Holiday 2008 gift guide

Mike and I are in mega save-money mode. We have a child joining us in February, in case you didn't know, and apparently babies need clothes and diapers and medical attention and a slew of other things, all things that unfortunately come with price tags. So, we're saving money, we're counting our pennies, we're putting a freeze on gift buying. (Family, I hate to break the news to you this way, but will a hug do this Christmas?) Also, we're in a recession, which is apparently Breaking News, except not all that breaking when every media outlet has been projecting Doom and Gloom and We're All Going to Die of Not Being Able to Shop Ever Again for at least a few months now.

But, hey, maybe things aren't looking so bad for you. Perhaps you'd like to actually buy gifts for the people in your life this holiday season. If so, I've put together a list of my favorite little gifts, collected 'round the Internet, and I'd like to share them with you. 

(Before I go on, though, let me direct you over to Elizabeth's annual Gift Guide, 100 Gifts for Under $25. She is incredible, and I'm bookmarking far too many items on her list for next year, when hopefully we have money and a group of loved ones who has forgiven us.)

Now, let me say one thing before going on, I hate Christmas shopping and always have. I think it's mostly forced and contrived and more often than not people find themselves standing in the middle of some giant, soulless retail store on Christmas Eve searching for something that will do for their niece or boyfriend or father-in-law. I think most holiday memories are made without a gift in sight, and I wholeheartedly suggest not worrying so much about the gifts and instead send a card, bake some cookies, organize a nice family get-together. So many things matter more than stuff, you know, but I'm no fool, stuff ain't all bad. This list is for the people who genuinely want to buy something for someone, and who have the money to spend.

I love the idea of a jewelry catchall much better than a jewelry box, actually, and this one is $29.95. (Also, Red Envelope has excellent shipping features right before the holidays.)

 

This is for someone who has been very nice, as it's $95, but I love this black croc-embossed leather clutch from CrystalynKae.com. (Free shipping, also.)

 

I like everything in this Etsy store, but especially this ring at $29. (Also this ring and these earrings.) 

Everything from this Etsy store, as well, but I love this hand-painted teacup and saucer set for a measly $18. Now, if I only drank tea or coffee.

 

I not only am having a baby, but I have plenty of friends who are, as well. You can choose your own fabric and personalize this bib and burp cloth set for $32.99. I love the brown in the pictured pattern. 

 

Do you know what I'm constantly on the hunt for? A simple yet unique necklace that goes with everything. I love this "Big Moon" necklace for $54.  

This Anthropologie coin purse is fun, original and $14. I'm sorry, but why I haven't bought this yet is beyond me. 

 

I'm a big fan of Z Gallerie. When Mike and I got engaged, we were given a champagne flute set I adore, a set I very much look forward to putting to use in a few short months. I also love this (inexpensive) travel jewelry box ($15.95). My mother will agree with me when I say I need one as she had to take home some tangled necklaces of mine recently and returned them to me in separate plastic bags. All because I traveled with my jewelry in a cardboard box, I kid you not.

I love this magazine tote from Francesca's Collections for traveling (on sale for $14.98). I think Mike would support someone buying this for me so the next time we fly together he won't have to hold five trashy magazines with Britney Spears on the cover and his one, geeky issue of Popular Science. 

Now, most people won't include hand-dipped strawberries on their Christmas list, but who wouldn't enjoy finding these on their doorstep? $49.95 for a dozen. 

Runners up, sans pictures:

These classic, perfect earrings.

Steel water bottle (sleek and shiny, oh my).

Cheesy and adorable "let it flow" goblet. 

These awesome, funky socks. 

Classic piggy bank.

Comments

[Lane]

Great list Jennie. I'm in love with the penny bank, and think I just might have to buy it right about....um, NOW!

p.s. holy cow am I really the first commenter? Whoop!

[Raven]

Love the necklace and the travel jewelry box!

[Rachel]

I'm definitely checking this all out right now!! I need some inexpensive ideas for Christmas.

[Nicole]

Thank you so much for doing this!! Very helpful!

[Jess]

This is awesome. And now I really want those strawberries. Um, to give to someone worthy, of course.

[Raychelle]

That catchall is so cute! And the clutch...I love it! Good list :)

[Camels & Chocolate]

Most gift guides I'm usually all "meh" about, but I genuinely loved everything you posted! Too bad I finished my Christmas shopping in early November...unlike you, I LOVE holiday shopping, and am usually done months beforehand (it's because I keep a running list in my phone of things people mention they want/need so when it comes down to it, I don't have to think much about what to get them).

[Crystalyn Kokorowski]

thanks for featuring my clutch! It's my own personal favorite!

[Leah]

Maybe it's just me and the particulat state I'm in right now, but I can't help but look at that clutch and think VAGINA!

[Jen]

You have fantasic taste! I love that jewelry catchall. Kind of goes with the theme of the soon-to-be baby room at our house...wonder how I could use that for a baby? Or at least, justify buying it by SAYING it's for the baby and then really use it for myself! Ha!

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for the link! And I love that jewelry tree holder thingee, too pretty.

[Kristie]

Great list!

[Kate]

oh my gosh, I want that jewelry catchall! Thanks for highlighting all these great gifts :)