Walking into a store to buy a gift is frequently overwhelming. We've all been there. There are things everywhere and you don't remember what color their kitchen is or whether they're eating gluten these days and maybe you should just get her a gift card.
Okay. Take a deep breath. You can do this.
When you find yourself entering a state of gift-shock, try thinking of an adjective that suits your friend's personality. Don't overdo it - it doesn't have to perfectly encapsulate everything about them. Just pick one that works, and go from there.
We have a few suggestions, if you're stuck...
Okay. Take a deep breath. You can do this.
When you find yourself entering a state of gift-shock, try thinking of an adjective that suits your friend's personality. Don't overdo it - it doesn't have to perfectly encapsulate everything about them. Just pick one that works, and go from there.
We have a few suggestions, if you're stuck...
1. The Nostalgic
Sooner or later, they are going to confess to you that they believe they were born in the wrong era. When you're together, you are likely to be drinking wine, watching old movies, and planning your eventual trip to Europe. It's a safe bet that they're hoarding pretty cards and letters somewhere, for a scrapbook they may or may not get around to. These trays and hooks will help them organize and display them in the meantime - and, when paired with vintage-y accessories, will transform their house into an outpost of prewar Paris.
Clockwise from top - goblets, $15.95; cork candles, $10.95; bird pendant, $12.95; fleur-de-lis corkscrew, $14.95; oval dish, $10.95; Regency card, $3.50; Remember When book, $6.95; key hook, $14.95; letter in-tray, $25.95; chandelier card, $3.95; Oregon Rain candle, $5.95
Sooner or later, they are going to confess to you that they believe they were born in the wrong era. When you're together, you are likely to be drinking wine, watching old movies, and planning your eventual trip to Europe. It's a safe bet that they're hoarding pretty cards and letters somewhere, for a scrapbook they may or may not get around to. These trays and hooks will help them organize and display them in the meantime - and, when paired with vintage-y accessories, will transform their house into an outpost of prewar Paris.
Clockwise from top - goblets, $15.95; cork candles, $10.95; bird pendant, $12.95; fleur-de-lis corkscrew, $14.95; oval dish, $10.95; Regency card, $3.50; Remember When book, $6.95; key hook, $14.95; letter in-tray, $25.95; chandelier card, $3.95; Oregon Rain candle, $5.95
2. The Farm Belle
They're happiest living in the middle of nowhere, probably down a windy and terrifying gravel road. Their actual house, though, is so warm and cozy that you're always glad you made the trip. Friends and relatives have no doubt drowned them in useless "country" decor at one time or another, so they'll truly appreciate things that are functional and adorable. Cows, chickens and pigs that double as dishes and tools are definitely a good choice.
Clockwise from top - teakettle, $49.95; milk glass vases, $25.95/set of 3; Shannon Martin card, $2.95; egg-shaped timer, $7.95; cow creamer, $10.95; vintage timer, $14.95; pig salt-and-pepper shakers, $7.95; truck card, $3.95; butter dish, $31.95; oven mitt, $8.50
They're happiest living in the middle of nowhere, probably down a windy and terrifying gravel road. Their actual house, though, is so warm and cozy that you're always glad you made the trip. Friends and relatives have no doubt drowned them in useless "country" decor at one time or another, so they'll truly appreciate things that are functional and adorable. Cows, chickens and pigs that double as dishes and tools are definitely a good choice.
Clockwise from top - teakettle, $49.95; milk glass vases, $25.95/set of 3; Shannon Martin card, $2.95; egg-shaped timer, $7.95; cow creamer, $10.95; vintage timer, $14.95; pig salt-and-pepper shakers, $7.95; truck card, $3.95; butter dish, $31.95; oven mitt, $8.50
3. The Perpetually Inspired
It's always fun to ask them about their plans, which are usually both lofty and elaborate. Not all these goals come to fruition, as they are prone to skip from idea to idea at lightning speed. When a plan comes together, though, it's frequently brilliant.
They'll appreciate quotes and artwork that reference the things they're most passionate about. If you can only keep track of what those things are - yoga? gardening? art? books? travel? - you'll always find something perfect.
Clockwise from top - large zen frog, $32.95; button necklace, $20; metal and glass hair pick, $16.95; metal flower, $20.95; globe, $32.95; beaded frame, $10.95; small zen frogs, $6.95 each; reusable grocery bag, $8.95; medium zen frog, $17,95; artist card, $4.25; Kelly Rae Roberts angel statue, $21.95; sunshine dish towel, $7.95; flying umbrella card, $3.95
It's always fun to ask them about their plans, which are usually both lofty and elaborate. Not all these goals come to fruition, as they are prone to skip from idea to idea at lightning speed. When a plan comes together, though, it's frequently brilliant.
They'll appreciate quotes and artwork that reference the things they're most passionate about. If you can only keep track of what those things are - yoga? gardening? art? books? travel? - you'll always find something perfect.
Clockwise from top - large zen frog, $32.95; button necklace, $20; metal and glass hair pick, $16.95; metal flower, $20.95; globe, $32.95; beaded frame, $10.95; small zen frogs, $6.95 each; reusable grocery bag, $8.95; medium zen frog, $17,95; artist card, $4.25; Kelly Rae Roberts angel statue, $21.95; sunshine dish towel, $7.95; flying umbrella card, $3.95
We're going to be writing more of these. How would you describe your friends? Give us adjectives, and we'll feature them!
RSS Feed