Give and Receive

Ah, the holiday season aka shop till you drop time. Go to parties, eat, drink, try to be merry. Actually it is a fabulous time of the year, you just have to embrace the fun parts.

For me, shopping is my highlight of Christmas. I love getting the gift, making the tag, wrapping, and tying bows.

This year I am having a serious block on what to give as Christmas presents. So I present my favorite gifts that I have probably over-given, so can't use anymore. This is my 2009 gift guide:

A Lisa Leonard Necklace

Get any necklace she makes personalized with a meaningful phrase, your loved-ones' names, favorite words. I just love her stuff.

Starbucks gift card with matching mug

Easy and everyone loves it.

Your favorite book

Share one of your favorite reads, have discussions that can last after Christmas. Ah, the corniness is great, but I really do mean it.

Anything philosophy

Cute, sometimes meaningful, and something that one wouldn't buy herself

Framed family photo

I love this one. Sometimes people don't have a copy of a cool pic you took and often we don't have time to frame stuff. Pick a frame that will go with the recipient's decor to make sure it will be usable.

And if you are really stuck, there are always Christmas ornaments that signify something special that happened that year.