Archive for the ‘Gift’ Category
On to Valentine’s Day…
You might feel like you just returned to normalcy after the winter holidays…which means it’s time to start thinking about the next Hallmark holiday — Valentine’s Day!
Out of ideas?
Martha Stewart will make you question the essence of your love with her daily emails for handmade gifts, candy ideas and romantic dinner recipes that will make you say “you’ve got to be eff-ing kidding me!” way that only Martha can.
Sign up for emails starting January 18th at MarthaStewart.com.
Last day for guaranteed ground shipping
The post office says you need to buy by Wednesday (TODAY!) to ensure a Christmas delivery.
Anyone panicking?
If you need more incentives — other than the thought of family and friends pouting under an empty tree — there are still good deals to be had!
- Take 20% off your entire order at Alloy using coupon code 2DAY20 through Thursday OR get free shipping through Sunday!
- Take 35% off amazing gift store Fred Flare. Use coupon Daily Candy code dailycandy.1209. Oh, and check out Daily Candy (the source of aforementioned coupon) for the latest in fashion, food and fun while you’re at it.
- Take an extra 30% off items marked 70% off at Shopbop — which means you get designer stuff for nearly free! Enter code 30off70 at checkout.
- 40% off sweaters, shirts and pants at Express.
- 40% off your $75 accessories order at Endless.
- 25% off entire Gap purchase from now until Dec. 16. Enter coupon code HOORAH at checkout.
- Take up to 50% off at French Connection.
- 20% off new and sale styles at Couture Candy with code SHOP20.
- In stores: Take 50% off throughout the store at H&M.
While you’re at it, get some ideas with my Cracking Good Gift Guide >>
All I want for Christmas
To start the gift-idea part of your brain percolating, I figured I’d start with some things that I want for Christmas.
Of course I’d like a world full of peace and universal healthcare, but as a practical gal, there are also a few more consumer-friendly items on my list.
I want them, so maybe a gal in your life might too:

1.) J. Crew Timex Military Watch, $15
A simple staple that goes with everything…especially if you get the exchangeable straps.
2.) Kiehl’s Kaws Creme de Corps, $26.50
Smooth skin and send 100% of the profits to help RxArt, a foundation committed to helping young patients foster artistic expression.
3.) Stacked Rings, $262
The mish-mash of styles and shapes just works.
4.) Leather Ruched Glove, $34
While one rarely needs gloves living in Phoenix, this teal pair gives a festive bit of fifties flare to your ensemble.
5.) Flip Camera, $159.99
I’d like to unlock my inner Fellini with a portable video camera that can go anywhere.
6.) Raspberry Sweater, $29
A delicious color and funky style…all under $30.
7.) En Vogue Jacket, $197.99
I’m a sucker for raw edges.
8.) Strawberry Tea Infuser, $14
Add a touch of cute to every cup of tea.
9.) Tassle Necklace, $60
Add a little “’70s mom” to any look.
10.) Rainbow Bright Tights, $16
I love each and every flashy color. So cute with this season’s neutral basics.
11.) Yoga classes @ A Desert Song Yoga
Class cards start at $80 for 5, but can you really put a price on relaxation and flexibility? (Yoga mat, $21.98 at Gaiam)
Even more gifts for gals >>
All he wants for Christmas
When I ask my husband what he wants for Christmas, invariably the answer is “Nothing.”
“You don’t want nothing, ” I say, “If you wanted nothing, you’d never buy anything…and you buy stuff.”
My rationale, however, seldom results in a list. So here’s a list of stuff I think he…and other boys might like.

1.) He’s stylish: Bunkhouse Plaid Jacket, $98
2.) He’s sensitive: This American Life CDs
Stories of Hope & Fear, $10.99 or Lies, Sissies & Fiascoes, $29.95
3.) He’s nostalgic for the ’80s: iPod Boom Box, $220
4.) He’s a little frightened of bears: Black Bear Bottle Opener, $14.99
5.) He likes to have a good time: Total Wine gift cards
6.) For the man who appreciates good design: Dragon Statue, $350
7.) He just wants to make the kids dance: Vestax Spin DJ USB Controller, $249.95
8.) He’s a trend setter: Tartan Tie, $69.50
Deals for today
Boden is now discounting some of it’s fall and winter basics. Among them, all my favorites:

1.) Carnaby Trench, $168, now $99
2.) Ruched Waist Shift Dress, $138, now $89
3.) Flattering Knitted Dress, $128, now $87
4.) Parisienne Jacket, $148, now $99
5.) Suede Fringe Flats, $108, now $54
More deals:
- $10 off any H&M purchase of $50 or more through December 24th
Gift for the (stylish) technophile
A few good gifts for the tech savvy person in your life.
YooStar, $169.95
Star in your own versions of classic movies. One of my faves, Snoop as Cookie Monster.
Vintage Rotary Phone, $198
Not necessarily a new gadget, but cool just the same.
Number LED Clock, $90
This cool clock isn’t just pretty, it works as an alarm too!
iKaraoke, $60
Plug the mic into your iPod or iTouch and start singing! It has a feature to dim vocals, so you can hear yourself in all your Karaoke glory.
Enchanted Woods iPhone Dock, $98
The (faux) rustic way to charge your iPhone for the evening.
She likes down dog…
She loves Triangle pose so much she could eat it.
Now she can!
Don’t give your yogi friend another zen candle — this year try gingerbread men practicing one of 10 yoga poses.
Eco-friendly gifts
Gift ideas using organic or recycled materials, making it a 2-prong prezzie — Stylish stuff now, happy planet later.

- Organic by John Patrick Leather Skinny Long Blazer, $487.50
- Organic Pocket Tee, $58
- Stewart Brown Tie Tunic, $125
- Alkemie Froggy Necklace, $147
- Manimal Purse, $98
- Priti Organic Nailcare Kit, $48
- Recycled Bangle, $12
- Made With Love Bracelet Set, $32
It’s all about the kids
The holiday season really is all about the kids. This season give them gifts that INSPIRE creativity.
Animal Hands Temporary Tattoos, $7.75
Night Sky Bingo, $118
Girard Alphabet Blocks, $120
Moo Mixer, $18
Toothpaste Pete, $4.99
Punky Monkey, $30
Dress Up Dolls, $159.95
Best gift spots
Best new gifting spot:
Loveland
107 E. Baseline Rd, Ste. A3, Tempe, AZ 85283
This whimsical boutique has stylish, unique gifts for kids, pets, gals and the occasional boy.

Find screen-printed onesies for babies — and cool t-shirts for adults, a selection of locally-made jewelry, doggie tutus and tons more things you never knew you wanted.
For host gifts:
La Grande Orange
4410 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ (602) 840-7777
Wines, local food products, fun candies, Tammy Coe treats: They have all of those gourmet consumables that you seldom splurge on for yourself.
For gifts for girls:
Frances
10 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013
Unique jewelry, paper supplies, perfumes, vintage knick-knacks — Frances has an amazing selection of cute, quirky things that gals love.
Best stocking stuffers:
Smeeks
10 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013
Vintage candies and funky toys make perfect stocking fodder.
Arty ideas:
Etsy.com
Thousands upon thousands of pages of unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that are either handmade or vintage.
For last minute gifting:
Safeway
Various locations
Whether the giftee likes shopping, travel, music, eating or gadgets, you’re bound to find a card that he or she’ll like.
















