Wow. This vintage locket has been laid over with a beautiful color illustration from Alyson Fox. It holds two photos. I’m kind of in love.

$48 on Verebel’s Etsy shop
(Delivery takes two weeks.)

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

Oh hello friendly fox.

$12 from Terrain

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

These are probably the most expensive travel bottles on the market, but they are the best and are worth it. I know, because I kept buying cheaper ones and then replacing them with other cheaper ones after what I can only describe as mid-flight shampoo disasters. I finally bought ONE, grudgingly, just to try it, and now I’m totally a convert.

Learn from my mistake.

These larger 3 oz. Go Toobs are the biggest size allowed in a carry on. They’re good for shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. The smaller ones are good for face creams, and all of them are good for saving your sanity.

$25 for a three-pack of 3 oz. bottles on Amazon

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

A year and a half ago I was at a party sponsored by Pabst and they handed out blue Pabst-brand bottle opener key chains. Mine has been on my keys ever since and, although it’s come in handy a lot, I’m kind of self-conscious about it because, hello!, grown woman with a plastic bottle opener on her keys: kind of unclassy. This might be the upgrade I’m looking for.

$8 from Urban Outfitters

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

Beer + caramel + pretzels, mixed together by two cuties who are committed to quality. Last year I kept a pack in my purse all winter to cope with the caramel emergencies. (Hey! Caramel emergencies are real and dangerous, people!)

$13.25 for a dozen at Liddabit.com (or see their site for upcoming NYC market locations)

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

image from Wikipedia

When my brother was little he used to set up all his “guys” on structures made of wooden blocks. You can recreate that table top experience using your entire house with this many plastic soldiers! How awesome would it be to give this to a kid on Christmas morning? (By “kid”, of course, I mean me. I’ve already thought of a dozen projects to do with these, the first of which is have an epic, tiny battle in the entire apartment.)

$25 on Amazon

If you’re feeling more conservative, you can buy a gross (144) for $3 (plus $3.50 shipping), also from Amazon

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

So this exists. I want some.

$16 from Hi Time Wine, or see the website for locations

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

You’re gonna give her a candle that smells like “Cotton Breeze”?  Are you kidding me?

$17.50 from UMA

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

Luggage tags should be fun and under $10.  This one fits the bill nicely.

$6 from Johnathan Adler

see the whole 2010 gift guide here

It comes in three flavors: Strawberry Shortcake, Mint Chocolate Chip and Key Lime Pie. I’ve been a huge fan since they came out earlier this year, and I almost always have a pack on me. It’s usually the only “dessert” I need.

You can “like” them on Facebook and get a free pack.

about $1.20 in grocery stores

see the whole 2010 gift guide here