Gifts for her, gifts for wife, gifts for mom, gifts for girlfriend

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For Her

Holiday Gift Guide Home / Stuff to Buy / Bullz-Eye Home

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Whether you’re buying for your wife, your girlfriend, your mom or your mistress, you’ve got to get her the right gift. But we're not going to try to convince you that we have any better idea of what to buy her than you do. Let's face it fellas, we need help. We need a woman's touch, and Shelly Perry is here to help. You'll find her extensive list of recommendations below, with a wide range of prices, but don't worry: you can still take credit for the gift!

Holiday Gift Guide Sections

When it comes to gift giving this holiday season, it’s like the ‘80s all over again: accessories are huge and bling is everywhere and on everything. Handbags, jewelry, scarves, and even home items such as “sexy” appliances and stemware are all the rage and are available in a wide range of design and price points. Think luxury items for every area of her home and life. High count cotton sheets for the bed, thirsty Turkish cotton towels for the bath, and candles and scented oils for her pleasure. Nothing says “love” like feathering one’s nest. Even teas are high end and luxuriant, and are packaged in the most elaborate of ways.

arrow Hey, Big Spender!

No holiday season would be complete without a peek at the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Talk about out of this world! The Burton Rutan-designed SpaceShipOne® has already completed three space missions and won the $10 million Ansari X Prize® for the first private space flight. Now funded by Virgin, Rutan is building a larger, commercial version of SpaceShipOne exclusively for Virgin Galactic. Now for $1,764,000, you and five friends can experience zero gravity then glide back down to earth to Sir Richard Branson’s private island retreat in the British Virgin Islands. This catalog is filled with luxury items at every price point, from diamonds to confections, holiday ornaments and fur, representing the ultimate in gift giving.

From the publishers of W, check out Luckymag.com This is an excellent place to spot current and trendy items and a great guide to navigate the web for what is new and hot in shopping. This is a new favorite as it is a considerably web-compatible read. The magazine offers specials for online users and is amazingly current with new and noteworthy websites.

Tiffany's
Trust us: chicks dig the blue box.

Tiffany’s is always a good idea and nothing stops a girl’s heart like the site of that little blue box.

Everything this season is “lux” inspired, and labels and logos are back with a vengeance. Burberry is still super hot in coats, shoes and handbags, as is anything else with a label. Coach accessories and Gucci rings are the ghosts of Christmas past and are still strong with a new, flashier take on the old standbys.

Lussori.com is a one-stop site for designer jewelry and watches. The best feature of this website is the variety of top-shelf designers and brands.

Pearl Paradise has beautiful selections of amazing pearls, from Black Tahitian to exotic natural pearls. They offer a wide selection of fresh and salt water pearls, and you’ll find a tutorial to help bring you up to speed on the pearl of your choice.

arrow Looking for a Deal?

If your wallet is choking on the above selections, then you will appreciate the trickle down affect of style. Victoria’s Secret is a great place to find sexy bargains, from silk lingerie to wool mittens. Target has a great selection of watches, scarves and hats as well as the millions of other items, from home décor to high-tech gear.

Scents and bath products are always great gifts. If you prefer an old favorite, try Bath and Body Works. They offer gift packages in every possible price range and make it so easy by putting everything together for you.

Tiffany's
L'Occitane's Almond Gift Box

If you want to try the high end of scented gift giving you must visit L’Occitane. It’s luxury and beauty in a bottle, with amazing scents and silky bath gels offering the ultimate pampering experience. There is also a reasonable price range, so you’ll look like a star no matter which way you go.

Sephora is the place for cosmetics and fragrance at a discount. Every brand you want is here at huge savings. You may not want to buy her lipstick but you will find her favorite perfume at a discount.

Overstock.com is the perfect place to find luxury items such as 500 count Italian sheets, down comforters and cashmere blankets. Not only are these tremendous gifts, but they’re so hot this year and so affordable at overstock.com.

And don’t forget to check out Sam’s Club. From diamonds to big screen TVs (who knew?), find deep discounts for the one you love. And there’s Costco, who also has jewelry and laptops, digital cameras, DVDs and so much more.

Find, at Kate’s Paperie, excellent gifts for mom, sister and secretaries. These are lovely gift packages and stationary which make for easy and affordable holiday gift giving.

Mr. Chocolate. How can you go wrong? Order something sure to please everyone, packaged and ready to put under the tree.

Chef’s Warehouse. A great site for basic gourmet items. Whether for gifting your favorite chef or preparing a special meal, check out this website for special and hard-to-find items.

Browne Trading will deliver smoked salmon and caviar overnight. This is a site full of special items for the food connoisseur.

Shop Intuition is full of sexy, stylish finds, from jewelry to silk nighties.

arrow What's Hot This Year?
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Gift box from Sprinkles Cupcakes

“Sex and the City” reintroduced us to our love affair with the cupcake with trendy, fashionable women snacking on these nostalgic noshes. Cupcake boutiques are popping up in Los Angeles, there’s Sprinkles in Beverly Hills and Yummy in Burbank to New York, the SoHo Cupcakes Company, and Cupcake Café, just to name a few. Now these luscious little confections are crafted into everlasting mementos. These days, Jennifer Kaufman offers the Cupcake necklace ($525 by Emma Jane and Tan). What could be tastier than no-calorie diamond frosting?

Labels and brands are bigger than ever this year and nothing signifies style more than Gucci. This symbol of luxury and chic is crafted into an elegant, simple band in gold and white gold with the Gucci emblem emblazoned upon it for all the world to see. Young Hollywood loves this kind of bling and everyone from Paris Hilton to Madonna is sporting one. The Gucci Icon ring with diamonds in 18 karat gold ($1,325) is cool perfection and a hot style statement this year.

Jaime Pressly proves that this is not your mother’s cardigan. Stars like Jessica Alba and Christina Aguilera have been spotted in many versions of this now trendy classic, whether chunky wool over jeans or sleek silk for evening, the cardigan has made a comeback. Coach has a huge hit with color block cardigan with buckle detail ($1,298). The cardigan is the must-have clothing item of the season. The wool Banana Republic is classic and elegant ($198). Also, the sublime Max Mara fur lined hood in cashmere ($835) [312.475.9500]. Everyone is carrying this fashion hit, from Ann Taylor to The Limited ($69.50). There is a cardigan to fit every budget and every fashonista this year.

An outrageous handbag is a must! Great accessories make the outfit and, sometimes, a woman’s day. Texture and luxuriant fabrics are the word in bags this year, as well as details: buckles, studs, grommets. The super-luxurious bags in croc and faux croc are a huge hit. The Furla bag is incredible ($460). Liz Claiborne offers a great bag in chestnut faux croc ($60). Of course, there is Kate Spade’s offering, resplendent and glossy in caramel python ($1,945) at Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

Girls like gadgets, too! And don’t forget the accessories. Designer’s Guild offers pretty in pink and lime green pebbled leather cases to dress up her Blackberry. How about the Blackberry Pearl with a built in camera (from $199)? No starlet worth her salt would be caught dead without her “celly” and this high-tech toy offers great quality photos and organizational genius.

Scarlett Johansson does it, so does Kate Bosworth. Enjoy aromatic candles, that is. There is almost no better way to relax than to set the mood with a soft glow and your favorite gentle fragrance. Scented candles set the mood so why not light her up with fragrances of cloves, green tea and wild ginger to create a soothing atmosphere ($55)? Try the Sake candle by Fresh from Anthropologie ($45), offering the sweet scent of exotic fruits and flowers. Gardenia from Diptyque has a fantastic fresh floral scent ($48). And, you must check Calyx and Corolla. This site offers little luxuries, including scented candles and bath oils.

arrow Gifts for Mom
Silk pajamas from Red Envelope
Silk pajamas from Red Envelope

Silk pajamas from Red Envelope ($115) are not only a great gift idea, but proceeds benefit breast cancer research. If mom is a Nick and Nora fan, then she is in great company. Everyone from Oprah to Farrah Fawcett loves these PJs. You must check out Sleepyheads Pajamas. You can shop Pink for a Cure or choose from hundreds of cozy items for bedtime, from fuzzy slippers to Nick & Nora’s signature flannel pajamas. Nick and Nora items can also be found at Target for the last-minute shopper.

Although the pashmina still has its appeal, you probably already bought her one of these lovely shawl-like scarves. Spice up mom’s look with something sleek and trendy this year. Still sure to keep her warm and looking glamorous, check out the cashmere and spandex scarf from J.Jill ($59). It’s affordably chic. Or maybe mom would like one of the Gap’s great versions of the old favorite: the faux fur wrap ($34.50) or the cable stitch scarf ($48).

Gold chains, ‘80s style, are so hot, affordable and stylish this year, mom will feel like a star in the latest fashion. A brilliant buy, 36” elliptical links ($65) from Ellen Tracy. Links look even better layered, and Nordstrom has a great selection of fashion jewelry at very affordable prices. Even Target carries fashion jewelry that is up-to-the-minute style. Make mom feel like a rock star with some ‘80s style retro bling.

Gloves are always great for mom. Check out Macy’s suede in vibrant colors. ($15) Surprise mom with a super indulgent signature Nova Check and leather glove from Burberry ($210) or one of this year’s trendiest looks, the animal print by Portolano, 10 button leopard gloves ($490). For the mom who has everything, this little indulgence is always a hit.

Mom still doesn’t have that Kitchen Aid mixer? Indulge her with the Artisan stand-up mixer in one of the season’s trendy colors ($299). Appliances are super hot right now and are available in every color of the rainbow. Buy Cook for the Cure Edition in pink and $50 goes to breast cancer research. The Kitchen Aid Mixer, with all of its attachments, is the ultimate cooking tool. Not just handy, this old classic adds a bit of retro cache to any kitchen.

arrow Gifts With a Cause

Show your support, fellas! Gifts with a cause are huge this year. Give something special to all the women in your life by supporting breast cancer research. Below, find gifts, for mom, sister, secretary and girlfriends, which give back hope for a cure.

Coach is offering a pink enamel and silver key chain of fun charms. ($58)

Great stocking stuffers! Stila lip gloss trio. ($34)

Smith & Hawken's pink watering can
Smith & Hawken's pink watering can

Smith & Hawken's pink watering can benefits the Susan. G. Komen Foundation and is a great idea for the gardener in your life. ($50)

Feeling generous? Van Cleef & Arpels will donate $1000 to BCRF for every Pink Alhambra pendant of 18kt rose gold and pink sapphires sold. ($1,950)

Pink Rose Green Tea from The Republic of Tea, packaged in a lovely pink tin, will make a nice stocking stuffer and illuminate your sensitive side. ($10)