Advice: Candles and jewelry work

Professional makeup and hairstylist Tamara Ogden knows a lot about gifts. Working in the industry for the last 20 years with high-profile celebrities such as Michelle Branch, Lynda Carter and Genevieve Gorder, she’s given countless gifts to clients without breaking her wallet. To help out the not-so-savvy buyer, Ogden  has imparted some of her foolproof gift-giving advice.

It's that time of year again — gift-giving season! Each year, the gift list seems to get longer and longer. How do you get something for everyone and keep it exciting, thoughtful and, most importantly, economical?

Here are some tips to help you make a thoughtful gesture without making yourself broke and crazy.

First bit of advice: Start listening and eavesdropping with your prospective gift recipients. Make little mental notes when conversation turns in the direction of their likes and dislikes.

Maybe they like to read but spend most of their time commuting to work in the car. A gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com for an audio book would be perfect. If one of your girlfriends loves makeup, this is the perfect time of year to pick up little miniature lip glosses for her to play with. If someone talks about their pet 24/7, why not pick up a special toy or little treats for their animal?  Maybe your client, sister or friend has been wearing the same old ratty sweatpants for a couple of years. Replace them with an equally cozy pair and throw in a T-shirt with a little bling on it.

The point is, take a second and listen, observe and make mental notes. You'd be surprised by how many ideas you can pick up on, just by listening.

Or you can take a different approach and employ what I like to call "The No Brainer" — candles. What's great about candles is the variety. You can spend as little as $5 and still make it a thoughtful and heartfelt gift, depending on its presentation.

Candles can be soy based (for the eco-minded), unscented (for sensitive types), rich in fragrance, decorated,  spiritual or simple. There truly is a type for every person on your list. My favorite candles come from Lisa Carrier. She has simple candles in glass containers, to cathedral size works of art. They are available for purchase on her website.

I also suggest buying "wish" bracelets, which are available at department and specialty accessories stores. The bracelet is a waxy piece of string with a little charm that has a saying on it. You put the jewelry on, make a wish, and when the charm falls off, your wish is supposed to come true. I've purchased these for friends and clients from ages 16 to 46, and everyone loves them. Their prices start around $25.

My final tip is presentation. For me, that means putting some love into how you wrap your gift. You can go to a craft store if you want and buy some different containers for your gifts. Really be creative here.

Instead of traditional ribbon on a box, tie it up with some colored raffia, and attach a butterfly or a flower. Use colored gift bags with printed tissue paper, and add some confetti. Use wire-edged ribbon on a gift and create a cool design instead of a traditional bow. This little attention to detail is what will set your gift apart from the others. It will show you put thought into it and how much you really care -- even if it only cost you $10.

To see her work and bio, visit Tamara Ogden's official site. She can also be contacted through the Zenobia Agency.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images

Comments

[Mackenzie Phillips]

Way to go Tam! Loved it and love you too!