Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Traditionally, I like to bring you gift guides of things for me, as seen here and here.  Because I'm looking out for you.  Trying to make your life simpler.  For the few moments you spend every year shopping for me (or maybe not). 

This year, I will still probably do that, but first, a twist.  I now bring you my gift guide of ideas for other people.  Look at me, I'm growing.  (An aside:  I would enjoy many of these things.  FYI.) 

These are items I have my eye on this year:

A Cashmere Souffle Scarf, $129 $89, for your grandma, because nothing says matriarch like spun cashmere.

A Wusthof Classic 8-inch Chef's Knife, $150 $119.95, for your boyfriend, because passion fades but perfectly dicing the shallots for your morning omelet better be forever. 

The tarte Starlet Limited Edition Make-up Vanity, $52, for your cousin, because you've seen her make-up bag and everything in it pre-dates Y2K.  The fact that tarte products are made without sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, GMOs, and triclosan is a thoughtful bonus, even though I only know what 2 out of the 5 actually are.

Cashmere Ballet Slippers, $99 $79, for your mom, because, honestly, you had me at cashmere, and she'll feel the same way.

Marc Jacobs Rollerball Fragrance Trio in a cute reusable metal tin, $38, for your little sister, because you love her enough to help her smell her very best.

A Ralph Lauren monogrammed Cotton Cable Throw, $99.99, for your future in-laws, because you're pretty sure they like you, but every little bit helps.  It also works well as a wedding gift for your best friend, because when you marry a man in the navy, and your new monogram just happens to be s.O.s., it begs to be stamped on everything. 

Monogrammed mugs, $6, for your co-workers, because at this price, it's worth finally figuring out which one of them is always leaving dirty dishes in the break room sink.

A Pooley 2 8-tube vase, $26, for your Aunt, because it's quirky and different but beautiful, just like she is.  Plus, it creates a fun and impressive centerpiece with just 8 flowers?  Brilliant. 

Pink Solid Pajamas, $42.50 $34, for the little girl in your life, because it's hard to imagine she could be any more adorable, but put her in these and see what happens.

All Star Pajamas, $42.50 $34, for the little boy in your life, because it's hard to be tough and cuddly at the same time, but he pulls it off so expertly.

Crystal stemware, $79 $59.99, for your brother, because it's time for him to learn that offering a lady a Bart Simpson mug for her wine just will not do. 

Origins Blade Runner Energizing Shave Cream, $15, for your dad, because the invigorating combination of coriander, Australian eucalyptus, and French peppermint says, hey, pamper your face with the help of as many countries as possible.  You deserve it.

Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Stud Earrings, $48, for your friend who likes a little sparkle suitable for every day, because you own these, your mom owns these, your future mother-in-law owns these, and you will not rest until everyone else does too.  Though you curse the day your ex-roommate quit working at Kate Spade, because paying full price blows. 

Membership in a Bacon of the Month Club, $99, for the man in your life who has everything, because you don't really have it all until bacon is delivered regularly to your door. 

A Cotton-Cashmere Half-Zip Sweater, $85 $75, for your husband, because he has no idea you're slowly replacing every item in his wardrobe. 

The Body Shop Sparkler in Golden, $24, for that friend of yours who can't quit the tanning beds, because it's time to suggest a more subtle, safer way to glow.

Philosophy Kiss of Hope Lip Treatment with SPF 15, $16, for your group of besties, because everyone is always looking for an awesome lip balm, and caring is this easy.