Gifts For Your Best Friends

Story by joslyn

Published on Nov 25, 2011 in Shop

Joslyn Taylor is the founder of Simple Lovely, a lifestyle blog that chronicles her love for design, fashion, art and food. In addition, she is a founding partner in tinyDallas, which focuses on raising kids in a creative and mindful way in her adopted hometown. She also is a freelance writer contributing to local publications such as The Dallas Morning News, the Dallas edition of Edible Magazine and Dallas Child Magazine.

I’m a bit of an obsessive gift giver — I plan, ruminate on the recipient and make lists before deciding what to buy. The act of selecting a truly meaningful gift for another person gives you a chance to really celebrate them, to consider what they love, their interests and passions.

I think the best gift is a combination of something useful and beautiful — something the recipient probably wouldn’t buy for themselves but will use and love. No dust collectors or fodder for re-gifting allowed.

The most fun (in my opinion) is sleuthing out a gift for a sister or best friend: something that honors your relationship. The ladies in my life tend to run the gamut – there are staunch foodies, earthy gals, accessory lovers, nesters — so I’ve pulled together some of my favorite picks for each. Enjoy!

For The Soulful Fashionista

[Clockwise from top left: Sailor's knot blueberry leather key fob fromautomaticsweetheart; Rose gold sparkle clutch from Scout & Catalogue; Gold earrings with gemstone from lovejujube; Triangle pendent necklaces fromamerrymishap; Grey poppy silk day dress from byrachelrose; The skyscraper necklace from ISWAS + WILLBE]

This bright blue key fob would seriously lower the risk of losing your keys.

I love this sweet, glittery pouch for stashing coins and business cards.

These simple gold earrings would dress up a simple black top.

Triangle necklace: One of Jenn’s clay triangle necklaces would be a perfect everyday piece.

This silk day dress is like a wearable work of art.

I love the mix of rustic black lava rock with the modern pop of pink in this necklace.

For The Nester

[Clockwise from top left: 2012 trellus calendar from Michelle Armas; Saucer/spoon rest from Dawn Dishaw Ceramics; Winter coats painting from Kiki & Polly; "Love" black lines noteset from NEAPOLITAN; Mid-century brass owl tray fromVieuxDesign; Modern white mobile from AM radio]

Michelle Armas is a favorite artist of mine — her yearly calendar is a way to share the love with all my nearest and dearest.

I like this blue pottery saucer to store rings.

I love the sentimentality of this sweet winter coat print.

These hand-painted love notecards would be perfect for my Luddite letter writing sister.

This mid-century brass owl would look great atop a stack of books.

And I’m a bit obsessed with these artful himmeli mobiles.

For The Naturalist

[Clockwise from top left: 100 succulent plant rosettes from Succulent Designs;Yarrow mound from flores del sol; Cedar spring air plant terrarium from Sea & Asters; Table top forest terrarium from CaptainCat]

I love the idea of pitching in with a few friends to get someone special an over-the-top gift. I think kick-starting someone’s garden with 100 succulents would do the trick, yes?

This sweet yarrow mound would be fool-proof for a green thumb-challenged buddy.

I love these artful, unique takes on a terrarium, and the vessels are just as pretty as the plants.

For The Foodie

[Clockwise from top left: Folded salt and pepper cellars with spoon from Pigeon Toe Ceramics; Winter fruit print from clairenereim; Wood serving board fromTimber Green Woods; Pit-fired tumbler with ceramic glaze from ClayWoodStone;Fleur de Sel caramels from The Caramel Jar; Rosemary tangelo orange marmalade from cupboardcook]