Give Good Gifts

Quirky is cool, useful is boring, and slightly decadent is always best when it comes to gift giving. Around this time of year I become consumed with finding presents that will wow everyone on my list. Some friends are easy to buy for: take my bestie fashion writer Lynn Yaeger, years ago we passed a rule that all gifts had to be in the $100 range. Luckily, we both are blessed with never changing style -- hers a cross between Raggedy Ann and a flapper, and mine a boho fantasy in basic black.

Quirky is cool, useful is boring, and slightly decadent is always best when it comes to gift giving. Around this time of year I become consumed with finding presents that will wow everyone on my list. Some friends are easy to buy for: take my bestie fashion writer Lynn Yaeger, years ago we passed a rule that all gifts had to be in the $100 range. Luckily, we both are blessed with never changing style -- hers a cross between Raggedy Ann and a flapper, and mine a boho fantasy in basic black.

 

I am always very thankful when friends give me big hints about what they want. Take stylist Keeghan Singh, who announced last July at our Summer party that he absolutely had to have our leopard print Moroccan slippers. As soon as the event ended, I slipped a pair aside so I would have them to gift 6 months later.

 

I think we can all agree that the best gifts are those that inspire envy. Who doesn't love to hear the phrase, "Where in the world did you find that?? Make no mistake -- regardless of whether you are a giver or a receiver, the unique and exotic present will be the most beloved at the holidays.

 

Below is a roundup of my personal faves from around the globe. If you are looking for an easy way to drop a big hint about what you desire most, check out our new Pick your Present feature which makes it ever so easy to share your most coveted items with all your friends and loved ones. Happy Gifting!

 

 

India

 

 

 

 

 

All items from Indian Bazaar. Left column from top: Multi Bright Kantha Sari Cushion, Zia Ring, Statement Triangle Tassel. Middle column from top: Red Wooden Bangle, Lila Earrings. Right column from top: Triple Pendant Necklace, Tara Ring, Priyanga Silk Bangle Set        

 

 

 

 

Istanbul

 

All items from Istanbul Grand Bazaar. Left column from top: Druzy Ring, Coral & Wine Stripe Peshtemal Towel, Red & Green Zeynep Earrings. Middle column from top: Grey & Black Ikat Pillow, Turkish Adile Earrings. Right column from top: Red Byzantine Wave Necklace, Turkish Red Crescent Earrings, Large Serpent Ring

 

 

 

Mexico

 

Left column from top: Mexican Bazaar Small Heart Leather Milagros Necklace, Dezso by Sara Beltran Maria Shark Tooth Charm Bracelet, Dutzi Small Yellow & Red Burlap Pouch. Middle from top: Haciendo Montaecristo Maria Dolores Earrings, Mexican Bazaar Playa Mujeres Serape. Right column from top: Blue Mexican Tote, Mexican Bazaar Large Blue Mexican Pouch, Mexican Bazaar Large Indigo Pinstripe Pouch 

 

 

 

 

Morocco 

 

 

All items from Moroccan Bazaar. Left column from top: Samir Basket, Ismail Basket, Light Blue Applique Straw Clutch. Middle column from top: Zig Zag Kilim Bag, Simo Rug. Right column from top: Neon Floral Applique Straw Clutch, Pony Hair Leopard Print Slippers, Teal Babbouche Slippers