Gift Ideas for Your Clever Girl

If I hear one more dude say, I have no idea what to get her- I will beat him about the head and neck. Why? Because it means he is anything but Clever and most likely lazy and self involved. All you have to do is know the girl is alive to come up with the most basic cop-out gift. Let’s move beyond her having a pulse to something she might not only enjoy but treasure. A gift which will make her feel known- by you.

Who is she? What does she like? What does she talk about in her less Clever moments as she goes on and on about (insert topic which makes you want to pierce your eardrum with an ice pick as opposed to enduring)?

The Homebody

Is her home well appointed? Does she delight in new towels or linens? Then this will be easy. Many designers are creating a new niche- lifestyle collections. It is a lovely concept which marries the fragrances you wear on your body with those you surround yourself with at home. Jo Malone is my favorite lifestyle designer- her scents are natural and light instead of overpowering and cloying. The living colognes and scent surround are perfect for linens, towel cabinets and closets. The candles are in complementary frangrances and the clean packaging is an elegant edition to any room. You can purchase Jo Malone at Neiman Marcus, select Nordstrom stores and on line at www.jomalone.com or www.neimanmarcus.com

The Gadget Girl

This girl is always lusting after the latest toys, so indulge her and she might indulge you. If she needs a new computer, APPLE is offering the MacBook for just under $1000.00. And the Mac mini (least expensive way to go Mac $599.00) has multiple USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 800 port, which allows you to connect your keyboard, mouse, iPod, iPhone, digital camera, DV camcorder, external hard drive, and printer. Mac mini even lets you connect up to two displays, including your TV, with the mini-DVI port and Mini DisplayPort. On the front of Mac mini is the ultrafast, slot-loading SuperDrive for playing DVDs and CDs — or burning your own. It is the most energy efficient computer in the world- making it so very green. www.apple.com

The Product Junkie

I like to consider products for stocking stuffers and have come across a comprehensive organic skin care line called, Juice Beauty. I especially adore the fragrances- light and natural, including my very favorite- Green Apple. Yum. They offer several kit/gifts under fifty dollar so she can give it a try. www.juicebeauty.com Organic is not a word this company throws around, they are actually up to 95% certified organic which is among the highest in the skin care industry.

Spa-la-la-la-la

I usually call the spa gift certificate a cop out, but if your Clever Girl takes her spa time very seriously (we all need time to wind down) then send her to Woodhouse Spa. It is a nationwide spa which offers a huge variety of services from facials, manicure, pedicure, scalp massages, reflexology to my personal favorite- the hot stone massage. The environment goes far beyond soothing and relaxing- the staff is conscientious and not insulted if you wish not to speak during your service. If you really want to indulge her, keep her there for the entire day while you indulge yourself with the guys. Or, if you are inclined- book yourself for some treatments- they do offer a couple massage.

Clever in the Kitchen

Neiman Marcus rarely disappoints me- this time, they are offering a color coded set of cutting boards so you can avoid cross contamination. Fish, poultry, veggies and meat. Brilliant- and I do worry about it. This Clever gift can be found at www.neimanmarcus.com

If you are looking to impress the entertainer- Riedel glasses are always appropriate. Select wisely as they offer such a vast array of options. The new trend I see is the stemless glass (I am not a fan at all- but many enjoy them), Riedel offers plenty of options including a pink tinted set in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. www.riedel.com will give you an overview and put your selections in a price category- you still have to go to a different site to purchase online. www.glassware.riedel.com These stunners are also available at www.crystalclassics.com and www.neimanmarcus.com Clever Girl, Pam informed me Riedel is newly offering a line at Target, which makes this brand a little more practical for those of us who are clumsy.

The Bejeweled Babe

This Clever Girl’s appetite for the next bauble cannot be quenched. So, if you don’t want to break the bank, try a couple of these brands which couple style and budget. Robert Lee Morris does spectacular designs in precious metals (read- no gem stones to drive up the price) and can be purchased at www.neimanmarcus.com Allen Schwartz has generated his own line of jewelry called ABS and the price point is manageable without compromising quality. Find ABS at www.neimanmarcus.com

I know what you are thinking- Tiffany, right? I can pretty much guarantee any woman over the age of thirty has been there and done that. However, if she is well under that age- she needs to get started. Tiffany is a timeless and classic company and every woman needs to collect her fair share. Caution- do not buy the Elsa Peretti open heart necklace if you don’t HEART her- it sends the wrong message. www.tiffany.com

If you are looking to spend a bit more- one of my favorite jewelry designers is Roberto Coin. He is well known for his tasteful and poignant pieces. A gorgeous and simple cross or initital necklace will run you about $425.00, but count on it to have a small ruby imbedded on the backside as proof it is authentic. www.neimanmarcus.com

The Fashionista

This Clever Girl is surprisingly difficult to shop for due to her general need for quality AND quantity (this is a polite way of saying Label Queen). Having said that- there are ways to cater to her desire for the luxurious without having to take out a second loan on your home. Supplement a couple small fashion items with some of the above more modest gifts.

Judith Leiber is a must have for this Clever Girl- most have only one of the coveted clutches for evening and they can be found for under $500.00, but in general- you are looking to invest thousands. My personal favorite- which I DO NOT OWN is the cupcake. www.judithleiber.com or www.neimanmarcus.com

The new trend in dining out is the handbag holder. This little number counterbalances the handbag on the table before her. No more Gucci on the floor or Chanel being knocked off the corner of the chair- Swarovski offers a variety at www.neimanmarcus.com No Clever Girl should be without at least ONE.

UGG are generally UGLY, but they are in fact, warm- so, if you are staying in- she might as well cozy up with a pair of slippers. They also make and indoor/outdoor slipper for that late night run to get a bottle of wine. www.uggaustralia.com or www.nordstrom.com

Gucci anything will be coveted as well as Burberry. For the Clever Girl who adores these brands, she will not be disappointed. Do not buy Burberry for a girl who isn’t into it- there are Burberry girls and non-Burberry girls. For example- I am not one- would I like a scarf- not particularly- it would be wasted on me. Would I like a Gucci scarf? YES PLEASE! Just pay attention to what labels she wears and seems to gravitate toward when you are shopping. You do not have to buy the Guccie Crest Boule Leather Tote for $2,500.00- the good news with the high end designers is they offer great gifts at lower prices. www.burberry.com www.neimanmarcus.com

OK- more Clever Gift ideas next week on Wednesday. Don’t panic- you still have almost two months to generate ideas. If you have questions- contact me soveryclevergrl@gmail.com