Carpool Candy 2014 Holiday Gift Guide for Ladies

Like your own personal elf, I’ve been gathering gift ideas all year to make you the best damn giver of the season!

I LOVE a reason to shop, and relish the challenge of finding original, fitting gifts for even the pickiest pals.

Click on the name of the gift for website links to buy or get more info. All different price points included. And please note that I get nada from any of these vendors. (Hopefully they’ll be cool with me swiping their photos and we’ll call it even.)

These suggestions are my gift to you, loyal readers. If you want to throw some good will my way, share the link to this list on social media.  The price is right, and no wrapping!

Happy shopping!

Earrings — Delicate yet sleek, these earrings are handmade from a mold cast from real quills found in nature, but they’re set in brass so the price is nice. ($110)

Specialty journals— If the kitchen is her domain, she’ll love organizing her recipes and cooking secrets, while checking measurements, conversions and food facts in this cooking journal. If she’s more of a style maven, she can keep track of outfits, convert international sizes, and collect style sheets for wish lists. There are also journals for wedding planning, gardening, music, and even chocolate. ($20)

Initial soaps— Sometimes the perfect gift is something luxurious that you wouldn’t buy for yourself. These soaps fancy up a guest bathroom and smell great. ($29 for 3)

Charm necklace— While in LA last month, I discovered Canadian jewelry company Pyhhra, which creates original designs I haven’t seen coming and going. I bought a Talisman necklace, handcrafted to exactly replicate an 19th century wax seal of a lion. They have scores of designs and each has a different inspiring meaning. The lion I chose represents wisdom and courage. In reclaimed silver, gold, and bronze. ($140+)

Clutch bag— Can a lady ever have too many bags? Most certainly not! This fold-over leather clutch from designer Clare V. comes in scores of colors and textures. Great shape, great quality and will never go out of style. Click around the website and you’ll find several different sizes, including iPad cases and makeup bags. ($220)

Fruit basket— I love a statement piece and this pig fruit basket will definitely grab attention. Also comes in rabbit and hen versions. ($145)

Macaron of the month:
For the woman who has everything, including a sweet tooth. Who wouldn’t love a new box of delectable cookies arriving every month? True bakery connoisseurs will appreciate classic French macarons in flavors like pecan pie, berry cobbler, cookie dough, and peanut butter and jelly. If monthly sweets are too pricey for you, a box of assorted is equally yummy. ($90 for three months)

Decorative trays —  These classic acrylic trays can house coffee table books or candles in a living room, or jewelry on a dresser. ($34-44)

If you like more pizzazz, I also like these colorful monogrammed guys.   ($44)

Bookends— If she still likes the feel of a book in her hand, splurge on a few hardcovers from Amazon and complete the thought with these bookends.  I love these whimsical jacks ($95) but also check out these gold pig ones for only $30.

Personalized tumbler— We should all be drinking more water. These insulated travel cups can hold 16-24 oz of hot or cold drinks, with a variety of sizes and tops, and you can personalize them with initials in fun colors. (I’m partial to purple sequins!) ($11)

Hair accessories— If she likes a pony-tail, she’ll love a little tinsel on her tresses. These fancy hair ties are a decadent indulgence that will always fit. Try one in gold ($28) or  tortoiseshell. ($16)

Personalized wine bottles— Bring these unique wine bottles to holiday parties, give them as hostess gifts, or buy one for your favorite wino. You can etch initials, a full personal message, or choose from holiday and occasion designs. After the spirits are gone, the bottle is a keepsake. ($70) If etching is too pricey, try these personalized stickers. ($1-2 each)

Log cutting board— How about some cheese to go with that wine? I liked this au natural wood slice so much, I now own one. Serve cheese or cut veggies and bread. (Lumberjack shirt not included) ($33)

Smartphone docking station— I love Jonathan Adler home accessories and this docking station is a fun gift for a gal who likes old school classics with a modern twist. Comes in both black and white. ($30)

Tennis raquet holder— If you’re buying for a Sporty Spice, how about this monogrammed racquet bag to impress the gals at the club? ($89)

For those who prefer less material possessions, here are two suggestions:

Animal sponsorship— Check out Heifer International to purchase an animal for a foreign family, which can change their lives. A sheep ($120) can provide wool for clothing and extra income, and manure to improve farmland. Honeybees, a hive, and beekeeping training ($30) can help a community harvest honey and beeswax, creating new income and independence in countries like Uganda and Haiti.

Closet organizing— Another green option is treating a gal to two hours with a closet organizer. She gets an orderly closet and a new wardrobe without spending a dime!  In NJ, Betsy Ames of Mindful Style will come to your house and go through every article in your closet to determine what stays and what goes. Then she’ll help you recycle your out pile, put together outfits with keepers, and suggest classic pieces to supplement. For those outside the tri-state, Google “closet organizers” for a closet fairy near you. ($150 for 2 hours)

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the 2012 gift guide here and 2013’s picks here. Some of those are still my favs.

And keep an eye out for the gift guides for guys and kids coming soon!