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So whether you’re shopping for your wife, your crush or your best friend, writer Jenn Kennedy's cherry picked a few items at various price points to help make your browsing a breeze. French press, strip or regular poker chips, Hillary Clinton's book and a candy necklace bikini are just a few hot items.
First Things First
It’s the simple pleasures in life that really give joy. Coffee is one of these basic necessities, which propels most of America through their early hours. Switching to a French press coffee maker takes it to a whole new level of bliss. Come bearing gifts of a large brewer and some fresh ground beans and you’re sure to be invited to wake up at her house again. Cost: $18 at www.target.com.
Heavy Petting
If you’ve been together for some time and you’ve had the discussion, a pet can be the ace-in-the-hole gift. Cute, cuddly and something you raise together in lieu of an expensive human child. Avoid the pet store and opt for a lovable rescue animal from your local shelter. Cost: $50-$100
PDA
Both Blackberry (Storm) and Google (G1) are coming out with killer handheld devices to rival the beloved Apple iPhone. They have decent cameras, color touch screens and host of useful applications. This is perfect for the gear-head girl who wants the latest, greatest toy. Cost: $175+
Bling
Jewelry is always a smart direction to head, especially if you have a femme on your list. We love things that sparkle and remind us of you. Diamond earrings are a classic, surefire gift and work with a range of styles. Cost: $500+
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Play Ball
Yearning for the camaraderie that only a sporting event can offer? If your best friend or wife has ESPN as a bookmark on her computer, a trip to the court may be just the ticket. Most major US cities have a WNBA team, and season tickets are pretty affordable. The LA Sparks seats run $120-$700.
Inspiration
I used to begrudge people who gifted books, thinking them boring. Now it feels thoughtful and intriguing to see what others recommend to read. Two suggestions: Hillary Clinton’s biography, Living History, which offers interesting observations and anecdotes about our new Secretary of State.
A New Earth is an interesting read for those ready to do some self reflection. Author Eckart Tole suggests humans are on the verge of creating a new world by a personal transformation that shifts our attention away from our ever-expanding egos. Cost: $10
Strip Poker
Looking for a crafty way to get your new girl out of her skivvies? A shiny new poker set may be just the answer. I found this 650 piece set on Overstock.com for only $90. It’s easy to transport for that New Year's Eve soirée. Just make sure you wear presentable panties.
Dance it Out
Looking for a gift you can both enjoy? Or maybe you just want an excuse to get close to that new girl you’ve been courting. Consider taking private dance lessons together. Arthur Murray has locations in nearly every US state and offers a range of classics, including Swing, Samba, Salsa, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Waltz, Country and more. Cost: $80+ www.arthurmurray.com
Hands on a Hard Body
Another standby favorite for sporty and femme, young and old alike is the massage. There’s a quick and dirty 30-minute lunchtime back and shoulder massage or go big with the 120-minute run down and soak. Or veer off the expected path with some reflexology and a seaweed wrap. Feeling like a million bucks, she’ll be putty in your hands. Cost: $40-$250.
Snack Time
This may be my favorite random gift option. This takes the innocent candy necklace to a whole new level, graduating to an edible bikini top. Elastic holds the candy in place and one size fits “most”. This fun little stocking stuffer will only run you $8 atwww.vibrator.com.
