My best gift advice is this: choose something. Never, ever buy a gift card. Here’s the truth: everyone (well, except Scrooges) wants to like the gift they get. Sometimes fit is a factor, but truly, if someone else thinks I’ll look good in it, I’ll rock it. My favorite gifts are the things that I would  never buy for myself (or even think to buy).

Jewelry, scarves, home goods, and handbags fit everyone. Size is the biggest reason that I struggle to buy clothing. I truly believe that everything should be tried on before buying. However, a gorgeous scarf works for every woman. It’s a treat that she wouldn’t usually splurge on, and picking a pattern or color that you think would look great means you put some thought into it.

With gifts, it’s not just what’s inside that counts. The packaging matters. Extra touches require little extra time and get a lot of extra notice. Keep a bucket of greens strictly for this purpose. Trim a few branches off of your Christmas tree or garland and tuck them under a bow. Buy a few pinecones from your craft store, and make that gift look gorgeous. Click the picture below for free printable tags.

Personalize it. Even if you’re too late for monogramming or a custom print, it’s not too late to pick a gift with someone’s interests in mind. (It should be noted that I really love our new Gigi New York monogram bags for any gift). Does the recipient travel a lot? Love beauty products? Maybe they’ve always wanted to take an art class. Sign them up. Buy them a lipstick and a subscription to Birchbox. A new travel bag is always a treat.