Holiday Stages of Grief Gift Guide: Denial.

So, the classic stages of grief are:

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

These can very, very easily be applied to the holiday season. I'm currently still rolling with stage #1 which is just great.

Now is the part where I'm supposed to give you all some fantastic gift ideas that will make you think I'm a holiday genius who finished her gift shopping back in July. Hahahaha. Instead you'll probably think, "Oh, a candle. Great idea, idiot. I'd never have thought of that."  TOO BAD. You'll read my gift guide and you will like it or get nothing and be happy with that.*

So, we'll start with the easiest most fun people to shop for, your girl friends. Yay!

Anthropologie may be ridiculous when it comes to the clothing but they have a really nice gift section (I think all of my friends have one of those cute initial mugs by now) and are currently offering an extra 30% off sale items with code EXTRAMERRY. My picks:

Winter Blooms Ceramic Candle

with matching hand cream:

Winter Blooms Hand Cream

I also think this folding mirror jewelry box would make a really lovely gift and the price is amazing:

Folding Mirror Jewelry Box

These labradorite earrings aren't on sale but aren't they pretty?

Nettle Wisp Drops

Another store I like for gifts is Restoration Hardware. The furniture is redonk but they do fun gifty toys and a whole amazing line of faux fur things that I adore, including these $19 slippers:

faux fur scuff slippers

If your best lady friend is into makeup there are a million options, but I think fancy palettes are always a fun way to go:

Urban Decay Naked On The Run

Lorac Pro Palette 2

Kat Von D Chrysalis Eyeshadow Palette

Jewelry is always a solid choice and Piperlime generally has some good deals on cool stuff. My very favorite Giles & Brother railroad spike bracelet is currently an extra 30% off with code CELEBRATE:

Railroad Spike Bracelet

The code should work on these pretty sparkly Kate Spade bits too:

Small Square Studs

Speaking of, Kate Spade is also great for fun cell phone or iPad cases:

Space Cadet iPhone case

It’s Written in the Stars Mini iPad Hardcase

Finally, I have always loved receiving the kind of books that I'd never buy myself. Marianne bought me this last year, which I highly recommend:

Grace: A Memoir

And something like this would also make a great fashion-y gift:

The Fashion Book

*A friend of mine once told me that her dad would say that when a gift wasn't well received.