Holiday 2012 Gift Guide: The Best Friend

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, Silver white winters that melt into springs; These are a few of my favorite things." - Maria in The Sound of Music



This month, I will be doing a weekly gift guide for the important people in your life. I will be including a mix of items that can be purchased for 30 dollars or less and DIY projects.

Gifts for: The Best Friend

1) A Little Something Chocolate-y
 
Who doesn't love a nice box of chocolates that they don't have to share with anyone? Any sweet treat is always a welcome present during the holidays and many chocolate shoppes provide festively wrapped packages during the month of December. This box above is from Godiva and was $15 for a box of 6 truffles.

2) A Little Something For the Bath

Giving your best pal her favorite Lush bath bomb and soap is a great way to let her unwind and pamper herself during the holidays. It's easy to find any of the perennial favorites in gift sets under $20, otherwise if you know her favorite scents you can get a beautiful patterned fabric wrap to give the gift a little something extra. The Mr. Bumble set above includes a "Honey I Washed the Kids" soap and a bath bomb for approx. $15.

3) A Little Something Glamorous 

Forever 21 has some amazing  jewelry these days and is so freaking affordable adorable! Lately I've been loving the vintage/Deco-inspired pieces. For friends who lust after J Crew statement necklaces and Kate Spade bangles, it's easy to find similar pieces at F21. The best part is that most of their jewelry is under $15. Grab a couple baubles and jewels to keep your friend sparkling all season long!

4) A Little Something Bright

Scent is one of the senses that is most strongly tied to memory and that's probably why burning a Winter/Fall candle completely sets the mood for the season. As you all know, Bath and Body Works has my favorite collection of seasonal candles and with scents ranging from Gourmand to Cinnamon Spice, it would be difficult to find a candle your friend doesn't like. Not sure what her taste is? Get a gift card! Mini BBW candles are generally 2 for $5 or $10 for a small one-wick candle. 3-wick candles are best when they're on the 2 for $20 sale!

5) A Little Something Surprising!

Subscription services like Birchbox and Julep Maven (pictured above) can be gifted to friends and can be given once or for a couple of months after the holidays end. There is a subscription to suit almost anyone's taste and who knows, your friend might just find her next holy grail product thanks to you!

6) DIY: A Little Something To Hang on a Tree

Last year, my friends and I had a holiday party where we made felt ornaments together. Fear-not if you are not particularly experienced with sewing, these projects require only simple stitches or can even be hot-glued together. Embellish with beads, ribbon, and fabric paint to make a truly unique present that can be loved for years to come.

7) DIY: A Little Something Memorable
A photo collage of your favorite snapshots of the two of you is a present that is really unique. You can choose pictures from years past or go on a fun photo shoot at one of your favorite spots and arrange these pictures in a collection of differently-sized frames that can be hung on a wall. You can find inexpensive and fun frames at stores like Target  or TJ Maxx or you can even paint your own wooden frames from the craft store. Draw a little diagram for your bud so she'll know how the pictures fit together. I personally like the look of black and white pictures in simple black frames or choosing frames from different stores in the same color family.

Remember to always remind your bestie how much they mean to you, who else is going to be willing to spend four hours on the phone with you going over every last detail of you first encounter with your future soul mate?

What was the best gift you ever gave/received from a bestie? Leave it below!

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