Let’s face it, despite the fact that you might groan at the sight of all those teddy bears and mushy greeting cards, somewhere in that grinchy frozen heart of yours, you smile at the thought of something red or heart-shaped this time of year. Me, too. But just in case you weren’t planning on celebrating formally or traditionally, here are some gift ideas for people you might really love but might not be madly in love with:
Your mom: C’mon. She gave birth to you! And she deserves something fabulous and a semi-regular round of applause in gift form. If you can’t hug her each and every day, consider treating her to a soft, cozy throw. Boll Branch Cable Knit Throw in Red is made of organic cotton and non-toxic dyes. It’s luxurious and soft and very generously sized at 50” x 70”. It’s also gorgeously packed in a signature box, so mom will think you spent a lot more than the limited sale price of $55 (bollandbranch.com)
Your sister: Sharing DNA isn’t a guarantee that you’ll share the same size much less taste in accessories. Roman and Sunstone’s Crystal Inspiration Bracelets have an adjustable black braided cord and a rotating bead with the words “Live,” “Laugh” and “Love.” It’s a nice way to remember that even though you might sometimes squabble, there’s no one quite like your built in BFF from birth ($35, romansunstone.com)
Your best friend: This sister from another mister has seen you through the moments you can’t quite share with your nearest and dearest and always sees you in the best light. While I’d never advocate the purchase of a selfie stick, I kind of love the idea behind the LuMee case for iPhone which was designed by a professional photographer and light expert. It’s surrounded by LED lights ensuring that the lighting is perfect for selfies, FaceTime or makeup touch ups (Prices start at $39.95, LuMee).
Your social media BFF: Despite the fact that you’ve never met face to face, you know that she has a poster of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy hanging in her bedroom and worships any TV series that heavily features British accents. Acorn TV, (exclusive home to my beloved Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries) is just finishing up their first run of the new season of Foyle’s War, a great series that took its characters through wartime England and beyond. Treat your friend to a subscription or the DVDs (Prices vary by subscription or DVD purchase acorn.tv).
Your estranged brother: It’s sad when members of any family stop talking, but if you’ve been trying to find a way to get back in touch with your own big brother, consider sending him a bottle of The Legendary Hatfield McCoy Family Brand Whiskey. It’s safe to say that I have never been more intrigued with a new launch—America’s most famous warring clans joining forces to create sophisticated whiskey, who wouldn’t be intrigued? The bottle is gorgeous and the backstory even better. And I predict that it will help get a conversation started with even the most long-lost relative. As John T. Hatfield, the great-great-great grandson of “Devil” Anse Hatfield made famous in the recent mini-series says “While blood may be thicker than water, turns out this whiskey has them both beat.” (Visit legendaryhatfieldandmccoy.com for pricing info).
Your friendzone friend: If you’re trying to transform a friendship from lukewarm to red-hot, consider a gift certificate to ThirdLove lingerie. This husband and wife founded company offers signature ½ sizes proving one size truly does not fit all and even has a mobile sizing app so that she can figure out her correct size in the privacy of her own home. Visit ThirdLove for more info.
Your spiritual neighbor: I know it’s shameless of me to say this, but my new book Ancient Prayer: Channeling Your Faith 365 Days of the Year (a Barnes and Noble exclusive) really does offer small bits of comfort and inspiration culled from ancient writings and targeted to modern life and challenges on a daily basis. (Exclusively at Barnes and Noble stores and online at http://bit.ly/AncientPrayer)
The people who take care of the people you love: I’ve been spending far too much time in the hospital lately with an ill relative. And I’m amazed at how the entire spectrum of the medical staff have been giving him not only the best care, but also compassion and support. It’s nice to treat those at the hospital or your kids’ daycare or even your letter carrier to a little something extra every now and again. And it doesn’t have to be over the top fancy either. Bake some cookies with new Hershey’s Delightfulls cherry filled chocolate chips or simply buy a box of cookies to bring along with you.
For your niece (who still doesn’t have her own reality TV show): Despite the fact that her name isn’t up in lights (yet), she loves dreaming about the day when she’s famous simply for being famous. My Makeup Brushes creates customized (sable and taklon the most popular brush hair components) brush sets that add a little bit of Hollywood glam to her every day. (You can check out my Instagram for a picture of my own “Hello Gorgeous! version). (About $85.00 for a seven brush set at mymakeupbrushes.com)
For someone who loves you very much: Who says that you have to wait for someone else to treat you to something amazing? Origami Owl Living Lockets can be customized to hold up to seven charms of your choosing. Unlike traditional charm necklaces or lockets, the center is transparent and displays all your little Swarovski crystals or teeny tiny hearts (Lockets are about $45, charms start at $5 at http://www.origamiowl.com)
