As I’ve gotten older and my friends and I are farther apart (city-wise)… I lean towards trying to plan holiday dates with them or thoughtful gestures. Coordinating brunch for a table full of my girlfriends in the city, treating her to a pedicure or drinks somewhere you’ve been wanting to try, planning a spa or wine country date together if you can swing it (dreams!! for any busy working / mom girlfriend)… any chance to get together before the craziness of the season is always my favorite way to kick off the month of December. Of course there’s always a bottle of wine, thoughtful card, sage bundles for good vibes… but for those best gals in your life that you still want to get a little something extra for here are some ideas I’m leaning towards this year all under $150.
Girls-Night-In themed gift | A bottle of wine (or tea), pampering face mask, and one of your favorite books that she just must read as well. I’ve also given my best gals magazine subscriptions (Porter is a fave) if she doesn’t already receive.
Beauty obsessed | I’m on a clean beauty kick and have realized that most of my friends are still not splurging on themselves in this area. So treat them to something from the clean beauty line you’re loving these days. A few of mine include: lip glosses from ILIA, body wash from Sisters (also cute branding if you’re giving to your sister), and True Botanicals (stop into their new SF store!).
Ceramics | I just went to West Coast Craft this past weekend in San Francisco and wanted all of the ceramics. I just can’t get enough and my collection is forever growing. Current faves of mine include: Jenni Kayne (now available at Nordstrom), Alex Marshall out of my hometown in Chico (mugs are $29), Sarah Kersten out of Berkley (these are my absolute favorite sized bowls for soups and salads–and the price point isn’t too crazy $46), Mt. Washington (love the vases and this bowl for more of a splurge item), Lucy Michel (out of LA)–I want all of her vases, and of course Heath Ceramics in SF.
For the cook | For your girlfriend who loves to cook or simply wants new inspiration in the kitchen, give her a new cookbook and mark your fave recipes. A few other kitchen items I’ve fallen for lately, this denim potholder (I want to toss all of mine now and replace them with these) and pretty kitchen linens (Jenny Pennywood and Dana Haim are colorful faves of mine.)
For the GF who loves her accessories | Bows in general are typically too girly for me but I just had brunch with a girlfriend and she came wearing this velvet bow in her ponytail and looked so chic (comes in multiple pretty colors and are currently 40% off with code: TOGETHER). Earrings are also another sure win, for something a bit more unique, I love Sophie Monet’s wooden midi hoops. Just a little something that reminds you of them.
Charms that mean something | Head to your local jeweler for a sweet charm that means something sentimental. I’m even crushing on these friendship bracelets ($22) as a cute nod to your younger days.
Framed memories | Of course we all love those framed captures. Artifact Uprising is my fave for printing and their baby books are my go-to for expectant girlfriends. And while we’re talking about photos–how cool is this Fujifilm Instax camera? A soup-ed up version of the OG instant camera with fancy new filters for your artsy girls. It’s now high on my wish list as well!
Local Goodies | If you don’t live in the same city, a curated basket of some of your favorite goods is always a sure win… bread from your local bakery, amazing local olive oil, honey, tea or coffee along with your favorite bottle of wine or champagne. Tis the season!