Category Archives: gift guide

get gifting: the best guest

{Editor’s Note: Our new Gift Gal, Jennefer, is at it again with a pile of handy ideas for the ultimate hostess gift. File this one away under things you’ll need before you know it (especially with holiday parties just around the corner), or be super organized and buy a few now to stash away.}

Jennefer T. ~ You get invited to a friend’s house for dinner…or better yet, to spend the weekend at their mansion in the Hamptons complete with a pool boy that looks like Channing Tatum who is ready, willing and able to serve you mojitos as you relax to the sounds of the nearby ocean. Wait, where was I? Right. You get invited to a friend’s house for dinner. You know it is polite to bring a hostess gift but have zero time to get this done, which means you’re about to default to the standard, totally predictable bottle of wine.

Never fear, your Gift Gal is here. The key is foresight. You are a popular girl. You know you will be invited to a number of parties and dinners throughout the year. So, plan ahead. Order or buy hostess gifts as you see them and keep them in a little drawer (or if you are like me, a closet) for “gift emergencies”.

Motivated? I hope so because I have some creative hostess ideas for you to jump on right now.

No. 1: Gin and Titonic Ice Cube Tray, $10 / Zoku Duo Quick Pop Maker, $37 / Alessi Corkscrew, $50;
No. 2: Ice Cream Press, $14 / Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?, $20 / Baked, $30 / Artist Palette Cheese Plate, $30;
No. 3: Bananagrams, $15 / Catchphrase, $27 / Glee Karaoke Revolution,$16

No. 1: I’ll drink to that. Let’s start with my favorite gift (and topic): booze. The difference between showing up with a bottle of liquor and a memorable hostess gift is quirk. If you are going to bring a bottle of gin, make sure you bring a Gin and Titonic ice cube tray to go along with it. Don’t just bring champagne and orange juice to brunch, partner it with the Zoku Quick Pop Maker and help your hostess make mimosa popsicles. If you must stick with the traditional bottle of wine, bring along a cute corkscrew to go with it. My favorite is by Alessi, but you can easily find a less expensive one.

No. 2: Dessert first. If you are headed to Robert Downey Jr’s house and want to steer clear of gifting alcohol, there are plenty of charming food-related gifts to try. My personal favorite, mostly because it gives me an excuse to immediately chow down on ice cream, is a mini ice cream sandwich press with the accompaniments. Or, wrap up a cookbook they can use the next time they have you over. If I didn’t love my mom so much, I would be buying the next bus ticket to New York to see if Ina Garten, aka the Barefood Contessa, would adopt me. I also routinely use Baked from the eponymous bakery in Brooklyn. Even for a mediocre baker, their recipes always seem to turn out. And if all else fails, a serving dish that can be put to immediate use is a great gift. Fish’s Eddy is the best dish shop in all the world. I suggest buying their Artist Palette Cheese Tray in bulk.

No. 3: Crowd Pleaser. Bringing an activity can sometimes be a lifesaver, especially when a dinner party veers into the “I’ve heard this story 1,000 times” territory. Because I am addicted to Words with Friends, I always bring Bananagrams, which is speed Scrabble on steroids. Catchphrase is another goodie, especially when you pit couples against each other. Or, if you really want to throw down (and have had a few drinks), there is nothing like karaoke. Assuming your friend has a Wii, Glee Karaoke Revolution is my hands-down favorite but that is because I am a total Gleek – any Karaoke Revolution will do.

What is your go-to hostess gift? I am always on the lookout for new ideas. And if you’re stumped for an upcoming gift-giving occasion, leave a comment and it could be the subject of my next post. I love a challenge!

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get gifting: a happy housewarming

{Editor’s Note: Happy Labor Day, friends! I hope you’re off doing something exciting, and not stuck at the office, pretending to work but actually just reading SMC to pass the time. I’m so happy to introduce you to our new columnist, Jennefer, who’s about to be your best friend when you’re on the hunt for a gift. Bookmark these…I guarantee they’re going to come in handy!}

Jennefer ~ Welcome to the land of the gift-obsessed! I’m a compulsive gift-shopper, and what was once an innocent hobby has now turned into a full-fledged addiction…complete with a room in my home dedicated to all my “you never know when someone will have something to celebrate” purchases. I can’t wait to share a few of my favorites with you!

First up: housewarming gifts. This time of year always seems to bring on a bevy of housewarming parties. Friends spent the summer relocating, and are finally ready to show off their new digs. Moving into a new home is a big deal, and it deserves to be celebrated! As the dedicated friend/sister/employee of a lucky new homeowner, it’s your job to pony up with not only something fun and creative but useful. Here are a few of my absolute favorite housewarming gifts to give and receive:

1. I consider wine to be the fifth, and sometimes only, food group. And there is nothing better than sitting on the porch sipping vino without the worry of breakage. Which is why I love GoVino. A set of 8, especially when paired with your favorite bottle of wine (mine is The Prisoner – I should own stock in that winery) makes a great, affordable gift…and will come in handy until your pal unpacks her crystal. {GoVino Wine Glasses, $28/8}

2. A sassy, vintage-style apron is a perfect gift for a girl that likes to putter around the kitchen. On first glance, an eye-roll may ensue, however once they give it a spin, there’s something about that girly, retro vibe that always makes it a favorite gift. {Jessie Steele apron, $30 / 3-D Toile Full Apron, Anthropologie, $32}

3. For friends enamored with the culinary arts, an old-school, hand-cranked pasta machine is another go-to. This is one of those gifts everyone wants to try, but no one wants to splurge on for themselves. Plus, even if your friend never uses it, they look great sitting on a kitchen counter (much like the Kitchen-Aid mixer I got for my wedding and never use). {Marcato Altas Pasta Machine, $100}

4. If you’re a traditionalist, a beautiful bouquet is always a winner. Nobody has more beautiful flowers than Calyx, and their orchid bouquets are just breathtaking. Send one of these and you are assured to be invited for dinner again and again, so the return on your investment makes these a surefire winner. {Captiva Orchids, Calyx Flowers, $60+}

5. Monogrammed and personalized gifts amp up the thoughtfulness factor, and prove you didn’t pop into Target last-minute on your way to the housewarming party. It is the advance planning that really makes these gifts special. Two of my favorites for a housewarming are a monogrammed welcome mat or a personalized throw pillow. They can be more of a splurge, but they’ll be used every day and make great conversation starters. {Monogrammed Door Mat, Pottery Barn, $59+ / Custom Pillow, Uptown Artworks, $149}

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get gifting: my funny valentine

Attention wayward men who have been sent to this page by your better half:

I’ve never understood the big challenge about Valentine’s Day. Make it sweet (candy or flowers are old-fashioned, but they never fail) or sexy (silk or lace), and it’s hard to go wrong. Lingerie is never a bad idea, as long as it’s the good stuff – pleather or polyester are never, ever okay. Nor is anything from 1-800-Flowers…or Kay Jewelers.

I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite picks (for men and women alike – what guy wouldn’t like a bouquet of cake?) that are most definitely in the spirit of the season.

1. Finn Heart and Arrow Studs, $595 / 2. Brulee Vamp teddy at byLangley, $180 / 3. Armani Dolci at Armani 5th Avenue (212-339-5950 to order), $35 /4. DCI heart earphone splitter, $11 / 5. Bevin bronze facet ring, $63 / 6. Forget-me-not Coral Girl scarf, $150 / 7. Bites Desserts cake pops bouquet, $28 / 8. Lilac mug cozy, $8.50 / 9. vkoo cashmere blazer, $408

By the way, whether you’re single or attached, you deserve a little extra love. So, as I advocate every year, be your own Valentine! Buy yourself something extraordinary (perhaps the most luxe pajama set I’ve ever seen). Lord knows you’ve earned it.

 

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get gifting: festival of the last minute

Santa’s sleigh is revving up, friends…are you ready?

Neither am I.

If all of the gift guides this month weren’t enough to rouse you from your procrastinating ways, chances are you’re in a bit of a pickle right about now. For the most part, overnight shipping is done, and it’s time to get something under the tree or risk the wrath of your loved ones.

Step away from the Starbucks gift cards, friends – I have options! Behold, a few of my favorite last-minute tips to check every name off your holiday list:

  • A certificate for a bespoke Hayden-Harnett scarf, paired with a copy of the photo you’d like to use, would be a wonderful (and incredibly thoughtful) gesture for anyone.
  • If she’s a fashion-forward girl who knows exactly what she wants, gift her the chance to design her own custom jewels at GemKitty. Or you can take it a step further – design the piece for her on their awesome website, print out a picture, and package her gift card with the design you have in mind. She can take your suggestion or change it out, without having to stand in a returns line on the 26th.
  • It’s hard to go wrong with a spa gift card. If you don’t know her favorite spot, pick yours. (Or if you’re local, pick mine – Portland Spa every time.) With price points from a manicure to a full day of bliss, this is a perfect fit for any budget and just about any girl. Plus, many local spas are running holiday package specials right now to help you out. Portland Spa, for example? 50% off any laser hair removal package for the holidays. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a lifetime without shaving.
  • If you must go with a retail gift card, steer clear of the mega-mart options (Target gift cards are so not festive) and for heaven’s sake, shop local. Head to their favorite boutique (or a store you know they’d love), and ask them to wrap the gift card up in a box, not an envelope – it feels more gift-y that way. A chic clothing boutique, a wine store or local distillery, even a video game arcade are all great ways to gift outside the box. If you’re in another city, enlist a messenger service (they’re everywhere) – the gift will be at their door today, probably for under $20.

Are there any last-minute finds you’ve given with wild success in years past? Or ideas you’re planning to test this year?

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get gifting: stuff that stocking

It’s that time – our last gift guide of the season! Whether you’re stuffing a stocking or scrambling to gather enough gifts for eight crazy nights, this list of my favorite under-$15 finds is sure to make gifting on the cheap a cinch.

  1. Keel’s Simple Diary Vol. 2, $12
  2. MintFusion lip balm with SPF 30, Supergoop, $9
  3. Ottoman Iznik tile notecards, Metropolitan Museum of Art, $15
  4. Felt keyfob, Graf + Lantz, $8
  5. Christmas scratchers and Hanukkah scratchers, Chronicle Books, $10 each
  6. Liam’s Robot letterpress cards, Satsuma Press, $10 (all proceeds to go sweet Liam’s special needs trust)
  7. Leather tape measure, Swing Designs, $10
  8. Salted caramel hot chocolate on a stick, Ticket Chocolate, $15 for 4
  9. Glitter in my Stocking and Orna-ment For Each Other, Nicole by OPI, $8 each
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get gifting: cheap thrills

(Also known as the “under $30” guide). Because most of us have the highest of ambitions but the lowest of budgets, my list of cheap thrills for the holidays is here to help you keep that holiday credit card balance in check. Turns out, it actually is possible to give a thrill-inducing gift and stay under budget – who knew?

  1. Totally invigorating in the morning, and not the least bit girly. Anthony Logistics eucalyptus + mint shower gel for men, $18
  2. Who can’t use another tote? This one has the added bonus of a cross-body strap and a stylish, not-too-sweet graphic. And it’s made by a dear friend of mine! Chrysanthemum tote, Westmama Designs, $29
  3. West Elm has a bevy of beautiful throws this season, but this one’s cuddly soft and comes in a rainbow of hues. Add your favorite paperback of the year, and give her an excuse to snuggle up. “Favorite” throw, West Elm, $29 (on sale for $19!)
  4. I never seem to have enough cosmetic bags to throw into handbags, carry-ons and totes. This one reminds me of Chanel, but won’t make me cry when my lip gloss leaks. LeSportSac “Kevyn” cosmetic case, $25
  5. If there’s a teen or tween girl on your list, I promise you, this is the gift to get her. Absolutely every color under the sun…so you can prove to her there’s more to makeup than piles of black eyeliner. Expert Mega Palette, Avon, $30
  6. Bargain gifts for men are hard to come by, but this watch is infinitely more handsome than its pricetag allows for – I especially love the webbed strap, which gives it an urban edge. Military style canvas strap watch, Avon, $15
  7. I’m basically obsessed with this stuff – it’s become my savior during these dry, windy winter days. Trust me, she’ll be addicted too. Blood orange body balm, McEvoy Ranch, $22
  8. Chocolates are always a great bargain go-to, and these have a fun twist. Each flavor is modeled after a bigger, badder (much more caloric) dessert. Red velvet cake truffle, anyone? Ultimate Dessert Truffles, Godiva, $25
  9. A classic holiday scent that’s festive, but not cloying. And I always love the packaging from Linnea’s Lights! Pumpkin soy candle, Linnea’s Lights, $21
  10. Okay, this one’s a smidge over budget. But you get six single-glass bottles of wine for that price, custom grouped by region or selected by master chefs. For a budding oenophile, it doesn’t get any better. Mario Batali Selection 6-bottle wine sampler, Tasting Room, $33 (looks like you save $10 by signing up for their mailing list!)
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geek chic

For the friend/sibling/spouse who had an iPhone 4 before you even knew they’d launched, who can’t leave the house without at least three different high-tech devices in her bag, and who buys up every new gadget on the market before you have a chance to get him one of them for Christmas.

  1. iPad sleeves are a dime a dozen. But this is one of the best, and my personal favorite. It works for men or women, is sleek and modern, and actually offers enough padding to keep your precious tablet safe. Leather & felt iPad sleeve, Graf + Lantz, $65
  2. This dock lets you rotate your iPad 90 degrees without disconnecting, and the built-in speakers mean you essentially have a TV with surround sound. Rotating docking station, Acoustic Research, $110
  3. These retro handsets are nothing new, but the Bluetooth version is. I especially love it in red, so I can imagine it’s a direct line to the Kremlin. Bluetooth headset, Off The Hook, $40
  4. If your favorite geek hasn’t already pre-ordered the Steve Jobs biography, buy him the Kindle version and revel in the irony. Steve Jobs (Kindle edition), by Walter Isaacson, $15
  5. A good iPhone cover is a rare breed. After staggeringly exhaustive research, this version from Chilewich is my hands-down favorite. Sturdy, stylish, and that nubby texture makes it perfect to hold on to. Griffin Chilewich Elan Form iPhone case, $40
  6. Perfect for a musical geek, this gadget turns an iPad into a guitar amp and a recording studio, so they can (silently) perfect the bass line to “Smoke on the Water”. There’s a mic version too, for the budding Beyoncé in the family. iRig and iRig Mic, AmpliTube, $40
  7. The most gadget-y of space heaters, this warms a whole room in no time…and looks cool doing it. Dyson Hot fan heater, $399
  8. This point-and-shoot camera is the best of both worlds: retro styling and modern technology. In other words, you’ll look hip and so will your pics. Fujifilm X10, $695
  9. Call me old-school, but sometimes I miss the simplicity of a boom box. This is the modern (much more stylish) equivalent. Jambox by Jawbone, $173
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get gifting: in style

A guide after my own heart – no wonder it’s the longest one. This is for the girl who waits by the mailbox when it’s time for Vogue to arrive, is a walking encyclopedia of what’s “in” this season, and is always on hand to lend style advice for your latest sartorial dilemma. No wonder you two have so much in common.

    1. Infinitely more chic than the slippers she’s wearing now, but every bit as toasty warm. Bel Esprit velvet slippers, $98
    2. From the bright red hue to that distinctive basketweave detail, this luxe wallet will make her heart sing (and never get lost in the bottom of her bag). Leela continental wallet, Botkier, $195
    3. A practical coat that’s this chic? Impossible. Bonnie jacket, LK Bennett, approx. $245 (order online or call their Chicago store).
    4. One of those things we never splurge on for ourselves: truly luxurious socks. These are thin but warm, silky soft, and actually stay up all day. Bouton mi-bas socks, Phillipe Matignon, $23
    5. A cozy cardigan is a no-brainer, especially a bargain like this. I love the nod to tribal style, and the colors are so neutral, she’ll wear it nonstop. Wrap cardigan, Quiksilver, $108
    6. Carine Roitfeld is a serious player in the world of style icons. This gorgeous tome will get her one step closer to the sartorial perfection she craves. Irreverent, by Carine Roitfeld, $62
    7. Lingerie can be a tricky holiday gift, but this lighthearted polka-dot chemise strikes the perfect balance between sexy and sweet. Muse chemise, Blush Lingerie, $68
    8. If you know a girl that would love this awesome tote, you’ll know it instantly. I can think of at least three (not including myself). “I Am The Shit” Tote, Maude & Tilda, $45
    9. Call it a British invasion, but these mod green tweed driving gloves are my latest obsession. Tweed driving gloves, Shepherd England, approx. $118 (20% off sitewide through 12/14)
    10. There is positively nothing better than a classic striped sweater, and there is positively no one who does them better than CARDIGAN. Marielle striped sweater, Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak, $80 (on sale!)
    11. A gorgeous rendition of a classic Angela Adams print, this scarf will brighten the greyest days. Haven lambswool scarf, Angela Adams, $75
    12. More gloves, I know. What can I say…I’m freezing! These fingerless gloves are so soft and light (not to mention iPhone-friendly), I almost never take them off. Cashmere fingerless gloves, vkoo by INHABIT, $168
    13. I’ve wanted a minaudiere all season, and this one is my absolute favorite. Pop a pair of tickets to The Nutcracker inside, and your holiday work is done. Kingston minaudiere, J.McLaughlin, $175
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