This one's for you, guys — the gift-giving handicapped. I bet you have no idea what to get your gal. Well, how about a little help? We've culled together the best of the designer market, from stocking stuffers to all-out splurges.
BURBERRY SLIPPERS
A man walks into the South Pole … no, that's not the beginning of a bad joke; it was a pinnacle moment for one of the world's most recognized brands. It was 1911, and Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole, happened to be wearing Burberry. Several decades later, in 1955, Burberry received approval (called a royal warrant) from the Queen of England to supply the royal family with clothing. But the woman in your life doesn't have to be a member of the royal family — or a south-pole explorer — to appreciate Burberry's travel slippers. Available in the designer's iconic plaid (updated with a hint of sparkle) and other colors, these handsome slippers will really pamper her feet. Throw in a matching travel pouch to transform them into a quick fix for security checkpoints, and the chic (and sanitary) answer to cruising the cabin during a flight.
Burberry house check slippers with travel pouch, $150; burberry.com
JO MALONE CANDLE TROUSSEAU
Every woman adores perfume. But how do you pick the right fragrance for a woman? Lucky for you, there is something you can give your gal that will satisfy her need for a delicious aroma without requiring you to pick out her new signature scent: a trousseau of 10 candles by perfumer Jo Malone, who's passion for scent helped her create an eponymous scent emporium that was bought by Estee Lauder in 1999. Bound in a rich auburn leather case, the collection includes one deluxe candle, three home-sized candles, and six travel candles with some unusual scents: lime basil and mandarin, and sweet almond macaroon tea, to name two. This time next year, she'll still be reaching into the box before every dinner party.
Jo Malone candle trousseau with snuffer, $575; jomalone.com
ELSA PERETTI EARRINGS FOR TIFFANY
Trendy jewelry is a dicey investment. You make sound investments all day for your clients, why take chances with your own money? Buy a bauble that will appreciate, jewelry with authority. Elsa Peretti moved from Italy to the United States in the 1960s to design jewelry for several large fashion houses, including Halston and Oscar de la Renta. But her work for Tiffany is what has brought her the most acclaim. While her designs were the accessory de rigueur of the 1970s, what's most surprising about Peretti's work is its lasting appeal. In 1996, the Council of Fashion Designers of America named her the accessory designer of the year. Her resume aside, these dangling beauties promise to appreciate, and be appreciated.
Elsa Peretti Mesh scarf earrings in 18kt gold, $1295; tiffany.com
LOUIS VUITTON BUCKET TOTE
You know hard work pays off, so consider the fact that Louis Vuitton was the chief packer at an early age for Napoleon — and who knows what that involved. It's only fitting then that Louis Vuitton has grown into the iconic brand it is today. If you'd like the woman in your life to drape herself in buttery-soft Vuitton leather (and please, it's vwee-ton) à la Scarlett Johansson (who stars in its latest ad campaign), may we suggest its new bucket tote? With red-hot leather accents, it's perfect for the holiday season. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and Louis Vuitton is one of the most replicated brands on the street.
Louis Vuitton Cruise Bucket Tote, $2175; louisvuitton.com