Happy Holidays, everyone! We're leaving today to do our annual Tour de Georgia. Perry, Oglethorpe, Montezuma, Canton, Jasper--just a few stops on our list. We'll probably drive about 400 miles and never leave the state!
No time to decorate your freshly-baked (or freshly-bought) gingerbread men? Just sprinkle them with sugar crystals, like Sweet Paul did here (he also posted a gingerbread recipe, too).
I try to keep my wrapping paper scheme simple--this year it was supposed to be red, brown, and white. But then of course I ran out and had to throw in some silver, too. I wrapped my special little gifts in the gorgeous hand-printed paper by Rifferaff.
I think it's easiest when you choose a single ribbon and use it on all packages. I ordered two widths of red and white striped grosgrain ribbon from Ribbon Factory--good price and quick delivery. I'm sure I'll order from them again next year.
Decorating with candy is always a good option. Eddie Ross does a great job, and I'd love to have a bowl of those beautiful mints from Sea and Jae (found via Simply Seleta). And how great would these lollipops look just all by themselves?
Who knew sugar could be this pretty! If I had these, I'd probably actually use less sugar because I wouldn't want to mess them up. From Poudrier rose, via this is glamorous.
Since we are tabling that trip to NYC, I'm just going to have to try theses fragrances by ordering online. Le Labo Fragances Discovery Set: Ambrette 9, Fleur d'Oranger 27, and Bergamote 22. 
I'm more of a table runner than a full-on tablecloth girl--less chance of having to do some serious stain removal if it doesn't have to be too close to the dinner plates. This one would be nice, and proivde a little modern contrast to the family silver and goblets. From amenity, via Design Crush.
I'm a little behind this year--so far I'm 1/6. Looks like it's going to be a busy weekend, since all I've done from my annual list is drink hot chocolate. And that gingerbread house is probably not going to happen until I have some live-in help.
{image: better homes and gardens}
So I'm all out of ideas. So the last one, a perennial favorite, the iTunes gift card. Buy it anywhere and wrap it in a big box. 
This idea (from Martha) looks pretty easy: use old cards to create monograms for packages. Probably would make passing out gifts on Christmas morning a little bit easier, too.
This wear-it-until-the-string-breaks-and-your-wish-will-come-true necklace would make a sweet gift for a sweet friend. $26, by Dogeared Jewelry.
These will be my package labelling tools: a red Sharpie, manila tags, and red and white twine. To make this even easier, you can buy a set of 100 tags and 15 yards of twine right here ($7.50), from Etsy seller Artful Images (that is where I got the pics).
My current favorite photo album is the Kolo Cortina Lux, available here for $24. Fill it with a few photos of Christmases past and it would make a very thoughtful gift.
Instead of trying to get to the post office, I just ordered all of my Christmas Card stamps online. Seriously, it is worth the $1 shipping fee. 
A variety of these tiny bowls are available from Etsy seller Paloma's Nest for $18. Or personalize your own for $20.
Dear Trey,
I've been thinking it might be fun to learn how to play bridge, and maybe I'll give these as a gift to some friends to entice them to join me. These personalized cards are $35 at Horchow, and they are by far the cutest. There are also some monogrammed playing cards available at American Stationery for $24.
Take your pick of these lovelies from Tocca: the Laundry Delicate is $15, the Solid Perfume is $30, and the small Candelina is $16. Or mix and match for a very sweet gift.
Well, you had to know this one was coming. I think a pair of Ana Candles would be an excellent housewarming gift, as they are the easiest decoration around. At Paper-Source, $22.
I remember seeing Bee Raw Honey all over the place last year, and I still can't get it out my head. While the 4 vials/$45 does not adhere to the "30 gifts for $30" policy (but sure does look pretty), you can get a duo for $29, and it would probably be just as (you knew it was coming) sweet.
Linda and Harriet's letterpress calendar ($24) was my favorite last year, and she's done another great one this year. This is one of those gifts I usually buy in multiples, and make sure to include one for me.
I bought one of these Jonathan Adler ornaments at Pieces last year, and I'm sure I'll buy another this year. They are also available on his website, $24-$28.
This game is one of my favorites to play with kids, and they really seem to like it, too. Like all Ravesnburger games, it's very durable. $24.95 at Fat Brain Toys.
Don't you think every kid should have a set of these? And the beautiful thing is you don't even have to buy any batteries. At Back to Basics Toys, for $25.99.
This cute little bag lets you get one more swim in the morning before you have you leave the beach after lunch. At Basic French for $20.
I cannot imagine a better gift for one of your college roommates, the who used to let you borrow all of her clothes without asking (and how lucky that you even wore the same show size?!?). With great illustrations, The One Hundred by Nina Garcia is $17.56 at Barnes and Noble.
It really is hard to beat this bag, the classic boat and tote bag from L.L. Bean. I love that it was originally designed to carry blocks of ice. The large version is $24, plus $6 for monogramming.
What a great idea, to make your own Eames inspired house of cards. Perfect for photos from a favorite trip. Full instructions over at design*sponge.
Some might think this gift sounds a bit silly, but I think it's brilliant. Especially for someone like me, who ends up chopping onions with my eyes closed (not exactly safe, with my ER history). From Violet, these onion goggles come in a couple of other colors for $20.
