Gift Ideas: Hard To Shop For Rich Friends
Ah, the joy of shopping for that well-off, absolutely gorgeous friend who seems to have it all. The kind of friend whose closet looks like a designer boutique, and you're pretty sure their morning routine involves sprinkling gold dust on their avocado toast. Now, imagine doing all of this while your wallet gives you the side-eye and whispers, "Are you sure about this?" I get it - shopping for your glamorous bestie on a budget can feel like trying to park a minivan in a spot reserved for Ferraris. Nerve-wracking, a tad sweaty, and you're not entirely sure how you ended up in this situation. But I’ve gotchu, fellow budget warrior! This curated gift guide is here to prove that you can dazzle your posh pal without taking out a second mortgage:
Row 1: Silky Dreams
Silk Pillowcase: A touch of luxury for their beauty sleep. Protects both hair and face for the ultimate in nighttime glamour.
Silk Eye Mask with Lavender: Because relaxation should always come with a hint of lavender-infused elegance.
Row 2: Candle Care
Candle Care Set: An unexpected delight for candle enthusiasts - snuffer and wick trimming tools for the perfectly cared-for candle. Who knew that candles needed care? I did not until someone gave me a $60 candle and said so.
Capri Blue Candle: Proceed with caution because most women have their signature home scent, but if your friend does not, this Capri Blue Volcano candle is almost universally beloved. It's the signature scent of Anthropologie stores and my whole house.
USB Rechargeable Candle Lighter with a Bendy Arm: For lighting candles with ease and adding a touch of modern sophistication.
Row 3 Left: Gourmet Touches for the Culinary Connoisseur
Marble Salt Well: Pair with flaked, smoked salt for a stylish addition to their culinary arsenal. Whenever she cooks and uses this even she will think, “I’m so fancy!”.
White Truffle Oil: Elevate their dishes with the rich and luxurious flavor of white truffle oil. I add just one teaspoon of this any time I’m using any oil in the kitchen. People can’t figure out why my stuff tastes so good. This is why.
Row 3 Right: Little Luxuries
Travel Jewelry Box: Keep their accessories safe and stylish, even on the go. These are less than $10 so I keep one in my gym bag and take it with me when I travel. I keep another at my desk so when I ditch the earrings or rings while working, they land in a safe spot.
It-Girl Teardrop Earrings: Because elegance doesn't always come with a hefty price tag. These are the number one seller in the fashion category on Amazon this weekend and they’re so freaking cool.
Row 4: Head to Toe Care
Kate Baer Poetry Book: A welcome addition to their reading list, offering Kate Baer’s delightfully insightful musings.
Gold Polarized Sunglasses: Stylish eye protection that adds a touch of glamour to any sunny day. I have these and wore them more than any other sunglasses this past summer.
Fluffy House Slippers: I wear a size 11 in slippers. These come in that size and are wide enough to accommodate my tall foot! I wear these all year round and throw them in my suitcase whenever I travel. I once accidentally wore them to walk-up carpool and everyone complimented them, so that was a win (over my mailbox Crocs).
PROCEED WITH CAUTION: Groupons. If you insist on a pampering experience, just get her a gift certificate to the nail salon, spa, or hair salon that she already frequents. Better? Go with her for a bestie date.
AVOID: Cheap jewelry, especially beaded friendship bracelets that you DIY. These are okay for some people. These aren’t okay for her.
GOOD GIFT CARDS:
Sephora (for $28 you can also consider a Sephora mascara sampler and she can redeem the gift card inside for a full-size mascara of any of the samples she tried; note: my samples lasted me a YEAR!)
West Elm or Pottery Barn (depending on her home decor style)
SUPER SUBSCRIPTIONS (the gift that keeps on giving):
Highly rated lipstick club ($9 / month and you can choose bi-monthly, monthly, or quarterly)
Still stumped? Read How To Be The Best Gift Giver Ever to make sure you’ve not overlooking a simple solution. Happy gifting!
