2012 Holiday Gift Guide for Her

Since most of you reading this are probably women yourselves, shopping for other females may not prove as difficult – at least, maybe not as difficult as shopping for the men in your lives. Still, it’s always good to have ideas, especially suggestions that are appropriate for the various relationships you have with the ladies you know. Keep reading for some of my favorite gifts for women in 2012, including some fun ideas for YOU.

 

Sister/ Like a Sister
Whether she’s blood-related or might as well be, this woman is there for you through bad relationships and bad haircuts. She’s who you celebrate the victories with and the person you call when you need to vent. Here are a few ideas to bring her a little holiday cheer this year.
 
If she’s obsessed with her city: AMINIMAL City Necklace
She can show off her city pride with this delicate city grid necklace (or earrings) which look abstract but totally aren’t (it’s a grid!). There are about a 1000 cities representin’, so there’s a good chance you can find hers.
 

If she likes to throw a party: Mix and Matchmaker Cocktail Shaker
Cocktails taste better when they’re mixed in an adorable shaker, and that’s just the truth.

 

If she likes to paint the town red: Ecote Embroidered Clutch
When a lady goes out for a night, she basically needs a phone, cash, ID, keys, and some lipstick. So let her leave the bulky handbag at home, and tote her necessities in this beautiful clutch that goes equally with jeans or a fancy dress.

 

Girlfriend (of the non-platonic variety)
Whether you’re one of our lovely male readers or you’re representin’ the lady-love pool, here are some great suggestions for your girlfriend/wife.

If she likes to get a little frisque: Adult toys from Babeland
Save the “Je Joue FiFi,” “The Body Wand,” or “Honeymoon in a Box” for your lady to unwrap in private rather than during a gift exchange with the whole family. Your mom may have read “Fifty Shades of Grey” on her summer vacation, but that doesn’t mean she needs to envision you and your girlfriend acting out the scenes together…

 

If she’s shot you right through the heart: Bullet necklace by I Adorn You
I love this necklace for a lady who’s got a tough side. Made with real bullet casings (and quartz detailing), this piece is as unique and cool and she is.

 

If she likes the colors of the beach: Earrings
Pretty, delicate, bright and colorful. Love.

 

If you don’t want her to get cold feet: Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots
There are a few things I appreciate about cold weather, and top of the list is the opportunity to wear cute winter boots like these, which are so “sexy-aprés-ski,” I’d want to wear them all the time, while sipping spiked hot chocolate by the fireplace.

 

If you’ve got plans to whisk her away for a romantic holiday dinner: Sheath All That Dress
On those evenings when I cry in my closet because I’ve got nothing to wear, I would KILL for the gift of a beautiful dress from my thoughtful husband, and I know I’m not alone on that. (Psst, I wear a size 10… 8 on a good day).

 

Yo’ Mama
She gave you life and guided you through the trauma of adolescence. She deserves a medal, for sure, but for now, these gift ideas should do.

If she gets cold hands and likes the finer things: Italian cashmere lined leather gloves
Because she deserves an item of pure luxury.

 

If she likes to pack a bowl:
Need I Sorbet More Bowl Set
Because she hasn’t updated her serving bowls since you lived at home… back in 1997.

 

If she’s hipper than a bag of kale chips: Kombucha Home Brew Kit
Kombucha tea, for those who don’t know, is all the rage among the health-nut set. Supposedly packed with probiotics and all kinds of other good-for-you stuff, it’s what all the cool kids are drinking instead of red bulls and lattes and whatever else will kill you. If she likes yoga, she’ll like this. Trust.

If she likes wine tastings: Club W Wine Club Membership
I got a membership to Club W when it was featured on Fab.com last year, and I can’t express how much fun it is for a budding wine lover to receive bottles on wine delivered right to her door. Much better than receiving bills and junk mail!

 

Roommate/ Favorite Officemate
Whether it’s at work or at home, you share your space — and probably more personal information than you’d like to admit — with her. So show your appreciation and a token of friendship with any of these gifts.
 
If she likes Paris and and sweets and being sort of twee: Mini French Macarons
They’re so pretty and tasty, and the best part of giving food gifts to people you share space with is that they usually share.

 

If she brown bags it: Snappy Trails Lunch Bag
She’ll save money and the planet by ditching the brown bags and bringing her lunch in a cute reusable tote like this. Good for the environment, good for the budget.

 

If she likes to travel and know what day it is: Word Traveler Calendar
I’m a big fan of Anderson Design Group posters (we have three) and now I’m a fan of the world traveler poster which features 12 of the most popular city designs in calendar-size images. Beautiful and practical.

 

Your kids’ teacher/ babysitter
She puts up with your kid, doesn’t get paid a lot to do it, and always comes back for more. Where would you be without her? (Tip: if she’s a babysitter or nanny, it’s customary — and always appreciated — to give a cash bonus that is at least equivalent to one week’s pay. These are nice gifts that your kid can give in addition.).
 
If she’s human: Voluspa candles
So pretty and they smell delish too. Plus, who doesn’t love candles?

 

If she likes granola and the earth and stuff: EnviroSax reusable tote bags
Like the lunch tote above, this is a beautiful way to be kind to our environment while being stylish doing it.

 

If she likes hot beverages: Pushed Out to Tea Travel Mug
Cute, unique, practical, and inexpensive. What’s not to love?

 

Yourself!
Most fun person to shop for, amiright? Here are a few ideas for treating yourself this holiday season.

Clarisonic
I got this for my birthday in September and have been using it every day since. I know it works because I was recently carded buying wine at the liquor store (I’m 36).

 

“How to Tell if Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You”
Because you need to know.
 
 
 
Mixed Metal Earrings
Can’t decide if you want to wear silver accessories or gold? Go with both!

 

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Clutch
Someone has to buy it for you so it might as well be you.

 

Astronomy Amor Necklace
If this is a statement necklace, the statement is, “I’ve got good taste.”

 

Ankle Boots
Still love mine. Still wear them all the time. Still feel and look new.

 

 

Stocking Stuffers

Clinique Lipgloss

Lush bath bombs

Sigg Water Bottle

Marimekko Umbrella

Retro Dollie Earrings

Essie Good as Gold Nail Polish (my current fave)

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Kukui Nut Body Cream (I got this for a baby shower gift and it quickly became one of my favorite beauty/body products — it smells sooo good!)