For Her: Trendiest Holiday Gifts, 2010
When it comes to this holiday season, it's the thought that counts, so you want to make sure you're thinking of the right gifts to buy her. We asked Catherine Moellering, executive vice president of Tobe—a fashion trend consultancy—to provide insight into some of the hottest trends retailers are selling this sesason. Here is our list of the ten hottest holiday gift ideas that will give her something to cheer about Christmas Day.
By Julia LaRoche
Posted 15 Nov 2010
Gear for Her Gadgets
Nook cover by Lilly Pulitzer
Price: $59.95
If you’re going to buy her a smart phone, iPad or electronic reader accessorize it with trendy covers and cases from some of her favorite designers. Here is an example of a Barnes and Noble Nook cover from Lilly Pulitzer.
"Accessories for electronics—that’s a place to really indulge a woman. It’s something she is going to be truly using," said Catherine Moellering, executive vice president of Tobe, a fashion trend consultancy.
Military-Inspired Apparel
Defence Jacket from Barbour
Price: $379
Military-inspired cadet jackets will remain a hot item this year, according to Moellering.
"There is a ton of military (apparel) and it’s everything from items like the military jacket and the skinny cargo pant, but it’s also the color direction," she said.
This is an example of the style from Barbour, company with a long history. Over the years, Barbour has even designed jackets that became standard issue for members of the British Submarine Service.
Fingerless Gloves and OPI Nail Polish
Free Fingers by Nina Wexler
Price: $130
OPI Nail Polish
Price: $8.50
For the woman who is constantly using her electronic devices, gloves that cover the palm and wrists —not the fingers— are expected to be a popular item this winter, according to Moellering. Adding a nail polish for a pop of color from the military pallet of gray, taupe and khaki will take this warm look and make it hot.
Pictured here are “Free Fingers” striped fingerless cashmere gloves by Nina Wexler available at Bloomingdales.
OPI’s nail polish “Over the Taupe” seen here is one of this winter’s trendiest colors.
Bon Appetit!
"Mastering the Art of French Cooking: The Essential Cooking Classics" by Julia Child
Price: $89.95
For the woman who loves to cook, give her “Mastering the Art of French Cooking: The Essential Cooking Classics.”
Julia Child’s recipes such as Boeuf Bourguignon, Lobster Thermidor and Chocolate and Almond Cake might make her say “bon appetit!” this holiday.
"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" Every Month
Birchbox
Price: $10 a month
Whether it’s fruit, flowers, cosmetics or wine, the “of the month” gift is a popular choice because it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
The Birchbox, seen here, is a monthly subscription service that delivers a box of four to five beauty product samples for $10 a month.
Cozy up Chalet-Style
Cross My Heart Cardigan by Free People
Price: $148
Forget about the traditional, go-to cashmere sweater. This season buy her a sweater that is Nordic-chic.
“Nordic chic—I think this trend is only going to grow bigger,” explains Moellering. “It’s a nice update to the cashmere sweater,” she added.
Here is an example of a wool cardigan with an alpine motif from Free People.
Animal Print
Calf Hair Belt by J. Crew
Price: $60.00
Seen here is a leopard print, calf hair belt from J.Crew that she can wear as a fun accessory.
“Leopard is the new neutral,” according to Moellering. She says the pattern can be worn year-round and is timeless.
Feel-Good Gifts
TOMS Shoes
Price: $54.00
These comfy, pink glitter shoes from TOMS will give her something fun to wear, and help out a good cause. If you buy a pair, TOMS will donate another to a child in need.
Seasonal-Scented Spa Products
Candy Mint Foot Polish by Deep Steep
Price: $8.95
Spa products are always a popular holiday gift, and seasonal scents make it more festive.
Put some pep in her step with all-natural, preservative-free foot products from Deep Steep in candy mint. The company also makes foot cream and a foot stick in candy mint.
Wrist Candy
Stainless Steel Chronograph Bracelet Watch by Michael Kors
Price: $250
Draw some attention to her wrists with a new wristwatch in rose gold.
“One thing that is new is the attention on the wrists,” said Moellering, “I think what you are seeing is people layering on their wrists.”
According to Moellering, wristwatches are back. In addition, rose gold is becoming increasingly popular.
“Rose gold is a new direction. It’s so beautiful and flattering. We are hearing that’s a new trend,” she said.
Seen here is a stainless steel chronograph bracelet watch in rose gold from Michael Kors.
