TOPAZ HORIZON

Just before Christmas, readers were asking me advice on what gifts do I suggest or they were curious about gifts that I do give to my loved ones. Because I had such a busy schedule, I wasn't able to reply. I really wanted to write a good post because, my dear readers, I take gift-giving very seriously!

Now, this post isn't too late. After all, Valentine's Day is coming up. And lotsa birthdays, weddings and parties, too! So here's my ultra-long post on gift giving. But before that, I'll give you a peek at what Vince and I want.

For Valentine's Day, I don't have anything for Vince yet. But for his birthday, I got him a set of really cool toy lens for the Olympus E-PL1.

For me (ahem ahem), I'd love one (or both!) of these:

Baby giraffe ring holder  Vince knows I love rings but he will get why this particular animal--and not rabbits!--is so perfect for me.

Necklace with hand-stamped pendants So charming and sweet and simple! And I love hand-stamping. I made a pewter bowl and hand-stamped it with our names. My necklace would read Vince, Frances, Vito

Vince and I are very good gifters. I think regular readers know this fact! We have certain rules when it comes to giving gifts.

1. They must not be useful. 
By that we mean, they have to be fabulous! When our friends Mariel and Alvin got married, we didn't give them a rice cooker or a wall clock, we gave them a fondue set. Frivolous, I know, but fun!

We don't give socks or underwear or mouthwash. Gifts aren't supposed to be stuff your loved ones can buy for themselves.

2. If they must be useful, they must be OTT. 
That's Over The Top. This past Christmas, my sister-in-law Lizelle wanted a card holder to organize her many credit and discount cards. I searched far and wide till I found an exquisite card holder made of supple Italian cowhide. The awesome smell of leather was seeping through the gift wrapper! She loved it!

So if the newlyweds asked for cutlery, give them silver-plated heavy ones. If they asked for bedsheets, give them the high thread count. If your friend asked for a journal, give a Moleskine.

3. Add a little extra. 
Some people really know what they want so if you give them something else--no matter how fab--they might not appreciate it. My family-in-law is very specific. Vince's niece Elizabeth wanted a Sylvanian doll. Vince gave her a pair, and since Elizabeth is a musician, he added a little baby grand piano and vintage microphone for the dolls. Elizabeth was delighted!

So if your friend asked for a book, give the book and throw in personalized book plates. If she asked for a pen, have her name engraved on it. If she asked for a blender, add some fruits!

4. Personalize it.
And I don't just mean the engraving and monogramming part. My sister Jacqui, being 21, wants clothes. But I don't want to choose her clothes for her because young women that age don't like to be told what to wear! So I got gift certificates from Forever 21 and The Ramp so that she can shop for herself. It doesn't have to be GCs. Remember my new Kate Spade Sutton Place Marielly bag? Sutton Place is a New York suburb. I have a stylish friend who lives in New York City named Mariel. So I bought her that bag. She loves it!

So for your foodie friend, buy her a dinner at a nice restaurant. For your spa-holic sister, get her a massage session. For your movie buff brother, get him passes to a 3D theater.

Giving gifts is an exciting thing to do. I always enjoy the hunt for the perfect gift. I like making people happy! Gifts that are whimsical, frivolous, fun and entertaining are a joy to give and receive. Here are more suggestions for certain occasions that always befuddle people:

Scented candles Make sure the recipients aren't sensitive to scents!

Monogrammed throws Choose neutral tones like white and cream.

Picture frames A collection of simple ones looks nice. Or you can get one fantastic piece in silver or enamel.

Potted flowering plants or herbs Do not give a bouquet because then she'll have to find a vase and water them when she should be with her guests. Potted plants will be enjoyed way after the party's done.

Dessert Guests usually volunteer to bring dessert but these chocolate-covered strawberries are best because your hostess won't have to bring out plates and spoons and knives and wash up!

Wine decanter A bottle of wine is a usual hostess gift, too. Why not add a little extra? This graceful decanter set is love.

Turtle night lamp A night lamp is very useful--for parents getting up in the middle of the night to change diapers and for little ones who're afraid of the dark. Remember to add whimsy to the usefulness!

Baby bath robe Again, very useful. So make sure the robe is the softest you can find and personalize it with the little cutie's name or initials or nickname.

Matching cuffs Maybe not for the shower but for a new mommy to a little girl. This will definitely be a prized set!

Then there are truly some gifts that are useless. Figurines, for example! Try not to give those unless you are positively certain that the recipient collects them!

KT, sweetheart, I'm sure you've seen Chanel's Resort St. Tropez Collection 2011. This particular cashmere mini dress with guipure details caught my eye:

The dress is GBP 1,652 or USD 2,600

On Clemence Poesy, ES Magazine

On Emma Roberts, Marie Claire Nov 2010 issue

On Jessica Alba, Elle Dec 2010 issue

I'm sure, Kate, you know why that dress piqued my interest. In 2007, you created the most fabulous flowergirl-and-bridesmaid dresses for my wedding. Yes, it's different and yet very very similar. Chanel's base is pink while yours is brown.

Bridesmaid Mariel (second from left) and the coolest Summit Media girls!

The flower girls and junior bridesmaid

I like what you did better. Yes, I prefer yours over Chanel!

Hubby was sick last weekend, then yesterday I caught the bug, too. That's what happens when you sleep together! And in this case, I mean sleep literally.

I don't think my coughs and colds will be as bad as Vince's, though. I've fortified my system with gingery broths and lemongrass tea (make your own!). I've even gone to Murad for my skin treatment that includes Vitamin C serum for the face so that if any germs settle on my skin, the anti-oxidants will kill it. Just a silly theory--don't quote me!

Still, no rest for the weary. I have a lot of work to do, errands, events. And then there's the big baby, who is, thankfully, better. He caught the bug too but because I am breastfeeding him, he gets the antibodies my body's producing to fight this cold. And now Vito's like the Energizer bunny! He's super cute. Go to my mommy blog for more photos of this baby in red.

So there. Just an update! I got a lot of feedback in my previous post, and some have emailed me asking for recipes that have just 3 ingredients. These are from exhausted wives/moms who are looking for quick and inexpensive meals to make. Single women living in the big city have also emailed with the same request. And I will answer in my next post. For now, I will sleep!