Little luxuries are all around us if you know where to look – be it a bright red lipstick that makes you feel like a movie star on a Monday morning, a mini-facial that makes you glow inside and out, or a book that takes you to the other side of the world. These tiny everyday gems are anxiously waiting to be discovered by you and wrapped with a bow, and each chapter of the LLGG seeks to deliver a new morsel of inspiration to you and your holiday season. Fancy shmancy is out; it’s those legendary “small packages” that hold the key to a perfect season of giving.

Promote health by giving a gift that is healthy in the most literal sense. But don’t be boring about it – food should be fun and never taken quite too seriously!

1. Wine of the Month Club

There are thousands of Wine Of The Month Clubs, none of which I feel comfortable recommending because I, myself, have never been part of such a club (hint hint). Google one and sign your favorite wino up!

2. Wickwood Spice Rack with Spices from Tubularspices.com – $150.99

For a cook with limited counter space and a fondness for rustic simplicity. Or a chef who has chemic tendencies. A full set of 40 spices in a 10 X 6 inch space.

3. The Ultimate Healthy Gift Basket from gourmetgiftbaskets.com

I can’t vouch for all the food that would show at their doorstep… but it sure beats a box o chocolates on both the health and creativity scales.

4. Whitefish Roe Sampler by Tsar Nicoulai, available at DeanDeluca.com

Remember that lavish party you went to when a friend of yours fell in love with the caviar? Hopefully they didn’t glob it on Larry David style, but gracious or not, the last thing they’re expecting this holiday is caviar. Surprise them… and you can also tell them they’re packed with iron, vitamin A, and other nutrients. Or not.

5. An avocado and avocado masher couplet. Masher available at Amazon.com

Your extra-guacamole-plus-guacamole-on-the-side friend will love you forever.

Think someone might mash YOU with an avocado masher if that showed up under their Christmas tree? Or, maybe you don’t believe in healthy food gifts because you’re afraid the recipient might read into it as a “lose weight hint”? Play it safe and give a healthy gift that’s sure to please everyone on your list – send them for a rejuvenating treatment this holiday. $100 SPA WEEK® Gift Cards are on sale for just $80, $150 cards are on sale for $120, and so forth. They’re redeemable all year ’round at spas throughout North America. How delicious is that?

Little luxuries are all around us if you know where to look – be it a bright red lipstick that makes you feel like a movie star on a Monday morning, a mini-facial that makes you glow inside and out, or a book that takes you to the other side of the world. These tiny everyday gems are anxiously waiting to be discovered by you and wrapped with a bow, and each chapter of the LLGG seeks to deliver a new morsel of inspiration to you and your holiday season. Fancy shmancy is out; it’s those legendary “small packages” that hold the key to a perfect season of giving.

Giving a seed or a symbol of growth is a unique way to recognize a new beginning in someone’s life. It says: the world will grow with you. Whether it’s a new home, a new job or a newfound creed to explore a greener lifestyle… these all make a lovely green followup to a Christmas tree.

1. Zen Artistry fresh flowers from Teleflora.com - starting at $49.95

Rather than sending an everyday flower bouquet, consider sending an exotic, purple  orchid arrangement that delivers a sense of calm. 

2. Podlings, available at Urban Outfitters.com - $6.00

Grow chamomile, lemon balm, basil, mint, oregano or thyme in a futuristic way right at home. 

3. Mini bud vases, available at cb2 – $1.95 each

Stocking stuffers for the minimalist decorator. 

4. Flowerhead Vase, available at ModernArtisians.com - $39.99

How cute is this! A small porcelain vase with a few garden flowers can add charm conversation to a room big or small. 

5. “Eat Your Greens” Salad Plant, available at uncommongoods.com – $25

Entertain while you entertain. Just make sure nobody mistakes the begonias for the salad dish.

Plant a spa seed – show someone the lifelong benefits of the spa lifestyle and send them for a rejuvenating treatment this holiday. SPA WEEK® Gift Cards for $100 cards are on sale for $80, $150 cards are on sale for $120, and so forth. They’re redeemable all year ’round at spas throughout North America. 

Welcome to Chapter Two of the Little Luxury Gift Guide 2009.

Little luxuries are all around us if you know where to look – be it a bright red lipstick that makes you feel like a movie star on a Monday morning, a mini-facial that makes you glow inside and out, or a book that takes you to the other side of the world. These tiny everyday gems are anxiously waiting to be discovered by you and wrapped with a bow, and each chapter of the LLGG seeks to deliver a new morsel of inspiration to you and your holiday season. Fancy shmancy is out; it’s those legendary “small packages” that hold the key to a perfect season of giving.

If they mean the world to you, why not give them the world? It’s a big, beautiful place out there, and these gifts can serve as daily reminders of the greatness that awaits– or help take them there.

1. Great Escapes Mediterranean by Taschen, available at Vivre.com – $39.99

A great coffee table book that brings a slice of the world to the center of their living room.

2. Cashmere slippers with travel case by Burberry, available at Bloomingdales.com – $175

With a perfectly appointed little travel case, these little cashmere luxuries can carry a voyager across their bedroom… or across Europe.

3. Travel Kit by Ole Henriksen, available at Sephora.com – ($90 Value) $70

Relieve, cleanse, invigorate, firm, refine and balance their skin. Whether they’re heading to a friend’s house for the night or going on a 10 day tropical vacation, this little kit will have them covered… and have you covered for a great gift.

4. Illuminated Constellation Globe, available at UrbanOutfitters.com- $75

Leave them starstruck. A great way to explore the constellations and give character to a room. Good for the classroom too.

5. Erol Large Canvas Tote by hayden-hartnett, available at haydenhartnett.com – Was $155, Now $116.25

Know someone going on vacation? Here’s a bright, well-pocketed, heavy-duty, lightweight bag great for a day of exploring a summery destination. It’ll be fun to whip out again in May.

6. Set of 3 Continent Pillows, available at uncommongoods.com – $95

For the traveler or global-minded, give a set of pillows that’ll let their mind escape every time they put their head down.

Another way to give them the world and send them over the moon? Send them for a relaxing day at the spa with a SPA WEEK® Gift Card. $100 cards are on sale for $80, $150 cards are on sale for $120, and so forth. They’re redeemable all year ’round at spas throughout North America. And even more so than the slippers… these gifts travel very well.

Welcome to Chapter One of the Little Luxury Gift Guide 2009.

Little luxuries are all around us if you know where to look – be it a bright red lipstick that makes you feel like a movie star on a Monday morning, a mini-facial that makes you glow inside and out, or a book that takes you to the other side of the world. These tiny everyday gems are anxiously waiting to be discovered by you and wrapped with a bow, and each chapter of the LLGG seeks to deliver a new morsel of inspiration to you and your holiday season. Fancy shmancy is out; it’s those legendary “small packages” that hold the key to a perfect season of giving.

Finding the ultimate gift is a daunting task, but giving the ultimate gloss can be the ultimate gift indeed. There are millions of glosses out there with a story to tell, but I’ve narrowed it down to six of my all-time favorites. No guessing – any one of these glosses would make an incredible stocking stuffer or a standalone sealed-with-a-kiss holiday present.

1. Raspberry Sorbet Lip Shine by Philosophy, available at Philosophy.com – $12

Lick-your-lips delicious and kiss-your-lips pretty. Philosophy has mastered the art of the perfect gift, and this sweet sorbet gloss is just one shining beacon of its fantastic holiday collection.

2. Melon PureGloss by jane iredale, the skin care makeup, available at dermstore.com - $19

It’s smooth and bright with a tingle that’ll keep your breath fresh to boot. Provides a shimmer that is equal parts healthy, replenishing and glamorous.

3. African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation by Ole Henriksen, available at sephora.com- $12

Infused with antioxidant-rich African red tea, this is a gift of health, powerful protection from the environment and super-soft lips.

4. Lipsicle Lip Gloss in Erte by Paula Dorf, available at yesstyle.com – $20

Opaque, bold and lasts for hours. Has a liquid A favorite of Warren-Tricomi hair and makeup artist Jillian Halouska.

5. Lip Gloss Compact by Bobbi Brown, available at Saks.com – $20

The whole line of colors is good for a classic, reliable gloss with hint of vanilla. They have soothing botanical extracts including Avocado, Jojoba and Chamomile Oils to keep lips supple.

6. Huge Lips, Skinny Hips in Kittypole Dancer by Purple Lab, available at ronrobinson.com - $20

“Double Duty Beauty” for the woman who wants it all! It’s got lip plumper and hoodia – yup, the stuff that makes you lose weight. Applying it won’t make you drop a dress size, but it might make you think twice before having that second slice o pie. Each color has a unique personality, and every single one is absurdly addictive. My favorite is Red Sole, named after Christian Louboutin shoes, but they’re all delish. MWAH!