Girlfriend Gifts, the Stocking Stuffer Kind

Although my longest-standing friends and I decided not to exchange holiday gifts, there are people you would like to remember with a small token. These may be co-workers, the gals you volunteer with, members of your book club or yoga group. It's a great time of year to say, "Thank you for the pleasure of your company and the joy in knowing you".

These might not fit in a stocking, but we'll call them gifts of the stocking stuffer kind, less than $15.

1) GOOD CANDY
We all declare we don't want sweets, but who could resist a perfect little treat from a fancy brand, imported or local?

Prestat chocolates, $10

2) SOAP
A bar of beautifully packagedd fragrant soap is a gift that keeps on giving. I'm particularly fond of shea butter Mistral soaps from Anthropologie. They smell lovely and last forever—down to the tiniest sliver.

Mistral soap, Anthropologie, $8

3) BATH BOMB
I would never buy this for myself as it seems quite expensive for its one-time use, but I would certainly love to try one. Many bath bombs do not come wrapped, so get creative with tissue and a little bag.

Intergalactic bath bomb, Lush, $8

4) PRETTY NOTE CARDS
We may embrace the latest techno gear, but we are still sending and/or receiving hand written notes. It's tricky to find cards not pre-printed with "Thank You".

Marimekko cards, Amazon, $12

5) MONOGRAMMED ANYTHING
Everyone loves something with her initial, even if it's just a bookmark. When in doubt, the last name monogram is more formal, the first name more familiar.

FeltBerryUK bookmark, Etsy, $9

6) SOCKS
Everyone's sock drawer has room for one more pair, really.

Happy Socks, $14

7) LITTLE PICTURE FRAME
The idea is not to give an empty one. Use your imagination to frame something meaningful to your relationship—a piece of text, a painted squiggle (a monogram?)

Michael's mini frame, $4

8) SMALL BOOK
I found this selection of under-$10 books at Barnes & Noble. You could choose a different title for each person on your list.

Barnes & Noble, $10 and under

9) WANDERLUST ACCESSORY
We all love to travel. How about luggage tags, travel bags or a travel candle?

Zazzle luggage tag, $12

10) FANCY NAIL POLISH
Pick something glittery or crazy just for fun.

O.P.I. nail polish, $10

11) PERSONAL FAVORITE
Do you have a wonderful tool you discovered and can't live without?

Strawberry huller, Williams-Sonoma, $8

Stork scissors, Amazon, $8

12) ROUND TUIT
When in doubt give the gift everyone needs to accomplish all that stuff on the to-do list.

Round Tuit button, Etsy, $4