Fun gifts for your friends—all under $40!
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At this point in our lives, we single girls are budgeting and prioritizing so it’s time to get creative with our resources for the holidays! Here are some fool-proof gifts for your girlfriends (and even one for your best guy friend!).
Clockwise from top left:
The Gift of Health: Single Class at Avant-Barre, San Francisco
New this year, Avant-Barre is recreating the addictive barre game and delivering a class that I always look forward to. Give your friend a jump start on her New Year’s resolution by introducing her to her new favorite workout. Bliss.com said it best: “Even if you’re not a dancer, you’ll leave Avant-Barre feeling like [a] badass ballerina.”
Price: $20
Single Girl’s Night In: A bottle of vino + the latest issue of her favorite magazine
It’s almost like you’re giving her the gift of time—approving her decision to stay at home and enjoy an evening to herself. Our picks: Two-buck-Chuck and C Magazine.
Price: $9
Best Friend Date: High Tea for Two at Lovejoy’s, San Francisco
2013 has been a whirlwind of a year. Spend an afternoon relishing each other’s company over a civilized afternoon tea including your choice of sandwiches and tea, plus yummy scones and authentic Devon cream. Reservations recommended.
Price: $20 ($40 total for two)
One Month of Marathons: Netflix Streaming
It’s cold outside, so encourage your friend to stay in and snuggle with the classics, old and new—Melrose Place, Scandal, Gossip Girl from the beginning—plus can’t-miss Netflix originals like House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black.
Price: $8
Girls’ Night “Out”: Chocolate Tasting at ChocoVivo, Los Angeles
My favorite spot to get a leisurely cup of iced hot chocolate, opt for a seated tasting and you can both try 6 varieties of bean-to-bar chocolate for less than $15. If your bestie is out of town, bring her a jar of their handmade chocolate nut butters (the almond is insane). Says one of their self-proclaimed Oompa Loompas, “Our hazelnut butter is what Nutella wants to be.” Color you intrigued?
Price: $6 for one 6-piece tasting, $12 for chocolate nut butter
The Gift of Glowing: Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
Oils scare the average gal, but once I tried it I was hooked. This one from Josie Maran is a cult favorite lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for skin, hair, and nails. Because you only need a few small drops for every application, the little bottle goes a long way. I use it on my face in the morning before I apply my make-up, then again before bed after I’ve cleansed… and wake up with the softest skin. I also use a little on the tips of my hair when I notice split ends. Still afraid? Try the quick-absorbing Light version to start.
Price: $15 for 0.5 oz
The Mood Changer: Voluspa Candle
Candles are a single girl’s best friend. They can instantly change your mood and make a home away from home feel festive. We’re strong believers in candles year round, but they are especially decadent in the cold winter months.
Price: $16
The Gift of Girl Power: Veronica Roth’s Divergent Trilogy
She read the entire Hunger Games series and is looking for the next Katniss; gift this set to give her a head start before the film starring Shailene Woodley hits theaters in March.
Price: $32 for the set (or $6 for the first book)
The Gift of Glam: Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara
What superbly single girl doesn’t appreciate a good mascara? This is a new fave with a special brush that makes real lashes seem longer than possible.
Price: $10 for mini 0.14 oz, or $23 for full-sized 0.3 oz
The Gift of Year-round Summer: Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray
I have notoriously straight hair, but this saltwater-based spray gives me the volume and texture I need to achieve the effortless beachy look. It also takes regular ole curled hair and transforms it into enviable easy breezy waves.
Price: $15 for 1.7 oz travel size
For Your Best Guy Friend: In-n-Out Burger + IPA
You can’t go wrong with this California staple paired with a pale ale.
Price: $10
Happy Holidays,
Catherine
Catherine Abalos is founder and editor of The Single Diaries.
