Gifts For Your Best Friends
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]
Sculptural salt and pepper cellars are simple enough to mesh with any décor.
I love framed art in the kitchen; the winter fruit print is an all-time favorite.
I’d give this beautiful natural edge wood serving board with a hunk of good cheese.
These gorgeous ceramic tumblers would be perfect for tea and could do double duty as a vase.
Food gifts like fleur de sel caramels and artisanal marmalades are my go-to for holiday hostesses.
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/gifts-for-your-best-friends/?ref=fp_blog_title
