Divine Deal: Gifts for Her

Time to shop! And, shopping for a gal can be so much fun. It can be challenging though because us gals are more likely to buy whatever we need instead of waiting for it for a gift. So, if you're searching for a gift for your sister, aunt, relative, friend, partner, co-worker, whoever, here's some suggestions to get you going.

When shopping, really keep in mind the person. Think about them, who they are and what they'd want. Just because you found "the coolest thing ever," it doesn't mean it's for them (though maybe it's for you!). And, maybe they're not into any of these items? Consider taking them to a cooking class, to a sporting event or concert, or another memorable experience you two can enjoy together.


CRAZY-COMFY SLIPPERS

You want comfy slippers? These are them. While I'm normally not a super UGG fan -- I mean they're OK but those boots have been worth to death and you can get so many affordable versions now -- these look like a slice of heaven. A total splurge for a gal in your life, she's likely to love you forever. There's a ton of styles I love, ranging from about $70-$140, and best of all, most come with a solid sole (of varying levels of thickness) so you can kind of get away with wearing them to run to the post office or another quick errand. And, if you live where it snows, you can pick up the mail without worry of losing a toe from frostbite! There's versions that do and do not cover the whole heel; your call! Here's the "UGG scuffette II" from Zappos for $70 (and love how Zappos has free shipping both ways!).
Lower price alternative: if the UGG brand doesn't matter to you, try this look-alike ($36) from Zappos for half the price!


HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE

I should tell you I'm a chocolate expert. A few years back I did a chocolate tasting for a friend's magazine article. We tested chocolates from $2 to $100 a box and this chocolate was the clear winner. It's called Vosges Haute Chocolat. What makes it so special is that not only is the chocolate such high quality, but they infuse it with the most interesting ingredients. While the basic milk and dark chocolate bars are perfect, infusions for the truffles and bars include curry, ancho & chipotle chiles, Michigan cherries, applewood bacon & sea salt, ginger and wasabi, almonds, everything! It's really something special. Check out the site; there's a number of options under $30. My recommendations: the dark exotic candy bar collection with nine mini bars ($25); the holiday mini candy bar library with nine mini bars ($25) or one of the truffle collections ($26). Promise this is worth spending money on. Your gift receiver will savor every bite.

COZY WINE SLEEVES

Want to bring a bottle of wine to a fab hostess for a holiday party this season? Wrap it special! How festive is this 'sweater' sleeve made from vintage sweaters and hand sewn? It's thoughtful, special and one-of-a-kind. Instead of a lame little note somehow affixed to the side of the bottle, here's a way to really show you took the time to care... and it makes sure that your vino stays cozy! Who doesn't want that? Best of all, this thoughtful gift only runs you about $9.99. We say, yes please!
TAGG tip: if you're a tad bit creative, try making these yourself! Find the fabric, or buy a sweater at goodwill, pull together around the bottle and wrap with ribbon. Voila! For a tacky sweater party, would be hysterical if you did this with a hideous sweater as a hostess gift!


GLEE... anything

Do you have a GLEE-K in your life or a wanna-be? Well, then you must purchase at least one of these two items: Glee, the music, the Christmas album ($9.99). Umm, hello... joyful holiday music sung by our country's most popular, nerdy high school students?! Yes, please. Sign me up. Another option? Glee, the complete first season on DVD ($38.99). Whether it's someone who's a full-fledged gleek who gets up and dances and faux sings to the songs (don't judge) or if you know someone who's been meaning to watch, this is absolutely perfect. Feel free to package it along side some popcorn or your giftee's favorite treat.




SWEET READS

I wish I read more. That being said, sometimes I just feel like I need personalized book recommendations by someone who knows me... or, I just need the books in my house. One year for my birthday a girlfriend who's a totally book nerd in the most glorious way asked me what I wanted. I said your favorite books that you think I'd love. Needless to say, I devoured the pages! While this gift isn't for everyone, which is? Maybe you loved the Harry Potter series and every time you mention it you have a friend who keeps saying, "man, I'd love to read that." Well, get that gal started! Or, did you just read a NYTimes Bestseller that you know is a must for your sister? Treat her to it! And, explain in your card when you selected it... I'm telling you, it's the gifts from the heart that are the most well received! Play on Amazon to find your favorites (at the best price!) or the hottest new selections.

Random Rant: Honor Thyself

I'm reading Eat, Pray Love. I know many of you already have, or are in the same place as me... trying to finish a book we've been hearing about for ages before watching Julia Roberts bring the pages to life on the big screen this weekend.


I could go on and on about my love of the first section on her Eating in Italy because it brings me back to an incredible (carb-filled) vacation with my hubs less than two years ago or I can be honest and say I'm slightly bored with the second section about praying in India (I just want to get to the Love already!), but I won't dwell. There's one mantra, one of the most basic ones, in Pray that's been lingering in my thoughts....

Om Namah Shivaya

(I honor the divinity that resides within me.)

Not sure if the author's translation is 100 percent, but it speaks to me, the average girl, and I hope to you as well. Think about what it means to you.

Really think about it.

It reminds that me to honor myself, to live with purpose because each of us have a divine being inside us. That even though this year has brought on unimaginable things to my body -- which I'm still struggling with -- I, we must feel strong and proud of who we are, what we're capable of and what we can contribute and give to those around us. Each of us has our own challenges, no doubt, but never forget that we're blessed.

Be the best version of you

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