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| Wooden Tree and Ornament Set |
Then there are times I'm shopping for myself in a store or online and while I don't find anything for myself, I find the perfect gift for a close friend. Never a mention of this particular item in our conversations but know that it is the perfect gift.
So many gifts are not. Unless you really know someone, I would stay away from an array of things while shopping for someone. What to stay away from? Perfumes, scented creams or any body product for that matter. That is unless you know the person well enough to know their taste in scents. For example, my friend Brooke has known me for twenty-six years and knows that if she buys me lemon, gardenia, or rose-scented anything, I'd love it. I have to add that there are a few scented products that are the exception, as you will see from the below list. The scented products I've recommended are light and heavenly. I dare anyone to disagree.
I was reminded of why one needs to be careful when shopping for scented products earlier in the day while testing products. I received a sample of scented organic banana cream. I opened the lid to smell and just as I suspected it smelled awful. I was haunted by the smell of artificial bananas for the next ten minutes. I smiled and thought, "If anyone were to ever buy me this, then I would know they don't know me." I rolled my eyes at the jar of cream when I read, "organic." As if I'm to say, "yea organic cream!" No, I could care less. Also, I love the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. I just don't want to smell like something edible. Stay away from such creams for someone as a holiday gift unless you know them well enough to know that they want to smell of artificial flavoring.
Think about the recipient's personality when shopping for a gift, the colors and decor of their home, their personal style, and products or items they already own. Sometimes you can go with an item they already own and expand on it. For instance, if you are shopping for someone who loves cooking and they have a Le Creuset dutch oven, perhaps buy them a set of mini cocottes. They are great for individual servings. If you don't know what cocottes are, you will.
Now are you ready for The Pretend Goddess' 2012 Gift Guide? Good, because I just watched Oprah's Favorite Things and I was quite disappointed. Yawn.
Keep in mind these are items I feel make great gifts for any occasion, not just for the holiday season.
Gift ideas for any of the categories below are endless. If these specific items do not fit your budget, then similar gifts can be found at different price points at any department or specialty store.
Home, Office, & Kitchen
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| Lucite Trays at iomoi |
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| Glass Coasters by iomoi |
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| Enamel Picture Frames by C. Wonder |
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| Colored Glass Votives by C. Wonder |
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| Shopping Charm Notecards by C. Wonder |
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| Shoe Correspondence Cards by Smythson |
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| Gift Receipt Card by Bella Muse |
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| 2013 Calendar Gift Box with Silver Easel |
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| Gold Wishbone by Jayson Home |
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| Six "Marseilles" Flutes |
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| Mice Cheese Board by C. Wonder |
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| Mini Cupcake Maker by C. Wonder |
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| Mini Cocottes by Le Creuset |
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| Peace & Love Coasters by Jonathan Adler |
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| Flowers in a Can by Fred Flare |
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| Carriere Freres Candle |
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| The Vynbar Classic Stainless Steel Vertical Wine Rack |
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| "Bacon is Meat Candy" Bacon of the Month Club |
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| Tasting Room Wine of the Month |
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| The Gospel According to Coco Chanel |
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| Polka Dot Vase by Kelly Wearstler |
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| Vitamix Professional Series 500 Blender |
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| The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook |
Pajamas, Robes, & Lounge Wear
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| Lorient Short Pajama Set |
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| Lorient Long Robe by Marigot |
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| Classic Long Cable Sweater by Marigot |
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| Flannel PJ Set by Gap |
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| 40 Blinks Ultralight Sleep Mask by Bucky |
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| Vintage Short-Sleeve Pajama Set |
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| Dot Slippers by Gap |
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| Sweater Robe by Victoria's Secret |
Jewelry, Beauty, Fashion & Miscellaneous
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| The Essential Scarf by Everlane |
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| Monogram Jewelry Box by C. Wonder |
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| NARS Andy Warhol Edie Set |
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| Clarisonic (1 speed) Mia |
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| Tech Touch Gloves |
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| Wrenz Birdie Speakers |
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| Arrow Bangle |
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| Frederic Fekkai Creme Luxueuse |
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| Hasbro Electronic Catch Phrase |
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| Best of Lips Palette by NARS |
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| Strummer Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples |
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| Body Milk by Santa Maria Novella |
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| Pop Phone Handset by C. Wonder |
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| Metal Water Bottle |
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| Metallic Python Embossed Reversible Belt |
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| Bomb Coin Wrap Bracelet |
I often find so many items I dislike in gift guides, but I think you've amassed a great collection.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeletewow... thanks for the additional ideas... i needed some new ones...
ReplyDeletethe body milk ... hhhmmmm... gotta check that one out for me...lol...
DeleteThe body milk is a luxurious splurge. It's a product I only treat myself once a year. There are only two other lotions that come close and are not as expensive. Not quite as good but will do. I will send you the links.
DeleteGlad you are enjoying the Spa Giveaway! And thank you for spreading the word about my blog. Appreciate it!
sure thing... i so will be looking to get the long sweater... the flutes are nice gifts as well.. there are so many i would like to put on my list of gifts to give... still looking thru them.
DeleteAll great ideas!! I found a couple of things to add as well.
ReplyDeleteStone Frames
https://www.onekingslane.com/product/17546/1049287
Hand Creams
http://www.amazon.com/LOccitane-Hand-Indulgences-3-Ounce/dp/B0090E21TK/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1354553417&sr=8-14
Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/himalayan-salt-tequila-glasses-set-of-4
Thank you. All great recommendations! Creative. And thank you for introducing me to the last website.
DeletePretend Goddess, these are great ideas but perhaps you could help me narrow it down for a specific situation? My book club Christmas party is coming up, which will include a white elephant exchange. The parameters are to bring one of my favorite things under $20. Naturally, I wish my gift to be spectacular and the most stolen of the game. Any hints for this?
ReplyDeleteHmm. $20 that's tough. Now, typically white elephant gifts are to serve no purpose or real use but fun where the receiver wants to keep it with hopes it doesn't get traded.
DeleteMy friend Chrystal suggested this site and I have to say it covers all white elephant rules and has some useless yet fun gifts.
http://www.perpetualkid.com/best-sellers.aspx
Also, Fred Flare is a fun site where I find a lot of stocking stuffers and is great for white elephants. If you're in a hurry, you better express ship!
***http://www.fredflare.com/gift-guide/
From Fred Flare, I'm fond of the Dorothy Ruby Slipper Socks ($12) http://www.fredflare.com/gift-guide-STOCKING-STUFFERS/Dorothy-Ruby-Slipper-Socks/
The Lipstick Flask ($14) http://www.fredflare.com/gift-guide-STOCKING-STUFFERS/Lipstick-Flask/
Positive Energy Breath Spray ($6) http://www.fredflare.com/gift-guide-STOCKING-STUFFERS/Positive-Energy-Breath-Spray/
*I suggest if the site interests you to buy a few items and put together in a holiday goody bag. If traded, must be traded as one. I really could have provided much more from the site such as: cupcake floss, flowers in a can, cupcake shower cap.....
Order now!!!
Let me know what you think. If you have zero time for shipping, I'll start from the drawing board.
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