2011 Pretty Presents + For the socially conscious

My last and possibly the most important gift guide. I have to admit I'm not the most socially conscious, but I'm working on it. Even while some of us are celebrating one of the most commercial holidays of the year, I hope we can still do it in a fun, festive, and giving way.

via le Love

Plant a tree in your favorite person's name with Tree People, American Forests, or International Tree Foundation. It starts at only $25.

via Pinterest

There's a site called Oxfam where you or anyone you know can buy things like books for schools, a well for a community, or even a donkey. You can go one step further by making a wishlist, and send it to all your family and friends. Instead of getting another elephant figurine to dust, you can feel great knowing that your gift-givers (and you!) are helping out. Prices start at $12.

via Pinterest

DailyCandy has a list of Gifts That Give Back.
My personal favorite from the list is this cool-looking leather keychain. Half the proceeds go to Japan Relief.

Where: Me and Arrow
Price: $16 (free shipping)
Alternatives: These scissors are also really awesome with each purchase funding 25 cups of food.

There are so many options out there. Volunteer for whatever cause you believe needs the most help! If you get a tree, make sure to take it out to be recycled. Make presents this year (and save money) or buy hand-made. When you wrap your gifts this year, feel free to get creative. I like to use Trader Joe's bags to wrap presents and old ribbons/knickknacks to decorate. This year, I'm going to try and see if I can make it without buying any wrapping paper. And I'll definitely be supporting one of these organizations.

I think it's okay to revel in presents as long as we aren't excessive about it. Of course, the definition of that word is hard to pin down, but as long as we do our best to help out and actually work on those goals every year, we should also remember to enjoy the holidays for whatever they mean to each of us.

via A Little Hut

I'll be out celebrating a friend's birthday tonight, so there won't be a customary Friday link post. Have a fantastic weekend everyone ♥.

2011 Pretty Presents + From the procrastinator

You're 30 minutes late for that holiday party, and your hands are EMPTY. But it's okay. You've mastered this last-minute stuff by now.

by Bill Watterson via Pinterest

Swing by any grocery store, corner market, etc., and grab a bottle of champagne because everybody loves the bubbly. Plus, extra points for being festive.

via Pinterest

Where: Anywhere!
Price: $10 - $200 (It depends on how much guilt you have.)
Alternatives: Wine/beer/cider.


You don't have anything for your pen-pal, and it's Christmas the next day. Get him or her an Amazon gift card because they can get it instantly when you email it or post it on his/her Facebook wall so the whole world knows what a sweetheart you are.

via Pinterest

Where: Amazon
Price: Up to you.
Alternatives: Big sites like Ebay also provide certificates you can use on the spot.


We can't be friends if you can't enjoy the happiness that is cake. How cool is this one below?

via Pinterest

Where: Your local bakery
Price: Who cares? You're already late!
Alternatives: They ran out, huh? Holiday donuts it is!

I was hoping I would come up with more creative presents, but this was more difficult than I thought...and I kinda waited until the last minute to make this list. Check out this helpful list from Gawker.

via Gawker

Tip: Gift-wrap items like gift bags and tissue paper, ribbons and bows, and fancy boxes give your present more polish and pizzazz. The best part is that it takes less than a minute to put together.

Up next, my very last gift guide of the year!

2011 Pretty Presents + From the high-rollers

Money =/= love, but I would say you probably spend more on close friends and family than on an acquaintance at work, amirite? If you can afford it "in this economy", why not drop a few extra dollars on those you're thankful to be with?

via Pinterest

My brothers and I got our dad an iPad 2 for his 60th (!) birthday this year, and he brings it everywhere. I will admit that it's both useful and easy to use. Also, it has some beautiful apps, so this tablet is definitely not an overrated product.

Where: Apple
Price: $499 - $829
Alternatives: If you don't mind buying from a personal seller, Ebay or Craigslist has much cheaper options. Just be careful!


This is beautiful.

Where: Design within Reach
Price: $275
Alternatives: This one's pretty different.


Give someone special the gift of a fancy breakfast in bed. Comes with flowers and a basket of muffins. You know how Ross feels about that (Youtube).

Where: Alchemist & Co. 
Price: $150
Alternatives: The site has a lot of other overpriced sweets and goodness. Swoooon.


I've heard of the automatic vacuums, but this is just ridiculous. Ridiculously awesome.

Where: Thinkgeek
Price: $1,999.99
Alternatives: Hire someone.


And finally...one of my favorite topics: VACATIONS.
I honestly would rather get a great experience than a very expensive object (unless that object is a brand new car). It's something that your lucky recipient will be talking about for years after, and you get to have a lot of fun too.

Cuximala

Hong Kong

Thailand

Where: Rent a villa in Cuximala (just a small private estate in Mexico) for the holidays, spend the night in a boat...on a roof...in the middle of London, frolic with tall friends at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, go crazy at a resort in Thailand, surf at private beaches in New Zealand by helicopter, experience life in a glass dome in Scotland, paraglide in Oman, go shopping in Hong Kong, help stimulate the economy in Greece, stop by that little-known Burj Al Arab in Dubai, escape the cold by living in a bungalow in Bora Bora, or embrace the cold by going skiing in the Alps.  
Price: $$$$$

Giraffe Manor

Alternatives: Okay, I'd say most of us shouldn't splurge on the dream places listed above. But there are still some very exotic places you can go on a budget. If you look carefully, you can get plane tickets to Europe for around $500. Stuff to do in Asia is usually cheaper, and there is A LOT of stuff to do. Seriously, I once rode on an ostrich for $10. I would also consider going on a cruise with trips starting at around just $300-400. I think cruises are worth it for what you're getting, which is a nice room, endless amounts of food (The ship doctor diagnosed me with eating-too-much-ice-cream sickness when I complained about a stomachache. With a 24 hour buffet at hand, I didn't even question it. True story.), a different place to visit almost everyday, a variety of entertainment onboard, and best of all, the service is wonderful. They treat you like a prince/ss. On a local scale, a skiing trip, would cost you around just $50+ a person. A weekend in Vegas is always exciting. A couple days spent roadtripping thru your neighboring states would cost you very little if you're careful, and those states have some pretty wonderful sights.

My point is that even if you have a budget, you can give your family and friends an unforgettable vacation with careful planning. If you do sleep on bags of money, even better. Finish it off by marking your visited destination on your scratch map.

Get creative!
Up next, something for the...I'll tell you later.

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. ☺

2011 Pretty Presents + For the lovers

The best gift is diamonds love, of course. But for those who like a little extra something something without breaking the bank, take a look at these options.

via Etsy

I find this so awesome. A duel between lovers for...spare change? There's no motivation like competition to save up for whatever you lovebirds are chirping (sorry) about.

Where: Charles&Marie
Price: $38.33
Alternatives: I haven't found any other piggy banks for two, but there are alternative uses for it. A serious battle between roommates maybe. Or siblings! Winner takes all...the quarters.


His and hers skincare sets to look all the more attractive for each other. They come every month like a magazine subscription for three, six, or twelve months.

Where: Birchbox
Price: $10 a month
Alternatives: The man version is sold out (of course it is), so you might have to get your guy a temporary tattoo subscription from Tattly's instead.


Speaking of temporary, the opposite is forever...which is scary. That's why these decals are perfect for the commitment-phobes who want to decorate their place together. You have something nice, pretty, and removable.

Where: Blik
Price: $39
Alternatives: I love this for a more urbane setting, but there are plenty of options on Blik and lots more on Etsy that are cheaper! 

But when you are ready for that first big commitment (I'm talking baby-serious), then make sure your puppy or kitten is living in style with this adorable teepee.

Where: Modcloth
Price: $24.99
Alternatives: This much fancier one from Etsy.


You know what's guaranteed to make your lovers' eyes light up?

via Pinterest

Tickets to support their favorite sports team.
Where: NBA Tickets
Price: A pretty penny
Alternatives: Concert tickets.

via Blik

Next up, something for your wonderful holiday host/esses!

2011 Pretty Presents + For the eternal child

Because honestly, everyone is one from time to time.  

Come on. You would laugh if someone whipped this out in front of you and started sipping.

Where: Stupid.com
Price: $14.49
Alternatives: See below.


This seems helpful.

Where: Stupid.com
Price: $15.95
Alternatives: More toilet-humor related items here.


This isn't so much stupid as it is cute.

Where: Stupid.com
Price: $15.95
Alternatives: These or these.


These rabbit pillows are cute and chic. For adults who like plushies.

Where: Charles&Marie
Price: $64.31
Alternatives: These.


Guaranteed to induce a huge "D'awww".

Where: Modcloth
Price: $21.99
Alternatives: This isn't really an alternative, but I wanted to share these videos. Have you heard of Mameshiba? Watch the clips! They're cute and silly (and oddly educational).

2011 Pretty Presents + For the thirsty

Now that the fatties have been taken care of, it's time for those who like to drink their calories. ;)

via Wedding Chicks

Wine decanters are always cool, this one literally.

Where: Uncommon Goods
Price: $58 (+ $6.95 shipping)
Alternatives: This gorgeous option.



I've had several Anthropologie glasses over the years, and people always gush over them. Looking at these new ones, I can see why.

Where: Anthropologie
Price: $32
Alternatives: Something to time how long it'll take you finish your wine from Uncommon Goods.



If wine is not your thing, you can have fun making beer instead

Where: Uncommon Goods
Price: $40 (+ $5.95 shipping)
Alternatives: A cheaper one here.


Taz Ah mugs have been available for a while now, but that doesn't make them any less fun to have. I love how these mugs are both classy and playful.

Where: Theo
Price: $18.75 (shipping varies)
Alternatives: Crinkled cup, milk cup, and suprise mug.



A big, fat, bubbled drink dispenser.

Where: Anthropologie
Price: $298
Alternatives: Anthropologie can definitely get pricey. This one is nice too for more than 3x less.


This hand-painted teapot is precious. I would use it everyday.

Where: BOshop Etsy
Price: $34.30 (+ $2.47 shipping)
Alternatives: This cheery yellow one.


Who doesn't love Babushkas?

Where: Charles&Marie
Price: $25.47 (shipping varies)
Alternatives: Might as well complete the set.

via yevgenia