Holiday Gift Guide for Women

So, what do you get the girl who has everything and needs nothing? That is the question of the year. And the qualifications for the perfect gift are rather strenuous...

Unique

Pretty

Practical

Cheap(ish)

Smart

I've assembled a gift guide of 25 items. All are under $40. All are special and will tell her she's special. (each name is a link)

Whimsical and Unique (Not necessarily necessary)

JessicaNdesigns-etched spoons. $17-$20 each. Adding a note a sunshine to the morning drink routine.

Camera Strap: $29.70. A step above the strap that comes with the camera.

Hour Glass-$9.95. Unique, eye-catching and useful. This one is a 15 minute "hour" glass. I love it!

DYI-Message in a Bottle. Whimsical. Purchase cute jars at World Market ($2.99) and write appropriate messages. Thank you would be perfect for the teachers in your life.

Zipper Pulls/Key Chains-$7.00. Joan's Gems makes my favorite fan pulls, but these zipper pulls are unique and fun too. 

Jewelry (always a winner)

Vi Bella Sienna Necklace -$39.99. Any of Vi Bella's jewelry is pretty, and your purchase helps women around the world. 

Antique Spoon Ring-$24.00. Ring lovers of the world unite! Lovely!

Keeping Her Warm (when you have to be elsewhere)

Infinity Scarf-World Market-$24.99. Cozy, warm, stylish.

Frilly Fingerless Gloves-$24.00

Crochet Hat-$39.00-So cozy, and the flower is adorable!

Boot Socks Leg Warmers-$24.00. The resurge in popularity of tall boots has led to a surge in boot socks and cuffs. 

Art (to frame and to share)

Greeting Cards by Sarah Beals-6 for $16. Gorgeous prints/cards painted by my New England friend, Sarah. A fun, unique gift.

Prints by Gracelaced. $16.00 for most of her 8x10s. Art and scripture...

Lindsey Letters Live Creatively Coffee Mug-$20.

Books (fluff and stuff or not)

Nesting Place: $19.99. Decorating inspiration.

 Bread and Wine-$18.99 -Essays and recipes.

Ina Garten Cookbooks-$35.00 for an autographed copy. I've heard over and over that these cookbooks are gorgeous and the recipes work.

Auntie Mame-$9.25. Hilarious, but.... It is one of my all time favorite LOL reads, but there are reasons it is called, An Irreverent Escapade.

For the Home (home is where the heart is...)

Offbeat Striped Pillow-$14.99. Stripes are always a good idea. Or so I'm told...

Felt Yellow Flutter Pillow-$29.99 (Because there is no such thing as too many pillows)

Throw Blanket-$19.99 (Sam's Club membership required) Ruffly and cozy.

Dish Soap Dispenser-$16.50. Much cuter than the Dawn bottle.

Handmade Soap-$5. Look at those swirly colors...Another great teacher gift.

Dipped Utensils-$29.60. Just for fun. And available in a wide range of colors/color combinations.

She Plans Dinner Subscription-$5 per month. Each month, 2 e-mailings each containing a menu with 15 dinners, all the recipes, and a complete grocery list.

Important to Note: Most of these are online purchases, many from Etsy shops. That translates to...don't delay. Shop today. Bookmark the shops for the next few days. There will be a lot of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday sales, and you may get an awesome deal.

Happy Shopping!

Woman's Christmas Gift Guide ($25 or less)

Christmas is three weeks away and we are all frantically scrambling to find perfect and inexpensive gifts for the special women in our lives. Gift cards, candles and bath products are so last year. But, what else can you get the woman who has everything?

Here are my top 15 ideas. All but 1 are $25 or less. That is a pretty good deal. All the titles are links.

1. Apothecary Matchstick Bottle ($20). Cute and useful.

2. Bath tub Tray ($39.99)- the epitome of luxury...reading and drinking-undisturbed-in a warm tub.

3. Pashima Scarf ($9.95)-a gorgeous fashion statement that also doubles as a blanket when needed.

4. iPad or Kindle Case ($20)- protect her technology with a groovy (or not so groovy) cover.

5. Compact ($22)- always in style and always useful for refreshing her lipstick.

6. Big stone necklace ($17.99)- the current fashion accessory with retro undertones.

7. Stationary ($25)- for when she wants to write a note.

8. IKEA Lanterns ($14.99)- these are huge and come in black, brown or white. A steal of a deal, and looks great anywhere.

9. Coffee Table Books (your local Barnes and Nobles clearance section) ($20 or less) Who doesn't love gorgeous books?

10. Polka Dot Tights ($8.50)- even if she isn't in to skirts and dresses, polka dots tights will make her a convert.

11. Wool Socks ($13.50 for 5 pairs)- warm and colorful. Win-win.

12. Cook Book Holder ($17.99)- props those recipes and cook books up where she can see them.

13. Hand-painted Measuring Spoons ($18)- it's fun and ascetically awesome!

14. Ceiling Fan Pulls ($11.95)- adds a unique pop to ordinary ceiling fan pulls.

15. O.P.I. Nail Polish (2 for $15)- rich colors and durable wear. Great for fingers or toes. 

So, now I guess everyone is going to expect fantastic gifts from me. =)