I can find the internet somewhat addicting at times – like some sort of electronic cigarette pumping out technological nicotine.  Mostly, though, I just really appreciate it.  For someone like me who thrives on research and study, the internet is one of the greatest inventions of all time!  (I love books, too – but I use the internet to obtain most of them! lol)  At this time of year, a lot of the research is devoted to gift ideas, and blog carnivals like ‘Tis the Season are a big help with that.

Momfessions‘ holiday carnival runs all this week.  The purpose is “a holiday gift idea exchange,” and today’s focus is gifts “for her.”  Sheila says this is the easiest one for her, as she can easily describe what she would like to receive!  It’s not quite as easy as that for me.  (I’m the woman who actually likes receiving a toaster or blender as a gift and generally couldn’t care less about jewelry. lol)  But I’ll try.

Most of the women in our family receive gifts tailored to their needs and interests – always a good idea. 🙂  But those whose needs and interests are obvious are usually pretty easy to plan for, making suggestions less necessary.  I usually give reusable shopping bags, or something similar, filled with a variety of smaller gifts, rather than one large gift.  (This year, I am filling decorative photo boxes purchased on sale at Michael’s over the summer.)

You can rarely go wrong with chocolate. It is the rare woman who will not appreciate chocolate in some form.  More expensive chocolate, in particular, can be a treat for those who will typically pay so much to buy it for themselves.  (I, for instance, might buy myself a Hershey bar on occasion, but I generally don’t buy myself Ghirardelli or Lindt, because I have a hard time justifying the cost.)

Aprons can be a nice gift, depending on your recipient.  If the recipient doesn’t have one at all, or cooks/bakes frequently and would appreciate building a collection, this can be a good option.  I am particularly fond of the Emmeline pattern from Sew Liberated, but there are many other patterns and ready-to-wear aprons available now.  And they don’t all look like Grandma’s apron, either – some of them are quite trendy.

Jewelry. As I mentioned, I’m not really a big jewelry-wearer.  And this one can be tricky in other ways, as well.  But it can still be a good option if you know a little bit about your recipient.  Number one: silver or gold?  Gold jewelry for a silver-wearer can be a not-so-useful gift (and vice versa).  Number two: What colors (for stones, enamel, etc.) does the recipient usually wear?  What is the scale of jewelry the recipient normally wears?  Big and bold?  Small and dainty?  And, finally, what style best suits the recipient?  Fun and funky?  Sweet and romantic?  Classic?  Earthy?  The right jewelry can make a great gift – just be sure to put a little bit of thought into it!

Another angle to take on jewelry is that of personalization. Charms that illustrate the recipient’s interests can be a neat twist.  Or something like a name necklace.  (This can be a particularly nice gift for someone with an unusual name , or a name with an unusual spelling.  Ready-made personalized items don’t come with their names on them, so the extra effort made to have something created just for them is usually warmly welcomed.)  Wow Imports offers made-to-order name jewelry in multiple languages.  I haven’t yet had opportunity to view their actual products (having just been made aware of them this weekend), but I’m told that they are a family-based business selling only fairly-traded products, and this name jewelry looks really neat for gift-giving!

Stationery. Most of the ladies in my family appreciate pretty cards or stationery.  A nice fountain pen could be another unique gift.  (I got a beautiful Duke fountain pen, from isellpens.com, I think, for under $30 shipped, so if you know where to look, you can get some nice ones for less than you might think.)  Pilot’s Varsity disposable fountain pens are very nice writers, as well, and they’re available from places like Staples, as well as some smaller stationery stores.

Craft supplies go over well with most of the women in our family, too.  Just be sure to either give supplies for a craft you know the recipient already participates in, or all of the supplies necessary to get started in a new craft you think she would enjoy.

We often give hairthings.  Keep in mind the length of the recipient’s hair.  This might seem obvious, but if it’s short, don’t give ponytails – try barrettes, combs, or headbands.  If it’s long, scrunchies and claw clips are fair game.  Or try more unusual options, like hair sticks, hairscroos, or those fancy new combs currently being advertised on television.

For more ideas, visit the carnival!