by Doreen Jattan and Erika Taylor

 Three Girls Media & Marketing

"The holidays seem to come earlier every year," my Mom deeply sighs each fall. Actually, this year she said it first in mid-August when a local department store put out a display of penguin wrapping paper, snowman bird feeders and red potholders that said, “The burning smell is Santa coming down the chimney.” 

I’m no Hum-bug, but I do hate holiday shopping. Last year, the only time I was at the mall between Thanksgiving and New Years was to provide transportation for my 12 year old son who, playing a medley of seasonally appropriate tunes on his cello outside one of the entrances, earned $52 in one hour.

If you want to avoid the craziness and stress of the mall and still find the perfect present or stocking stuffer, the internet is your new best friend! I am now a full-fledged arm-chair shopper – and not afraid to admit it. Just me, my laptop and a glass of eggnog and all my shopping is done in one night. Many companies only offer their unique wares on the internet, so it’s easier than ever to find great gifts for all budgets online. I’ve started shopping early this year and have found a few gifts that really stand out from the crowd. Here are my top 6 picks - from budget to bold!

Pet Star Greeting Cards – Forget sappy sentiments; send holiday cards with 4-footed flair! From whimsical “Interfaith” holiday cards, featuring dogs harmoniously gathered (wearing yarmulkes and Santa hats) to a baby Santa being watched over by a doggie reindeer, these high-quality cards printed on heavy stock will always be a winner!  Pet Star also has blank note cards available for all occasions that feature a variety of animals including cats, birds and even ferrets! 6 cards/$10.00 - Free shipping! (www.petstar.net). 

Ruby “Little Black Dress” soap – Every woman needs the perfect little black dress for the holidays. This one comes with a string of pearls! Ruby’s triple-milled luxury soap is made with chamomile, aloe vera, shea butter leaving you feeling slinky, sexy and ready for a night on the town. You’ll also love their sassy, classy Ruby Slipper soap. These are beautifully packaged - just put a bow on the box! Ruby's Little Black Dress soap: $12.95. Ruby's Slipper Soap: $14.95.  (www.rubyproducts.com).

Suntouched 3-in1 candle/moisturizer – A great multi-purpose gift for teenage girls, moms and couples. This is a candle, moisturizer and massage oil made with hemp, vitamin E and soy. Light a yummy scented candle before you slip into the tub or shower. Before you towel off massage the warm, melted, moisturizing oil from the candle into your skin, leaving you soft, silky and sexy smelling! Heats up to only 3-degrees above body temperature, so it's luxuriously warm, not hot, when applied. 100% natural, vegan, non-toxic. $15.99 (www.earthlybody.com).

Quel Objet linens – Quel Objet means "What a thing" and their products live up to their name. Stunning table linens from France with traditional motifs that have been given contemporary updates, there are over 30 designs of tea towels to choose from – enough to take a creative imagination a long way. Use for lining a basket or serving tray, wrapping a bottle of wine or simply drying dishes. Gorgeous jacquard-loomed napkins, table cloths and runners beautiful enough to frame.  $10.00 - $250.00 (www.quelobjet.com)

Indigo Handloom - These exquisite wraps and stoles can go from beach to boardroom to black tie. The most exotic are made of Muga, the rarest fabric in the world. Made by hand, each of these wraps is as unique as the woman who will wear it. These have been worn to Hollywood movie premieres and you can’t go wrong with wearing one or giving one! Thanks to Indigo Handloom, this cloth, worn by royalty for centuries, is available in North America. $65.00 - $350.00 (www.indigohandloom.com).

LoveLocket® - For the woman who has everything else, this gem is a one-of-a-kind luxury. Owned by the Desperate Housewives, Paris Hilton and Donna Mills, LoveLocket® is the only locket in the world that holds up to 9 photos. Shaped like a mini-treasure chest and embellished with a diamond, each locket is custom made to order, personalized with a monogram and every individual photo frame is embellished with a letter of your choosing. Sterling silver starting at $265.00. 18K gold starting at $1275. (www.lovelocket.com).

If you get your internet shopping started now, you could actually have everything wrapped and under the tree by Thanksgiving! Then, while the masses fight over parking spaces and complain about being ignored by sassy sales clerks at the mall, you can Iight a Suntouched candle, wrap yourself in a stole from Indigo handloom and address your Pet Star holiday cards in peace.  Don’t forget the eggnog!

Erika M. Taylor

CEO-Publicist

Three Girls Media & Marketing

Ph. 408-218-2391 / Fax 408-943-9591

4271 N. First St. Suite 113 San Jose, CA 95134

www.threegirlsmedia.com