Buying gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list doesn’t have to be stressful! From wives and girlfriends, kids and sports fans, bosses and co-workers, we have you covered.


Holiday shopping can be a pain in the ass. There are literally millions of online shopping sites, and you can forget about finding a parking space at the mall. While you might think a new washer and dryer is the perfect gift for your wife (hint: in most cases, it isn’t), or that the boss would love that desk calendar full of dirty jokes, there are a lot of better choices out there.

That’s where we come in. We’ve combed the internet and local shopping spots to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list (and maybe saving you a trip to the HR office). So let’s start with arguably the most important person on your list.

Bamboo style white and yellow gold ring (photo: Krombholz Jewelers)

The Wife

Allow me to let you in on a little secret: women love jewelry. From rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings, it’s hard to go wrong. To figure out her style, pay attention to what accessories she wears on a daily basis. She might prefer white gold over yellow. Does she wear small earrings or large?  Large pendants or small?

Locally, Krombholz Jewelers has a fantastic selection of custom jewelry. If you don’t see something you like, they’ll work with you to make a unique piece she’ll always cherish. Here are a few ideas:

Gold vermeil bangle bracelets (photo: Krombholz Jewelers)

If you’ve been together a long time (or want to up the ante on the small engagement ring you bought her while you were working your way up the corporate ladder), opt for a gorgeous 3.55 carat oval fancy intense yellow diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds. At $35,625 it’s at the top of the scale, but you’ll be covered until at least her next birthday (HA!).

For something a little more contemporary (and affordable), the seven diamond bamboo-style white and yellow gold ring ($1,625) really makes a statement. Since it incorporates both white and yellow gold, chances are it’ll match just about everything else she wears.

Finally, at just $195 each, these gold vermeil bangle bracelets with all-natural colored stones by Ellysa Bass can be worn individually or layered for dramatic effect.

Smallprint custom cufflinks (photo: Neysa Ruhl Photography)

If you’re looking for something unique that will truly melt her heart, check out Smallprint.com. Smallprint can take just about anything printed (fingerprints, children’s artwork, even paw prints) and turn them into beautiful sterling silver keepsakes she’ll cherish forever. (Being the big softy I am, last year my wife gave me a set of cufflinks engraved with tiny replicas of our dog Dino’s paw prints. They rock.) Prices vary, and you’ll need to make sure you allow enough time to have your item(s) processed to receive your gift in time for the holidays.

Custom LBD from ALK Fashion

Custom LBD from ALK Fashion (photo: ALK Fashion)

The Girlfriend

So you say you’ve been seeing a nice girl, but you haven’t made the plunge just yet. That’s cool. If you’ve been dating long enough to merit exchanging gifts this year (hint: if you’re dating right now, you qualify), here are some good ideas:

La Silhouette Lingerie in Madeira has some unique accessories she’ll love. While the name of the shop implies obvious gift choices (which may or may not get you slapped, again depending upon the duration and nature of your relationship), La Silhouette has a fantastic line of fashionable scarves from Italy that are very popular right now (in fact, my wife recently wrote about them for Cincy Chic; she tends to know about these sorts of things). They also carry a great selection of belts and other accessories ($50 – $100) that would compliment a “little black dress” perfectly.

Speaking of “little black dresses,” if you plan on taking your lady friend out for a special holiday dinner, why not let her design her outfit for the night? ALK Fashion, by local designer Amy Kirchen, has an amazing line of simple black dresses with trademark black leather zippers that fit any special occasion (starting at $200). Her dresses are made to order, so order early. And if you’re lucky, she might wear that lingerie you bought at La Silhouette underneath.

The Kids

Boys' "sock monkey" sweater (photo: Little Liza Jane's)

Maybe they’re your own sons or daughters; maybe they’re someone else’s. Either way, just like us, little kids want to look cool when they’re around friends and family this holiday season (and if they’re too young to care, we want them to look cool, too).

Little Liza Jane’s in Montgomery has a ton of great gift ideas for young ones (or the parents of young ones). One of my favorites is the Sock Monkey shirt for boys by Morfs ($44). For the fashionable little miss, there’s the matching leopard print coat and hat set ($80) or the turquoise and brown dress by Young Colors ($46).

Nintendo DSi (photo: Nintendo)

For older kids, if they don’t already have one, the Nintendo DSi and DSi XL ($149 – $169) are must-haves. Featuring head-to-head gaming, built-in camera and the ability to play music, the DSi will keep kids occupied for hours. Plus, the games will still be compatible with the 3-D Nintendo 3DS when it comes out early next year. Be warned: with addictive games for adults like Brain Age and Jumble Madness, you might want to pick one up for yourself.

Spinning Top Decision Maker - Executive Desktop Game

Spinning Top Decision Maker (photo: Gifts for Professionals)

The Boss

Here’s where you need to be careful. A wrong move here and you could be giving yourself the gift of unemployment. So what are a few fun (and safe) gift ideas for the big guy (or gal)?

Well, if your boss is indecisive (or just likes having cool, random stuff on their desk) try the Spinning Top Decision Maker ($20.75). This tarnish-proof metal doo-dad will help your boss’ decision-making process even easier.

If you’re looking for something a little classier (and aren’t willing to leave your fate up to a spinning metal top), check out “On the Rocks” granite drink chillers ($30, Nest Gifts). Made for the scotch lover, these stones give literal meaning to the phrase “on the rocks.” Now your boss can enjoy a properly chilled glass of his favorite singe malt without diluting it over melting ice. With a thoughtful gift like this, he might even share.

John Lennon dedicated Montblanc Pen

John Lennon dedicated Montblanc Pen (photo: Montblanc)

On the higher end, a fine writing instrument like the Mont Blanc John Lennon ($580 – $875 montblanc.com, available locally at Richter and Phillips downtown). Engraved with John Lennon’s famous self-portrait, the pen also features a clip shaped like the neck of a guitar, and the nib features a peace sign.  This unique gift idea might be something the whole office could go in on together. Your boss just might use it to sign that bonus check you’ve been hoping for.

The Employees

What if you’re the boss? How can you show your employees you really care about them this holiday season? Personalizationmall.com has hundreds of fantastic gift ideas for everyone in the office. From mugs and pens to awards and ball markers, this site has something for everyone. In case you couldn’t tell by the name of the website, gifts can be personalized with your company name, logo, or your own message, like “thanks for the John Lennon pen.”

Poeme in Hyde Park has lots of great corporate gifts. You can add a personal touch to them, too, like Personalized Stationery (prices range). You can choose all different colors and themes for the ink/paper/liner based on their personalities!

Inside Green Diamond Gallery (photo: Green Diamond Gallery)

The Ultimate Sports Fan

If you have a sports memorabilia nut in your family, you’ll want to check out the Green Diamond Gallery in Montgomery. In addition to an impressive collection of incredibly rare, museum-quality baseball artifacts, the Green Diamond Gallery is an exclusive members-only club for baseball aficionados. The gallery hosts “social nights” throughout the year, featuring special guests and former players. They also host the Baseball Legends Series, where members get to chat it up with hall of fame players, coaches and more.  Previous events included dinner with the 1975 Reds starting lineup, and an evening with the Hit King, Pete Rose.

The cost of membership varies – call (513) 984-4192 or visit greendiamondgallery.com for more information.

The Outdoorsman/Woman

When they’re not in the office, they’re hiking in the woods, fishing their favorite stream, or shooting sporting clays. Here in town, Delamere & Hopkins has a wide selection of outdoor apparel, hiking, hunting and fly fishing gear. For the ladies, the Barbour Women’s Utility jacket is a great choice. Rugged and waterproof (thanks to Barbour’s trademark wax cotton shell) the jacket is also very “outdoor chic.”

Six Shooter Tie (photo: Neysa Ruhl Photography)

When a cowboy needs to transition from the open range to the boardroom, he can do it in style with the Six Shooter tie by Artfully Disheveled ($89) (concealed carry permit not required). Crafted from hand-dyed silk, its criss-crossed revolver pattern is also the perfect compliment to that Movember mustache he decided to keep the rest of the year.

The Guy (or Gal) Who Has Everything

Custom bobblehead (photo: Whoopass Enterprises)

You know the type. They’re impossible to shop for. You mention playing a few rounds of golf, and he whisks you away to Augusta National aboard his Gulfstream. You suggest a fly-fishing trip in Idaho, he shows up with a collection of hand-tied flies he made himself. What do you get the person who seemingly has everything?

A custom bobblehead. Yes, you read that right. Courtesy of the creative folks at Whoopass Enterprises, you can order a custom-made likeness of Mr. (or Ms.) Has-It-All in a variety of different outfits and poses, including the “golfer,” the “fisherman,” or the “superhero.” They’ll even design a fully customized doll from bobbling head to toe, including tattoos, hats and sunglasses. Prices start at $105.

Table Cards (photo: Poeme)

Another fun gift are “Table Cards.” Available locally at Poeme, these decks of question cards are fantastic conversation starters and a must-have for any holiday party. Plus it might uncover one thing Mr. Has-It-All doesn’t have: an answer for everything.

Off You Go!

While this list isn’t all-inclusive, hopefully we’ve presented enough ideas to get you started. Many of these gifts might apply to other folks in your life as well (personalizationmall.com has great gift ideas for parents, grandparents, etc.). Make your list, check it twice, and don’t forget to get a little something for yourself while you’re at it.

Oh, and if you wouldn’t mind recommending this article to all of your friends, well, that’s all you’ll need to get your friends at Cincinnati Profile this year. Happy shopping!