Style Lush

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For the Ladies

By Jennie

Jonna knocked it out of the park with her "for the men" gift guide on Monday, and I hope we're all buzzing with good ideas for the men in our lives. But, hey, we need something this Valentine's too, don't you think?

Here are some of my (and hopefully soon-to-be your) favorites:

1. Beau & Stella Interlocking Links Necklace

Beau & Stella are long-time sponsors of Style Lush, and because of that, I've seen their (incredible) jewelry pop up on friends and family. Every time I see this necklace, I ooh and ahh over it. It's even prettier and more perfect in person. 

2. Personalized Paper Notebook

It might be just me, but I love keeping notebooks in my purse and on my desk and all around my house. This personalized, photo notebook would be the only one I'd want to use if/when I got it. 

3. Sweet print

(I Love the Shit Out of You)

(Or, a custom poster with a personal/inside saying.)

4. Fancy iPhone Case

I've only had my iPhone for five seconds, but I've already figured out that fancy cases are not something I can indulge in often. But I can always indulge in getting iPhone cases as gifts. Oh yes.

5. Fun Writing Utensils

If you're a writer (or just someone who appreciates a good doodle), how fantastic would it be to get a pencil holder and cute set of pencils on your desk? Pretty fantastic, yes.

6. Cupcakes Make Everything Better t-shirt

This shirt speaks truth. Enough said.

7. The Fault in Our Stars

I've heard such incredible things about this book. I also happen to love John Green. That's a winning gift combination right there. 

8. Morse Code Bracelet

You can get these sweet bracelets (or necklaces) with a variety of meanings: love, lucky, mom, "all of me," "wild horses," etc. 

9. A Night Off

If you're looking for a great gift for your wife or partner who also happens to be a busy mom, try this: show up a few days before Valentine's, with a fancy bottle of wine and the good kind of take-out and send her to her room for the night. Tackle all the "house and family" stuff solo, and let her have the night completely off. I love the idea that this doesn't have to be on Valentine's to be for Valentine's, and is there a better gift than sheer relaxation?

10. Give Me Some Lip Gift Set

So many fun girly things in this set. I would like it right now, please.

***

What would you add to the list, my favorite readers? 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For the Men

By Jonniker

Who said Valentine's Day had to be a chick holiday? Dudes need love, too! But, as any girlfriend (or boyfriend) knows, they are impossible to shop for. Hopefully, we've gathered a few ideas to make things a little easier. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

iPad joystick

Save the finger!

 {Photo credit: Thinkgeek.com}

 

My Robot Nation

For the man who, like my husband, believes the robots will eventually take over, a miniature talisman you can personalize to ward off evil machines. ("Like Wall-E!" I said. "Not really . . . " was his reply.)

 {Photo credit: My Robot Nation}

 

RFID-blocking wallet

For the paranoid type. Blocks magnetic waves emanating from your credit cards so that the government can't track your covert missions to Whole Foods. 

{Photo credit: Thinkgeek.com}

Ka-bar military blade

Military-grade ultimate man knife for the Bear Grylls inside every man. (We have one. It's a hit.)

 {Photo credit: Kabar.com}

Personalized beer holster

You know, for those times when he needs both hands AND a beer. 

 {Photo credit: Red Envelope}

Sports propaganda print

We have a few of these in our house, and while artist Chris Speakman's specialty is baseball (and yes, he's a hometown Boston fan), he does all sorts of gorgeous prints for all sports and all teams. I can honestly say that we have these displayed in our living room, and people comment on them constantly. Beautiful, original sporty artwork with a modern pop-art feel. Big fan. 

{Photo credit: Sports Propaganda.com}

 

Star Wars Old Republic

It's like World of Warcraft, but for Star Wars fans. Only downside: It's PC-only. 

{Photo credit: Swtor.com}

Grass-fed steaks 

Get a couple of extra and stash 'em away for Steak and BJ Day while you're at it.

{Photo credit Lacense Beef}

Homebrewing starter kit

For the at-home boozer.

{Photo credit: Mr Beer.com}

Bose noise canceling headphones

Pricey, yes, but my husband uses his every day. Every day! 

{Photo credit: Bose.com}

Wicked Good moccasins

They really are awesome. Plus? LIFETIME GUARANTEE.

{Photo credit: LL Bean}

And finally, get the guy a gift certificate to your favorite sex shop and tell him to pick out a toy for the two of you. We like Eden Fantasys (our sponsor in general, but not a sponsor in this context), but really, anywhere will make him smile. Guaranteed. 

(You can expect to see the "For the Women" guide on Wednesday!)

How Style Lush & Food Lush Gift Guides made my Christmas

By Elisabeth

I'd like to thank the Style Lush and Food Lush Gift Guide for Christmas once again this year. The following are the lovely things I found wrapped underneath my tree.

The Woman's Feather Weight Gauze Wrap from Land's End in Turquoise.

My color is no longer available, but the Deep Clover Green is on sale for $20.99. SO PRETTY. The grey one is discounted to $12.99!

(Edited to add that the Clover Green literally went unavailable in my shopping basket!! BUGGER. But, I did find an adorable teal polka dotted one here for $19.99 and a wild cherry wool wrinkle scarf for $24.99!)

*****

Stila Lip Glaze Set

I've already used three colors and combined two of them for the perfect shade! Still available for $25.

*****

Fish Spatula

YES. It's a fish spatula. I know. Exciting, but hey, this thing works great and can be used for many different items.

*****

Anthropologie Coffee Mugs

Besides getting a letter E for myself, I bought my husband his initial and another one with our last name. They are so cute and larger than my regular mugs. WIN.

 

Do tell, did either of the gift guides make their way to your house this year?

 

{photo credits: Landsend.com, Sephora.com, amazon.com, anthropologie.com}

 

Adorable Measuring Cups Don't Have to Stay in the Kitchen

By Sara

Weren't the Style Lush/Food Lush 2011 Gift Guides AMAZING?!? So amazing that I sent many, many links of lovely items on those lists to family with the note "THIS IS AWESOME, BUY FOR ME, PLEASE AND THANK YOU!" I love that I can return to these guides all year every time I have to buy a gift and find something just right for my recipient. But I'm not here to plug the gift guides again, we all know they're the best out there; I'm here to tell you that I did get one thing from the guide that I just adore:

My lovely cousin, Melissa, gifted me with these darling owl measuring cups from West Elm for Christmas and when I opened them I was thrilled to pieces. You see, I had no intention of using these as actual measuring cups. Oh no, my plan was to sprinkle them around my house as little places to drop my rings, or keys, or spare change. And that is exactly what I did. The 1/4 cup sits next to my sink to hold my wedding rings while I scrub dishes. The 1/3 cup is in our laundry room to gather all the loose change my husband constantly leaves in his pockets. The 1/2 cup is on my nightstand holding earrings and bobby pins and all manner of random junk that accumulates there. The 1 cup is on our foyer table and collects my keys when I come in the house. 

I love that I can see these little owls in different rooms of my house and just the sight of them makes me happy. Sometimes you find BETTER uses for utilitarian objects...especially when they're as sweet as these owls. Thanks, Melissa, you're the best!

Star Wars Gifts for Your Geek

By Blythe

If there's a man in your house between the ages of 30-45, you might need some of this stuff. 

Or, as Yoda would say, Some of this stuff you might need, young Jedi. (Ha ha!  Ha.  OMG it is impossible to resist years of George Lucas indoctrination.)

 

Han Solo in Carbonite Ice Cube Tray

Light Saber Chop Sticks

 

Samurai Storm Trooper Shirt

 

{photo credits: amazon.com, thinkgeek.com, threadless.com}

Gift List: Four-Year-Old Boy

by Elizabeth

So, here are some of the things that my (very. very spoiled) 4 year old is going to find under the tree this year:

Old Navy Christmas Pajamas (and the matching set for his sister). I think they'll probably get to open these early, maybe from St. Nicholas, so I can take lots of pictures of them in their pj's ahead of time. 

Source: oldnavy.gap.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: oldnavy.gap.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

A new pair of shoes, which he needs anyway.  This was my other idea for St. Nicholas -- maybe at our house you leave out an old pair of too-small shoes and he leaves you a new pair of shoes every year? Could be fun. 

Source: zappos.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

Some "frontier logs," which are just Lincoln Logs but made out of actual wood. 

 

Source: amazon.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

Also, he wants one of those creepy fake dogs, so if they go on sale, I might throw one in the cart sometime between now and December 25th. 

Source: amazon.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

A Hex Bug, because it's the one thing he obsesses most about at Target when we walk through the toy aisle. 

Source: amazon.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

Speaking of bugs, he's also getting this giant thing, the Creepy Crawlers Mega Bug Exclusive Something Or Other Bug Making Set! Please note I bought this at Costco, and I did not pay $75 for it. What can I say, the child loves bugs. 

 

Source: amazon.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

He's also getting a "typing machine" because that's the first thing he asked Santa for. It's surprisingly hard to find a nice working typewriter on eBay (damn hipsters) but I eventually won one. It is possible he thinks that he asked for a laptop, but too bad for him.  

 

Source: ebay.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

Santa is going to bring him a bike, and although I had one all picked out at Amazon we tested them out last weekend at Toys R Us and I am glad we did because his ability to ride them varied wildly. This one is only mildy offensive and doesn't have any real toy branding on it, plus it was really easy for my shortish 4 year old to ride. As far I can tell it's only available at Toys R Us but they do offer free shipping.  

Source: toysrus.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

I'm also giving him a mentos geyser tube (super cheap on Amazon) and six two liters of Diet Coke and six packs of Mentos in a giant box, because I am just that awesome.  

 

Source: paper-source.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

I found the starter set of Hot Wheels Wall Tracks at Target in the $20ish dollar range. I am VERY prepared for these not to work all that well, just like most of the Hot Wheels stuff I've bought, and IN NO UNIVERSE would I pay the exorbitant $65ish dollars that Amazon wants for it, but for $20 I'm willing to try them out. 

 

Source: amazon.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

Paintable dinosaurs, perfect for a kid who loves painting AND dinosaurs.  

Source: amazon.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

He's also getting a bunch of little stuff -- a crank flashlight, some soap (he's a strange child, ok?), some bath bubbles, some more Hot Wheels, a paint set or two, some socks, etc.  

Although now that I look over this list I'm worried it's too short. ACK. This is totally enough Christmas presents for a kid, yes? Any last minute sure-fire winners for a 4-year-old boy who loves dinosaurs and isn't allowed to have guns or video games? 

(He's also getting a metric ton of presents from various family members, so I think this will be PLENTY. PLEASE ASSURE ME THAT THIS IS PLENTY OF PRESENTS BEFORE I GO LOSE MY MIND IN TARGET.)

Style Lush Gift Guide Giveaway!

By Jennie

One of my favorite giveaways from last year was our gift guide giveaway, where we randomly selected a commenter to pick anything they wanted from our 2010 gift guide. Well, what do you know, we're back to do the same exact thing this year. Hooray!

So, if you are a fan of our 2011 gift guide, one of the items from it could be yours. That's right, we'll give the winner any item of his or her choosing. That's one of ONE HUNDRED things!

A reminder of some of the incredible selections (and a few of my personal favorites):

Mod Multi Shoulder Tote

Set of four latte bowls

Scratch-off map

Caffe dishtowel

But, that's a very small sample. Check out our gift guide again to refresh your memory.

All you need to tell us is what you would pick? It could be yours! (Oh, and we won't hold you to your comment. You can change your mind if you win.)

Fine print section: We'll leave this giveaway up until 11/21 and announce a winner on 11/22. We can unfortunately only ship to the U.S., and please just one comment per person. We're also hosting a similar giveaway at Food Lush today; comment to win there, as well!

The Official 2011 Style Lush Holiday Gift Guide: 100 Gifts for $25 or Less

by Elizabeth

Welcome to the fifth annual Style Lush Holiday Gift Guide! (Here is 2010's and 2009's; previous years were at Princess Nebraska.) We're here to help you find gifts that make $25 look like a million bucks. Of course, presentation counts for a lot, and gifts with a big red satiny bow and a nice gift tag are going to look extra fancy schmancy, so get yourself a roll of ribbon and a handful of Toblerone bars (for an extra nice packaging touch) before you start your shopping.

And now, without further ado, here is the list:

1. Sonia Kashuk Make Up Brushes

Photo source: Target.com

2. Papersource Mod Multi Shoulder Tote

Photo source: paper-source.com

While I do think this is a super fab gift all on its own, I also think it would be fun to throw something else in this tote, like:

3. The Women's Feather Weight Gauze Wrap from Land's End (I got this last year for Christmas and I LOVE it, and remember it's also Tara's favorite scarf ever!)

Photo source: landsend.com

4. Or you could throw these fabulous Orla Kiely Pencils into the Paper Source tote.

Photo source: arkayworkshop.com

5. Or why not make those a truly awesome gift by including this super gorgeous Jonathan Adler Datebook with them.

Photo source: paper-source.com

6.  Modern Gourd Soup Bowl. West Elm claims these are for dining, but I think with the lid, they make perfect little trinket holders. I think I'd give this filled with delicious chocolates or some pretty earrings. 

Photo source: westelm.com

7. Solid Oak Egg Crate. Also awesome filled with an assortment of chocolates, jewelry, or any other fun little holiday bits you can think of. 

Photo source: westelm.com

8. West Elm Porcelain Hurricane

Photo source: westelm.com

9. J. Crew Ribbed Glovelets

10. Ombre Ruffled Pouf Necklace. Our very own Raven makes these necklaces and they are stunning in person. I believe she takes custom orders too, if you have a different color in mind. (Red! Get a red one!)

Photo source: Just Expressive Etsy shop

11. Red Porcelain Teapot and Fancy Tea

Photo source: worldmarket.com

12. Burts Bees Manicure Set (exclusive to Target)

Photo soruce: target.com

13. Stila Lip Glaze Set

Photo source: sephora.com

14. Chocolate Fondue Set. I really, really want this.  

Photo source: hsn.com

15. Ineke Deluxe Perfume Sample Collection

Photo source: anthropologie.com

16. Set of Four Latte Bowls. These would be fun to tie up with some fancy coffee.

Photo source: anthropologie.com

17. Felt Pointsettia Wreath. I'd give this a little early so it can be displayed before Christmas. 

Photo source: busybusyfingers Etsy shop

18. Crate and Barrel Sweater Vase

Photo source: crateandbarrel.com

19. Any Etsy print in a nice frame with a mat. I recommend Target frames, and I love this Dig In the Dirt print.

Photo source: swallofield Etsy shop

20. Old Navy Cable Knit Pom Pom Hat. You could add the scarf and the gloves too, if you're feeling flush.

Photo soruce: oldnavy.com

21. South of Superior. I am totally buying this book for my mother in law. I recommend you do the same. 

Photo source: ellenairgood.com

22. A Family Photo Album. Last year I went through all my Picasa albums, clicked every picture I liked, looked up a bunch of Shutterfly coupon codes, and then ordered the whole lot of photos in one fell swoop. I spent one pretty fun evening sticking them into a photo album and added a few ticket stubs and birth announcements and invitations that went along with the pictures. I know there are a lot of nice printed photo albums out there, but I think there was some extra special and old school about having the actual pictures themselves printed and placed in an album like this. I plan to do this every year from here on out.

Photo source: amazon.com

23. CB2 Christmas Ornaments. Especially nice for newlyweds who probably have a somewhat sparsely decorated tree for at least a few Christmasses. 

Photo source: cb2.com

24. Double Wall To-Go Cups. I love the fun colors, and you get two for less than $12! Can't beat that deal. I'd probably pair these with a coffee gift card.  

Photo source: cb2.com

25. This Travel Stub Diary would be fun to pair with...

 

Photo source: uncommongoods.com

26. ...this super cool Scratch Off Map.

Photo source: uncommongoods.com

27. French Stripe Jewelry Roll. (Might be extra nice with some pretty jewelry already in it!)

Photo source: potterybarn.com

28. Remember A'Dell's party book? Get a Hostess Diary from Pottery Barn for your favorite hostess with the mostess! (On sale for $9.99 and free shipping too!) For that price, even, you should add this place card holder set.

 

Photo source: potterybarn.com

29. One Yard Wonders. It would be so cool to tie this up with a few pieces of pretty fabric. 

Photo source: amazon.com

30. This Mama's Little Book of Tricks is fun. I kind of really want to give it to the moms I know, tied up with a bottle of vodka. No? Maybe? Well, I like it. 

Photo source: amazon.com

31. A copy of Homemade Living: Home Dairy and a Wooden Butter Mold. 

Photos source: amazon.com

32. This adorable DIY Hot Cocoa Mix and two of these gorgeous Fleur de Lis mugs. 

Photos source: bhg.com and anthropologie.com

33. Olive Oil Pourer (even more special packaged with some fancy olive oil).

Photo source: amazon.com

34. Berry Box Colander. (Fill with fancy chocolate or peppermints.)

Photo source: crateandbarrel.com

35. Homemade Cookie Jar. You'd obviously have to give this filled with your favorite cookies, and with the recipe for them tied up on the lid. 

Photo source: crateandbarrel.com

36. Blood, Bones, and Butter

Photo source: bloodbonesandbutter.net

37. Pizza Peel. If you want to make it extra special, you could tie a pizza cutter to the top of the box with a big fancy bow and a cute tag. 

Photo source: crateandbarrel.com

38. Flow Juicer. Would be super cute if you included this in a basket full of pretty citrus. 

Photo source: westelm.com

39. Owl Measuring Cups. I love these. Especially the yellow ones. Get the yellow!

Photo source: westelm.com

40. Five Piece Walker Wine Gift Set. With a decanter for $24.75!

Photo source: cb2.com

41. Martha Stewart Collection Recipe Box. I put this on the list every year, but it is just the BEST, and you can include a bunch of your favorite recipes and maybe even a batch of your favorite treats. 

Photo source: macys.com

42. Caffe Dishtowel. Crate & Barrel the best dishtowels, and anyone who likes to cook can tell you that you can never have too many. There are so many things you can add to a few dishtowels to really round-out this gift -- a few rubber spatulas or wooden spoons, a pretty copper cookie cutter, a gift card, the skies the limit on this one. 

Photo source: crateandbarrel.com

43. It Takes the Cake Rustic White Dessert Stand. I don't know anyone who doesn't like a cake stand. 

Photo source: wisteria.com

44. Tamersa Serving Platter

Photo source: worldmarket.com

45. Cherry with Spearmint and Candied Meyer Lemons and some Fig Mostarda (and maybe a nice crusty loaf of bread), from Etsy seller lemonbird. I picked two things for the purposes of this post, but I want to order (and eat!) every single thing from this Etsy store. Seriously, even if you don't buy anything, (but you should!) go over there and ogle the food and the photography. 

Photo source: Lemon Bird Etsy shop

46. Hand Blocked Zipper Cases

Photo source: westelm.com

47. PS3 Dual Shock3 Charging Station. (I have no idea what this even does but apparently it is the thing to have.)

Photo source: amazon.com

48. Vans Vertigo Beanie

Photo source: vans.com

49. Vans Panhead Chain Wallet

Photo source: vans.com

50. Skullcandy Headphones

Photo source: skullcandy.com

51. Aerie Pom Pom Crochet Scuffs

Photo source: ae.com

52. Anthropologie Mercury Trinket Box, which would be extra super fab if you tucked the following necklace inside...

Photo source: anthropologie.com

53. Petal Necklace from Etsy Seller Get Noticed

Photo source: Get Noticed Etsy shop

54. The Body Shop Satsuma Gift Set

Photo source: thebodyshop-usa.com

55. Valise Journal. Just SO pretty. 

Photo source: anthropologie.com

56. Melissa and Doug Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks. One of the most popular toys at our house.

Photo source: amazon.com

57. Gymboree Cupcake Purse. I think I'd pair it with something pink and floofy from the dress-up aisle at Target. 

Photo source: gymboree.com

58. Suchomimus Throw Pillow. Stuffed dinosaurs are surprisingly hard to come by. This one is only $19 with free shipping. 

Photo source: landofnod.com

59. Sidewalk Roller Skates. In this day and age of video games and iPods, there's something kind of nice about a pair of plain old roller skates. 

Photo source: amazon.com

60. Fancy Duds. I am not sure how kids feel about overpriced embroidered pants or sweater vests, but as a parent, I always appreciate getting clothes from stores I don't usually let myself shop in. I love the dressier stuff at Janie and Jack, and you can spend a lot or a little, which is nice. We had a plaid hat just like this for Baby Girl last year and we got so many compliments on it. Dont forget socks, or even this Bow Neck Top, all on a pretty nice sale!

Photo source: janieandjack.com

61. I Play Rain Coat. A low enough price that you could add boots or an umbrella, or go big and get all three. 

Photo source: target.com

62. Gap Striped Cable Knit Beanie. How cute is your favorite kid going to look in this hat?

Photo source: gap.com

63. Martha Stewart Kids Apron, Chefs Hat, and Two Oven Mitts

Photo source: macys.com

64. Schleich Dinosaurs. Very nice, well-made dinosaurs, in a range of prices, but starting at $4.95. The MOST popular toy in current rotation at our house. 

Photo source: landofnod.com

65. For Here or To Go Art Set. $14.95 and free shipping? For that price, you can throw in a couple notebooks or some construction paper too. 

Photo source: landofnod.com

66. Crewcuts Cupcake Ruffle Skirt. Feeling flush?Add this adorable flower headband. 

Photos source: jcrew.com

67. Pottery Barn Kids Mini Girl Dolls

Photo source: potterybarnkids.com

68. Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Watch

Photo source: potterybarnkids.com

69. Crazy 8 Owl Sweater Beanie, Owl Barrettes, and Owl Socks

Photos source: crazy8.com

70. Mentos Geyster Tube. Have you ever made a Mentos Geyser? It is SUPER FUN. Add six two liters of soda and six tubes of mentos, and you're basically going to be the coolest present giver on Earth. (This is my favorite present on this entire list.)

Photo source: paper-source.com

71. Baltic Amber Teething Necklace. (If anyone you know has a baby or is going to have a baby or will someday have a baby, there will come a time when that baby starts to teethe and they will be willing to try anything and everything to get that baby to calm the heck down already, and I have no idea if this crazy thing works but trust me, it will make them feel better just to TRY.)

Photo souce: amazon.com

72. Land of Nod Wood Shape Sorter

Photo source: landofnod.com

73. Enchanted Forest Burp Cloths and Bib Set from Etsy Seller MidnightCoffee

Photo source: Midnight Coffee Etsy shop

74. Trumpette Socks. These are the best socks ever, but pricey enough that they are not something you want to buy yourself when you also have to buy one million diapers and bottles and car seats, which makes them basically the perfect gift. 

Photo source: landofnod.com

75. Hanna Andersson Sleepers. (Ok, so these are $26 dollars. So sue me.) 

Photo source: hannaandersson.com

76. Sophie the Giraffe. Include some baby leg warmers for extra cuteness points. 

Photo source: amazon.com

77. Anne of Green Gables Clothbound Penguin Classic. I love the idea of giving this to a new baby girl. 

Photo source: anthropologie.com

78. ABC Animal Print, Earth's Animals, from Etsy Seller Jenoak. (She's got lots of varieties.)

Photo source: Jenoak Etsy shop

79. No No, Yes Yes (and various other Leslie Partricelli board books). My babies have always LOVED these books. For this price you could get three titles and gift them all tied up together. 

Photo source: amazon.com

80. Skip Hop Bath Toys. (Maybe add some fancy baby wash.)

Photo source: amazon.com

81. Gooseneck Industrial Twine Holder

Photo source: amazon.com

82. The Art of Fielding

Photo source: gq.com

83. Root Beer (or the regular kind of beer) Sampler

Photo source: ohhappyday.com

84. Dewar's Chews

Photo source: dewarscandy.com

85. Marshmallow Blaster

Photo source: amazon.com

86. Set of Two Plaid and Sherpa Fleece Throws

Photo source: hsn.com

87. Vintage Style Pom Pom Team Beanies

Photo source: ae.com

88. Gourmet Wildflower Honey and Honeycomb Gift Set (with free shipping!)

Photo source: Caruso's Honey Co. Etsy shop

89. Alpine Forest Flannel PJ Bottoms

Photo source: gap.com

90. Uncle Milton Radio Control Tarantula

Photo source: amazon.com

91. Electric Griddle (plus some fancy pancake mix and a pancake turner!)

Photo source: amazon.com

92. Men's Suede Moc Slippers. (Ok, so, yes, these are $34.50, but Lands End coupon codes are a dime a dozen. You should be able to get a good chunk off fairly easily some time before Christmas arrives.)

Photo source: landsend.com

93. Gap Menswear Plaid Scarf

Photo source: gap.com

94. The Universal Baseball Association, Inc.

Photo source: amazon.com

95. Work Shop Apron. (It would be fun to wrap this around some new tools or a book on woodworking, or these really cool Bench Dog Wood Grippers.)

Photo source: bellocchio.com

96. Home made Limoncello, maybe with a...

Photo source: mattbites.com

97. .... Cocktail Shaker. or...

Photo source: crateandbarrel.com

98. ..., This gorgeous Antique Silver Wine Pull, Antique Silver Bottle Opener, and these Monogrammed Bar Towels.

 
Photo source: potterybarn.com

 99. Fill a Terrarium Bowl with succulents. (There are tons of detailed instructions online, so Google away!)

100. Electric Blanket. ($27.99 on Target.com, but it will go on sale before Christmas, I guarantee it.) This is maybe not the most glamorous of gifts, but I got one last year and, no lie, it is one of my favorite things of ALL TIME. I COULD NOT LOVE IT MORE. GET ONE. 

Photo source: target.com

***

There you have it! We hope you love this list as much as we do.

(We plan to host a similar giveaway as last year, a giveaway that gives one of you the chance to win your favorite item from this list, so check back regularly and often for that opportunity.)

Also, if you'd like to share this list with your own readers or friends (awesome; thanks!), we have a badge you can add to your site, designed by C*Squared Associates.

(Code for the badge: <a href="http://www.stylelushblog.com/2011/11/the-official-2011-style-lush-holiday-gift-guide-100-gifts-for-25-or-less.html"><img src="http://www.shelikespurple.com/Style_Lush_Gift_Guide_Badge.gif"></a>)

***

(Finally, enjoy the first annual Food Lush Gift Guide, also up today!)

Style Lush Gift Guide: Weigh In On When to See It

By Jennie

Hi readers! Each year our very own Elizabeth works hard on a gift guide that we think is pretty top-notch (2009 & 2010). But, because of the work that goes into it, we'd like to get a sense of when you'd like to see it. So, please vote below! We'd love to hear from you.

When would you prefer to see our annual gift guide?
	November 1st would be great! I've got to get started shopping.
	Don't come anywhere near me with Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving.
	Please do it the week before Thanksgiving.
	I'd rather see it once we're actually in December.
pollcode.com free polls

Thanks!

Housewarming Gift Ideas

By Lisa

A reader recently wrote asking for fabulous housewarming gift ideas for a dear friend. I love giving gifts. And who doesn't love receiving them? Here are some ideas in a variety of effort and price levels.

1. A batch of cookies. Make them yourself. Choose a variety you are really good at, or find a fabulous recipe on the Internet. Bake a couple dozen for your friend and wrap them up in a box, so they don't get crushed and ship it off. Who doesn't love homemade cookies? And when she's unpacking the 79th box at 11:30 at night, a couple cookies will really hit the spot. One tip is to avoid a cookie with chocolate so they don't melt in the mail. Some ideas are sugar cookies (in the shape of a house?), molasses, lemon, or snickerdoodle.

 2. Gift card to a useful store. Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, CVS, etc. Everyone, I mean everyone, inevitably needs to make a Target run after they move. New broom? Extra spray bottles, welcome mat, whatever. This gift is practical and will absolutely be appreciated.

3. Return address stamp or labels. I really love having a personalized return address stamp. And I really detest hand writing my return address on bills, letters, and cards. So stamps or labels are just so handy. If you know your friend's taste, how cute (and useful!) would it be for her to open up the box and find a sweet little timesaver all ready for her to use? You could even tuck in a little pack of note cards with her initial if you're so inclined (and if she is the note card type). 

4. Magazine subscription. I rarely subscribe to magazines. I love them, I just get cheap when paying for them. But wouldn't a subscription to Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, or Better Homes & Gardens be a fantastic way to welcome a friend to their home? As they set out to renovate, decorate, or just get settled, they can enjoy a whole year of ideas and inspiration from your gift.  There are great deals on subscriptons on both Amazon and eBay. Don't forget to send the card notifying your friend. I'd probably ship her the current issue with a cute note and a ribbon, letting her know 12 more months are on their way!

5. Drink kit. If your friend is into martinis, margaritas, wine, tea, or coffee, you can put together a really cute and fun "kit" online and have it shipped. I think this would be easier than buying the components yourself but you could certainly do that too. Crate and Barrel has some nice options with various glasses, drink mixes, and accessories. What a nice way to start enjoying her new home, with a cocktail or a mug of tea.

You know your friend, and her tastes, interests and lifestyle best but I bet one of these will fit the bill. And do it up so it's really special. Fill the box with tissue or shredded paper. Wrap up the gifts (or gift cards as it were) with separate ribbons (I prefer fabric over curling ribbon). Enclose a card and write a nice note wishing her many happy years in her new home. The whole welcome package will mean the world to her. 

{photo credits: tastykitchen.com, tinyprints.com, crateandbarrel.com,}