Gala's Christmas Gift Guide!

[ 30 November 2007 ]

Arrrgghhhhhhh! It’s almost Christmas! Yes, it can be a time of extreme pain & near-homicide — but, my sweet, it does not have to be. For you see, my obsessive internet perusal has been put to good use, & I have a huge store of suggestions to spice up your gift-giving this year.

The worst, worst, worst thing about Christmas is wandering aimlessly from shop to shop, against a crush of other, equally meandering people, & trying desperately to think of a gift that will please Aunt Rita. Don’t torture yourself, seriously. Do your shopping online or decide exactly what you want & make it as painless as possible. I recommend taking a morning off work on a Tuesday or something, & getting it all over & done with in one clean swoop.

Before we begin, read my article on Gift-Giving, because it might give you some clues as to where to start. Why not, for example, give someone a themed gift? Make everything purple, or all Paris-themed, or all things for the feet. Think about what your friends like, & start dreaming.

I think Etsy is a fantastic place to buy gifts, because everything is made by hand, with lots of love, care & attention. I would much rather help a girl in California following her passion than give my hard-earned dosh to yet another mega-corporation! Their search function is great — just type in a random word & I always search by “Most Viewed”: it tends to spit up the most interesting things!

Mme. Fortuna is one of my favourite Etsy sellers. She creates gorgeous, one of a kind jewellery with a fabulous old-time bohemian feel. Her Captain Time necklace is really special, I am totally in love with it. I also like her Pendulum necklace & Victorian Lady Magical Charm necklace.

Jewellery is a really great gift to give. I especially love it because it’s kind of like having a token of someone’s affection on you all the time. Blood diamonds are totally gauche (not to mention artificially overpriced), so buy your friend or lover something fun, instead. I love this Super Sprinkles Heart necklace, as well as this Sparkle Heart & Leather cuff by Marty Flint. So cool! Helpless Romantic do the ever-popular Say Anything You Want necklace (like Nubby‘s!), which is also available in Helvetica for all you font nerds! But of all these things, my absolute favourites are Jessica Kagan Cushman‘s faux-scrimshaw resin bracelets. (My votes go to “Truly fabulous people never get dressed before lunchtime” & “Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.”)

If you know someone with an Elle Driver fetish, pick them out a crystal-encrusted eyepatch from Gasoline Glamour in their favourite colour! NYC-obsessed girls will love this NYC subway map hoodie — they might even share a hot dog with you. Dreamwoven do incredible sculptural knit hats for brave people, & these Vintage Letter Pins from Day-Lab will make someone very happy.

For people who love to smell good, Lush do a whole gamut of amazing Christmas products. I’m not really into their pre-packaged gift boxes, since I think it’s a bit thoughtless, but buying someone a sweet, glittery hunk of bubble bath as an accompaniment to another gift will score you major points. Go & have a sniff of the Twinkle bath ballistic, Ruby Red Slippers bubble bar, Mr Butterball bath ballistic (so cute in his little hat & scarf, as well as being deliciously softening!), Snowcake soap & Snow Fairy shower gel. I promise you will not be disappointed!

If your friends tend to favour things which are more functional than beautiful, remember that the two need not be mutually exclusive. An organiser is an excellent gift, but only if you give it to the right person! I adore Moleskine diaries & I think they are pretty much the perfect present. If you don’t want to give a Moleskine — even though they are amazing, I understand that sometimes you want something a little more exciting — Lovely Design do beautiful Pocket Books. Instead of plain pages, all the paper is found & reused & there are envelopes too. It is the ideal thing to fill up with secrets.

Guys seem really hard to buy for, & it’s so easy to resort to ye olde standard fall-back presents like aftershave or socks. True, men do need these things, but why not surprise them with them on the 17th of March? Christmas time is about being decadent, so why not get them something that will blow their (holey) socks off?

I think almost any slightly-geeky guy (isn’t that about 95% of them?) would be over the moon with a watch from Tokyoflash. They are incredible & totally Hackers. Another knock-out gift for anyone with even minimal geeky inclinations is an Ecosphere. They’re enclosed ecosystems, & totally amazing. I was going to buy one for my boyfriend but they don’t ship to Australia, argh!

Pick him up a great record or something for his guitar; take him speaker shopping; buy him a comfortable (& stylish) armchair; take him away on a surprise vacation; buy a whole lot of plants for his office or a weights machine. Oh, & for any boys who love Notorious B.I.G., you absolutely cannot go wrong buying them this shirt...

Attention, women: Men aren’t actually that difficult to buy for — they like stuff as much as women do. It’s just that you need to shift your mindset a bit so that you start thinking like a guy. While it can be tempting to push an agenda onto a boyfriend, by buying him clothes so that he looks how you wish he would or by purchasing a handsome gardening tool-kit, remember that it’s his Christmas too! Buy him something he actually likes. Think how upset you’d (probably) be if he bought you breast implants! Anyway, you get the picture — please buy with him in mind.

I know that there are a lot of people who already have everything they need. It’s just the way things go — if they want or need something, most people will figure out a way to obtain it. When trying to buy for the person whose life is bursting at the seams with stuff, think about being useful instead of just adding to their collection of muck. Maybe they need a professional wardrobe organiser to come by & help them out. Perhaps they are constantly whinging about their sore muscles — get them a massage voucher. Or maybe they never really treat themselves — buy them a mani/pedi & a facial. They will thank you for it!

Another thing to consider is a gift that keeps giving — no, not an infectious disease! A subscription to an amazing magazine fulfils this requirement, as does a beautiful flowering plant or a year’s paid housecleaning. One of the coolest things my boyfriend ever did for me was going to the library to pay my $100+ late fines. Or if your friend has just moved into a new apartment or is feeling otherwise dissatisfied with their living quarters, why not take them on a shopping trip to IKEA?

Super-practical presents can really improve the quality of the recipient’s life if you choose carefully. I can’t think of a single person whose life wouldn’t get better if you bought them a good digital camera, for example. Similarly, most people would love a crazy camera like anything from the Lomo shop. Or you could even search thrift shops & Ebay for an old Polaroid camera in good condition. Documentation of your life is important & having more tools to do it with is always appreciated.

What about your friend with the antiquated cellphone? Maybe you could upgrade them this Christmas. Perhaps you could give your old laptop to a friend who is technologically lagging. We don’t always have to spend piles of money on presents — often it’s the thoughtful donation of something that someone really needs which means the most.

Finally, I tend to advise against giving anyone a voucher or gift card for a particular store, just because it’s so limiting. I read a statistic — which I cannot find for the life of me — which said that some huge amount of money is wasted on them every year, just because people will either spend $17 of a $20 voucher, or never use it at all. If you really & truly cannot think of anything to get your friends, just take them shopping. Set a limit & have a day of it — let them pick whatever they want. This way you’ll have a fun shared experience & they’ll get something they love.

Oh, & happy holidays!

Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala

Tags: consumption, inspiration, life, madame, monsieur

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I’m buying myself a modified Holga for Christmas (yeah, I ask everyone for money for Christmas so I can buy myself a gift…kills the spirit of the season, I know), and for anyone who’s considering it – BUY ONE. From the hours of research I’ve done, the Holga is such a cool and fun camera. And they’re so cheap; you can find one for $20! Self-expression is an awesome gift any time of the year. :D

I didn’t know that about gift cards, wow. I think taking your friend shopping is a much better idea. Plus, it gives you ideas for the next time you want to get them something!

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever gotten, Gala?
Valerie · Nov 30, 12:27 PM · #
Ah, you have the most perfect timing! Thanks very much for a lovely article, Gala!
Annabel · Nov 30, 12:28 PM · #
Valerie — I’m not sure, actually! Nothing really springs to mind. Oops. Usually at Christmas, I’m with my parents, & my mother & I go shopping for about a week solid. Haha. My Christmas glee is mostly around new clothes, shoes, MAC make-up (which I receive every year) & new perfume ;>
Gala · Nov 30, 12:29 PM · #
Oh and www.fredflare.com ! I would buy everything if I could – and they randomly give you free shipping if you’re on their newsletter list.
A*my · Nov 30, 12:33 PM · #
A*my — You know, I looked at Fred Flare & couldn’t find a single thing I liked. Disappointing!
Gala · Nov 30, 12:34 PM · #
I adore you Gala, and I agree with and am grateful for your ideas, especially about getting into the person’s mindset to figure out the perfect gift… but I find a lot of these suggestions are rather expensive. Who can afford to get all their friends digital cameras and new mobile phones??? Some of these gift ideas are quite pricey, and I make 36,000 a year so I am not even poor! I really mean no offense here darling so I hope you don’t think I am nitpicking.

Last year I got everyyyone stuff from Lush. I was a little obsessed, a lot obsessed, with their products! Now I realise a lot of their scents and ingredients I am allergic too.. But who can resist the smell of bottled pink, lollies, fairy floss, sparkles, and girliness a.k.a SNOW FAIRY!? A little box bursting with unusual colourful weird and wonderful bath goodies is a great way to spoil nearly anybody!
Iris · Nov 30, 12:42 PM · #
Iris — Well, we all have different budgets, which is why I gave lots of different suggestions… Some people who read iCiNG are in high school, while some are ultra-successful entrepreneurs. There’s no sense in only catering to one demographic when that’s not the case!
Gala · Nov 30, 12:44 PM · #
I sure hope Lush ship to the US, because you’ve gotten me all excited, Miss Gala!

I like gift cards as supplements — for my best buddy’s birthday a few months ago, I got her a big squishy Diet Coke plushie (we estimate that on average %83-92 of her bloodstream is made up of aspartame and caffeine) and a gift card to a local day spa, so she could pick out which treatment she wanted. Technically the gift card cost more (spas are expensive!) but we all knew the real gift was the squishy Diet Coke :)

With gift cards, I like getting them more than money, you know? Like, relatives you never see, or who are bad at gift-giving. If I get a check for $50, it’s kind of crass, but if I get a couple really brightly coloured gift cards to iTunes or something, I can think that there was at least SOME thought put in.
telis · Nov 30, 12:57 PM · #
Thank you for mentioning the Ecosphere! I wanted to get one for my sister for her birthday back in August, but didn’t have the money at the time. Then I forgot about it entirely.

Now I do have the money, and you’ve reminded me of their existence! I’ll get one for her for Christmas, and as an added bonus, I bet she’ll have forgotten entirely too!
Jessie Mae · Nov 30, 01:04 PM · #
Thanks Gala! What a timely post.
I was just doing some online Christmas shipping yesterday. I only have three friends I buy for and usually like to get an assortment of things or follow some sort of theme.
This year I stumbled on to karma currency, which are charity gift vouchers, that the receipient can then donate to the charity of their choice.
I figured that my friends and I are really quite fortunate people, who have a lot of stuff, so why not get into the spirit of giving to those who may need it a little more.
Ok – off my do-gooder soapbox now and off to check out your suggestions…
Supers · Nov 30, 01:13 PM · #
telis — Lush has a bunch of stores in the USA, and online too:

http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/stores.html?mv_arg=USA

:)
mischief · Nov 30, 01:16 PM · #
I make everyone give me a list, and I hand one out. It might not be romantic, but it’s nicely practical.
Cat · Nov 30, 01:44 PM · #
hey gala,
check out www.villainess.net its a great body/ bath store online, the products are simply devine and they have a gorgeous sugar scrub called decadance smooch! its similar to lush but much much nicer if i do say so myself.
very cute and oh so yummy, quite like bpal!
i love getting things for people that they will love, my boys a computer nerd/hacker.lol. and im getting his a computer part he really wants, plus im making him a lovely dinner so hes quite happy with that ( even if he did pick the parts out)!
i always think meaningful things are the best like a homecooked romatice dinner or even an at home facial for your loved one.
xx katrina
kartina · Nov 30, 01:50 PM · #
mischief — There’s one just 15 minutes from my house!! Fancy that!

Thanks so much &hearts;
telis · Nov 30, 02:22 PM · #
You gave me the perfect idea for my boyfriend!! Thanks a lot :)!
I’m kind of poor this year, so I was thinking of just make handmade gifts for everyone; my dad loves sweets (so I’ll bake), my mom jewelery, and so on. Unexpensive, and way more meaningful :D
fran · Nov 30, 02:45 PM · #
Oh, Etsy is such a time-waster! Love it. I think I need some gifties for MYSELF.

Which reminds me, a way to buy for people you’ll see on the day (or open presents with) is: set a budget, buy what YOU want, wrap it and get THEM to open it. Then swap! This works well with husbands or sisters.
Nadine · Nov 30, 04:13 PM · #
Etsy is amazing. What I love most is when practical things (like soap, wallets, ties, etc.) are updated and made interesting. I got my boyfriend an orange duct tape wallet with a little soldier figurine cutout on it (he’s an anthropologist and studies video games and the army) for his birthday from the seller JDuct. It was really beautifully made and was practical AND unique. He uses it every day.

And I also love the soap that people make to look like sunny side up eggs, shrimp, bacon, cupcakes, etc. So kickass.

And of course, I gotta plug my own handmade jewelry etsy site: http://www.dorothycheng.etsy.com
Dorothy · Nov 30, 05:39 PM · #
Hahaha, March 17th is the boy and I’s anniversary, so I can’t get him socks on that particular day.

I took the handmade pledge at http://www.buyhandmade.org/ and all of my gifts will be either handmade by me or handmade by some brilliant artist on etsy or elsewhere.

I’m also having some photos that I took while abroad printed up nice and big and will probably distribute those liberally since they’re not too expensive when you order a bunch.

Yeah, handmade!
Sarah · Nov 30, 06:43 PM · #
Love love love the article and esp. all the great links! I’m so excited for holidays. :) I also like gift cards. Not that I don’t like money, but I usually use them all the way through. (except for a jc pennys gift card from last christmas while cleaning :P) Like telis said-brighly colored gift cards at least means some one probably went out of the house to get your present.
Mandy · Nov 30, 07:01 PM · #
Oh Gala, I saw your fredflare comment.
How can you not adore this: http://www.fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=3361&cat=316 ???
Hee.

I love etsy. I bought a stephanie simek eyelash necklace and really? where else can you easily find a human hair necklace that is beautiful and not at all creepy.

Love the rest of your ideas too!

p.s. While I agree that diamonds are ridiculously overpriced and fatuous sentiment, be careful with the blood diamond comments. Australia is the main supplier of diamonds in the world and places like New Zealand? something like 99% of our diamonds come from Aus. I don’t like being accosted (online and even (!) in person!! and harrassed because I wanted my wedding rings to sparkle and also last).
Sarah-Rose · Dec 1, 03:53 AM · #
Sarah-Rose — Well, if it came from Aus or NZ, it isn’t a blood diamond, so your conscience is clean & it doesn’t apply. No point in sweating it. But I think, if you own a diamond, having people ask about it just goes with the territory. It was your choice to own one, so you just have to expect it these days anyway. It’s like having a tattoo — it was my choice, but it also means I have to put up with people saying “OMG, you’re going to have that on you forever, you’re totally going to regret it!”, you know? You just have to shake it off. Other people’s opinions aren’t as important as your own, anyway.
Gala · Dec 1, 04:07 AM · #
I am in LOVE with the sprinkles necklaces and the Tokyo flash watches!!! been sending your links all over the place <evil grin..>

I don’t think I’ll get any of it, but it was fun whetting other people’s appetites at Christmas Time !

BTW: will you be putting a tree up and even if you weren’t, how would you suggest to “furnish” one’s tree?
Jenny · Dec 1, 08:55 AM · #
GALA!

i have found my second favourite site! (yours is my first, of course,) Its

www.lazyboneuk.com

it’s full of all this random stuff you never knew you needede…‘til you saw it there! wow!
:D
e.g. they actually sell “nothing” – slightly less than not much! for £3.49! Rip off but still.. :)

enjoy!
vixxie · Dec 1, 09:50 AM · #
Another great idea for a gift is to buy something from the gift shop of a good charity, like www.somaly.org. There are bracelets hand-made by victims of sex slavery. Something like that would be great because you would not only be giving to your friend but also to a charity.
Courtney · Dec 1, 11:45 AM · #
Gala,
I think I’m addicted to Etsy…that is all =]
Rachel · Dec 1, 02:23 PM · #

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Gala's Christmas Gift Guide!

[ 30 November 2007 ]

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