It’s that time again! The September gift-giving guide. The weather is turning, so the focus is on gifts to help her stay warm, enjoy the indoors, and battle the harsh consequences cold weather can bring. Take note if your other half (or close friend or relative) has a birthday coming up, or if you’re celebrating a special event like an anniversary. Alternatively, you could bookmark these suggestions for the upcoming holidays.
Hunter Rain Boots – $95 – $160
Hunter brand boots are THE name in women’s galoshes. These are sturdy, thick, waterproof boots. You can walk through a tsunami and these suckers won’t leak. Plus, they’re very fashionable; they can be worn with leggings, skinny jeans, even casual dresses. They come in all different varieties (and prices)–matte, glossy, short, tall, adjustable, single colors, and contrasting colors. My personal favorite, and the ones I myself own, are tall and glossy, the classic Hunter look. Customize the ones you buy to fit the gal you love.
Northern Loop Knitwear Plaid Blanket Scarf – $38
This scarf just makes me want to curl up in it with a hot mug of tea and a good book. Yet it’s fashion forward enough that it will pair well with a white t-shirt, denim, boots, and a cozy cardigan. Made from a soft cotton flannel, it’s machine washable, which comes in handy. Sold through Etsy shop Northern Loop Knitwear, with several plaid colors to choose from.
Sourdough Starter – $8.95
It’s no surprise that fall and winter are considered the seasons for baking. After all, who wants to stand in front of a hot oven in July? If the woman in your life loves to bake, consider buying baking supplies, like this sourdough starter from King Arthur Flour. If you’re not a baker yourself, let me enlighten you–sourdough bread is different from other breads (where you simply add yeast from a packet) in that it needs a starter that sort of “lives” in the fridge. To bake a loaf of sourdough, you take part of the starter and mix it with flour and water, while leaving part of the starter in the fridge. The pay off for the extra work is a really flavorful, crusty loaf of bread.
Minnetonka Cally Slipper – $38.95
For the comfort hound in your life…leather moccasin-style slippers with super soft, faux fur lining. Lots of great colors to choose from–my favorites are the navy and the grey. Perfect for the gal who lives in heels during the workday and needs to pamper her feet come 5 o’clock. Also an option for the man in your life.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven – $285 – $350
Got a serious cook in your life? Le Creuset is probably the most famous brand of cookware out there. Their signature item is the dutch oven, which is essentially a big, heavy cast iron pot used to make things like pot roasts or rice and beans or stew. Cast iron is prized for its ability to stand the test of time. Your cast iron pots will be in service longer than you will. Le Creuset coats their dutch ovens in brightly colored enamel so they’re not only great, sturdy pieces of cookware, they’re also really attractive. They come with a big price tag though, depending on the size (3 1/2 quart is good middle ground). If you’re on a budget, a similar brand is Lodge. Less colors to choose from, but functionally identical, and a fraction of the price.
Caslon Lace Shirttail Hem Sweatshirt – $58
Help her look cute in a jiffy. The added lace shirttail takes this otherwise plain sweatshirt from a little drab to casual chic. Perfect for a morning coffee date or a casual lunch with friends. If you know a girl that even when schlubbing it she looks put together, this might be a good option for her.
Hand Cream
Winter is rough on the skin. Those moisture-sucking temperatures leave hands dry, rough, itchy, ugh. Hand cream is always a welcome gift. If you want to treat your gal to some luxurious pampering, try Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Oil for $28. Bonus–this product can actually be used all over the body, including the face and hair. More affordable is the very reasonably priced Yes to Coconut Protecting Hand Cream for $5.99. Light, delicious scent and easy on the budget.
Copper Moscow Mule Mugs – $59.99 (set of four)
You likely can get a Moscow Mule at any halfway decent watering hole near you. It’s been enjoying a lot of popularity, and with good reason. It’s a refreshing drink that combines the bite of ginger (associated with holiday spice) with the buzz of vodka. If you know a lady who’s particularly enthusiastic about this beverage, get them their own set of copper mugs. Present in a gift bag with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Athleta Upside Jacket – $138
Athleta is my favorite retailer for cute sporty gear. This is incredibly vapid, but wearing stylish workout clothing increases the odds that I’ll actually workout by about 500%. No point in wearing that cute yoga top while sitting on the couch, amiright? The jacket above would help anyone get off their duff–beautiful cranberry color is perfect for fall, the quilted detail lends it a luxe look, and that popped collar is universally flattering. A thoughtful gift for the (reluctant?) athlete.
Trailheads Ponytail Headband – $20
And since we’re on workout gear, this headband will keep ears warm, and provides a handy outlet for a ponytail. Ever been on a cold weather run, and had your ears start burning, only to go numb? Or had your inner ears get so cold it gives you a headache? No fun my friends. Help her avoid that with a gift like this.
About the Author: If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com .
