Gift Conundrum

My least favorite thing about being a responsible, gainfully employed adult is that I'm now expected to handle gift-giving to various family members. In the past, my mother included gifts sent on my behalf with her packages. Last year, she continued to do most of my gift-giving for birthdays but left Christmas up to me. I did pretty well- I managed to get a gift for everyone, stay in a reasonable budget, and ship everything on time.

2011 is off to a rocky start, though- I forgot all about my cousin Jennifer's birthday until my mom sent me a text yesterday, asking if I'd gotten her anything. Jenn's birthday is Saturday. Oops. I imagined my mom sighing as she replied that she would handle it, but I needed to send my cousin Andy's wife (Mandy) something for her birthday (2/23). 

A brief explanation on my family: I don't see or speak to my father's side of the family often. (I believe 2004 was the last time I received correspondence from them.) My mother's side is small- I have 3 first cousins, 2 aunts, and 4 uncles. As a result, we are all fairly close. So while some might think it's odd to be so concerned with gift giving to extended family, bear in mind that I feel closer to my older cousins than I do my older half-sister.

That said, I know next to nothing about Mandy. I met her once, at her and Andy's wedding last summer. She was extremely kind, with a generous laugh and big smile. Looking through Andy's Facebook photos that include her (she doesn't have an account), she seems down-to-earth, into simple style, and outdoorsy. But what to get her? Here are my ideas thus far:

Image via Preppy Princess

Jonathan Adler tumblers- I think the Greek Key (blue & orange) or Multi Chevron (obvious) are the front runners...everyone can use more cups, and these are an excellent value. I'm not sure if they're dishwasher safe, though, and have no idea if they fit with Mandy's general taste.

Image via A Touch of Whimsy

Luggage tags- Another gift I think everyone could use. Although now that I think about it, I only have a PO box address for Andy and Mandy. Scratch this. Still cute, though.

Image via Olive Barn

Herb garden kit- this biodegradable bowl comes filled with organic seeds and would make an excellent window garden. Plus, they just bought a house with a great big yard; perhaps if this grows well, it could be transplanted outside to a garden!

Image via Not Soap, Radio

I'm not here, I'm really...gift set- I hate to give generically girly gifts like candles and soap, but I really think this Not Soap, Radio gift set of 3 body souffles is a good choice. They have fun names like "I'm not here, I'm really walking the red carpet" and with 3 scents, one of them is bound to please!

Better to Give

I just wrapped up the last of my Christmas shopping last night- I am so happy to have done almost all of it online. No fighting crowds on Black Friday or hunting through the mall for me! I can always find the right thing for family and friends on Amazon or Etsy, and failing that, every national retail store has a website. Here's a few things I'm giving this year:

Little Big Planet

To my dear friend, former roommate, and gaming buddy Mikey I am giving Little Big Planet. It's fun and challenging and I think he'll enjoy it. Plus, once he has a copy, we can play online together. 

Blue houndstooth apron

My BFF Amy loves to cook and bake, so I snagged this cute personalized blue houndstooth apron from Preppy Princess. My only hope is that it isn't so long that it will swallow her- she's only 5'2! 

Handmade beaded earrings

I actually scored several pairs of beautiful earrings from the Etsy store OBX Jewels. The owner is getting out of the jewelry business and is selling gorgeous pieces for great prices. These particular earrings are for my friend Greer- her favorite color is blue and she has wonderful taste in jewelry. Other pairs of earrings from this shop are going to my mom, aunts, and cousin. (And I have a pair to keep for myself too!)

Long-sleeved tee from Loft

My mom always gripes about needing colorful shirts, so I snagged this super-soft long-sleeved twisted vee neck tee from Loft yesterday. The soft pink color will look wonderful with her natural coloring and the neckline isn't too revealing. Perfect!

What are you giving for Christmas?

Christmas List, Part 2

Since I've shared some items that are on my list to give, I thought I'd share some items that I'd like to receive this year!

Monogrammed earrings from The Pink Monogram. I have been searching for a pair of earrings to wear every day- the kind that match everything, don't look ridiculous, and aren't attention-getting. I think these small, tastefully monogrammed beauties are just what I'm looking for!

Boat & Tote bag from LL Bean. I really need a tote bag for carrying around all of the miscellaneous stuff I take to work, to the gym, and to polo practice. I love the Regatta Blue color!

Cozy socks from Old Navy. I cannot tell you how much I need some warm, fuzzy socks! My feet freeze after  I take off my Ugg-boot-looking slippers and regular socks just don't cut it at night. 

Rope Whale notecards from Vineyard Vines. This stationary is adorable, enough said.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Christmas List

It's getting to be the time of year when I seriously start thinking about Christmas. Namely, what to get everyone on my list, which has gotten quite long in recent years! My close friends are easy to shop for; my extended family is more difficult. Here are some lovely things I've found so far:

Soaps from Savor

Savor is one of my very favorite Etsy shops! They sell all sorts of handmade bath products, but their soaps are absolutely divine. This two-soap gift set also includes a handmade soap dish, and I think it's going to be great for my hard-to-shop for aunt. As a bonus, you get to choose which soaps to include! Perfect!

Brocade zipper bags at Pier 1

These little brocade zipper bags are adorable. Best of all, they can be filled with mini-gifts tailored to the recipient. My nieces might just receive these bags packed with nail polish, emery boards, lip gloss, etc. 

Luggage tag from A Touch of Whimsy

Most of my close friends are scattered all over the country- Michigan, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee- but they all travel regularly, whether it's home to visit family and friends or to the vacation home to summer. These bright, cheery luggage tags are going to be a hit, I can feel it!

Hot sauce set from Gourmet Mike's

Several gentlemen in my life are big fans of grilling and big fans of hot sauce. My dear friend Mikey and crazy cousin Andy might be recipients of a hot sauce set. 

What are you giving for Christmas this year?

Crafts

It's my day off, and you know what that means! Spending all day snuggling Bear and surfing the web. With Christmas just around the corner, I've been spending a lot of time on www.marthastewart.com in an effort to find gifts I can make for my friends and family. I'm happy to report that I've found some amazing projects!

Grosgrain Bracelets

These adorable bracelets are ridiculously easy and completely perfect for my trendy friends. I am definitely going to make a few for myself! I've already started searching for the perfect ribbon.

Bath Fizzies

These look just like colored sugar cubes, don't they? I think they look gorgeous in these jars, and plan on making several batches for my aunts, cousins, and BFFs. 

All Purpose Spice Rub

Sometimes, I think people don't want to cook because they're not inspired! Maybe by gifting this rub, which includes paprika, oregano, thyme, and other spices, I can encourage someone to get cooking. 

I also found a ton of glitter crafts, but I'm not sure if Johnny will be pleased with me making a sparkly mess on the dining table!