girlymama's gift guide: for sisters and girlfriends (girlymama)

I'm jumping on the gift guide train sleigh here at Girlymama. The gift guide this year is not sponsored by anyone - its just a few items that I love that I wanted to share!!

Shopping for my sisters super difficult. Difficult to not to blow my budget that is. How to narrow it down?
My favorite guideline when shopping for sisters: What can I give to make their every day life a little more merry and bright (and girly, of course)?

1. A gorgeous planner. My planner has my whole life in it and I use it every single day, so why not get a nice one? For the busy girl, I love the Gallery Leather Planner :

I've used one for the past three years and I love it! And its only $15! Although the pages seem to be getting smaller now that we are getting so busy! So this year, I'm upgrading and added a Mom Agenda to my Christmas List. It features a week-at-a-view format (with space for mom and up to four kids) without sacrificing my beloved monthly views. Don't forget to throw in a cute set of multicolored pens, so she can keep her calendar colorful! (Along those lines, an address book is always a good idea too!)

2. A cosmetic bag - I got a Vera Bradley cosmetic case for Christmas and I absolutely love it. Its such a treat to have something pretty and fun to keep my make-up in. And everyone who has seen it raves about how adorable it is!

There's lots of smaller ones if that's too large. For a real treat, go designer with a Coach Cosmetic Case. (I bet you could get a great deal at a Coach Outlet!)
Don't forget to fill up the bag!! You can fill up her bag with mineral makeup from e.l.f. for just a few dollars. (Seriously, their mineral collection is amazing!!)

3. Classic luxury. A cashmere scarf from Target is only $25 and matching gloves are $20. Pearls. A cashmere throw. Monogrammed tote bags. Pajamas or a fuzzy robe. Cloth bound Penguin Classics.

4. Stationary. Whether its personalized embossed notecards, a personalized fridge magnet notepad or cute notepads to keep in her purse, who doesn't love great paper? I have one of Vera's pocket papers in every purse... its a little luxury that is not only handy, but makes me smile!

5. Treat her. Give her that designer hair product she's been eyeing, but hasn't splurged on. Give her a gift card to a spa to get her hair done. Give her a Starbucks gift card (in a fabulous mug!) for days when she needs a Starbucks-pick-me-up on a rough day. Even something as simple as smelly soap or bubble bath can brighten her day!

And the very very best thing you can give a busy girl?
Time. Don't just give her a gift card to her favorite restaurant. Throw in babysitting so she can go out with her husband. Offer to watch her kids for an afternoon so she can go Christmas shopping. ALONE. Take her a meal when she's super busy at work. Bake her a platter of Christmas cookies so she can enjoy a cookie exchange without having to spend an afternoon baking. Be creative!!

disclosure: some of the above links are affiliate links. Which means if you click on them and purchase something, I will earn some money. We're talking pennies - PENNIES! - for every dollar you spend. So go nuts. Mama needs a new pair of shoes!!