Gifts for her, gift ideas for wife, gifts for mom, gifts for girlfriend, gift for sister
By Shelly Perry
11/23/2007
Stuff to Buy / Bullz-Eye Home
ALSO: Have feedback on our Gift Guide? We'd love to hear it!
This is the year to make gift-giving personal and thoughtful, as you give to loved ones and help the environment. Giving gifts that provoke compassion and kindness to Mother Earth and all of her creatures doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury or quality. You can help support the movements that support life while also scoring major brownie points with that special someone in your life.
Reduce your carbon footprint by shopping online. Great gifts abound this year and there is no shortage of choices, whether it is the “green” trinket or a high-tech gadget. Environmentally friendly is a huge theme this year, and you can find many gifts that support organic and planet-friendly causes. Make the online community your personal village and bring some joy and romance to holiday shopping.
The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is a perennial favorite. Whether you are a serious consumer of luxury items or just a voyeur into the fantasies of the rich and privileged shopper, nothing ushers in the holiday season like this collection of gifts and holiday opulence. The fantasy gifts this year are truly outstanding and offer opportunities of which dreams are made. For a six-person spaceship charter on Virgin Galactic Charter to Space, plan to spend $1,764,000. (This also includes a one-week stay for your party of 12 on Necker Island, Branson’s private retreat in the British Virgin Islands.) It’s a bargain at twice the price! Other options include The Club at Castiglion Del Bosco, where a membership in perpetuity is $3.8 million, and entitles you to the lavishness of this “Castle in the Woods,” a 13th century church, villas and vineyard, along with modern amenities including golf courses, a spa, boutique hotel and much, much more.
Whether you're looking for something special for Mom or that perfect gift for your wife or girlfriend (or both...), we've got plenty of suggestions below, from jewelry and bath gels to gadgets and designer boots. But don't worry: you can still take credit for the gift!
Holiday Gift Guide Sections
GREEN GIFTS
Brad Pitt has got nothing on you! Green is sexy and that’s what’s hot this holiday season. For the man who wants to give from the heart and promote global consciousness, check out just a few of the “green” options on the web that allow you to share the love and spare the planet.
Green Karat promotes the ecologically responsible choice in jewelry. The prices are fantastic and the pieces are made of recycled and reclaimed gold and gems. In their small way, Green Karat hopes to aid in the reduction of gold mining, and reuse that which sits idle. By reducing the destruction of land and by implementing fair trade, they hope to make a better world one piece at a time. Green Karat also offers opportunities for you to recycle and donate your gold. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
Eco-Green Living is the premier green, organic and fair trade store in the Washington, D.C., area. Gifts include a selection of organic chocolates, organic luxury designer bedding, paints, lighting and personal care products. They also offer fair trade jewelry, sustainable flooring, organic clothing and much more. There is almost nothing you can’t find here. And what better way to say “I love you” than with a gift of non-toxic paint?
Reusable bags. It doesn’t sound very sexy but really, it is. Just look at any entertainment magazine, and you’ll see a celebrity sporting a fashionable tote made of recycled material designed to be used over and over. These bags are cutting edge and trendy, but here to stay and likely to not end up in a landfill or choke the life from a baby seal. Disposable plastic bags are a plague on the environment and not too attractive. Give a gift that shows you care and says that you see her as a star.
Wedge Worldwide urges you to give “eco-responsibly” this holiday season. They offer a nice selection of Peace coffee, fair trade jewelry, handicrafts and ceramics. There is also a great selection of baby and children’s clothes and toys. Organic teas and food from around the globe and body care products are just a fraction of the options found here. There are even pet care products for that special dog-toting girl in your life. Gift certificates are available. The chocolate and sweets make great gifts for anyone on your list.
Grass Roots carries a wide range of environmental products, from bath robes to solar and alternative power. Don’t get discouraged. These aren’t the bearded, Birkenstock websites of days gone by, but sophisticated shopping and high end stuff. Don’t let the conscious-raising fool you -- quality and style abound with something for every need and every aesthetic. Natural pest control and organic and hemp bathroom products are just a few of the items you will find. You can shop for the whole family and find a unique and planet-friendly gift for everyone.
If you feel that you need to go over the top, visit
Bag Snob. Not only will you find fabulous designer bags, but fabulous designer
eco-friendly bags. The “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” bag has been seen from L.A. to New York and is a must have “green” trend for the fashion-conscious gal in your life. If you’re gonna’ go green, go expensive and extravagant. Keep your wife or girlfriend away from this site if you want to hold on to your Benjamins: this is accessory Nirvana! It just goes to show you that fashion and environmentally friendly go hand in hand. There is enough for everyone on the planet and a big, sexy, eco-friendly tote bag to carry it all in.
TECH TREND GIFTS
Girls like gadgets too, and this goes for everyone on your list from girlfriend to secretary to Mom and sister. There are some hot items out there for the holidays and high tech is always a welcome treat. For more tech suggestions, check out the Gadgets section of our Gift Guide.
The
iPod is still hot, and with a revolution in the music industry right now it is the best way to capture and keep your favorite tunes. The iPod Touch is hot, hot, hot, and don’t forget the colorful accessories. You’ll have her humming your tune all day and night with what is still one of the best gifts out there. And admit it -- there is nothing more fun than gadget shopping for the one you love.
The
Magellan Road Mate handheld GPS and Triton Series are must-haves. This new technology is affordable and fast becoming required gear, like cell phones and iPods. Maps, software and carrying accessories make great gifts to outfit any loved one and bring her into the 21st century. Maybe even Dad would like one of these “never have to ask directions again” gadgets. Magellan products come with traffic service to make it state of the art in GPS systems.
This is the must-have tech gift of the year. Frontgate's
Mobile Multimedia Player is a nifty toy that's compatible with iPods, CDs, DVDs and camera memory cards. The rugged, sporty design makes it perfect for the beach and sporting events. She’ll never be caught without it, as it takes batteries and comes with a car adapter. At $399, this really is the perfect gift for someone who has been a very good girl this year.
The
Dell 30” widescreen LCDTV is a sexy gift for her. It is never too late to impress her with high tech style, and Dell has a huge selection of gifts in almost every price range. Most items ship in one or two days, making it great for last-minute shoppers, those who hate to shop or are overwhelmed by the huge selections at department stores. Dell service and support come with every item, and you will look like a good Santa to be sure.
The
Sony VAIO FJ Notebook is the computer gift of choice for girls this year. Style is everything and Sony offers outlet store prices on clearance and refurbished items. You will find everything from camcorders to home entertainment here at the factory-certified online outlet. Save money and give big with the gifts that everyone loves.
FAVORITES
Some of the best gifts are the old standbys. Gifts for family and friends, co-workers, and host and hostess are just a click away when you shop online.
There are
some great books out this year that are sure to become collectables. “The Kennedys: Portrait of a Family” by Richard Avedon and Shannon Thomas Perich is a great find for the history buff or Kennedy fan on your list. Also, “My Last Supper” by Melanie Dunea has been a huge success and sure to please the “foodie” on your list. Chris Botti’s new release, “Italia,” is a delight and a wonderful stocking stuffer for anyone who enjoys jazz and classical music. These are just a few of the hot trends in books and music and some of the most desired gifts of the season.
Pottery Barn always has a great selection of holiday gifts and this year is no exception. From scented oils to stemware, you are sure to find something in every price range, and certainly for any event you have this holiday season. Pottery Barn offers a huge variety of Christmas ornaments, picture frames and candles, which work great as hostess gifts. Cozy blankets and sofa throws are great for Mom, and bar ware and home office items are for the guys on your list. This is a great one-stop-shopping site for the busy holiday shopper.
The Body Shop offers great options for the man who likes to click and send. There are gift packages for him and her on this site, making it especially easy to give a thoughtful present to everyone on your list. Gift wrapping and easy shipping make this one of the most convenient ways to stay on top of holiday gifting. For the guy who is a little more informed, cruise the site and choose a la cart from a wide array of items that offer aroma therapy, candles and accessories, and personal bath items. The Body Shop is also environmentally friendly, fair trade and against animal testing.
Philosophy is just one of those sites that everyone loves. It’s on Oprah’s Top 10 and probably your Mom’s, too. Purchasing Philosophy items supports a wide range of charities, making it especially appealing to gifters and giftees alike. You will find Shower for the Cure to benefit the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, Massage in a Bottle to benefit the Rain Forest Foundation, and Laughing Gas room spray to benefit the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, just to name a few. So if you have reason to support a cause, show a loved one that you care with a thoughtful gift from Philosophy.
Anthropologie is one of those great stores that carries items from all over the globe. You will definitely feel as though you are in a world market bazaar. These finds are elegant, unique, quirky and easy to love. They have a special holiday selection of sweet treats and desserts, making gifting out-of-town a breeze. Anthropologie is also the place for trendy home accessories: you will find cups, mugs, stemware and serving pieces and many more items that will be perfect for anyone on your shopping list.
SEXY TREATS FOR HER
If someone has been a very good girl this year, why not give her what she really wants? Those luxurious little treats she hope to find under her tree from the guy who knows how to make her purr.
This is a fantastic find this year.
Amanda Keidan Jewelry items are hand crafted by California artist Amanda Keidan, and are exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces. Amanda Keidan has a commitment to high quality and customer satisfaction. Items are available exclusively through her website and by commission. Each and every design is superb, such as: Moonstone Cocktail Ring with Diamonds $3,200.00; Horn rings $750 to $1,100; Multiloop Earrings with Silver Bead Fleurs’ $255. There is also a pair of cufflinks for Dad or that special Santa. There is much to choose from and you can be assured that your gift is as special and unique as the lady on your list.
Juicy Couture is hot, sexy and trendy. Be a juicy Santa and give her the label she loves. Juicy Couture signature pieces are those sexy velour track suits which you love to see her in. Also find them in cashmere and French terrycloth. You can even outfit her dog with a full array of clothes and bathing products. Juicy is the little indulgence that every girl loves. For the guy who really want so make her happy, check out the ivory cable knit belted cardigan for $995; it is the ultimate in winter fashion and she will think of you every time she wraps herself in this wool and cashmere extravagance.
The soft croc leather duffle from
Dooney & Bourke is absolutely delicious. You really can not go wrong here, so take a look around the site and find the piece that is right for you. This is pricey merchandise, but believe me when I tell you that just the name on the box will make her heart flutter. There are also duffle bags and totes that will help her stay green and fashionable.
You’ve come a long way, baby.
Victoria’s Secret is the go-to site for sexy fun gifts on the fly. Whether it is something naughty or something nice, you can find it here. Be sure to check out the holiday additions and peek-a-boutique for those special little items that only you will see. Glamour by Victoria’s Secret offers a more elegant upscale alternative to everyday undies, yet still very affordable. Nothing warms a cold winter evening like something hot under it all.
These are pure fun and another treat for the pampered girl on your list. Everybody loves
Ugg boots and you can never have too many. The styles are comfy and sexy, and they come in fun colors and styles. These cozy boots were made popular by Cameron Diaz and the stars have kept this designer label hot for years. Check out the Fluff Mamma in natural for $300 -- these will surely make her toes curl with delight. For the sporty girl on your list, find the Adirondack Boot II for $200. These are the best cold weather wear for the fashionista in your life.
What is so sexy about
Sam’s Wine? Everything. It is the perfect gift for the holiday. This site works for everyone on your list, but you might want to try something special for someone special. Set the mood with the perfect bottle of wine or expertly made cocktail in front of the fire. Milagro Select Barrel Reserve is elegant in a beautiful bottle for $74.99, and is a smooth and lovely tequila for sipping or the perfect margarita. If you are baffled by wine choices, let the experts at Sam’s help you choose the perfect bottle for any occasion.
Holiday Gift Guide Sections
