of modern and folksy, and come in every shape and size. I think they really warm up any room they’re in. Doug Johnston baskets and vessels, from $30 (more here.)
8. Nobody doesn’t think it’s time for a new cutting board, and this one is so damn chic with the leather handle. Lostine cutting board, $148
9. This giant Fornasetti candle is so amazing and indulgent, and a perfect example of something I could never justify buying for myself. Which is always the best kind of present in my book. Fornasetti Flora candle, $495
10. I’ve been dying for one of James Colarusso’s faceted heart pendants for ages. Faceted heart pendant, $215

Thanks so much, Kim! For more of Kim’s über -stylish expertise, put Girls of a Certain Age in your RSS, stat.

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