2011 Pretty Presents + For the host/ess

Give something to your host/esses this year to show them how much you appreciate their efforts. It's a busy month with all the holiday bashes they'll be throwing.

See #6.

Something for them to unwind and de-stress before that next big soiree.

via Arch Daily

Where: Your favorite spa

Price: I recommend getting at least a $100 gift certificate if you choose to buy one. Otherwise, they'll be paying for half the gift themselves.

Alternatives: Throw a spa party to return the favor.

Help them keep the guests happy with this foosball table.

Where: Amazon

Price: $174.49

Alternatives: This tabletop one is much cheaper.

This is gorgeous.

Where: A+R Store

Price: $140

Alternatives: You can move on to this after or just get a self-watering planter if fish aren't for you.

Hosts usually take great pride in their homes, and this Chickadee smoke detector is sure to have them cooing (did I already use that joke?) away.

Where: Charles&Marie

Price: $66 (shipping varies)

Alternatives: Replace more unattractive household appliances with this cool-looking outlet.

Okay, this one might just be because I like cups and mugs (as you can see). But it's so pretty!

Where: Shop Modi

Price: $16 (+ $6 shipping)

Alternatives: This jug,  Sake Bombs, or the Bobble Filtering Water Bottle (I have one; either it works or I've been drinking dirty water.)

Show her that you know she's much more than just a good cook with these jeweled earrings.

Where: Anthropologie

Price: $38

Alternatives: More options here.

Felted soap to keep your guests clean and entertained.

Where: Etsy

Price: $18 (+ $3 shipping)

Alternatives: More designs here.

I love tearing the perforated edges of paper towels, and I can't be the only one. I wonder how tearing these fancy cotton napkins would be like. My hands are tingly just thinking about it.

Where: A+R Store

Price: $28 (+ $9 shipping)

Alternatives: These are some napkins you can personalize.

I hate to say it, but in this day and age, calendars are becoming a little...unnecessary. We have everything on our computers and phones, and they give out plenty of free ones at banks/stores. If we like to write things down, we usually turn to a sensible-looking planner. But calendars are becoming more creative every year, so I always end up getting one anyway. I like this calendar because there's also a drawn recipe each month!

Where: They Draw and Cook (Check out the rest of their recipes too. They're adorable.)

Price: $16 (+ $6 shipping)

Alternatives: There's also the Bubble-wrap calendar and plenty of more on Etsy. If you just want calendars for their pictures, I would buy them a couple months after the new year. They go from $20 to $1.

Nikki McClure's beautiful paper-cuts. I have a print of hers on my wall!

Next up: a gift guide to keep even the biggest spenders busy. ☺