The holiday season might be the most magical time of the year, but it sure does get busy with all the decorating, baking, social events and shopping. Let us help you out – we’ve put together a guide chock full of gift ideas, from trendy to traditional and fun to functional.
The Haute Host
What do you get for the person in your life who adores entertaining? You know, the type who is always looking for the best recipe, newest cocktail, and most beautiful and unique pieces for displaying their creations. Whether he or she is hosting a large group or a cozy dinner party, The Haute Host wants to surround guests with baubles for the senses. These gifts will achieve just that!
The Foothills Cuisine of Blackberry Farm, $60 from blackberryfarm.com | Ruffoni copper artichoke-handled stock pot (4.75-qt.), $350 from Williams-Sonoma | cobalt crystal champagne flutes, $160 for set of four from Arlene Lilie | St. George’s Nola Coffee Liqueur, $32.99 from Butchery | Cooking for Friends, $34.95 from Williams-Sonoma | dessert pedestal with dome and plate, $130 from Ooh La La Home Furnishings | Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce and Memphis Rub, $6.50 and $3 from Butchery | indoor/outdoor throw in beige and white weave, $330 from Arlene Lilie | zebra ruffle-edged Best serving bowl and monogrammed plate, $73.95 and $27.95 from J.A. Whitney | set of four gold, geometric dessert plates, $60 from Savvy Surrounding Style | two-bottle brass wine chiller, $215 from Ooh La La Home Furnishings
Girlie Girl
Probably the easiest person on your list to shop for is the one who simply loves it all. She’s the friend who comments on all things adorable, whether it’s on you or someone walking down the street. The girlie girl has an eye for style, and her favorite color is probably pink!
pink ukelele, $60 from Crescent Coast | studded leather gloves, $98 from Mister Guy Women’s | Boktier leather wristlet, $98 from Laurie Solet at The Boulevard | faux shearling and knit vest, $198 from Laurie Solet at The Boulevard | initial dogtags, $66 from Down by the Station | flowery fabric handbag, $170 from Sign of the Arrow | hard-case notepad, $25 from Ginger & Mary Ann Boutique | mesh fringed evening bag, $165 from Distinctions | Slane sterling chain, $925, and sunburst pendant with gold and diamonds, $1,225, from Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers | Kameleon sterling ring, $69, and Jewelpop interchangeable centers, $29 to $54, from Down by the Station
Mr. & Mrs. Preppy
For your dyed-in-the-wool prepsters, certain motifs are sure winners. There’s always Lilly, the pineapple or honeybee, and khaki anything. Keeping all that in mind, we found plenty to admire around town. Check it out.
quilted Lilly Pulitzer vest, $178 from Pink Magnolia | Bird Dog Bay turkey tie, $70 from Service Bureau | honeybee patent tote, $98 from Service Bureau | Slane sterling link chain, $675, and bee pendant $325, both from Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers | fleur de lis wood frame, $28 from Sign of the Arrow | Anne Taintor sardonic chocolate bars, $8 from Ginger & Mary Ann Boutique | Saxx camo boxers, $33 from Savile Row | Bird Dog Bay fox socks, $24 from Service Bureau | True Grit fleecy women’s pullover, $165 from Mister Guy Women’s | J. Paul shaving cream-filled travel razors, $20 for box of three from Savile Row | Slane heavy-ribbed silver cuff, $775 from Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers
The Kiddos
Squeals of delight from the little ones as they tear into their gifts are the ultimate reward. Break out beyond the aisles of a typical big-box toy store, and find items that will make tiny mouths drop in amazement: capes that transform them into superheros, mind-bending puzzles and stylish footwear (some with flashing headlights!).
superhero cape, $28 at The Novel Neighbor | Audrey Coat, $96 at City Sprouts | bumblebee lighted sneakers by Stride Rite, $56.99 at Laurie’s Shoes | Moby Dick, $9.95 at The Novel Neighbor | Sew Heart Felt handmade slippers, $48 at City Sprouts | St. Louis puzzle twist, $20 at Ladue Pharmacy | Bailey Button Uggs, $130 at Laurie’s Shoes | electric train set (four cars, track and transformer), $150 at Train Town | Talk Dock telephone docking station and receiver, $34.99 at Happy Up | Kdottie pearl headband, $25 from kdottiedesigns.com | fairy cow overnight bag, $30 at Ladue Pharmacy
The Health Nut
We all have one: That friend who can’t sit still, busts out a 10-mile run like it’s no big deal and is always looking for new ways to get her sweat on. When shopping for a health fanatic, rely on this season’s hottest colors, the latest running technology and little luxuries for aching bodies to deliver a gift that’s both thoughtful and functional.
Sweaty Bands headbands, $15 from Fun in the Sun | The North Face fleece zip-up, $99 from Nordstrom West County Center | 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles, $17.95 from The Alpine Shop | Burton First Layer Midweight Pants, $44.95 from The Alpine Shop | Talley-Ho custom-made travel case, $119.99 from Ladue Pharmacy | Nvie Nutrition Perfect Pro Advanced Protein Blend, $44.99 from Complete Nutrition inside The Fitness Edge | Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews, $1.69 from REI | Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans, $1.35 from REI | Amphipod AirFlow Micro-Stretch Belt, $19.95 from The Alpine Shop | Jane, Inc. Muscle Ache Soak, $20.99 from Ladue Pharmacy | The Stick Traveler Roller Massager, $27.50 from REI | Hoka One One Conquest Road-Running Shoes, $170 from REI
Photos: Suzy Gorman
