Clichés earn their status for a reason. They work, and so we make them our go-to solutions again and again. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, especially when the perfect cliché gift exudes chic or charm or creativity. Can’t come up with any ideas other than bath salts and socks? Here are nine gifts that will raise the usual ho-hum choices to new heights of desirability.
For the woman who needs a minute to herself.
Relaxing bath salts with a California vibe. The beautiful blue color of these salts reflects the fresh, clean scent. Their motto: Relaxing the world one bath at a time. Use them as a pedicure foot soak or mix them with shower gel for body scrub.
California Breeze Bath Salts, $12, Amazon
For the girl with a penchant for pattern.
Each sock is hand printed from photographs taken in Hawaii of tropical fruit and flowers. These stockings in Sanguine Red go on forever, just like your lovely legs.
Strathacona Stockings Tropical Fruit Punch Socks, $36, Etsy
For the friend who can sniff out luxury.
Voluspa is a home fragrance label famous for their signature coconut wax blends and luxurious packaging. Their candles Indulge with gourmet fruit scents such as Saijo Persimmon, layered with peach and red currant, and Prosecco Bellini: quartered ripe peaches muddled with sweet apricots. Yummy!
Voluspa Maison Blanc Mini Candles, $8, Anthropologie
For the friend who wants to light it up.
Pair these pink-tipped matches with your luxury scented candle. They come is an extra large matchbox that declares “I’m in love” and boasts gold foil hearts.
I’m in Love Extra Large Matchbox, $11, Waiting On Martha
For the woman ready to show some love.
Who doesn’t need a kiss? Inspired by designer Kelly Wearstler’s Classic Kiss figural art, this 22KT gold plated bronze Classic Kiss keychain adds a dose of love to your everyday keys.
Kiss Keychain, $150, Kelly Wearstler
For the woman who puts all her cards on the table.
These crocodile-patterned playing cards nestled in a luxurious porcelain box top the list of impossibly chic gifts.
Crocodile Box With Two Decks of Playing Cards, $195, L’Objet
For the friend with the bottomless purse.
Classic styling and vibrant color make this coin purse the perfect choice for any woman with loose change and large handbag. Made in Italy with goat leather exterior and lamb leather lining. This one comes in garnet and pink grapefruit, but you can choose from a variety of chic colors.
Coin Purse, $180, Acne Studios
For the boyfriend’s parents.
Give a bar of fancy soap, and show them they mean a lot to you, too, even if you’re just meeting them for the first time. This thoughtful gift lends a luxurious touch to the home. Infused with Joya’s ‘Composition No. 1’ fragrance composed of notes of sparkling citrus, fruity heliotrope petals, tuberose, and warm sandalwood.
Composition No. 1 Soap and Tray, $48, Net-A-Porter
For the girl with brave heart but cold feet.
Furry slippers are a must-have if your home lacks a fireplace worthy of the Great North Woods hunting lodge.
Faux Fur Boot Slippers, $15, Abercrombie & Fitch
