2013 Gift Guide

Still planning your Secret Santa or Hanukah Harry party? Here are a few fun gift ideas, just in time for gift-exchange gatherings.

  

Cards Against Humanity

As discussed here, Cards Against Humanity is a seriously fun party game. I feel really old and kind of lame promoting a card game as weekend entertainment, but these days I’m much more interested in attending a dinner party than a crowded club. I’d rather spend quality time with close friends than have awkward conversations with strangers looking to get lucky. That being said, I’m totally up for the awkward conversations initiated by this non-PC but fun for everyone card game.

L.L. Bean Tote

I recently bought myself this particular version of the L.L. Bean classic tote. I’d had my eye on this bag for years, ever since I saw a chic boss with it. It’s great as a gym bag (or yoga studio tote!) or even as a weekend carryall. Plus, the fatigue print goes with everything and is somehow still on trend. I’m betting this bag will be on trend for years to come.

[The Bag, With L.L. Bean's Suggested Contents]

Instant Camera

I love a good old-fashioned camera. In fact lately I’m the only person at parties sporting a digital camera. Everyone is of course using his/her iPhone to snap selfies. And not too long ago I was the only one snapping pics on a disposable camera. My friend Jae recently brought her Fujifilm instax 210 to the office and my colleagues and I had a blast taking funny photos and watching them develop. I gushed about the instant camera to my hubby and I have a feeling we’ll have a new cool camera to break out at upcoming holiday celebrations.

J. Crew Waffle-Stich Infinity Scarf

Infinity scarves are totally in right now. My mother-in-law, who is much more fashion-forward than I, confirmed it recently. And I’m seeing these scarves everywhere. But before they were uber cool my friend Sweet Melissa (as I call her) was sporting a grey infinity scarf from the Gap, and also a burgundy one knitted by her sweet grandmother. Melissa’s scarves always looked so cozy and warm. I finally invested in this one this season.

There’s currently a 25% off promotion on J. Crew; just enter promo code “GETGIFTING.”

The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert

I inherited a love of wine from my dad. I did not, however, inherit his discerning palette or easy ability to describe a wine’s flavor let alone vintage. My husband is in the same boat. We did a blind tasting with my father and our fam, and Justin guessed “red grapes” for each wine he tried. This book would be a fun addition to our coffee table collection, and could teach us a thing or two about how to actually describe our drink of choice.

The Martha Beck Collection: Essays for Creating Your Right Life, Volume One

“Have you been hoarding Martha’s O, The Oprah Magazine column clippings for years like we have?” Reads the marthabeck.com “Books & Products” page. And my answer is a resounding, “YES, YES I have!” I may be the only person I know who would embrace this gift with wide-open arms, or maybe I’m just the only one not too embarrassed to admit it. Regardless, Beck is my life coach via her columns, books, blogs and daily inspiration emails. I’ll take all the advice I can get :)

Happy gifting!

A

P.S. Don’t forget about these tremendously helpful tools!