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Gifting Guru

By: Jen Shoop

I’ve recently encountered a slew of gift-giving occasions — birthday parties, bon voyages, baby showers, thank yous, etc, etc.  And though I’m constantly thinking to myself: “oh, that would make a cute gift!” — I continue to find myself drawing complete blanks and rushing to my go-to gift shop (Sassanova Boutique in Georgetown) at the midnight hour.  This is very un-Magpie like, as I prefer to have things selected, packaged, and tied with a bow well in advance.  So this post is as much a selfish attempt at personal organization as it is an opportunity to share with you so of my favorite gift ideas.  (Perfect as we head towards Christmas territory — it’s just around the corner!  And if my mother taught me nothing else: it’s never too early to buy Christmas gifts.  She has an entire “gift room,” where she stockpile gifts for any number of occasions, often nabbing well-priced items and saving them for gift-giving occasions as they arise.)  Check out some of my top picks below!

For Her

I love these gorgeously-packaged Calypso Celle candles ($45 apiece, Calypso) — perfect for a house-warming, a thank you, or a congratulations — especially when paired with this appealingly printed box of matches (love that the match heads are pink — it’s all in the details! — $12 for two boxes, iomoi):

And who wouldn’t swoon over this funky little rope-and-chiffon statement necklace from the recently-opened eShop Vamoose ($87 apiece, Vamoose)?!

Love the softness of the petals against the ruggedness of the rope chain.  For a smaller token, why not prettily package a little accessories pouch or laptop sleeve (ideal for a new college grad or a “congrats on your new job!” little something — $17, Bungalow):

If the gift feels a little “light” for your recipient, consider throwing in a pretty writing implement ($25, Smythson) or a stack of note pads (first set: Russel & Hazel, $11, Organize; second set: Kate Spade, $12, Organize):


For “the hostess with the mostess,” how about an attractively-designed bottle of champagne (or set of mini champagne bottles) — let’s face it: sometimes I do judge a book by its cover / a bottle by its label!  Pair in a stack of bubbly polka dot coasters (Kate Spade, $20, Organize):

Alternately, this gorgeously-packaged set of wine and bonbons would make any little lady happy as can be (l.o.v.e. the chic labeling — $125, Swanson Vineyards):

I also love gifting little keepsake necklaces to my girlfriends — something delicate and sentimental in a way.  I love Dogeared charm necklaces for this purpose, and they often have sweet little sayings tailored to different situations.  I gave the “Follow Your Dreams” kite charm necklace to my little sis when she graduated from college and set out for New York to pursue her dreams of being a fashion designer by attending Parson’s ($54, Dogeared) and this  “Lean on Me” charm necklace to another one of my sisters to remind her that I am always ready to listen ($54, Dogeared):

I like the idea of pairing them with a sweet little monogrammed jewelry case — Leontine Linens has lovely versions in round hard case shape or flat pouches.  While you’re at it, consider snapping up a coordinating lingerie bag ($60-$295 depending on the fabrication / size — Leontine Linens)!

(Turq Bridal has some affordable versions as well in cute little prints and colors — $22/pop, Turq Bridal.)  Speaking of personalization, these Boulevard Bags wallets are just as chic as can be.  I’m smitten with the Hermes orange version, and I’d have it hot-stamped in gold lettering ($107, Boulevard Bags):

I’ve never met a woman who doesn’t love a cozy pashmina for use as a shawl, scarf, blanket, etc — and I never travel without one (I am always cold…)  Check out the pretty colors (azalea and coral are shown below) at A Bientot boutique, for example  ($42, A Bientot):

They’re the perfect gift for any age, any style, and any occasion.  If I ever stumble upon a good bulk deal, I’m just going to snap up a dozen and keep them set aside for gifting (…even if I’m occasionally the recipient.)  I also think a classic pearl bracelet with a costumey twist is a fun little gift for peers and members of older generations as well — how fun is this little bauble ($58, A Bientot):

And, while perfume can be something of a personal choice, if you either a) know the person well, or b) want to go out on a limb and make your own preferences known, a prettily packaged bottle of perfume makes for a luxurious gift (Chloe, $85, Saks):

Now, sometimes coffee table books get a bad wrap, but — others collect them and display them as treasures, as does Katie Armour of The Neotraditionalist:

{Images from The Neotraditionalist}

I have a few top picks I’d give…and give again…and give again.  For one thing, I had the rare fortune of attending Richard Avedon’s “Portraits of Power” exhibition at the Corcoran a year or two ago, and, while nothing can compare to the impact of seeing some of his portraits in their full glory (they are huge), I would love to thumb through this bound edition ($50, Barnes and Noble):

While we’re on the subject of books, why not give your favorite bibliophile a set of attractively bound books (these stunners were designed by Coralie Bickford Smith) with these gorgeous hand-painted bookmarks ($40 for 3, Bernard Maisner) or a set of handsome ex libris plates ($28 for set of 16, ThornWillowPress):

This is probably a good transition point to the “Pour Lui” (“For Him”) section of this post, as any of the last few items could be offered to the gents as well!

For Him

I know guys (at least — the guys I know) aren’t exactly the type to spontaneously write letters, but these handsome monogrammed notecards by Gadabout ($45 for set of 25 monogrammed cards, Gadabout) may just be masculine enough to spur on the least communicative of the bunch:

(The pocket knife speaks to me: Mr. Magpie chucked the old, rusty can opener I’d brought with me to the new apartment, and we’ve been relying on a Swiss Army knife’s can opener for the past few weeks for no reason other than that I keep forgetting to pick one up until I desperately need to open a can of chickpeas in order to make hummus, which inevitably takes place twenty minutes before guests are due to arrive.  Gr.)  Another good stocking stuffer / gift for a guy that you don’t know too, too well?  A classic plaid scarf.  I don’t think Mr. Magpie realized he was a scarf guy until he received one for Christmas a few years ago — so go ahead, let him surprise himself into realizing that scarves aren’t always effeminate with these affordable Fine & Dandy Shop versions ($35, Fine and Dandy):

(Bonus points for taking it to an embroidery outpost and having it monogrammed in the classic block configuration.)  I believe I’ve mentioned this enough times to sound like something of a broken record, but you’ll never go wrong by gifting a pair of classic Ray Ban Wayfarer shades ($139, Ray-Ban):

Mr. Magpie, preppiest of the preppy, rocks ’em, as does every hipster, square, and rebel, regardless of age.  Speaking of preppy, if your guy is similarly inclined, a peppy bow tie could be the winning ticket — the ones below are by Fine and Dandy ($35 apiece, Fine and Dandy), but Mr. Magpie had the bow tie-and-cummerbund sets for his groomsmen custom made by the wonderful folks at Peter Blair in Richmond, and was thrilled with the results:

And now on to the merry-making stuff: how cool is this wine tasting kit from Swanson Vineyards?!  For $42, you get 6 mini-bottles and copious notes on each!

Alternately, if your guy is a whiskey/bourbon drinker (Mr. Magpie’s kind of guy), this uber-masculine “outdoor-ready” flask ($22, Design within Reach) is just perfect when paired with a nice bottle o’ booze:


Mr. Magpie is in desperate need of a duffel / overnight bag (he currently has either has a huge roll-a-board or stuffs his belongings in my bags…), so I’ve been on the lookout for masculine-looking travel gear.  I think I’ve narrowed the search down to this rich leather duffel ($395, Jack Spade) or one of the uber-manly Filsons ($295, Filson):

Look forward to additional gift guides in the next few months as we gear up for the holidays!

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