When the calendar says September and evenings get cooler, I always think of a new school year. Sharpened pencils, empty notebooks, paper bag lunches, backpacks, new clothes. In that vein, this month’s gift-giving guide is back-to-school themed. You’ll find a variety of price points, and an assortment of gifts appropriate for wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, or friend. Happy shopping fellas!
Who has a grammar stickler in their life? We all do. This quirky set of pencils will delight those who hate seeing the English language abused. Not a gift for a special occasion, of course, but these pencils would be a really sweet present to stick in your girlfriend’s purse for her to find at work, or to send to a friend who needs cheering up. This set from the same Etsy store is romantic-themed, but just as fun.
Does your sweetie need a new bag to carry her Geometry and Biology textbooks in? (Or lipstick and car keys?) Frye brand leather goods are very high quality, very beautiful, with a price to match. If this bag is within your budget, the recipient of your generosity won’t be disappointed. The leather is soft, supple, and ages beautifully. Plus, this light color brown, with a bit of a red undertone (called cognac), is wayyy on trend, while still being a classic that will hold up in years to come. For $50 less, you can get this Foley + Corinna bag, still 100% leather, a cognac color, and super stylish.
If the gal in your life is a bookworm, these hilarious candles would be a perfect gift. They boast funny titles like the ones above, and even delve into referencing specific books like Lord of the Rings (The Shire) and The Princess Bride (Cliffs of Insanity). Plus, the candles themselves are eco-friendly.
The brown paper bag lunch, while a classic, is not always conducive to healthy eating. Enter the bento box. Basically a more functional lunchbox, without the goofy cartoons adorning the top. This particular bento box allows you to bring things like salads (with dressing separated out), fresh cut fruit, and other semi-wet items, without fear of them leaking everywhere. Plus, you can wash everything and reuse the next day. A nice gift for someone who’s trying to cut down on eating out for lunch, or who wants more options for bringing healthier fare.
I always think cardigans are a perfect clothing item to gift a woman. Size is less important because most cardigans aren’t meant to be snug-fitting, and they can be worn open, or closed, depending on how the sweater best fits the woman. And everyone looks good in a cardigan. This particular sweater is perfect for fall. 100% cotton, not at all bulky, with a flattering tie option to show off the waist.
For a gift more substantial than a cardigan, how about a light fall jacket? This one is textured to look cozy and warm, but the cut–a motorcycle jacket style–is very modern. For a more casual look that still offers up a great textured look, J.Crew Factory has a super cute herringbone-print puffer vest.
Much nicer than those Mead notebooks we used to doodle in, this lovely blank journal is available with covers in all letters of the alphabet, so you can personalize it to the recipient. A sweet and simple gift.
Is anyone else thrilled that headphones are back? Earbuds hurt my ears so badly, I just hated them. These headphones also have the benefit of being pretty and elegant. Rose gold and white is such a great, feminine combination. So whether your girlfriend is logging hours studying at the library or running on the treadmill, these headphones will keep the music pumping in her ears.
Curtis Sittenfeld is one of the great contemporary storytellers. Her books are absorbing, modern, and edgy. Her latest, Eligible, is no different. It’s a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Yes, that dusty tome your ninth grade English teacher made you read. This version features CrossFit, a transgender character, and reality television. Anyone who loves a really good story will love this book.
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 .
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