She has given you smiles, laughter, love, friendship, companionship, passion, and excitement – why not give her something that shows her how much she means to you. One piece of advice my mother gave to me was never to give a woman a gift with a cord (iron, crockpot, vacuum, toaster,…). Meaning, don’t give her things that are related to housework under the guise of it being a gift for her. Here are a few items to give you ideas as you shop for the perfect gift for your girlfriend or wife…
Recently, I’ve discovered the joys of a lap blanket for chilly winter evenings. Perhaps this little luxury will also be enjoyed by others. A few cozy-looking throw blankets in a range of prices are: Merlot Red Indulgence Fleece Throw ($8.93); Vellux Throw Blanket ($14.99); L.L.Bean’s Wicked Good Fleece Throw ($29.50); Sundance Catalog’s Pavillion Throw ($39.99); Lands End’s Cable Cashmere Blanket ($89.50). We have the L.L.Bean Wicked Good Fleece Throw and it washes beautiful, is just large enough to share yet small enough to be portable.
If jewelry is her thing and simplicity is her style, consider a pair of basic (but unboring) pearl earrings, like the Little Pearl Earrings, $15, from Elizabeth Scott Designs. I am not a fan of large or heavy earrings, so when I bought this pair I found a lovely accessory to decorate my earlobes without making a flashy statement
Pamper her with what some quiet time by giving her a gift certificate for a spa visit. Check with spa-friendly friends/colleagues for a recommendation locally or look for your nearest Aveda. If your budget is tight, consider just a manicure along with her favorite hand moisturizer (and perhaps new gloves) to care for her skin in the harsh winter weather. My favorite places for manicures range in price up to $35 (in Manhattan) to give you an idea of what non-acrylic manicures may cost in your area.
Tell her you love her in your own special words (or the words of her favorite poem) with a Customized Secret Poetry Bangle in Sterling Silver, $48, by Deliasthompson on Etsy.com. You choose the words and the message comes across in a silver hammered bangle bracelet. This is a one-of-a-kind gift since you decide what it reads.
Give her the gift of time with Sundance Catalog’s Silver Dress Watch, $125. It is attractive, feminine, practical, and shows her you know how much she works and how important her time is.
It seems a universal truth that women like shoes, handbags, and jewelry. Some prefer one to the other, but of those each has its role as a necessity to some degree. A handbag is a practical and fun gift that also subtly says you approve of and encourage her going out and having fun. Yes, amazing how all that can be said with a gift. If your special someone likes fabric handbags, look at Vera Bradley. Etsy.com has many handbags in felt, fabric, and other materials in a broad range of prices. For style and practicality, my own wish list favorite is the Orla Kiely Boulevard Classic Shoulder Bag ($158 at Ped Shoes, current sale offer is 20% off Orla Kiely making the bag $126.40).
Slip some sparkles on her finger with a 14k White Gold and 1/16-carat Diamond Ring, $179.10 from Overstock.com. We recently featured the coordinating earrings.
My husband gave me this ring for Christmas two years ago and it is a favorite of mine. Particularly thoughtful for someone with an August birthday or who loves Peridot or the color green. The 2.50 Carat Peridot and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold is available for $250 from Ross-Simons. Sign up for their e-newsletter or check their website for frequent sales and discounts.

Top Row (L-R): Sundance Catalog Pavillion Blanket and Lands End Cashmere Cable Blanket; Elizabeth Scott Little Pearl Earrings; Bangle Bracelet. Bottom Row (L-R): Sundace Catalog Watch; Orla Kiely Shoulder Tote; Diamond Ring from Overstock; Ross-Simons Peridot Ring.