Some day you may meet a handsome, kind gentleman who will ask for your hand in marriage.  And while you may think that meeting the man of your dreams was the hardest part, buckle up baby- wedding planning is a whole new kind of stressful.

One of the easiest parts should be asking your best pals to stand by your side during your special day… but well, sometimes that part is difficult too.  Anyway, once you’ve decided who, you should decide how?  You can’t just text your friends to pop the question, afterall.  I’ve had friends send scavenger hunts, and awful dresses to be photographed in.  Brides to be are getting more and more creative in their “Will you?” presentations.

One of my favorite approaches is a gift bag chocked full of bridesmaid essentials.  Be sure to show them how much they really mean to you by putting together a gift bag with special items that may come in handy either during or before your impending nuptials.  Perhaps if your wedding is that of the destination type or even a “surprise” destination, use this as an opportunity to provide clues.  While you may be thinking, “Gosh, this is pricey,” don’t forget how much money your best gal pals will have to dish out for showers, and bachelorette parties, and dresses, oh my!  You’ve been a bridesmaid a time or two… remember?

All the essentials (similar to what is shown above):

• Beach Friendly Tote: Jonathan Adler
• Photo Album: Jonathan Adler
• Bridesmaid Thong: Hanky Panky
• Heart Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters
• Lip Balm: EOS
• Glow Stick Jewelry: WMU
• Mini Sunblock: Hawaiian Tropic
• DIY Notecard with Handwritten Message: Wedding Chicks

Going to the chapel…

xx,
WhyDid

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Chances are that in the next week or two you will be attending some type of holiday party, dinner, or domestic gathering.  If you are lucky enough not to be the one stuck hosting, don’t you dare show up empty handed.  What?  Were you raised in a barn?  If you have ever hosted, you are aware of all the duties (and expenses) that come along with putting together a suburban soiree.  Rather than show up with the run of the mill bottle of wine or spirit, how about picking up something that will actually make the lady of the house feel appreciated — and may even get you invited back again?  Unless, of course, you don’t want to be invited back again… then might I suggest a case of PBR?

1. Kate Spade Rose Print Thank You Cards, $20, 2. Diane von Furstenberg High Rise White Wine Glass Set, $60, 3. Hollywood Fashion Tape Hostess with the Mostess Kit, $19.99, 4. Dennis Basso Faux Fur Throw, $48.96, 5. Kate Spade Two of a Kind Highballs, $50, 6. Cut Lace Vanity Tray, $24, 7. Sequin Swirl Pillow, $32, 8. Bormioli Rocco Sorgente Fuchsia Water Glasses, $29.99, 9. Nest Holiday Votives Set, $32

Can I take your coat?

xx,

WhyDid

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We’re down to the wire, people.  If you still have a few folks left on your list, chances are that you’ve either already spent all of your money on everyone else, or you were saving the best for last (wink, wink).  Whatever the case may be, it can be completely overwhelming to walk into a crowded department store, let alone the internet, full of so much stuff that you don’t know where to even begin.  So, if you’ve got a strict budget to follow, or you’re just cheap, I have sorted out some fun and festive last minute gifts that you can scoop up and save yourself from the surname of Scrooge.  This will save you the trouble of picking out something that you can’t (or don’t want to) afford.  You’re welcome.  Consider this my gift to you.

1. Cry About It Bandages, $7, 2. bumble and bumble Pin Tin, $15, 3. MoMA Design Store Cubes Perpetual Calendar, $15, 4. Voluspa Boxed Votive in Crisp Champagne, $7, 5. Banksy Notecard Box, $15.95,  6. philosophy Marshmallows for Toasting, $16, 7. The Modern Cocktail Champagne Topper, $9.99, 8. Salt&Pepper Bank, Oinks! Millions in the Making, $12.99, 9. Archie Grand for J. Crew Blogs Notebook, $10

 1. Monopoly Sephora Edition, $23.25, 2. D.L. & Co. Naughty/Nice Journal, $40, 3. Sonia Kashuk Silver Holiday 6pc. Brust Set, $22.99, 4. Stila Music’s Biggest Night Makeup Player, $50, 5. Bike Navigation System iPhone Case, $45, 6. Little Black Dress Hanging Jewelry Organizer, $24.99, 7. Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio, $28, 8. Bodum Eileen 8 Cup French Press Coffee Maker, $49.95, 9. Stott Pilates Eco-Friendly Mat, $44.99

1. Balenciaga L’Essence Candle, $65, 2. Michael Kors Textured Leather Passport Holder, $60, 3. Minnetonka Softsole Sheepskin Moccasins, $67, 4. Alexander McQueen Enamel Skull Key Ring, $95, 5. Gaga’s Workshop x Barney’s Diamond Teacup, $65, 6. Jonathan Adler Carnaby Porcelain Hollywood Coasters, $68, 7.  Cynthia Vincent for Piperlime Pouch, $58.99, 8. Club Monaco Michelle Beret, $60, 9. Rebecca Minkoff Set of 2 Best Friends iPhone Covers, $68,

1. Jennifer Meyer Gold ‘Love You’ Bracelet, $600, 2. Lounge Lover Travel Babe Modal and Cashmere Lounge Set, $475, 3. Portolano Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves, $125, 4. Jonathan Adler Needlepoint Backgammon Game, $295, 5. Bobbi Brown Fall 2012 Beauty Trunk, $1,000, 6. D.L. & Co. Rotten Luck Dice, $209, 7. Balenciaga Classic Skinny Leash, $275, 8. Jimmy Choo Teddy Glitter Finished Leather Luggage Tag, $195, 9. CC Home Furnishings 4 Person Eco Friendly Picnic Basket, $156.99,

Get your shopping done so you can get to what’s really important.  Eggnog.

xx,

WhyDid

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Oh, hey, bookworm here.  You may think that doling out books as holiday gifts is pretty lame and something your Uncle Arthur might do, but I’m here to let you in on a little secret.  You’re wrong.  Yes, yes, it’s true… I’m partial to books… especially of the non e-book/iBook variety… so you may argue that I’m biased.  And let’s be serious, you may very well be right, but have you ever thought about how thoughtful a book can be?  Selecting a book for someone is personal enough to show that you are paying attention to his or her interests without being so personal as to shed light on your stalkerish ways.  Also, just like reality shows, there’s a book out there about just about anything under the sun.  If you find yourself feeling stumped over what to pick out for someone on your list, perhaps you head to your closest Barnes & Noble and start skimming.

California Design, 1930-1965: “Living in a Modern Way”, $49.98, Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Colors, $13.22, Black and White (And a Bit in Between), $33.50, The New French Interior, $33.50

Home Made, $26.66, Momofuku Milk Bar, $23.92, Silver Book of Cocktails: 1,001 Cocktails for Every Occasion, $25.61, Sparkle Cupcakes: The Little Black Book, $13.17

The Art Book, $18.71, Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color, $26.06, Mario Testino: Portraits, $68.08, Helmut Newton: Polaroids, $59.99

 Making Faces, $13.89, The Fashion Questionnaire, $35.05, Jacques Helleu and Chanel, $125, Carine Roitfeld Irreverent, $100

A lot less geeky than you thought, huh?   Could the bookworm be the new black?

xx,

WhyDid

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar, $9.99, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, $15, I’m So Happy It’s Happy Hour, $21.95

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1. LEGO Architecture: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, $39.95, 2. Bodum Fyrkat Picnic Charcoal Grill, $59.95, 3. Mele & Co. Faux Leather Watch Case, $52.12, 4. Gorham 5 Piece Flask and Cigar Set, $99.99, 5. iDevices iGrill Thermometer for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, $99.99, 6. Lomokino Super 35mm Movie Maker and Viewer, $99, 7. Jack Spade Box Dopp Kit, $94.99, 8. Express Striped Fingerless Gloves, $29.90, 9. To Boot New York Warren Boots, $398, 10. Esquire Eat Like a Man, $37, 11. Alexander McQueen Skull Medium Dot Tie, $195

Now that we’ve picked out presents for just about everyone under the sun (including you, possibly), let’s start working on the man in your life.  I didn’t leave him til last because he’s any less important.  It’s actually quite the contrary.  I always find men the most difficult to shop for.  While we, as ladies, can be blinded by bling and shriek for anything with a red sole, men are much more particular.  They don’t like silly gifts and as previously mentioned, they often pick out things that we most likely will never be able to afford on our mid-level salaries alone.  So, without selling our ovaries, here are some great manly gifts that are sure to delight even the most practical male in your life.

Man up.

xx,

WhyDid

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I love buying gifts for the little people in my life.  I have three adorable nieces, my best friends have welcomed beautiful baby boys and girls and lets not forget that kiddos aren’t the only babies of the family.  While I have yet to birth no baby, I do have a couple little men in my life who are very, very important… and depending on who you ask, were very well behaved this year.  That’s right, I’m talking about the family pets.  They deserve some holiday cheer too.  So, when you’re playing Santa Claus this year, don’t forget that some family members would also appreciate a visit from Santa Paws.

1. Vtech ABC Text and Go, $13.99, 2. Shooting Stars in My Room Projector, $40, 3. Melissa & Doug 100 Wood Block Set, $16.99, 4. Books to Bed Paddington Bear Pajama and Book Set, $47, 5. Jellycat Truffle Puppy, $55, 6. Alex Toys Sew Fun, $85, 7. KidKraft Pink Vintage Kitchen, $134.99, 8. Larry Gets Lost in Los Angeles, $16.95, Larry Gets Lost in New York City, $16.95,

1. Heart U Back Dog Bone Friendship Bracelet, $29.99, 2. Alex and Ani Paw Prints Expandable Wire Bangle, $28, 3. RuffLuv Woof Faux Furr Trimmed Hoodie, $30, 4. Brian Atwoof Dogiac Shoes Toy, $11.99, 5. Jonathan Adler Puppy Uppers Jar, $138, 6. iPawd and iBone Plush Toys, $15, 7. Pawdicure Polish Pens, $10, 8. Fab Furcedes Dog Bed, $249, 9. Henri Bendel Crystal Fabuleash, $298, 10. Ralph Lauren Reindeer Dog Turtleneck, $85, 11. Petco Premium Pewter Retractable Cord Leash, $21.24-25.49

xx,

WhyDid

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I don’t know a girl who doesn’t love receiving something not only beautiful, but also beautifying.  While we’ve outgrown the ol’ Bath & Body Works gift sets, it’s still wonderful to give (and receive!) the gift of beauty.  I could have listed a hundred products that would make more than stellar gifts, but I have whittled it down to ten as to not overwhelm you.  Maybe these gifts didn’t tickle your fancy, but they did get you thinking about buying someone special something from the beauty department.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping:

1. Don’t give something offensive like a waxing kit (even if she does have a hairy upper lip).
2. Perfume is way too personal (unless recipient has told you EXACTLY which fragrance she’s wishing for).
3.  When in doubt, go for something with lots of options, like a kit where she can mix and match to make the perfect shade.

1. Bliss Glow Ho Ho Gift Set, $75, 2. Fresh Sake Ritual Bath Set, $95, 3. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Trio, $60, 4. Philosophy Holiday Bundle Ornament Set, $15, 5. NARS Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set, $125, 6.  Urban Decay 24/7 Travel Size Pencil Set, $32, 7. Red Carpet Manicure Starter Kit with Portable Light, $59.99, 8. NARS Kuroko Kabuki Mini Nail Polish Coffret, $35, 9. Benefit I’m Glam Therefore I Am Gift Set, $36, 10. Estee Lauder Good Fortune Compact, $125

xx,

WhyDid

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If you can’t beat em… join em.  Since, we’re clearly overly socialized and technology is only going to get more intense from here, might as well look good while we’re surfing the web/catching up on reading/chatting with friends/etc.  You know how I know tech is a big deal?  Go to one of your favorite fashion shopping sites… I’m willing to bet they now have a tab under accessories that says, “Tech Accessories.”  I would, however, like to point out that there are few and far between (if any) accessories for the Blackberry.  Coincidence?  … Anyway, a gift that is certain to delight even your most tech savvy friends is something to outfit her favorite electronic device.  Since it will probably spend more time on the table than hidden in the depths of her bag, it’s going to need to look good too.

1. Jagger Edge The Montana Studded iPhone Case, $99, 2. Jimmy Choo Glitter iPad Case, $495, 3. Juicy Couture Synched to the Stars Ear Buds, $47, 4. Henri Bendel Snake iPhone Cover, $68, 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Stacked Heart USB, $42, 6. Diane von Furstenberg Heart Print Ear Buds, $25, 7. Jagger Edge Studded iPad Case, $198, 8. Balenciaga Arena Classic Screen, $565, 9. Echo Cheetah Touch Gloves $38

xx,

WhyDid

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Oh yes, it’s that time of year again.  Not only is it time to crank up the heat and hibernate, it’s also time to spend money we may or may not have on gifts for people who may or may not appreciate them.  I’m kidding, I’m kidding.  Everyone with a soul appreciates a thoughtful and gracious gift.  So, in the off chance that you do have any money left after Brown Thursday, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, it’s time to start WhyDid’s Holiday Gift Guides.  I don’t mean to toot my own horn (beep beep) but I’m pretty great at gift giving.  Is that something I can add to my resume?

Let’s start with the toughest on the list, shall we?  There’s always that one person who has (or at least wants) everything.  We all know someone like her.  Hell, she may even be you.  Why not please your fickle friend with something shiny?  Something sparkly.  Something so glamourous she couldn’t possibly turn up her perfect little nose at your offerings.

1. Bond No. 9 New York The Swarovski All Stars Quartet, $700, 2. Diane Kordas Black Diamond Embellished 18K Rose Gold Bracelet, $810, 3. Kiki de Montparnasse Fucking Beautiful Ring, $950, 4. Kiki de Montparnasse Je T’aime Ring, $895, 5. D.L. & Co. Black Dahlia Candle, $75, 6. Kara Ross Prunella Glitter Envelope Clutch, $650, 7. NARS Arabian Nights Trio Eyeshadow, $45, 8. Miu Miu Jewel Heel Glitter Platform Sandal, $990, 9. Tarte The Starlet Limited Edition Makeup Vanity, $52

Phew!  Check her off the list.

xx,

WhyDid

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Just because it isn’t the holiday season, doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions happening.  Perhaps you’ve blown your budget on summer travel (or summer sandals), but whatever the case may be– you need to come up with a gift that isn’t going to break the bank.  Rather than plunk down another scented candle or treasure from the closest Duane Reade, why not come up with something clever?

One of THE most thoughtful gifts I ever received was from a dear friend of mine for my 20-somethingth birthday.  This was the type of gift that only a best friend could have come up with.  When I initially opened the gift, I must admit, I was a bit confused.  An urn?  Is she pointing out that I’m getting old?  Au contraire, mon frere!  This shiny vessel had secrets to spill.

Inside my gal pal listed on 52 little pieces of folded paper all the reasons she loved and enjoyed our friendship.  I opened one each week until my next 20-somethingth birthday.  It is quite literally the gift that keeps on giving (without those pesky cold sores)!

Remember about a month ago when I was headed for a destination unknown?  Well, not only was I slightly stumped when packing, but I was also having a tough time coming up with a gift that would express my feelings without costing a billion dollars.  Why is it that guys only want things that we can’t afford?  Since I couldn’t throw down on that Lamborghini Aventador, let alone a Canon EF 70-200 I had to get creative.  How many pairs of underwear does one man really need?  So, I channeled my inner child and wrote a little story to sum up my feelings.

Using a Moleskine and a little bit of help from Crayola, I crafted a thirty page love story (of the kindergarten type).  While it’s no Ferrari, the recipient was equally (if not more) pleased with the work I put into this gift.

These are just two examples of how you getting a little bit crazy and thinking outside of the box (no pun intended) can result in a gift that means much more than money can buy.

xx,

WhyDid

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