In Style magazine has released their annual holiday gift guide, with 175 suggestions on what to give to just about everyone in your life! Amy E. Goodman was invited on the “Today” show to guide you through the ideas found in this month's issue. Here are the suggestions.
As you set out to shop and check your list twice, In Style’s annual gift guide issue proves perfectly nice. Rather than grouping gifts for “her” or for “him,” we’ve detailed our lists by person — your best friends and kin. We’ve got glamorous picks for your mom and your gran, for your canine or teen or your number-one man. After a nationwide search and our own stylish reason, here are our favorite selections for this holiday season.
The Fab Four
Proving that great things do come in small packages, gift her with a miniature collection of Marc Jacobs fragrances. The four unique scents in stylish .13-ounce bottles include Marc Jacobs Perfume, Marc Jacobs Essence, Blush by Marc Jacobs and Marc Jacobs Men. The exterior is as fashionable as the interior, with a chic carrying case engraved with the designer’s logo. Marc Jacobs Deluxe Miniature set, Fall 2005 limited edition, $48; 800-937-9146. Perfect for: sister or friend.
The Princess Scribe
For an exquisite paper present for the friend who loves to write, treat her royally to Boatman Geller’s Princess stationery. Housed in an elegant pink and black keepsake box, the set features 20 ecru correspondence cards and envelopes embossed with a sweet pink crown. The Mimi Collection Princess fine stationery, Boatman Geller, $34; chelseapaper.com. Perfect for: sister or friend.
TGIF
Designer Mary Green’s underwear will add glamour to any women’s week. “A Week of Undies” collection offers 100-percent silk-knit underwear trimmed with lace and embroidered in script with the days of the week. With such colorful lingerie that is both sexy yet functional, it’s no wonder stars like Cameron Diaz and Reese Witherspoon flock to Green’s designs. Available in boy pant or thong styles, and packaged in a silk drawstring pouch. Mary Green, $110; marygreen.com or figleaves.com. Perfect for: sister or friend.
All the Night Moves
Spice up the traditional gift of a robe with this warmly hued, luxurious polyester charmeuse robe by Oscar de la Renta. With its kimono-style sleeves and ornate bold print, you may just catch mom (or aunt or sister) modeling this 36-inch-long robe in the mirror ($158). A matching georgette chemise is also available ($120). Both in sizes XS-L at Neiman Marcus. Perfect for: mom or aunt.
Music to Your Ears
Ever wish you could wake up to your own tunes rather than the radio? With the IH5 alarm clock with iPod dock you have your choice of buzzer, radio or your iPod play list. This fully loaded alarm clock has all the glories of AM/FM reception, fidelity speakers and a sleek, contemporary design. The iPod dock allows you to listen to music from your iPod while simultaneously charging its battery. Plus, if you're slow to start in the morning, the Gentle Wake feature gently ascends the alarm volume. Sounds like a fantastic gift … possibly for yourself? Dock inserts accommodate gen 3, gen 4, iPod mini and iPod photo, $100; IHome, ihomeaudio.com. Perfect for: you or unisex.
Glove Love
H&M’s suede leather driving gloves are perfect for the commuter who wishes to drive in style with toasty fingers. Available in beige and brown. A gift guide best buy at $24.90 a pair; H&M, hm.com. Perfect for: husband or boyfriend.
Pack Some Punch
Let him channel his inner Rocky with this knockout exercise punching bag — and watch the frustrations melt away and the fun kick in. This portable apparatus adjusts in height (from 48 to 52 inches) and includes a pair of boxing gloves. $40; Bed Bath & Beyond, 800-462-3966. Perfect for: dad or brother.
Have Game Will Travel
There’s nothing like offering a Scrabble fanatic with the opportunity to play on the road. This travel Scrabble set designed by Jack Spade includes a Waxwear case, and adds a playful element to any holiday party. $95; Jack Spade, 212-625-1820. Perfect for: dad, brother or family.
Neck Warmer
In 2002, designer Moise Emquies sought out to produce the perfect T-shirt for a woman, which eventually earned the reputation of “the cashmere of tees” and garnered a loyal celebrity following including Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker. Now, Emquies has expanded his Splendid brand to include a luxury collection for men. The Splendid Mills Reversible Neck Warmer is made of lightweight rayon and pima cotton fabrics, and is so ultra soft that you may need to borrow it for yourself! Available in 12 fall palette colors. Splendid Mills, $48; at Fred Segal, 310-393-2216. Perfect for: dad or brother.
Go to Pieces
Factor in a little family fun time this holiday season with the assembly of this 3-D wooden puzzle of the Empire State Building. With its stunning likeness to one of New York City’s most treasured landmarks, you’ll enjoy solving the pieces as the 25-inch x 9-inch building takes shape in your home — proving that King Kong isn’t the only conqueror of the Big Apple! Appropriate for ages 7 and up (approximate assembly time 3 hours), $25; Geppetto’s Toy Box, 212-620-7511. Perfect for: family.
Funky Monkeys
Remember the darling childhood song about jumping monkeys? “Five little monkeys jumping on the bed/One fell over and bumped his head/Mama called the doctor and the doctor said/’No more monkeys jumping on the bed!’ Now your child can act out the song with this adorable plush set from Uncommon Goods, which includes the five mischievous monkeys, the doctor, the mama and, of course, the bed. Jumping Monkeys set, $26; Uncommon Goods, uncommongoods.com. Perfect for: kids or babies.
In the Driver’s Seat
With retro-style toys making a huge comeback, let your 1- to 4-year-old “fly” with this adorable fire-engine-red Radio Flyer Roadster. With a horn, steering wheel, steel body and rubber tires, your little one is sure to drive this one ... down the sidewalk. But no worries about amassing speeding tickets: the roadster is foot-powered. Some assembly required (27” x 10” x 11”). Roadster, $69; L.L. Bean, 800-809-7057. Perfect for: kids or babies.
Fringe Benefits
Anyone who has teenagers knows that AE (or American Eagle) is the brand that is sure to please. So why not combine the bo-ho (bohemian) style and popularity of suede in fall fashions with a cool AE fringe bag that will absolutely win her over — if not make you down with the fashionista lingo. Oh, and did we mention the cute brand identification charms that dangle from the strap? Available in five colors, including apple green, deer, cognac, hot pink and sun yellow. Fringe bag (11”x 3”x 7.5”), $35; American Eagle Outfitters, ae.com. Perfect for: teenagers.
Star Power
Teach your teen a bit about the night’s sky with a Starry Night Light Globe. With the light off, it displays the stars and constellations. With the globe on, there are 70 colorful celestial images, from the signs of the zodiac to Orion. Even though it's been years since you heard your son utter it, he may just ask you to leave this night light on. Plastic globe, Replogle, $76; Garnett Hill, 800-622-6216. Perfect for: teenagers.
Rainbow Connection
Here’s a great gift solution for the co-worker who “collects” loose pictures atop a cluttered desk space. A set of six cheery, fabric-covered albums housed in a cloth-covered slipcase makes organization a stylish snap, with each 7-inch x 6-inch album holding 20 photos. Go one step further and personalize the gift with a few photographs of the last company party and candid shots of the two of you at her birthday party. Albums accommodate 4” x 6” photos. International Arrivals, $40; momastore.org. Perfect for: co-worker.
Tag Along
Forget the wine bottle gift bag and opt for a festive Vinotes gift tag. Simply choose a paper tag from a variety of colors and themes, slip over the neck of the bottle and check the appropriate sentiment for your deserving co-worker. Bottle not included. Paper Vinotes gift tags, $1.50 each; 529cards.com. Perfect for: co-worker or stocking stuffer.
Excerpted from the December pages of In Style magazine. Copyright © 2005 Time Inc. All rights reserved.