Christmas is drawing near, and with that, the possibility that you will find yourself trapped in the hell of wandering aimlessly around an overcrowded mall hoping that the perfect gift will jump out at you increases. In the extremely rare case that it does, you then have to deal with the soul-crushing reality that as much as you love the special ladies in your life, you would have to sell your firstborn child to afford the gift they deserve. Online gift guides aren't as helpful as they promise. For example, some items on Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Gift Guide 2015* are more expensive than college tuition, like a $90,000 balloon trip to the edge of the atmosphere. Since we all can't buy our loved ones trips to space, here are a few creative gift ideas for the girls in your life that won't make you and your wallet cry.
*Click on this list if you want to laugh at the absurdity of $995 cashmere sweaters and $3,000 suitcases.
For the Green Thumb:
1. Bulbasaur 3D Printed Planters: (starting at $16)
For the nerdy gardener or plant-lover in your life.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/245242813/bulbasaur-p...
2. Four Succulent Chicks in a Box: ($15)
For the plant-lover who just can't seem to keep flowers alive.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/201296443/four-succul...
For the Kid at Heart:
1. 24-set of Dinosaur-Shaped Rainbow Crayons: ($19.53)
For the budding artist who still enjoys coloring books. (We all know a few.)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/123085529/dinosaur-cr...
For your Perpetually Cold Friend:
1. An Oversized, Retro, Hipster Sweater: ($10.99)
Retro is in style again, and these sweaters are seriously cheap.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/245191353/medium-cozy...
2. Kitten Mittens: ($7)
These mittens are cute and festive! They're the perfect gift for a cat lover as well.
http://www.target.com/p/men-s-kitten-mittens-with-...
For the Education Major or [Future] Teacher:
1. Personalized Teacher Tote Bag: ($18)
We all know that teachers don't get thanked enough for the tough job that they do, so give this give as an affirmation or motivation for the teacher or future teacher in your life.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/256951505/teacher-tot...
2. Coffee Mug: ($18)
'Nuff said.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/256951505/teacher-tot...
3. Mini Notebook: ($10)
A Lilly Pulitzer gift that's actually affordable.
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/accessories-s...
For the Foodie:
1. A Giant 22oz Gummy Bear: ($9.89)
Because there are some people who really like gummy bears.
http://www.target.com/p/giant-gummy-bear-22-oz-che...
2. Fruit Keg Tapping Kit: ($19.99)
For the friend who likes their fruit and their booze at the same time.
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/fruit-keg-tap...
3. Giant 6.6 lbs Nutella Bucket: ($33.99)
This one is a bit more expensive, but if it's for someone you really love, it's worth the money. They'll probably even let you have some!
https://nuts.com/nuts/nut-butters-oils/nutella-6-l...
For the Clothing and Jewelry Lover:
1. "Dress Fund" Coin Jar: ($14.99)
To help a serial dress buyer keep her clothes money all in one place.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/store-organize/clothe...
2. Elephant Jewelry Dish: ($18.99)
Simple, Elegant, Beautiful. This is perfect for a girl with a lot of bracelets, rings, or earrings.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/store-organize/never-...
3. Minimalist Lowercase Letter Bracelet: ($18)
You can't go wrong with such a simple bracelet. It can be worn with both casual and formal attire.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/246451436/camila-init...
For the Home Decorator or Cup Lover:
1. Decorative Pillow: ($19.99)
Whether it's this pillow or another style, Target has plenty of great options.
http://www.target.com/p/xhilaration-hello-lovely-d...
2. Lilly Pulitzer Tumbler with Straw: ($15)
These cute cups can hold a variety of drinks and make any kitchen shelf look stylish.
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/accessories-s...
3. Cat Cosmos Mug: ($14.99)
For the "weirdo" (in a good way) that you care about.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/tabletop/cosmos-of-al...
For the Ambitious Go-Getter:
1. Mug: Leslie Knope Inspiration: ($18)
This mug will be daily inspiration for a goal/career oriented gal.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/249752235/be-the-lesl...
2. Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Tumbler: ($20)
Whether headed to class or work, any girl will appreciate this as a cute coffee cup when she's on the move.
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/accessories-s...
For your Long-Distance Friend or Girlfriend:
Long-Distance Relationship Poster: ($14.99)
So they'll always know how much you love them.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/wall-decor/long-dista...
For the Wine Lover:
1. Lilly Pulitzer Stemless Acrylic Wine Glasses: ($20)
No one can ever have enough wine glasses.
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/accessories-s...
2. State Slate Bottle Stopper: ($10)
This wine bottle stopper will keep wine fresh during serving while being a reminder of their home state or yours.
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/state-slate-b...
3. Speak Wines: ($25 each)
Artisanal wine with beautiful hand-designed labels. What wine lover wouldn't love this?
http://speakwines.com/
4. Dinosaur Wine Stopper: ($13.99)
For the nerdy, dino-loving lady in your life.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/tabletop/dino-and-dri...
For the Alcohol Lover:
1. A Personalized Leather Flask: ($16.99)
Nothing says I care like a personalized flask covered in leather for some classy drinking.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/212038956/ships-fast-...
2. Lilly Pulitzer Drink Holder: ($6)
This is a perfect, cute drink holder that is useful in many alcohol consuming situations.
http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/accessories-s...
3. Gin and Tonic Diagram Glassware Set: ($25)
To proudly let everyone know what you're drinking, 'cause it's not water.
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/gin-and-tonic...
4. Classic Cocktails Towel: ($14)
What alcohol lover wouldn't want a hand towel with their favorite drinks on it?
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/classic-cockt...
For the Alcohol-Loving Nerd:
1. Gone With the Gin: ($14.99)
For the film nerd who wants their drinks with a "Hollywood twist."
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/books/gone-with-the-g...
2. Tequila Mockingbird: ($14.99)
It's full of drinks, literary references, and puns; what could be better?
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/books/tequila-mocking...
Hopefully this has been a good start for your gift-shopping experience, but remember; no matter what gift you get, it's the thought that counts. (Unless you get something really lame because you're lazy, so don't do that.)
Merry Christmas!!
