Santa, BabyThe fireside is blazing bright, and you've decided he's worth rolling your heart's dice. He knows when to be naughty and when to be nice. One thing, though, you can't figure out what gift he'd like. He said all he wants is you, but you know better. You've gotta get him something good- it's your first Christmas together. Plus, his last girlfriend always gave him ties, cologne and such, so you refuse to go there. Don't fret, my pets, I'm here to help you make "Ronny Romance" do his happy dance. Here are five great guy-approved "Love, Your Girl" gifts I found that'll keep the kisses coming (mistletoe or not).
Deep heart, shallow pockets ($)
My homegirl's guy had the nerve to act up a week and a half before Christmas. He's in the process of making up for it, but he's not all the way out the doghouse yet. Another friend is really into her guy, but she's got a big family and can't afford to blow the bank on her beau. If you're in either situation, this $69.99 Kraftware Deluxe Bar-in-a-Box from Target is perfect for you. You'll earn extra points if you give him a bottle of "brown" to go with it. (I'm talking Henny or Remy... none of that cheap crap.)
Money Ain't Tight, But it Ain't Quite Right ($$)
He's crossed his T's and dotted the I's, so he deserves a gift that costs a lil sumthin' sumthin'. These limited edition Lacoste for Kid Robot sneakers will have him steppin' out in style for $175, or fork over $179.99 for a Flip Video Ultra Camcorder to catch all the memories you'll make.
Baby got Bank! ($$$)
If you got a big bonus this year and you're in the mood to share, put a little luxury under the tree with a $200 Hennessy XO Limited Collector's Edition gift set. If you're tired of that raggedy sack he totes to and from your crib, spend the $390 to upgrade him to a sophisticated Samsonite Black Label duffel.
Because Sometimes Secret Santa Sucks
You've picked the name from the hat and realized that a) you don't know the person you're supposed to gift, or b) you know the person and can't stand him or her. Hell, maybe you even like the person a little bit. Regardless, who wants to spend a bunch of hard-earned dough on a co-worker when you have real friends and family to buy presents for? Thank goodness there's a price limit for your office's holiday grab bag. Before you cop the cheesy reindeer socks or contemplate a $10 gift card (c'mon now), try getting something that's actually cool and has some personality. At least this way it'll be easy to re-gift. Here are five gifts I found fall under usual limits of $10-20. BTW, I'll gladly accept any of these if you want to be my Secret Santa :-).
Poppin' Bottles (10 Bucks or Below) For Wendy or Wendel Winelover, little friendly "Carlo" stoppers are a fun "welcome back" to unfinished bottles of vino. A set of two costs $8.50 at Retromodern.com. If your giftee is Mindy Manicure, this $9.95 Essie Winter '07 mini pack from Enailsupply.com is sure to make the "keeper" pile.
Fun & Yummy ($15 is Far Enough) Super Mario 'Shrooms take the mind back to simpler times. Pop of the top and take Sam Sweettooth's taste buds on a tart adventure. $15 at Fredflare.com gets your giftee a set of three. The J.R. Watkins Apothecary Sampler keeps skin butter-smooth and smelling sweet (I swear by this stuff, straight up). Carry-on friendly and made with natural ingredients, it's only $14.99 at Drugstore.com.
Treat your Nose ($20's the Top) Inhale, Exhale let good vibes flow. Ilio Nectaire Diffuser Duos from Target are great for gifting. For $19.99 choose from vanilla bean/ berry cinnamon bark or lavender/ cucumber. If the recipient isn't fond of one scent, there's another choice. Bigger than that, he or she can keep one home and put another in the office. Ain't no fun if the homies can't haaaave none, right?
