It’s the Thought That Counts
There's nothing worse than taking the time to shop and spending money on a holiday gift only to see it miss the mark.
If you are like most Americans, you have been trimming your gift list in recent years and are only buying gifts for the people in your life who mean the most to you. While fewer gifts to buy may seem like a blessing, it raises the stakes for each present — and no one wants to disappoint the ones they love.
Please click ahead to find great gift ideas for every type of person on your list.
By Christina Cheddar-Berk
Posted 13 Nov. 2012
If She’s a Trend Setter
Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring
Price $290
From Yves Saint Laurent's Arty Ovale collection, this ring is sure to catch her eye. The sparkling stone is made from richly colored mottled glass and is surrounded by a sculptural ring with a blackened, oxidized finish.
If He’s a Guy With Style
Puffer Jacket in a Bag
Price: $99
Update his look and keep him warm at the same time. This puffer jacket is great for running errands on a cold day, but it also can be stuffed into a drawstring back, so it's simple to pack and store. The jacket comes in a bold grape or a bright citron, which is on trend with the current shift to bright colors. If he's a little more conservative, however, you can opt for the black or gray.
If She Doesn’t Want to Miss a Moment
3-in-1 Lens Kit for the iPad/iPhone
Price: $19.96
It may be difficult to tote your camera equipment everywhere you go, but since you are rarely without your phone, make the most of it with this lens kit.
If He Travels the World
Personalized Travel Maps
Price: $8 to $196
Choose between world and U.S. maps, or a hobby-theme map such as a map of the Major League Baseball stadiums, and track your journeys. Each map is printed on archival paper and mounted on a foam core with a mahogany-stained wood frame (a couple of laminated unframed poster maps are also available). Sets include pins and flags to track your journeys, and you can make yours personal with a customized plaque, too. Displayed in a home, these maps are sure to spark fond memories of past trips.
If She’s a Tree-Hugger
WeWood Odyssey Brown Watch
Price: $119.95
This watch is sure to be a conversation starter. It is made out of remnant pieces of wood. The one pictured here may have once been flooring, and it would have otherwise been destroyed. For every watch WeWood sells, the company plants a tree.
If He’s “Green”
Voltaic Spark Solar iPad Charger & Case
Price: $249
This iPad case does more than protect your tablet — it can charge it! Tough, waterproof solar panels need about 10 hours in direct sun to fully charge most iPads. Nice backup solution.
If You Want to Sweep Her Off Her Feet
Victoria's Secret Satin Halter Slip
Price: $48
Lingerie is a timeless, romantic gift that never goes out of style. But to make sure the gift is truly appreciated, consider the types of styles she'll be comfortable wearing. This satin halter slip is from Victoria's Secret's Dream Angels collection.
For something a bit more unique, try an overnight stay at a hotel. Although a vacation may be too pricey an option for a holiday gift, a brief hotel stay is a refreshing break from the routine. Throw in options like a couples' massage at the hotel spa, or order room service or have flowers and wine waiting for your arrival. The mood will be set.
If She’s a TV Junkie
Healthy Potato Chip Maker
Price: $34.99
It's hard to watch TV without a snack, but this potato chip maker can make those munchies a little healthier. Make small or large batches of healthy chips in the microwave. Take the slicer to cut up the veggies, lay slices on the tray and in three to five minutes they are done. Adjust your oil and salt to suit your taste, and experiment with all kinds of veggies from sweet potatoes to beets, carrots, or even fruit.
If He’s a Couch Potato
Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection on Blu-Ray
Price: $259.99
Bond, the complete James Bond. Just in time for the 007's "Big 5-O," this collection includes 22 movies, plus a book and 130 hours of bonus material with footage that has never been seen in previous collections. It's a great addition to the movie collection of James Bond fans. Nine of the movies in the collection have never been on Blu-Ray before, and there is a spot in the case to add "Skyfall," the latest Bond flick, when it is released.
If She Loves to Cook
Ergonomic Mortar & Pestle
Price: $68
Most mortar and pestle sets are heavy and can be difficult for smaller hands to operate efficiently. This set, which is suitable for both wet and dry ingredients, makes grinding easier. The smooth handle fits more easily into most hands.
If He’s a Foodie
Membership to Club Olivia, Dry Creek Olive Co.
Price: Three shipments a year, each priced between $35 to $60
When entrepreneur Tom Bucher discovered 150-year-old olive trees on the property of his winery, he decided to start the Dry Creek Olive Co., and make olive oil in small batches. Club Olivia is a way to Dry Creek products throughout the year. Members receive three shipments a year, each with two bottles of the company's oil. The cost per shipment varies, and membership in the club also has other privileges, such as discounted products and a chance to tour the mill.
If She Loves a Cocktail
Fee Brother's Starter Set
Price: $45.95
Those who are serious about their cocktails understand the transformative power bitters can have. The Fee Brother's Starter Set is a good jumping off point for experimentation. Each of the six bitters adds its own distinct flavor. Included in the set is grapefruit, which mixes citrus flavor with the classic spice flavors of bitters, as well as Aztec Chocolate, which attempts to recall the bitter beverage of cacao beans, peppers and spices the ancient Aztec would mix up to celebrate.
If He’s a Home Bartender
Bootleg Whiskey Barrel Kit
Price: $99.95
Did you ever wonder what it was like to be a bootlegger during the time of Prohibition? This gift may not capture all the flavor of the era, but at least you can get an idea of how to mix your own small-batch whiskey. The kit includes a charred white oak barrel and stand, and enough essence to make two batches of whiskey.
If She Loves to Be Outside
Linus Dutchie 3 Bicycles
Price: $649
Inspired by French bicycles of the '50s and '60s, the Linus Dutchie 3 bicycle is a stylish ride for the city.
If He Is an Explorer at Heart
Livingstone's Sundial Compass
Price: $149.99
Who would want a compass like this? Dr. Livingstone, I presume. This brass equinoctial sundial compass is thought to be very much like the one that accompanied explorer David Livingstone on his expeditions through Africa in the late 19th century. This device can be used to determine time, provided users know the latitude of their positions.
If She’s a New Mom
Mother Nestling Birds Necklace
Price $70 to $79
Treat the new mom to a piece of jewelry to celebrate the new arrival. This inexpensive necklace is made of recycled sterling silver by Rhonda & Elijah Wyman. There is the option of having two parent birds or one, and you may specify the number of baby birds.
If He Has a Song in His Heart
DIY Ukulele Set
Price $48
After he puts this together, he can serenade you. This kit comes complete with everything that's needed to make a pint-sized ukulele. He can even personalize it with his own design as the bare wood is all ready for a paint job.
If She Believes in Women Power
Eden: Fusion Silver Bracelet
Price: $76
Raven Lily is a brand dedicated to empowering women through design partnerships and economic opportunities. This bracelet is made from melted bullet casing and recycled metals by HIV-positive women in Ethiopia.