Simple Shopping...ONE Gift That Would Be Perfect for ALL the Ladies on My List

I decided to sponsor a woman in Africa as a gift to all of my girlfriends/family...I did it through Women For Women International. They specialize in war-torn areas.

http://www.womenforwomen.org/

i bought my sister-in-laws, aunts, girlfriends, and nanny enbroidered tote bags from land's end online. I either put their last names, first names, nick-names or company names on the bags and picked out an assortment of colors for the bags. They have specials going on, where if you buy more then 3, you get $3 off. The total per bag average out to be $30 with shipping, (free shipping, coupon code: DEC1, password is 1915). hope you like this idea, please let me know if this sounds like a good idea or too cheesey....i received one and loved it.

happy holidays!!!

I would suggest flannel pajamas or a pajama set from Gap Body. I got some yesterday for $30 a set. They have tons of different colors/styles.

You can support a woman entrepreneur in a developing country (or the US) by making a microloan on the site kiva.org. The minimum loan is $25. With a gift certificate your friends can choose the business to support. When the loan is paid back, the money can be loaned again--a gift that keeps giving!

How about a donation to a cause that promotes safe motherhood or other women related causes? Sometimes the most meaningful gift of all is one that helps others.

I run an organization that saves women's lives in developing regions by providing rural health care workers with solar powered lighting and emergency mobile communication devices to improve maternity care(www.wecaresolar.com).A gift of $40 would go far in helping out those in need. There are lots of other great organizations.

Here's a list of a few worthy causes. Many more can be found on NY Times writer Nicholas Kristof's website called "Half the Sky." See this link: http://www.halftheskymovement.org/get-involved

How about a gift card?

Or, I have a friend that makes soaps, lotions and all sorts of items and will do up a gift basket. I am having her send one to my dear friend. Her webpage is: http://www.natureshandiwork.com/

In San Jose, our grocery stores and our Walgreens have gift cards. Lets say you have some ladies on your list that likes to smell good after taking a shower or bath a gift card for the Body Shop or Bath and Body Works. If one of the ladies are into Itunes get them a Itune Gift Card.

If they like to have manicures and pedicures get them a gift card for that. I would not give them to everyone. For me, I would never use that, I would give it to someone else who I know would use it.

Someone suggested totes. I am picky about what type of totes I have and if it does not fit my lifestyle I would regift and give it to someone else. I don't like stationary, so that would be another gift I would give away. I rather use email than buy stamps to send a letter

For me, I like going to movies at the AMC movie theater, so I tell people to get me an AMC Gift Card.

Most women carry a purse so how about a purse hanger. I can't think of what the real name of it is but you can get them at hallmark for 10 dollars you attach it to the table in a restaurant and hang your purse from it so you don't have to hang your purse on the back of a chair or put it on the table/floor. Hope that helps. I have one and gave as a gift last year. happy holidays!

Hi M.,

I am an Independent Consultant for ARBONNE International. We have some awesome products that are pure, safe and beneficial. We sell body care, wellness, and beauty products. Check out my website at http://stephaniedoan.myarbonne.com and click on Shop Now for all of our products.
We have some great holiday products that can be in a gift set or single items can be given. Some of my favorites are the Pampermint (a peppermint foot scrub, lotion and a pair of really fuzzy, cute socks...it smells heavenly!), I LOVE the smell of our Star Jasmine Tuberose candle, the Shea Butter set (I use this in my kitchen:)), and our Detox line is like going to a spa in your own bathroom!
If you are interested in the products, I can give you (or anyone reading this) 20% off all of your products. You can also contact me to find out how to get up to 50% off! Please email me at ____@____.com with any questions.
Take care and Happy Shopping!
S.

I agree with Julie....purse hooks! I've given them as gifts to a few people, and they've LOVED them. I love mine too! Check www.silverhooks.com. They have a wide variety of hooks. I really like the folding purse hooks. HIGHLY recommend them!

IDEAS FOR LADIES' GIFTS:
--a new cookbook
--stationery or cards (especially monogrammed)
--inspirational book (on cd for the busier ladies)
--new wallets or coin purses
--houseplants or holiday wreaths
--magazine subscriptions
--plush "spa robe"
--fancy breakfast-in-bed tray
--unique handmade goods from a website like etsy.com

I was the general manager of a large mall for a while, and we sold mall gift cards. You might think that that is a little impersonal, however you'd be surprised how many people would come in and tell us it was the best gift they ever received (and would then proceed to buy mall gift cards for everyone on their own shopping list)! When you think about it, most malls have an assortment of restaurants, probably a movie theater, any store you can think of, maybe a nail place and/or a spa, Starbucks... that pretty much covers everyone on your list, and allows them to buy something they really want AND capitalize on the after-Christmas sales. Also, not everyone has room in their houses for more "stuff" so sometimes the gift of a restaurant meal or movie tickets is more to their liking. Just a thought!

I wanted to do the same thing this year. I did a scarf and/or a down vest for everyone. Good luck! Other ideas are nice candles, blankets, etc....

Scarfs, gloves and first aid kits for cars are great gifts. And usually the ones no one else thinks of.

Sephora sells gift sets and my favorite is the Stila Lip Glaze collection you get 8 lip glosses for $25 it's a great gift.

Hmmm, good question. I have some ideas: There are plenty of beautiful scarves out right now. I've seen some great ones at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and lots of mall stores. They range from the pashmina (or similar wraps) to the knit, ruffly kind (great for winter). Another idea is to get the 3-in-one body washes made by Philosophy or Bliss. They always have great gift packs and the scents are so yummy. The last idea is gift cards from Sephora or Ulta- which woman doesn't want a little pampering. I love to shop so I hope this helps.

I found a mantel clock on deseretbook.com with the saying

"Time spent with family and friends is time well spent"

It is a beautiful little clock that is on sale for $10.99 and it looks like they have free shipping today. They also have other clocks with different sayings. I already bought a bunch for the ladies on my list.

Good Luck!!

Absolutely! I have bought 9 One Trip Totes (www.onetriptote.com) for my sisters and my friend bought 10 for her book club friends. It's a beautiful, useful and unique carry all that anyone would enjoy. It's a LARGE 24x12 tote that's collapsible and I have used mine this year for SOOOO many things. It is being featured at www.budgetsmartgirl.com this month. I pack it up the night before with everything I need for the day for my kids and me and then just make one trip out the door, instead of 2 or 3. Use at the pool, beach, shopping, for Christmas parties to tote your gifts and goodies in style. I use it for laundry and craft storage in my house. There are so many ways to use it and it is strikingly gorgeous! Good luck!

Homedics foot massager. That thing is amazing.

Persnoly my thought was a massage or A spa treatment. And some of them if you choose can do it all on the same day togther and make a fun day out of it... I live in YUba city and work at Headlines Salon and Spa. if you want ideas of stuff to do or come here please check out our website at WWW.headlinesYC.com... Have a good hoilday Merry Christams!!

Sure - you can check out my website at www.partylite.biz/tammichelemagic and see what I sell and order anything before December 15 and you will receive it in time for Xmas.
Email if you have questions too.
T.

I like the idea that a gift was chosen with me in mind. Otherwise it doesn't seem like the person cares enough to even be giving me a gift. If you're talking about the more "obligatory" gift, such as for a work party or something like that, I would just get something in the line of a nice lotion, or gift basket of toiletries.

Costco has Spa Finder gift certificates (2 $50 certificates for $40 each). You can give them, then go to the spa with them!
Best of luck!

victoria secret gift card? shutterfly calendar? blanket?

Just an fyi I got a flax seed pillow once that goes around your neck...works for aches strains, to relax. you can heat in microwave or make it a cold pack get it from a massage store or L<L< Bean online I believe or you can even make them if you can sew. hope this helps.

How about fancy soap or lotions? I usually do one fancy soap in a cute make up bag for all of my sisters and sister in laws.

Purse table hangers so when you go to a restaurant you don't have to put your purse on the floor. They are great and nobody thinks of them to buy for themselves. I bought three last year and gave them as gifts and the recipients loved them. I love mine too.

Hi M.,

How about a "purse hanger"? Most ladies don't have them. The purse hangers have very pretty ones with sparkling stones or ones that you can place a picture inside of. I carry mine in my purse at all times and use it when I go to restaurants. I never like placing my expensive purse on the floor, plus it picks up a lot of germs on the floor. Best to use a pretty purse hanger. I'm sure you can find them on-line, or Nordstrom carry's them too...Under $40.

Merry Christmas to you!

I am a consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics and we have a number of lovely spa products that would make perfect gifts for your family and friends. We also have a line of men's products that make great gifts as well. Keeping the cost under $40 will not be a problem either. I look forward to hearing form you.

Sincerely,
N.

Pajamas all around! Try a department store, boutique oe even Target. Get an assortment of sizes and patterns and wah lah you are done. I did this last year and because pjs come in general sm, med, lg, xl sizes, it was easy to buy for everyone. You could even do it for all the dudes on your list. I bet if you did Target you could probably even afford to get matching slippers and still be in your 40 dollar price range!

Go to www.sensationalsundaes.com you will find something that is perfect for any occasion and a good price.

Greetings M.,
I am getting all of my children and neices and nephews Chevron gift cards. I did this last year and they were all thrilled because a couple of times as students they were short money and were still able to get gas-- & Chevron is everywhere! Good Luck, Nana Glenda

Philosophy body wash is a 3 in one that comes in the most fabulous 'flavors'. It's a treat to use in the shower and makes awesome bubbles, body wash or shampoo. This time of year, they have seasonal 2 or 3 gift sets, that are within the price range as well.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=15099...

You can get them at Macy's and Sephora. They're like a little treat in the shower and are Ok to use even on sensitive skin. I love buying and receiving Philosophy.

Hi M., i hope you like my idea. My mom last year didn't know what to get for my sister in law, my sister, and me so she came up with this to buy us all a nice scarf, and a nice pair of gloves we all loved it. Hope you like it and the scarfs you can find some real nice ones @ walmart like for $5.00 or a little more for each. Good luck finding the right gift for your girls.

Hi M.,

This is off the top of my head, but I like stationary and photo frames. I love journals, writing paper, or even something simple like pretty post-it type reminder pads or shopping lists (with magnets to put on the fridge :-)

As for photo frames, you can find some cute small ones and put meaningful pics in them. Places like CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, etc. have photo kiosks where you can use your digital camera card to print pictures in different sizes or you can scan an original photo and reprint it as is or in other sizes (enlargements and reductions). It's about 19-25 cents per photo (though enlargements cost more). The more you print, the less each print costs.

I know lots of women love candles or essential oils. I love candles, but scents give me headaches so be aware if others have that issue... Lavender is a good all-around choice that most people like. Essential oils can be pretty expensive to give out, but you could create something with the scent of the essential oil such as bath salts, creams, or body oil.

I hope this helps or at least gives you other ideas! Good luck!

I have the best all roung gift that everyone likes. It's the Mary Kay Satin Hands treatment - retails for 30 plus tax. I've been with the company for 23 years and it's been my best seller. If you get 5 or more, I will honor a 10% discount, 10 or more, a 15% discount and shipping is free. You may contact me at: ###-###-#### or visit my website: www.marykay.com/ecuffy. Or just holler back. - E. Cuffy
PS - It's the gift that keeps on giving, don't have to worry about the color or smell - everybody likes it, even men -leaves hands feeling soft and smooth - Simply The Best!

My MIL has done purses in different colors, scarves, cashmere sweaters in differnt colors, and flanel pajamas. I used them all. The flanel pajama shirts are too hot for me though. I bet they'd all like a Victoria's Secret gift card.

I just went out and used all my coupons for Bath/Body Works buying 3 wick candles, normally $19.50 each, they are on sale 2/$20. The great thing is that they have a few sultry, masculine scents so I picked up for my brother, my doctor, then bought 6 more to have on hand, got a great deal plus a bonus buy bag that had $107 worth of stuff in it for $15, which you can use for yourself or separate all the items and give those out as gifts with the candles or alone. I don't know anyone that doesn't like candles and the FIRESIDE one is seasonal and smells devine. Good luck.

I think a manicure & pedicure would be nice.

bath and body works has great items same idea for everyone just pick out different scents of lotions, bath salts etc...
happy shopping

I love the ideas for charitable donations in your friends' honor. I gave my Mom this type of gift one year, and she still thinks it was the "best gift ever".

As for me, I am picky about which soaps and toiletries I use, and I already have too many scarves and candles. Anyone else agree with me?

Happy Holidays to Moms everywhere.

I have a lot of women to buy for too, but I get things sometimes that are the same , but still different. For example, silk or other type of scarves (for all) , nice candles sets , kitchen aprons with mits for all but maybe different color or different saying on them.... and then there's gift cards!