I have a lot of people in my life who, when it comes to gifting, stump me. Nearly every time. These are people who 1) have absolutely everything that they need, and 2) if they don’t have absolutely everything that they need, will go out any buy everything that they need. Humph.

Some thoughts on the topic…

For the reader, particularly of current-day mysteries, all five books in Patricia Highsmith’s “Ripley” series. Campiest read ever. A kind of retro mystery, surrounding a man of much manipulation. Yes, it’s the same series that spawned Matt Damon in the role of Ripley, but don’t let that throw you off. The Ripley of the books is a debonair cad who unapologetically enjoys the finer things in life. And will do anything to get them.

For the writer, Moleskine notebooks. I can never have enough of these. Never, ever, ever. Small ones in my bag, large ones on my desk at home. I use them for everything, and have never crossed paths with someone who either didn’t know what they are, or wasn’t interested in owning one. These are the penultimate books of the likes of Hemingway (Hemingway!) and Picasso (Picasso!).

For the proper lady with the to-die-for manners, I’d always go with monogrammed correspondence cards from iomoi. Preppy. Trendy. Classic Or just plain cool. They’re all here.

For the foodie in your life, just about anything from Zingerman’s is going to delight. I’ve sent many gifts from this Michigan “deli,” and get immediate calls asking where on earth did I find these amazing breads? Because they are the best ever.

For the chef, these adorable Matryoshka measuring cups are perfect. So much fun, perched on the countertop. And functional, as well. Add a shot of color to someone’s life, a bit of whimsy with these.

For someone into home design, or the lives of the young and fabulous, I highly recommend “Bright Young Things,” the American version (there is also an English version). It’s several years old, but still so pertinent in regards to home design (and fashion, as well). I still pull this book out of my own stack of design books to get inspiration from it’s pages. I even gave this book to my own mother a few years ago. She’s a designer who has a library of design books to rival no other. And she adores this book. Finds constant inspiration in it’s pages, as well.

For the beauty addict, a subscription to “New Beauty (my current obsession, and I promise it is not all about plastic surgery, not by a long-shot… an impressive list of ‘judges’ and beauty product recommendations that I’ve found to be quite helpful),” and this little gift pack by Nars, of their best-selling “Orgasm” shade of multiple stick (love these!) and coordinating gloss. This color is incredible for anyone. I’ve seen so many different skins wear the original blush, and it looks different, but natural on all. This has been a staple in my make-up bag, on and off, for years. And I always make my way back to it.

For those who have everything with kids who have everything: a membership to just about anywhere. A local museum. The zoo. The Discovery Center. It doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s a place that they can visit together. As a family.

More thoughts on the subject, as the holiday shopping days are slowly (and quickly) counting down.

Tomorrow? Gifts for kids.