Welcome to the Style Bureau 2008 Gift Guide!
I have a theory that when you are giving someone a gift, you should bestow upon them something that they would not otherwise buy for themselves. So there are a few things that you will not find in this gift guide, like gift cards or cash. While I recognize that the receiver would certainly enjoy gift cards or cash, I also put forth that whenever possible, it is better to give an actual gift item that you as the giver have chosen with your time, effort and thoughtfulness.
There are exceptions to this rule, of course. There are certain people that are impossible to buy for, like men. In this instance, I might suggest that you vary the source of the gift cards and not always rely on Amazon (see Dad/Brother/Husband). There are others, like my sister Jamie who spent 7 years of her life liking nothing but horses (see 5-12 and 12-16) and my brother Dylan who only likes sports-related items but already owns everything sports-related (see 5-12) :).
Then there are the holidays, where stress and limited time wind up trumping your ability to give each and every person in your life a lovingly hand picked item. Might I suggest in this case that you pick a theme-- this holiday season, you will give only books, or ornaments, or necklaces for the women and ties for the men. They will quickly catch on as each present is unwrapped, and they will applaud you for your streamlined effort. This approach is especially effective for those who are strapped for cash with lots of gift giving in their near future; if you give an item, no one knows how much you spent-- not so with gift cards!
So my friends, enjoy. I would expect another gift guide out in October or November for the holidays. Other topics to expect from the Style Bureau's Secretary in the coming months include Spring and Summer Fashion Guide (including How to Dress Like You Have a Stylist), Book and Music Guide, Vegas in the Summer and Fall Guide, and I'm sure the fall will include Home Decor and Entertaining and Lord knows what else!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Gift Guide Mom/Sis/Gma/BF
As a Yogi, I think that everyone should at least try yoga once. On top of being an excellent workout, you really are able to connect your mind and your breath to your strength, and that's a wonderful gift to give. Find your local yoga studio, hot or not, and give a class gift card (one class is usually $15-20.)
Again with the monogrammed soaps; they are just the best. This delicate box set includes an initialed soap dish with a matching initialed soap. I wonder how many washings until the monogram washes off? You know, like the Tootsie Pop commercial? Anthropologie, $24.
These highly absorbent gloves help you dry non-dishwasher safe items in a snap! Wishing Fish, $15.
It is possible that this is truly the most perfect gift. These haute couture chocolate makers blend the world's most exotic flavors and package them into gorgeous purple boxes. Great as party favors or hostess gifts too. Vosges Chocolates, prices vary.
Kate Spade has published three bright skinny books, which you can package together in her classic kelly green box. Occasions is red, Manners is blue, and Style is green. Kate Spade stores, $20 each, or less on Amazon (although you don't get the green box :)).
This grow-your-own-culinary-herbs kit allows you to shop for up to 10 herbs in your very own windowbox or garden. Includes thyme, oregano, mint, dill, and basil, among others. Wishing Fish, $24.
100 maple leaves are available to denote both sides of your family's history. Geneology lovers will flip. Red Envelope, Geneology Tree, $120.
This First Aid healing balm from Rowena Mansfield's line of 100% natural products can help ease discomfort for insect bites, burns, sun exposure, cuts, scrapes and bruises. Give as a set with the Night Owl balm and Cheeky Cherub balm. Mahar Dry Goods, $6 each.
My mother in law loves birds. I mean LOVES birds. And so do I, actually, so how can you not fall in love with this little ceramic bird vase! Rare Device, Little Bird Vase, $45.
Combining the ancient arts of astrology and aromatherapy, this candle and body wash set features plant and flower extracts uniquely associated with each astrological sign. Oh, Red Envelope, you really outdo yourself sometimes. $46.
Show your mom how much you anatomically heart her. Available as a brooch or necklace. Rare Device, $65.Gift Guide Dad/Gpa/Husband
Midlife crisis, anyone? Make sure he has a cool keychain to go along with that Jaguar. Tiffany and Co., $175.
Only the chef in your love can derive such pleasure from 24 exotic salts from around the world, from Peru to Bali. Give with the expectation that said chef will invite you over to taste such wonderful flavors. Red Envelope Artisanal Salt Sampler, $165.
This compact photo keychain holds up to 54 pictures; give to Grandpa with a disc full of new pictures of the kiddos and watch him proudly show them off. Discovery Channel Store, $30.
This Amazon Kindle is a wireless, portable reading device with instant access to more than 100,000 books, blogs, newspapers and magazines. It will be interesting to watch this technology evolve. Amazon, $399.
Don't you worry, Dad will be prepared when the Revolution comes. Approved by the Department of Homeland Security, this Ready Kit includes all areas of emergency preparedness, including a waterproof AM/FM radio, gas and water turnoff wrench, and plastic sealing designed for biological attacks. Ready Kit, Discovery Channel Store, $60.
For when Mr. Jaguar gets lost. Tiffany and Co., $250.
For the science lover, this Solar Clock shows all 8 planets (sorry, Pluto) in their orbits around the sun. Uncommon Goods Solar Clock, $40.
I will make an exception just this once in the area of giftcards. There are many types of men; there are historians, outdoorsmen, metrosexuals, executives, hippies, runners, hunters, sailors, golfers, professors. Men, I believe, are the hardest to shop for, especially when they are able to buy for themselves whatever they want. In this one instance gift cards are acceptable because truth be told, I spent 20 minutes on the Patagonia website and got very confused. Wherever gift cards are sold, whatever amount you wish.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Gift Guide New Parent
For outdoorsy parents who want to incorporate nature friendly learning, this ABC woodland quilt is "P" for precious. Available in pink and blue. Red Envelope, $98.
These changing table teepees are so great for moms and dads who would like to avoid baby boy pee-pee on the changing tables. Pee-pee Teepees, Uncommon Goods, $12.
As John Locke taught us on LOST, babies yearn for that claustrophobic feeling from the womb, so swaddle them up tight and watch them drift to sleep. Swaddling blankets, Red Envelope, $58.
This sweet side by side frame shows the baby's first sonogram next to the growing in-this-world infant. Red Envelope, $36.
Do you ever wish that you could still have stuffed animals on your bed? This little lamb has a sound box with soothing sounds to help your baby count 1, 2, 3, sleep. Sleep Sheep, Red Envelope, $27.
He's gonna be a hockey playa in these crochet, made to order baby booties. Mahar Dry Goods, $40.
Hippie parents will love this "peaceful baby" organic cotton set. Uncommon Goods, $30.
He's so cute. Gray elephant hand puppet, Branch Home, $22.
Is there anything more delightful than a baby foot. Modern Museum of Modern Art Store, $38.
Gift Guide Newlywed
For beer loving couples who love seeing their initials everywhere, these monogrammed pilsners are great wedding gifts. Red Envelope, $58.
At some point, almost all newlyweds get a puppy, if they don't have one already (just ask Stuff That White People Like, they will tell you). Be ready to share in their canine joy with this New Puppy kit, complete with soft chew toys. Uncommon Goods, $30.
I received this Love Nest for my wedding and I just love it. My husband thinks it's a little random, but the glass eggs and woven brass nest are so cleverly sweet. Vivaterra Love Nest, $42.
Merging two lives into one is always a challenge. These Life Organizers from See Jane Work include checklists on Home Maintenance, Greeting Cards, Take Out Menus, and Medical. So that they can work through the real issues, like whether to keep the Animal House poster on the wall in the living room. See Jane Work, $24 each.
Are you kidding me with these Hug Salt and Pepper Shakers? Museum of Modern Art Store, $28. I mean seriously.
Second runner up are these Heart Salt and Pepper shakers from Red Envelope, $28.
This lucky horseshoe will collect luck if hung rightside up (shown) or spread that luck to those that pass beneath it (hung upside down), a sentiment that any newly married couple will appreciate. Curiosity Shoppe, $8.
I sure do wish that I had a baby elephant to collect my rings each night before bed. Ring holder, Red Envelope, $38.
Do you have newlywed friends who actually cook? Good for them; give them an apron. Anthropologie, $24.
I read in a magazine that you should choose a new perfume to wear for the first time on your wedding night, and then every time you wear it afterward, your husband will be reminded of how beautiful you were (are). This Amazing Grace scent from Philosophy is hauntingly sexy, feminine, and womanly. Philosophy Amazing Grace, Sephora, $40-55.
Have these cute address labels made up for the busy bride and groom; they will be so grateful come thank you note time. Red Stamp, $33 for 24.
Gift Guide Graduate
Sometimes it's hard to find a job straight out of college. These calling cards from Red Stamp can be printed with contact information so that he can always make a great first impression. Calling card, Red Stamp, $48.
Everyone needs a pretty business card holder. Red Envelope, $48.
This silver briefcase includes 22 essential health and beauty products, including toothbrush, toothpaste, mints, pain reliever, hair brush and stain remover. Working Girl's Survival Kit, See Jane Work, $40.
And buy this one for yourself while you're at it. Includes a tiny sewing set, a compact lint brush, double stick tape, a black marker, and a booklet full of tips on solving and avoiding a true fashion emergency.Fashion Emergency Kit, See Jane Work, $7.
Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso used these simple Moleskin notebooks. Give with a chic Le Pen and watch the genius emerge. Borders, $10.95.
Take messages for co-workers in style. Kate Spade phone pad, Crane and Co., $9.
Get you an ear mic and a skirt suit, and you can be all J-Lo in the wedding planner with this chic houndstooth clipboard. Red Stamp, $14.
Because more people should save their pennies in their twenties. Silver Piggy Bank, Fred Flare, $12.
For graduates who jet off to the big city (New York, Chicago) for their first job, this hand warmer is a great gift with a scarf and pair of earmuffs. Think Geek, $6.
This gadget comes with 1,000 digital crossword puzzles from the New York Times collection with three levels of difficulty. Restoration Hardware, $60.
Checklists and forms will help you plan everything from hiring a moving company to sending out change of address cards, and stickers for labeling your moving boxes will make your packing and unpacking a little less haphazard. Life.doc binder also available for those who really, really love organizing. See Jane Work, $25.
A grown up, rich hippie sort of luggage tag. Free People, $24. (LOVE Free People, by the way; same guys as Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.)
I have a secret: I read my husband's Esquire. It's a quality publication and a fine choice for any young man entering the workforce. Esquire, $8.
Help him celebrate his new business wardrobe with these sterling silver collar stays. Set of two collar stays can be monogrammed with up to three letters. Red Envelope, $53.
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