Picture it: The date is December 23, 2019. The BostonMan is frantically roaming the stores at the Prudential Center, Copley Mall, or Newbury Street. The song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is playing and the BostonMan is thinking to himself:
“This time of year sucks. I hate shopping. I hate crowded malls. I hate waiting in line to buy something. I have no idea what to buy for my mother, sister, or girlfriend.”
The BostonMan then begins to sweat, despite the fact that it is a chilly 32 degrees out with light snow falling. His jaw hurts from clenching it while looking for a parking spot in the mall for over 35 minutes. He gets in an argument with the person who takes the last bottle of perfume that his mother likes (now he has no idea what to get her.)
Listen BostonMan! This does not have to be you during the upcoming holiday season (or for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, etc) because I am going to provide you with an easy to follow gift guide that all the women in your life are sure to love!
*For the Women in Your Family:
-high-end slippers with fur or shearling and gift cards related to pampering such as for a massage, pedicure, or facial (Be creative and put the gift cards tied to the slippers with a bow)
-Jewelry with sentimental value (This can be religious or cultural symbols, or initials/birthstones of children and grandchildren)
-Movie ticket packages for movie buffs
-Gift certificate to the Lottery, a scratch ticket “tree”, or a night at Encore casino (host of our September Legacy club event!) for the gambling family members.
-In lieu of buying actual gifts, pitch in together as a family and take a trip to somewhere you have never been before and create some lifelong memories.
*For the Female Co-Worker:
(Obviously a cash money bonus or additional days off would be the best choice but these will work too.)
-Restaurant Gift Cards
-Subscription of the month clubs
-Tickets to sporting events, concerts or plays
*For the lady (or ladies) you love:
Let me preface this part by saying that although the majority of women are appreciative of any gift they get, they absolutely LOVE when the BostonMan looks for something “that matters” and “puts thought” into what they buy for a holiday gift.
Here are some ideas that may help guide your thought process along.
-Bangle bracelet with a message engraved inside that has personal meaning to the two of you.
-Plan a surprise trip for the two of you. Wrap up the calendar page of the month you are going and write the destination across the dates of the trip.
-Plan a “staycation” in Boston. Get tickets to a show in the city. Book a hotel, a couple’s massage, dinner at a nice restaurant and give her a gift card to buy herself a new dress to wear
-Watch her Instagram stories. See if she posts any gift ideas on there, such as shoes, bags, etc. Don’t mention it to her whatsoever. When she opens the gift she will know you paid attention and smile.
-Go classic: get Chanel perfume and pearl earrings
-New winter coat or boots to go with a winter weekend away in New England. Write a note on a card in the box that says “So you can stay warm for our excursion to etc…”
-And if you want to get a gift for yourself while getting a gift for your girl (kind of like killing two birds with one stone): Get her some lingerie, a plush robe, and a spa day.
******Of course BostonMan you can get ALL the women in your life a gift card for a styling appointment with me… just saying!
BostonMan, as Carrie Bradshaw once said: “The most important thing in your life is family. There are days you love them and others you don’t, but in the end, they’re the people you always come home to.”
I wish you the happiest of holidays with your loved ones and I hope this column will help make this time of year a tad less stressful and a bit more cheerful for you. Please email me with any questions and comments at tiffyg77@yahoo.com
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Tiffany Giannato is a mother, fashionista, stylist, and shopping addict! Her blogs, pictorials, and fashion tips are aimed towards empowering both women and men to look and feel their best regardless of age. Her “you can be as trendy at 61 as you were at 21” mantra has taken Boston by storm! A true Italian, Tiffany believes family, love, food, and style are always the keys to happiness!
