Envy-Inducing Stocking Stuffers for the Special Lady in Your Life

Whether the special lady in your life is your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, or best friend, check out these women-friendly Christmas stocking stuffer gift ideas, sure to please a variety of gals.

1. I'm a writer and small press publisher and sometimes when loved ones ask me for gift-giving ideas, I suggest stamps. Although this might initially sound like an overly practical or less than romantic gift option, there's nothing wrong with a practical gift if it's truly needed. If it's truly needed, then it will most likely be genuinely appreciated, too, especially if your gift recipient has been pinching pennies. As a writer and publisher, I go through so much postage, mailing out manuscripts and chapbooks and other writing-related materials, thus stamps are an ideal gift for me. Other writerly supplies that are always more than welcome would be blank books or sketchbooks, envelopes, text paper, card stock and the like. One of the best, most thoughtful Christmas gifts my husband ever treated me to (even better than the occasional pampering spa package) was a $100 gift certificate to a local independent specialty paper shop, because not only did this gift choice delightfully meet my needs, it was so fun to indulge in a little paper supply shopping spree. Consider your favorite lady's special supply needs and see if you can incorporate those needs into a practical yet creative Christmas gift.

2. As I said, I'm a writer and small press editor, so I feel I would be remiss not to mention my own independent literary press, Blood Pudding Press, which specializes in poetry chapbooks. Chapbooks are books that are smaller and slimmer than full-length books and often include special design flourishes or are printed in limited editions. A chapbook (or a small bundle of chapbooks) would be a wonderful stocking stuffer for the poet on your holiday list. Check out the Blood Pudding Press etsy shop (www.BloodPuddingPress.etsy.com) for a delectable selection of poetry chapbooks, under $10 each.

3. Delicious edibles also make sweet stocking stuffers for your favorite girl. Some ideas in this department would be handcrafted chocolates, artisan cookies, gourmet coffee, or special flavor-infused honey for her tea. Try to buy local or independent instead of relying upon the old standards or expensive chains.

4. If you're contemplating a piece of jewelry for your sweetie's stocking, may I recommend forgoing the realm of diamonds (and their gender-cliched commercials) and instead considering a more distinctive piece made by an independent artisan. Check out the jewelry section of etsy (www.etsy.com) for a vast array of artsy jewelry, to suit just about any gift recipient's unique style and just about any gift giver's budget. One etsy shop that has really been appealing to me lately in terms of their darkly distinctive jewelry wares is the Loved to Death shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5828362), which specializes in "rogue taxidermy" (see my article about this artsy phenomenon, here http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1856189/rogue_taxidermy.html?cat=2) and offers wondrously odd necklaces and baubles that feature artfully preserved birds feet, parakeet wings, rodent skulls, small animal bones, and more. This shop also has available such intriguing curiosities as insect specimens, human tooth rings, antique Victorian brooches, and more. Such macabre offerings are surely not for everyone, but they just might be for your Gothic, Steampunk, or poetic female friend.

5. If your Gothic, poetic, or darkly artistic female friend would appreciate an even weirder curiosity from the realm of rogue taxidermy, you might even consider acquiring her an artistically taxidermized creature from the bizarre workshop of Sarina Brewer's Custom Creature's Taxidermy Arts. Read more about these quirky creations in my rogue taxidermy article and then decide for yourself and your offbeat lady friend, or check out the website if you dare--http://www.customcreaturetaxidermy.com/.

6. While we're talking antique and unique, it might be a good time to mention that etsy also offers a veritable treasure trove of vintage goods from attire to housewares to art to supplies, so if your holiday honey bunny is a fan of vintage, retro, or one-of-a-kind finds, it shouldn't be too difficult to hook her up with an extra-special stocking stuffer that is right up her alley, whether that alley involves cat-eye glasses, an 80s style handbag, prim 50's style gloves, or something else altogether. Speaking of gloves, you can also find all manner of handmade fingerless gloves on etsy.

7. If you wish to get a little more flirty with your stocking stuffing, for your sexy wife or girlfriend, what lady doesn't like a new pair of fancypants knickers or sassy panties-and who says you have to buy such intimate apparel at Victoria's Secret? Not I. I'd much rather recommend supporting an independent designer and acquiring your lover a more uniquely designed pair of pretty skivvies. Believe it or not, etsy has you covered in this department, too. From adorably burlesque Rufflebutt Bikini Panties (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30921775)) to fun and frisky Vajzazzle Tap Panties (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22091171), find your special lady the charming holiday undies of her sweet or X-rated Xmas dreams.

8. Finally, even though all of my stocking stuffer notions have tended towards the unique, indie, and handmade, one way to get even more personalized, intimate, and creatively meaningful is by making your dear girlfriend something yourself! From a specialty baked good prepared with love in your own kitchen, to a specially designed paint-your-own-pottery piece fashioned at a local shop to a handwritten letter or poem just for her, if you take the time and care to create a holiday gift perfectly catered to her heart's desire, she is sure to love and cherish it.