Shopping is a big part of the December holidays…particularly Christmas. As I wrote in my last post, now is the best time to be focusing on your holiday shopping, particularly if you are going to be shopping online or shipping gifts. There are a million gift guides out there but only one where you get Ruly Ruth’s honest reaction! What do you get the woman on your list who has everything? Let’s find out. I picked out several gifts for Ruly Ruth below. Will she like them? Read on!

An inexpensive token gift from a coworker, neighbor or friend (~$15 or less):

	A small box of excellent chocolates! Enough to indulge but not so many that the recipient has to worry about her waistline.	Ruly Ruth says: I LOVE IT! But I’m trying to patronize smaller choclatiers like John & Kira’s. However at this price you’re not getting individual chocolates, but a chocolate bar. 🙂
	One of Martha Stewart’s favorite baking tools, the Silpat nonstick cooking mat, for baking or rolling out bread dough.	Ruly Ruth says: I already own one! 🙂 Not this exact brand, but this one of similar quality from Walmart and a slightly lesser price.
	A nice quality Mascara. Since you are supposed to replace your mascara every 3-6 months due to possible bacteria growth, nearly every woman who wears makeup can use a new bottle from time to time.	Ruly Ruth says: You’re totally on track–but would prefer a curling mascara….or my favorite in a similar price range Maybelline Lash Stiletto™ Ultimate Length Washable Mascara.
	The always fashionable Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame has written a new book about his life philosophies.	Ruly Ruth says: I didn’t realize this book was even published–it’s now on my wishlist!! 🙂 You nailed it!!
	We’ll throw an organizing –friendly tool in here….a mini planner in a bright, fun color you could tuck into your purse.	Ruly Ruth says: Okay–my strongpoint is time management. (however I need a lot of help decorating and organizing!) But time and scheduling is my passion–I think I was born to do that. So if you’re like me—you already bought 2011 back in September b/c you were pre-scheduling school outages for spring break, etc. So in a sense, already have it. And love the look of this–but I prefer a whole column per day, vs. these half columns. AND–to be a great organizer–you can’t manage effectively more than 1 calendar. And I personally HATE the electronic organizers–I can’t draw arrows and other things I use to track appts. and items to schedule as easily. I like paper and pen/pencil! So the mini planner would be useless.

A nice gift from a family member or close friend ($25-$50)

	For dressier occasions, a simple little black dress with tummy control.	Ruly Ruth says: Based on the review–no thanks. But just looking at it it looks very basic and versatile….but I probably wouldn’t buy it.
	A simple necklace with a modern twist.	Ruly Ruth says: UGH! 3D necklace that won’t sit flat—not loving it. I guess you could say the movement is part of the allure, but I prefer this silver heart–which btw got 5 star rating vs. the 4 for the 3D version.
	“New York Parties: Private Views offer an insider’s view of what makes a gathering unforgettable. It also shows how to cope with the unexpected.” ~Huffington Post	Ruly Ruth says: Oooohhhh…these are A-listers and not just celebrities—C-level professionals and their wives…LOVE IT!td>
	Get ahead on 2011 fitness resolutions with trainer to the stars Tracy Anderson.	Ruly Ruth says: I’ve seen this and was interested—however, we have a Wii and got Just Dance–LOVE IT!! So Just Dance 2 is on my list now.
	Help your desk or kitchen stay paper-free with a good desk organizer.	Ruly Ruth says: I like it a lot—but I haven’t been so good at using these mesh organizers I already have–literally 2 horizontal and 2 small vertical are sitting in my closet. Staples® The Desk Apprentice™ Rotating Desk Organizer–this is my fave but it does take a lot of space.

A luxury gift ($60+)

	A quick outfit to slip into for the mom on the go but with an elegant, casual look.	Ruly Ruth says: I love the outfit–but my stomach is not so flat right now 😉 And I don’t think I have the right fit for this right now…..
	“the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon.” Read anytime, anyplace, reduce your book clutter and buy eBooks at a discount from hard copy titles.	Ruly Ruth says: All of my friends have these—they love them! I have an extremely active 19 mo. old and barely have time for dishes and laundry and really no time for reading…but I’d say it’s a great gift for my demographic!
	A waterproof camera to capture your kids in the pool, rainy baseball games or other wet events!	Ruly Ruth says: I would love this!! Shockproof to 4 feet!! Yes! My last fancy camera died b/c sand from the beach got into the very sensitive retractable lens.

My Score:

So how did I do? Of my 13 selections, Ruth liked just 4. Two selections were on the right track but not quite right. Sadly, 7 selections were “junk.” i.e. stuff she already owned or doesn’t want. A 31% success rate is not exactly encouraging.

I give up! What would you buy for yourself?

	Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle perfume is on Ruly Ruth’s list. She likes the deals on it right now at Nordstrom.
	Ruth likes her cookware French too! This braiser is a bit expensive for an individual gift but would be a great group gift.
	Over-the-knee boots are one of the biggest fashion trends right now. Ruth likes this one with the stiletto heel.
	Another hot fashion trend of the moment…the faux fur vest! Ruth likes this one at Nordstrom the best.

I like Ruth’s choices!  I didn’t think of most of them because they are all in the “luxury” category and I was trying to come up with a range of affordable presents that are most commonly gifted this time of year.  I wonder how many of us are that way…what we really want is far too expensive for anyone to realistically gift to us.

Ruth also adds:

And just being with my family on Christmas and watching my kids’ faces! 🙂 That’s the best gift in the entire world!!

XOXOXO,
Ruth

What do you think of these gift ideas?  Ladies, what would you add to the list?  Who is the most difficult person on your list to shop for?  Please share in the comments.