Must Haves: Your Gift Arsenal

Must-haves are powerful things. I didn’t realize how so until the last ten years, give or take a few–I call these the mommy years–but drawing from your go-tos almost always (I did say almost) can make a great gift if you keep it in context. In short, wisdom trumps cute every time especially when it comes to parenting and (pre-wedding) bridal. Here are my must-haves for your perusal and consideration. Feel free to share yours in the comments below as well.

Beauty

OPI for Sephora Nail Color: Don’t Feed The Hand Models and Under My Trench Coat (~~$9.50~~, On Sale $5.00, Sephora.com)

Sephora Jumbo Liner in Kaki ($20, Sephora.com)

Fresh Sugar Lip Therapy (starting at $22.50, Fresh.com)

Fresh Sugar Lemon Fragrance ($24.50 – 30 ml. – 1oz.)

Accessories

Coach Skinny Mini Wallets (variety of styles and colors, starting at $38.00, Coach.com)

Foley & Corrina Jet Set Tote (List Price $495, Amazon.com)

Beirn Watersnake Tote Bag (variety of colors and prices starting at $289.00, Amazon.com)

Ray Ban 3025 Aviator 58mm Original Large Sunglasses ($145.00, Zappos.com)

Jewelry

Initial Pendant (Diamonds set in sterling, ~~$125.00~~ On Sale $93.75, Ross-Simons.com)

Spike Wrist Cuff ($25.00, TopShop.com)

Nina Bracelet ($49.00, Stella & Dot)

With Love Sterling Silver Necklace ($69.00, Stella & Dot)

Books

The Last Lecture by Randy Pauch (List Price $21.95, Amazon.com)

Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett (List Price $14.99, Amazon.com) and Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy (List Price $14.99, Amazon.com)

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (List Price $40.00, Amazon.com)

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald (List Price $15.00, Amazon.com)

The Color Purple (List Price $22.00, Amazon.com)

The Vagina Monologues By Eve Ensler (List Price $15.00, Amazon.com)