Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Gifts for Over 50 Girlfriends Who Wanna Have Fun

Jones New York Rhinestone Bangle (Grey)

Every holiday season, I exchange gifts with a small group of over 50 best girlfriends. When it comes to holiday shopping, I have no trouble finding a million things I could use, but often struggle with finding unique and fun gifts for girlfriends. (I have some very clever girlfriends and, hence, feel pressured to come up with special gifts.) Plus, I have two sisters over 50 I have to shop for. To avoid panicking this year, I started searching the web at the start of November. For example, I found the Jones New York Rhinestone Bangle (Grey) ($38) above online. I love when women accessorize with a stack of colorful bangles. This bangle bracelet comes in 4 different color schemes. Below are some of the things that caught my eye with price tags under $75, under $50 and under $25. I may have to pass some of these gift ideas onto my husband and sons, who are always at a loss for what to get me!

Under $75
For girlfriends who like animal prints, a thin belt like this Mock-Ostrich-Leather-Belt (was $68, now $54.40) from Pure Collection is a great choice.

Mock-Ostrich-Leather-Belt




Or how about a Faux-Fur-Snood (was $84, now $67.20)? All my girlfriends over 50 wanna have fun, but none of them like to go out when it's cold. I suspect they would all feel a lot better about winter night out with something so soft and luxurious to wrapped around their necks.

Faux-Fur-Snood



Under $50

Since animal prints are so popular, I'm including a Jones New York Leopard Print Scarf, Jones New York Snake Print Scarf or Jones New York Giraffe Print Scarf, all available in three different shades for $49 each. For more gift ideas, Shop the Jones New York Holiday Gift Guide and Get Great Gifts Under $50! Shop Now.


Jones New York Leopard Print Scarf



Jones New York Snake Print Scarf


Jones New York Giraffe Print Scarf


A fun bag like this Easy Spirit All Over Rosette Bag Womens Handbags (Black) (was $49, now $34.95) might be perfect for girlfriend who's planning to celebrate on New Year's Eve, don't you think? Or check out Easy Spirit's Easy Spirit Makes Holiday Shopping Easy with the Gift Guide. Find that Perfect Gift for Yourself and Everyone on Your List. Shop Now!

Easy Spirit All Over Rosette Bag Womens Handbags (Black)


I have a sister who wears socks to bed all winter--even during menopause! I'm thinking she might love these Cashmere-Socks (was $48, now $38.40). I like the idea of adding a little luxury to her slumber time. She's an oncology nurse and certainly deserves it!


Cashmere-Socks



Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Key Pouch

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Key Pouch
($42)



LeSportsac Charleston Kevyn Cosmetic Case

LeSportsac Charleston Kevyn Cosmetic Case
($25)



Under $25
You don't have to spend a fortune to come up with fun gifts for girlfriends. Many sites have a lot of very inexpensive jewelry. For example, take a peek at this glittery ring like the Nine West Stretch Stone Ring, Ships 11/29 Ring (Red) ($20). The ring is also available in several different color schemes. Click on the photo or got to Check Out the Nine West Holiday Gift Shop & Add Glitter to Your Wish List for the Holidays or Find that Perfect Gift! Shop Now to view the others.

Nine West Stretch Stone Ring, Ships 11/29 Ring (Red)


Jonathan Adler Elephant Keychain

Jonathan Adler Elephant Keychain
($18)



Or for the girlfriend who already has a wardrobe to die for, how about a book or music? This holiday season, two books have caught my eye. As I mentioned in a recent post entitled Diane Keaton: She's Still Got It, I'm a huge Diane Keaton fan. If one of your girlfriend is a fan, too, you might want to consider giving her a copy of Keaton's new memoir, Then Again ($14.30, hardcover). Keaton uses her mother's journals as a springboard for reflecting on her life and her mother's. Check out a recent post about the book on the blog Over50Feeling40.

Another book that I've already picked out for a friend is 100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein ($23.10, hard cover). As Bridget Foley reports in Women's Wear Daily, "Mostly this is a storybook of tales with frocks as the central characters." Rubstein agrees. "There were other beautiful and unforgettable dresses, but these had the best stories," he says. This book is for your friends who love fashion, pop culture, Hollywood icons and a writer with a sense of humor.

As for music, I'm loving The Goat Rodeo Sessions by Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyers, and Chris Thile ($11.88). As Yo-Yo recently told Steven Colbert, the CD transcends a defining music genre. Yes, there are many classical moments, but there is also jazz, blue grass, blues and mountain elements. In short, it's American Music. Here's a clip of Here and Heaven. If this song doesn't get you high on life, I don't know what will. I'm just mad about the string instruments--so fluid, liquid, mesmerizing. (Listen with a good pair of external speakers, if possible.)