Gifts for Your Girls

Today is Amy’s birthday. While we did a gift post earlier in the week with ideas for dad, in celebration of Amy’s special day I thought it would be fun to do another one with ideas for the 30-something design-loving girlfriend.

We normally just get each other a little something so last year I got Amy this Moroccan appetizer plate from Jayson Home–we obsess over everything Jayson and I thought it would be a fun little addition to her desk on which to keep keys, rings, business cards, etc.

One thing I love to do for friends’ gifts is to try to look at things that support other friends. So, here are some of my current faves all under $20!

An old college friend, Claire, owns a gorgeous boutique in Savannah, Georgia called Number Four Eleven (a must visit if you’re around there.) She has an amazing eye so I love going to their site for gifts–you’ll always find something beautiful, original and at lots of different price points.

Amy would love these ethereal vases

By itself or thrown into a large tote, you’ll get so much use out of this clutch.  Love the tassel!

Speaking of tassels…do you have a friend who is always losing her keys? Make them stand out–so fun!

Number Four Eleven specializes in monogramming (what good Southern girl doesn’t love a monogram??) and I love the idea of a personalized gift like this beautiful linen handkerchief. Give your friend one of these and take her to a Nicholas Sparks movie that her husband wouldn’t be caught dead going to see (I’ve never seen one I didn’t bawl through.)

Candles are always a nice gift for a friend. Amy’s sister-in-law Julie actually sells her candles on Etsy–so obviously I didn’t get this for Amy, but it’s perfect for other friends and family! Love that they’re all natural and handmade by someone I know–makes for a nice story when you give them as a gift.

One of my favorite gifts for a friend is tea. Maybe it’s the Canadian side of me and all that British influence, but I feel like there’s nothing that a cup of tea can’t solve (well, help…) and there’s nothing better than tea over a talk with a friend. My old neighbor Kristin runs a specialty teas website called Porte Rouge. Mariage Freres is one of my favorite teas. Gift it with a beautiful mug and a mesh tea ball.

Now, if someone wanted to totally splurge on Amy, I just saw that Chicago designer and blogger Summer Thornton’s Lincoln Park Condo is on the market–this would be the perfect place for Amy to escape on weekends! Happy Birthday Amy–you’re a great friend and whatever gifts you get, I hope it’s a special day!