If you’re like my roommates and me, you’re probably doing a secret Santa gift exchange this Christmas. It’s an easy, fun way to swap gifts without having to buy twenty separate presents or risk that awkward, she-got-me-something-but-I-didn’t-get-her-something situation. So here are some gift ideas for friends and roommates- I’ll offer some inexpensive ideas for a secret Santa-type exchange and some more costly items that are fit for a best friend.
As I started writing this, I was going to separate gifts into categories, like the sporty girl, the fashionista… but let’s be real, we have many sides to us! While we may be training for the Boston Marathon, we also may be reading Vogue and buying tickets to our favorite indie band at the same time. So here are gift ideas for the many sides of us fun, fabulous females.
1. Bruins Tickets
Yeah, yeah, so I offered the same idea yesterday for the athletic boyfriend, but hey, sporty girls want to see their team play, too! This is more on the pricey side, so it’s probably not for a secret Santa, but for a best friend instead.
2. Lululemon Define Jacket
There isn’t an athletic female out there who doesn’t look fierce and fabulous in Lululemon. And if she has never tried on their Define jacket… well, you best bless her with the best gift she’ll get all year. This is a gift for the best friend, as it isn’t cheap. But if you happen to be friends with a trainer at your gym or the fitness instructor who teachers your Pilates class, have them take you to the store, since fitness professionals get a 15% discount!
3. A magazine subscription
Who doesn’t love reading magazines, right? That’s why you’re reading this article right now! Surprise your friend with a subscription to a magazine like Women’s Health, SELF Magazine, Elle, Glamour, or Time. Prices range between $10 and $20, depending on the magazine and how many issues you bless her with. Perfect for a secret Santa budget!
4. Under Armor Beanie
Any runner in Boston would love you for this one. At $24.99, you are giving them the gift of warmth this winter while training for Boston. In a number of different colors, pick any one you like!
5. Scarves!
Any girl loves a good scarf. Whether it’s trendy or more on the practical side, scarves are a must for the winter months. Hit Newbury to find the perfect one. Scarves are priced across the board, so this could be a secret Santa gift or for your BFF.
6. Jewelry
This is an obvious one, but a fun one. Go peek in her jewelry box if you’re not sure what her type is: simple or bling? Silver or gold? Then, once again, have fun on Newbury Street! I recommend going to Oak, where everything in the store is handmade. You will find some really fabulous pieces that are totally affordable! Also check out my favorite boutique ever, Lit! There is one on Newbury Street and on Salem Street in the North End.
7. A clutch
Any girl needs a good clutch to sport on a Friday night. So go find a pretty one that happens to match her favorite go-to outfit. Hey, you’re her friend, take notice or snoop through her closet!
J.Crew clutch ($68)
8. Concert tickets
Concert tickets are always a good idea when you’re bestie’s favorite band is coming to town. Try and snag one, even talk to the rest of your crew to see if they want to join in on the fun! Girls’ night out, anyone?
Photo Sources:
http://www.karencheng.com.au/?s=anthropologie
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Women/PRD~61963/61963.jsp
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/pid1221056
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/10/27/jennifer-lopez-covers-glamour-de…
Wish you could’ve seen YOUR name in this article? Join our listserv so our writers can occassionally contact you for quotes or interviews on upcoming articles!