Chicago - December 02, 2008

What a Girl Wants

2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Girls

Gift giving can be awkward when you’re in a relationship. But during the holiday season, what better way to express your love than with money? And what better time to spend than during a recession? Joking aside, your girlfriend will totally dump you if you don’t get her a good present. Here are ideas for every stage.

Newbies
A DVD is too buddy buddy; jewelry means you’re too serious. Find a happy (arty) medium with a Noa Bembibre 2009 calendar. If she’s into poetry and bookmaking (who isn’t?), La Prose du Transsiberien et de la Petite Jehanne de France will score you major points.

Nesters
If you’re taking the plunge or already live together, you should enjoy your surroundings. New Bucktown gallery/store 360See has everything from grass art that fades on the wall to sustainable furniture. If Baby loves her dinner parties, start a kitchen collection with awesome screen-printed dishware and finish the table setting with a Salt & Peeper shaker.

Travelers
Dating Miss Independent? Buy her paper goods (exclusive Il Papiro from Italy, old-school wax stamps) at Bucktown’s newest paper store, M. White Journals and Fine Papers. Hey, if she’s got to travel, the least she can do is keep in touch.

Fian-Say What?
Not ready to pop the question? Not to worry. With baubles from local designer Julia Failey, she won’t remember what diamonds are. Bonus: Failey practices sustainable design. If jewelry scares you (sissy), check out Chicago designer Kristen Amato’s new headbands with faux croc and vintage pin accoutrements.

On the Breaks
You messed up big time. First, apologize. Then take her to one of the new spa guest rooms at Trump International Hotel. (Get her room service. And a massage.) Then beg mercilessly for forgiveness.

Go get ’em, buddy.

Want more ideas? We published gift guides in all of our editions today. Check it.