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

When life is busy and then gets even busier, you realize there is truly no greater luxury than time. Time to sleep, time for the spa, time to cook breakfast, time for yoga, time to catch up on your DVR… are there ever enough hours in the day? And then there’s the big one: time for family and friends. If time has gotten away from you, give the symbolic gift of time to someone you’d like to spend more of it with. Then, make plans and make it happen!

1. Beatles HELP! Alarm Clock, available at TheFest.com – $25

This everything-Beatles website has 11 clocks to choose from – a way to say to an old Beatles fan friend, “Heyyy, remember that time…” 

2. TIX Led Clock, available at ThinkGeek.com – $39.99

A geeky, endearing way to say: “Let’s leave the cryptic morse code communicado in our past.”

3. Eco-Friendly Water-Powered Clock by Bedol, available at bedolwhatsnext.com – $16

All it takes is water, and BAM- this clock is friendly. Say: “Shall we go for a swim, or can we make time to be friendlier without the water?”

4. To:Ca Wood LED Clock, available (on backorder as of 12/6) at coolstuffcheap.com – $146.89

A way to say you miss them and haven’t changed. “I’m still I’m still Jenny from the block!”

5. Gear Clock Modern Time, available at coolstuffcheap.com – $61.89 

It’s been a while since you’ve made time to each other. Say: “It’s time to get our butts in gear.”

6. Clock Coffee Table, available at coolclockshop.com – $355.99 

Gather round the big clock in the middle of the living room, rest your wine, tell stories around it… nothing says “Gooooood times” quite like it.

7. 3D Neon-Diner Roller Girl Clock, available at generationstore.com – $54.99

In the 1950s, neon had transformed the American roadside into a magical, luminous wonderland. Now this retro clock would be great at transforming a friend’s kitchen. A perfect way to say: “I wanna Winnebago down the American roadside with you and stop at every single diner like it’s 1952.” Or something like that.

Or, perhaps instead of watching the clock tick by any longer, why not get a $100 SPA WEEK® Gift Card for each of you, and then book an spa appointment together? $100 cards are on sale for just $80 this holiday season, and they’re redeemable nationwide for facials, massages, acupuncture, haircuts, pedicures, med spa treatments and more. The card is flexible and never expires. And, with a gift like this, neither will your friendship.

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.

It’s that time again when you ask yourself: what in the world can I get him besides a sweater or a tie? So we ventured out, scouring all the coolest and most classic must-haves in grooming, and made a list of our man-obsessions.

Now we all know that less is never (really) more when it comes to your presents, but because we are expecting Santa to be swamped, we narrowed down our search to five ideas for the men in your life – whether they could use a little help, or they already know how to be the best man.

1.    The Power Shave Set created by The Art of Shaving, available at theartofshaving.com – $150

This is the ultimate gift for any dude who loves a smooth shave. The company is responsible for starting the revolution in men’s grooming back in the 90s and it’s still the best-selling men’s brand. So if you live by their motto “Prepare… LatherUp!… Shave… and Moisturize” you will be guaranteed to have the smoothest baby face on the block.

2. The Men’s Kit by Ole Henriksen, available at Sephora.com $70

This kid the perfect way to make sure that during the holidays you’re not only cleanly shaven, but blemish free. Ole is one of my favorites, so you know I had to include this on my list. This kit features some of their top-selling products which are both practical and super user-friendly.

3. Collector Edition Fragrance Sampler for Him, available only at Sephora.com – $75

This a kit featured at Sephora allows you to experience the 7 top-selling fragrances and then pick your favorite to get the full sized bottle. This is ideal for those picky people who can never make up your mind which cologne to choose. This allows you take it home, try it on and feel it out without feeling rushed. Perfect for you and your best friend who doesn’t want to wait in the store while you try and make up your mind.

4. Send him for a Beer Rinse at Erika Fleishman’s A Men’s Salon in New York City – $20

Now we know that typically he reserves the beer for his liver, but here in the big apple we have gotten quite crafty. Promising shine, volume and some cleansing action, this treatment has garnered a lot of praise from us New Yorkers. The best part: they’ll allow you to pick your beverage of choice: Guinness, Sam Adams or Corona?

For those men who are hardest to buy for, we saved the best for last. Why not get him a $100 SPA WEEK® Gift Card – it allows him to choose whatever type of grooming he feels like! $100 cards are on sale for just $80 this holiday season, and they’re redeemable nationwide for facials, massages and even more festive treatments. The card is flexible and never expires. Now that’s a handsome devil!

Contributing Editor: Kaitlin Stafford

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.

Not that there’s anything wrong with a big santa sweater around the holidays– by all means, wear him loudly and proudly! But chapter five brings you five entirely different sweaters that would each make a festive gift with all the holiday bells and whistles, minus the potential of fitting in at your Ugly Sweater Party next week.

1. Pazza chevron striped cardigan by Diane Von Furstenburg, available at Lynku.com – £98.00 (it sold out everywhere in the US)

For that North Pole look without the elfy aftertaste, a red and white wide-striped sweater like this can carry you through candy cane season and beyond.

2. Knitted Lurex Crop Jumper by Topshop, available at topshop.com – $74

I hope you’re not allergic to oxymorons, because cropped sweaters are HUGE this winter. This little Topshop number has just the right amount of metallic holiday shine.

3. Sienna sweater by French Connection, available at frenchconnection.com – on sale for $69.99

A playfully sophisticated way to give a green sweater.

4. Sequinned Boyfriend Sweater by Joseph, available at my-wardrobe.com – $693

A sweater with a party built in. It’s a splurge, but for the right recipient, a gift they’ll never forget.

5. Rib Neck Batwing Cardigan by Ted Baker, available at johnlewis.com – £89 (you didn’t know sweaters could make you do math)

A red sweater that defies all red-sweater stereotypes.

Would you rather stay away from pre-determining someone’s reaction to a festive sweater altogether? Give the gift that doesn’t involve any thread count or decisions at all – send them for a relaxing spa treatment of their choice this holiday season. $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 nationwide, and they never, ever go out of season.

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.