w!t and wonder

I'm always on the hunt for meaningful, unexpected gifts, with the perfect mix of charm and character, fun and function, wit and wonder, without being cheap, campy, or something that the recipient will never use.  I try to pair the gift with the recipient's personality, lifestyle, and sense of styling and tastes.

This year I'm particularly loving Nordstrom's selection of novelty gifts - perfectly called "w!t and wonder", they've found the perfect mix of fun, unexpected gift ideas, with a certain spark of whimsy, class, and style.

Here's a small sampling for the 12 Days of Christmas, or at least nearly everyone on your nice list. 

For the class clown of the office, that nephew you never know what to get, or the wiseguy in your life - I can't help but laugh at this "faux real" ugly Christmas sweater long sleeved tshirt.  Just US$30 and with free shipping, this supersoft long-sleeve T-shirt is designed to look like a super-cheesy Christmas cardigan. Featuring a busy mashup of cardinals, gingerbread confections and candy canes, this T-shirt is sure to score points among ugly Christmas connoiseurs.

For your favorite yoga instructor or the kids' sports coaches, I love this beautiful champagne colored reusable bottle by S'well.  This double-walled, stainless steel vessel brings style + class to any beverage, and features the very impressive ThermaSwell construction, keeping cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours.  The mouth is extra wide, easily accommodating ice cubes or pouring, and fits snugly into your automobile cup holders.  Best of all, the bottle is made of food grade stainless steel, is BPA-free, and a portion of all the proceeds go to UNICEF, providing clean drinking water to children around the world.

For the shopaholic in our lives, I love this canvas zip coin purse from Two's Company.  The gilded coin zip pull closure adds the perfect touch to this oh-so-true statement piece.  And just US$8, it's the perfect stocking stuffer or finishing touch for the shop-till-you-drop friend you can't live without.

For the person who is always plugged in: the PowerCube adapter is absolutely genius.  If you're planning on traveling out of the country soon, I'd pack this and one adapter - instantly allowing you to charge multiple items with ease.  It's great for permanent home or office use, as well, with five outlets, a five foot extension cord, and special locking mechanism for convenient placement.  Includes everything you need to get started, and less than US$13. Available in many colors.

 

For the home entertainer, these Kate Spade New York glittery gold coasters add the perfect pop of color, glitz, and glam to any dinner party or cocktail table.  Good as gold, the set of 4 acrylic coasters are just US$40.   They also make the perfect housewarming present or hostess gift, year round.  

Adult coloring books have been popular for quite some time, and this Tattoo Coloring Book is sure to win the heart and attention of the wild child in your life.  From hearts and sailors to roses and wild animals, this book features an array of tattoo styles and trends.  Pair with some colored pencils, markers, or crayons, and enjoy hours of entertaining stress relief.  US$14,95.

 Give the gift of gab or break the ice at your holiday party with this nostalgic blast from the past.  Gift Republic's 80s trivia game will bring a blast from the past for the whole family when you test your TV smarts, with everything from Alf to the A-team.  Makes a great stocking stuffer, Secret Santa, or office gift.

 

I'm probably one of the most nostalgic people on the planet.  I save little momentos from special events, send greeting cards randomly, and remember the most minute details.  When I was a little kid, I loved reading - especially Roger Hargreaves' Mr. Men collection of stories.  One of my favorites was Mr. Messy.  Coffee is more than just a drink - it's a culture.  Pink and gray are two of my favorite colors.  Smash them all together, and relish in the delight of this magnificent mug by Wild & Wolf.  They offer many other characters, including Little Miss Chatterbox, Little Miss Fun, and Little Miss Giggles.  

For the audiophiles in your life (or even for yourself!), Crosley's Keepsake portable USB turntable is the perfect gift.  This gorgeous gold travel case easily converts your vinyl tunes to digital, for both Apple and Windows based platforms in high quality sound.  For music purists—a three-speed turntable lets you play 7", 10" and 12" LPs for an old-school listening experience, complete with all the audible nuances you know and love.  Includes built-in speakers for quick play, RCA jack, headphone jack, and power adapter.  US$180, with free shipping.

Michael Aram makes some of the most incredible pieces - like jewelry and art for your home.  From gorgeous trays and vases to frame and glassware, Michael Aram is sure to add a bit of style + class to any space.  Splash some glitz and glam over your next soirée with this gorgeous gold bottle opener.  Makes a great gift for any occasion, too.  US$35.

I am my Grandfather's grandchild, 100% - because I love cake!  Cup cakes, small cakes, big cakes, birthday cakes - I don't care, I love it all.  You can see why I love this whimsically wonderful acrylic tray, boldly stating the Gospel truth - "a party without cake is just a meeting".  Love that the tray inverts to reveal a gorgeous gold geometrical design.  Generously sized, made in the USA, US$78 with free shipping.  

This has the recipe for disaster in so many ways.  "Is that a banana in your pocket..." "There's a party in my pants..." Wow wow wow.  Absolutely loving the hilarity and humor of this banana shaped flask.  Stainless steel, bright yellow, holds 4 oz. of your favorite liquid courage, US$19,95 with free shipping.

There are so many things I'm loving in this shop.  You'll find the suggestions are edited, high quality, and offer something for all budgets and recipients.  Well done, Nordstrom.  Well done.