Holidays

Gift Guide for Girls

Give her something she really wants this year.

Gift Guide for Girls

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Karri Peifer and Stephanie Brummell
Richmond.com
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

A few years ago I was chatting with my significant other and I mentioned, in passing, that I was fond of Rosie the Riveter.

The theme of the conversation was classic American icons. I was trying to express how inspirational I found this World War II figure that urged women to join the labor force. I wanted to communicate that this icon was significant to women because it empowered a generation and has become a universal symbol of feminism.

Instead, what I said aloud was, "I love Rosie the Riveter!" I said it emphatically and passionately and then forgot all about it and went on with my December day.

A few weeks later I opened my Christmas gifts. I received a dish towel, a coffee mug and a refrigerator magnet, each emblazoned with the classic icon and, inexplicably, a Rosie the Riveter action figure.

Then I repeated the mistake the next year when, at December dinner party, I said, "I love 'Northern Exposure'." Meaning, of course, that I once enjoyed the Alaskan-set television drama. That year I got the entire DVD series boxed set.

I tried to catch on and work the system to my advantage but, unfortunately, a December statement of love does not work with diamonds, accent chairs or European vacations. It seems to be limited to pop culture memorabilia available for purchase online.

I'm not sure why there's a gender gap when it comes to gift giving. I've been filing away gift ideas for my boyfriend since last Christmas, but the guys tend to wait till the last minute and then interpret any off-handed remark of interest as a life-long passion for which they should begin shopping.

So this year, guys, shop sensibly. Women really aren't that difficult to figure out. We like clothes, jewelry, food, books, luxury items and cute accessories. Though we appreciate and use electronics, we generally don't enjoy receiving them as gifts in lieu of a personalized present. And, for the most part, none of us want action figures.

This year guys, whether you're buying for you mom, wife, girlfriend or sister, listen to what she says. A repeated reference to an item and a statement of longing to own it is a pointed gift-buying hint; saying once in her life at Thanksgiving that she loves turkey is not. Do not go out adopt a live bird.

Still don't get it? We're here to help. Our handy holiday Gift Guide for Girls has plenty of ideas for gifts she's sure to love for any budget. But just to be safe, save the receipt. We all love that.

If your budget is $25 or less…

Carytown Teas Gift Basket – Put together yourself ($25 or less)
With over 100 teas to choose from, you're sure to find something she'll love for every day of the week. Organic Peach White, soothing Honey Roobios, sweet Dragon Pearl Jasmine and Green Chai are just a few of the many flavors guaranteed to warm and comfort her during the cold winter months and holiday season. Keep it under $25 by selecting teas from $4.25 to $11.

 Find it locally at Carytown Teas, 24-26 Nansemond St., (804) 358-8327

Heart of Virginia Wine Trail ($10)
Surprise her with a festive weekend full of wine-tasting and beautiful scenery. Grab your "passport tickets" and head out on your own or check out individual winery web sites for special Wine Trail events. Also includes a souvenir wine glass.

 Find it locally at James River Cellars, 11008 Washington Highway, (804) 550-7516

Soak! Bath Kit – Put together yourself ($25 or less)
Give her something to indulge in with fizzy bath bombs in flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie and Angel Food cake, or mix and match with slightly larger Italian gelataria "scoops" in Strawberry, Spumoni and many others. Bath bombs are $4, gelataria scoops are $6.

 Find it locally at Soak! 3031 W. Cary St., (804) 353-0553 or 11800 West Broad St, (804) 360-7900

If your budget is $25 to $50…

Lolita Hand Painted Glasses ($21.95 to $47.50)
These beautifully hand painted glasses make great collectibles and are as unique as the women in your life. Each design is inspired by a different drink recipe (also written on the bottom of the glass) and comes wrapped in its own individual gift box. Whether she fancies martinis, mojitos, margaritas or wine, wrap up her personality with mix-matched set of four.

 Find it at lolitamartiniglasses.com

Silver Oval Bangle Initial Bracelet ($32.99 + $5 Engraving)
This delicate silver bracelet will certainly catch her eye and is one she would love to wear every day. Add a personal touch by engraving her initials or include a gift certificate and let her get creative.

 Find it locally at Penelope, 9700 Brook Rd., (804) 266-7300

Cooking Classes ($45)
Set her up to learn something new! There's a culinary style for every woman, whether she enjoys robust Italian flavors, Sushi, down-home Southern cooking, Mexican, French, or all of the above. Set her up on the calendar or schedule a private class for her and a few girlfriends.

 Find it locally at The Compleat Gourmet, 3030 W Cary St., (804) 353-9606

If your budget is $50 to $100…

Charter Club Cashmere V-Neck Sweater from Macy's ($69.99)
She'll love the soft, luxurious feel of this cashmere sweater and with a variety of colors to choose from – Clover to Poppy, Blue Forest to Camel – you can't go wrong. This V-neck top has ribbing at the neck, cuffs and hems and will look great with a layered or by itself.

 Find it locally at Macy's, five locations, macys.com.

Guess? Women's Mother of Pearl Dial WaterPro Watch ($95)
Help her keep time in style. This exquisite timepiece will dazzle her with a Mother of Pearl dial and Swarovski crystal bezel, made complete with a shiny silver bracelet that is also waterproof.

 Find it locally at Macy's, five locations, macys.com.

If your budget is $100 or more…

Kodak SV-811 8" Digital Photo Frame ($149.99)
What better gift than a frame that lets her enjoy customized slideshows of friends and family? A frame that allows her to add a personal soundtrack as well! With an eight inch LCD digital screen, memory card support and remote, her pictures will never have looked better.

 Find it locally at Best Buy, 6 locations, bestbuy.com

JBL Radial Micro Loudspeaker Dock ($149.95)
For the music-loving, party girl in your life, this iPod docking station and speaker system lets her experience clean, accurate full-frequency sound, and tight, distortion-free bass. The JBL Micro is compatible with most iPods and made complete with a remote control. Available in black and white.

 Find it at store.apple.com or locally at The Apple Store, 11800 W. Broad St., (804) 360-3118

The Countess Spa Package ($125.00)
Give her a day of pampering, or at least two and a half hours worth. Complete with a manicure, spa pedicure and choice of either a facial or luxurious full body massage, she'll leave feeling like a new and revived woman.

 Find it locally at Ava's, 9127-T W. Broad St., (804) 747-9288

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