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Girly's Holiday Gift Guide

I love Thanksgiving! The one day of the year I can guiltlessly sit back and stuff my face full of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. But we all know food isn't the real reason Thanksgiving is such a popular holiday. Thanksgiving is the “Christmas Eve” to the most fabulous shopping day of the year! The day after Thanksgiving (or "Black Friday", as we in the retail trade refer to it) is a day we love to hate; everything we ever wanted to buy is on sale for a can't-beat-it price, but it is nearly impossible to make one's way through the lunatic crowds to the packed aisles of said coveted items. Sigh. That is why we must always meet this day with a plan. We must prioritize. We must calculate. We must get up at 4:30 am , throw on our best walking (running) shoes and dash out the door with ne'er a mascara touchup. (I opt not to remove my makeup Thanksgiving night and simply sleep geisha-style—fully dressed with head propped up on block to keep hair pretty.)

Though I would love to map out a day-after-Thanksgiving-shopping master plan, I fear this is an impossible task. I'll leave the personal planning up to you, girls. (I do, however, strongly urge you to get those holiday cards in the mail, dearest ones! One less thing to stress about.) Instead I will suggest to you the things you ought to have on your lists for all your favorite peeps (shout out to She She Me).

Your Man: Twelve ounces worth of Kobe-style beef automatically brings a huge smile to any man's face. In fact, he will probably fire up the grill immediately, while still in his gorgeous new robe and slippers! (While this gift surely won't last long, the memory of it will be etched into his brain when you find yourself wanting new Pradas.) Also, anything high tech and “cool” is a winner in the eyes of a man. Speaking of high tech, I ran across this nifty little binary clock. I have no idea how to read the time on it, but it has pretty lights. If he's all about tools, find out exactly which gadget he has been yearning for, then get it! Holiday gifts are also a great excuse for the hottest new colognes and manly goodies, which also happen to benefit you!

Your Kids (or nieces, nephews, former charges, etc.): Hello—toys! Obvious. To be popular with both kid and parent, give a gift that is fun and safe to use. 'Tweens are into new, innovative tech toys. For any teens on your list, your safest bet is a music download gift card. Don't try to guess what music is in—just trust me on this one and give gift cards. For toddlers, a pop-up play tent is fabulous—an easy-to-assemble (so easy the kids can do it themselves!) instant playhouse! For anyone with a newborn, a personalized ceramic plate is absolutely adorable and will make you extremely popular with the parents (just make sure you get the date and spelling correct!)

Your Mom: An elegant bracelet, a gorgeous candle display, or some hot mama shoes. (Trust me here—she'll love them; then you can borrow them.) Sentimental always goes far with Mom, however. Spend some time creating a photo montage for Mom to hang above the mantelpiece. Or get each of your siblings to write her a letter thanking her for the 12/18/24 hours of labor it took to bring you all into this world, then pitch in for a gift certificate for a day of pampering. She deserves it!

Your Dad: There's always the usual: a tie, pullover, much needed reading glasses (though we all know he could do with a quick Lasik visit). This year, however, try something a little more high tech—even the most techno-phobic Dad will love this! The hottest Dad item of the season—a portable GPS. Now he has a legitimate reason to never ask for directions! Another great option is a digital picture frame to display various photos of his favorite child (aka: you).

You Sister: A hot new perfume. There are tons of new fragrances out these days, and chances are you are more knowledgeable about the newest and greatest than your dear sis. An of-the-moment makeup kit, perfect for her purse (so she'll stop stealing yours!) Also, consider a gift certificate for a mani/pedi. Or better yet, a mani/pedi package for the two (or three or four—how many sisters do you have?) of you to enjoy together!

Your Brother: A season of his fave show on DVD. You could consider a set of great tickets to his favorite team's upcoming home game. Also, he may need a little help in the romance department (are you listening, She She?). Maybe he needs new cologne or some incentive to take his significant other out for a night on the town.

Your Best Friend: Sexy new pumps, that top she's been eyeing (and which you will promptly borrow) but will probably never actually purchase because her shopping allowance is constantly being spent on regular mani/pedi sessions, or this hotter-than-hot eyeshadow palette and these fabulously fierce lip plumpers. She'll adore the celeb factor.

Yourself: Endless possibilities here. I am always immediately drawn toward apparel. If you are like me, everyone has given up on trying to purchase clothing for you because you immediately exchange it for something “more you”. So go ahead and get that fabulous winter coat you've had your eye on recently. This is the perfect occasion for those hot new boots. Just don't let yourself think that a household item can be considered a “gift” to yourself—no matter how badly you need a new mixer or stock pot! Handbags, girls—not hand vacs. Also, lingerie is always a great idea, since it can double as a gift for your guy!! This is also the perfect time to pick up some of those fabulous gift sets that everyone is offering!

If all else fails (or if you must adjourn your shopping due to a broken limb, fat lip or black eye) you can always pick up a fistful of Target gift cards (assuming you haven't already made good use of your fist).

Shop like you mean it this weekend, ladies! Watch your backs and keep those brass knuckles handy…

xoxo,

Girly

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