Holiday Gift Guides

Gift ideas for everyone on your list

Get the perfect present for everyone on your list without breaking the bank. Defining our categories as fashion and beauty; tech treasures and men; teens and tweens; and foodies and book lovers, we found many gift possibilities under $25. We do include a few splurge-worthy items, because it is, after all, the holidays. (By Janet Bennett Kelly and Holly E. Thomas)

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Stop your little sister from borrowing your evening bag. She’ll adore this intricately beaded Lotus clutch from Accessorize with its dash of exoticism. In the new year, advise her to wear it with her own luxe velvet blazer for dinner dates. $79 at area Accessorize stores and www.accessorize-usa.com.

Accessorize /

Next to "antioxidant," no word is more sacred to skin-care mavens than "exfoliate." That’s the strong suit of the Mia 2 brush, the newest face and body cleansing product from Clarisonic. The brush whizzes back and forth at super speed to remove dirt and oil effectively but gently. A beauty aficionado’s dream gift. Also available in white. $149 at www.clarisonic.com and select area stores.

John Schulz / Associated Press

The ideal item for your pal who works from home. This sleepwear set from J. Crew, inspired by classic men’s pajamas, is constructed of top-quality cotton and features a loose, relaxed fit, which means she won’t mind staying in it all day. Also available in navy and red. Vintage pajama set, $78, www.jcrew.com or through the J. Crew catalogue.

J. Crew

Amaze your trendier-than-thou office mate with your flawless sense of style. She’ll never guess that these delicate earrings from Dana Kellin's jewelry collection for Target were so affordable. $14.99 at all Target stores and www.target.com through Dec. 29.

Kirby Johnson for Target

The first scent developed by Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci, Dahlia Noir blends notes of rose, iris and mimosa with sandalwood, patchouli and pink pepper. The result is not floral or woodsy, but a yummy combination of sugar and spice that your best buddy will savor as much as your favorite cousin Lucy. Dahlia Noir eau de parfum, $110 for 2.5 ounces at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie (5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700) and Tysons Galleria (2255 International Dr., McLean, 703-761-1600) and www.neimanmarcus.com.

Givenchy

With her new kits for kids, teens, men and women, D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster aims to make skin care a no-brainer. In keeping with her keep-it-simple philosophy, the men's product line contains a 7-ounce cleanser and one ounce each of an SPF 30 sunscreen and a gooey-free moisturizer. Face Time for Men, $119 at www.skinlaser.com/skinisin.

Skin Is In

Feet will make a toast to Lands’ End’s Berber-lined slippers for keeping them warm and being sleek and stylish enough to step outside to retrieve mail or the morning paper. Available in gray, green, navy and two shades of brown. Suede moc slippers, $34.50 at www.landsend.com.

Lands' End

The Roku family of streaming media players gets a new addition in time for the holidays. With a built-in wireless connection, the budget-friendly Roku LT streams 320 channels, including pay services such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus as well as a host of free offerings. Plus, it works with both standard- and high-definition TVs. Roku LT player, $49.99 at www.roku.com, www.amazon.com and major retailers.

Roku

This crisp cotton, spread-collar button-down may pay homage to former professional cyclist Eddy Merckx, but a perfectly sculpted body to wear it is not required. E-tailer Hugh & Crye offers shirts in nine sizes. Merckx, $85 at www.hughandcrye.com.

Chris Svetlik/Hugh & Crye

Give a new-school gadget an old-school makeover with this transistor radio-inspired cover for iPhone 4 and 4S. It’s a tongue-in-cheek stocking stuffer. ReCover iPhone case, $11.99 at www.popdeluxe.net. Expected to be available in early December.

Deb Lindsey / For The Washington Post

Talk about a multi-tasker: Epson’s newest digital projector allows the tech geek in your life to project video, display photo slide shows, play video games and listen to music, thanks to built-in speakers, a dock for Apple products and USB and HDMI connectivity. High resolution and bright output — plus a portable design — mean that a home theater can be set up virtually anywhere. Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD projector, $800 at www.epson.com.

Epson

Your 12-year-old probably asked for an iPhone 4S this year, but if that’s a no-go, this might be the next best thing. Made by Uno and riffing on the addictive app, the Angry Birds card game lets you take out those pesky pigs with a roll of the dice. $9.99 at Kohl’s stores and www.kohls.com.

Kohl's

Perfect for quick getaways, the Sole Skate from Razor weighs less than three pounds and is roughly the size of a shoe, making it ideal for slipping into a backpack. The design includes a low-profile deck and two front wheels on a single-pivot axle, which translates to easy pushing and carving — crucial for when you want to skedaddle after last period. Razor Sole Skate, $39.99 at major retailers.

Razor

Budding beauty junkies deserve their own pint-size portions, and these doll-size nail files from Harajuku Lovers fill the bill. They stow away neatly in a junior-size purse, and they cost less than some morning coffee orders. Matchbox Itty Bitty nail files, $4 at Sephora stores and www.sephora.com.

Harajuku Lovers

Cute but not too cute, the ultra-lightweight nylon daypack from Baggu folds neatly into a pocket and features a drawstring closure, outer snap and buckle to make sure gear is safe and secure. It’s available in nine solid hues and four striped variations, but we couldn’t resist the graphic elephant print. Baggu daypack, $24 at www.baggubag.com.

Baggu

Hitting the books gets a little more hip with an oh-so-2011 update on the trusty yellow highlighter. The dry highlighter pencils from Stubby Pencil Studio are made from natural wood and biodegradable materials — no ink solvents or volatile compounds — so they won’t bleed through pages or add to your carbon footprint. Eco highlighter pencils, $2 each at www.stubbypencilstudio.com.

Stubby Pencil Studio

A must for food history buffs, Penguin's Great Foods series has published nine delicious and prettily packaged volumes of reads and recipes, including Alexandre Dumas’s "From Absinthe to Zest" and Isabella (a.k.a. Mrs.) Beeton’s "The Campaign for Domestic Happiness." Though written about running a Victorian household, the latter offers plenty of tips that apply to today. $12 each at www.penguin.com/greatfoods.

Penguin Classics

Don’t forget your faithful friend over the holidays. Just for Fido, a tray filled with gourmet food treats he can sniff, squeak and retrieve. Dog Plush Toy, $9.99 in area Target stores through Dec. 25.

Sean Meszaros / TARGET

Turn "it’s just lunch" into a midday repast by stowing soups, salads and sandwiches in Built’s roomy insulated neoprene bag. The colorful pattern is guaranteed to make you smile no matter what’s inside, and it’s machine washable. Spicy Relish Lunch Tote, $29.99 at www.builtny.com.

BuiltNY

Deliver seasonal spirits in Ikea’s cheery, snowflake-adorned retro bottle with stopper. Fill it with a hot, spiced wine, spiked apple cider or any other festive drink of your choice. SLOM bottle, $3.99 at Ikea Woodbridge (2901 Potomac Mills Cir., 703-494-4532), Ikea College Park (10100 Baltimore Ave., 301-345-6552).

Ikea

Images of gorgeous supermodel Kate Moss and actress Sarah Jessica Parker wearing fantastic frocks spill from the pages of coffee table tome "Harper’s Bazaar: Greatest Hits." Editor Glenda Bailey chronicles her leadership at the magazine featuring the splashiest fashions of the past decade shot by the world’s best photographers. $40.95 at www.amazon.com.

Deb Lindsey / For The Washington Post

Bibliophiles can showcase their favorite reads between these proud poodle bookends. Made of cast iron, they stand up for the pleasure of print. Gomez the Poodle Bookends, $58 at www.anthropologie.com.

Anthropologie

Gift Ideas

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WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 16: The Phosphor World Time Curved E Ink digital watch allows travelers to choose from 24 time zones is seen in the studio on Wednesday November 16, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain for The Washington Post)

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WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 9:
The Perforated Egg Spoon ($29)
There's not much that can't be made better with a poached egg on top. This multi-purpose perforated spoon was created by food writer Michael Ruhlman, who wanted to make the perfect poached egg, minus all the egg white flyaways. This spoon does just that.
Find it: Open Sky, https://opensky.com/ruhlman
https://opensky.com/ruhlman/product/bad-ass-egg-spoon-dalton-ruhlman-1 photographed in Washington, DC. (Photo by Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Gift guide for the serious foodie

From a sharpening whetstone to a top-of-the-line blender, here are gift ideas for your favorite foodie.

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 9:
Cheers! Wine Glass Set ($19.95 for set of 6)
Offer a toast and say 'Cheers!' in six languages with these festive wine glasses.
Find it: CB2, 3307 M Street NW, Washington, 202.333.6204
cb2.com
http://www.cb2.com/barware/dining/cheers-wine-glasses-set-of-six/f4065 photographed in Washington, DC. (Photo by Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Food gifts under $25

You’re sure to wow with these gift ideas from kitchen gadgets to ingredients and suggestions for hosts and hostesses.

HANDOUT PHOTO:

Travertine noodle bowl
(Courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises)

Vern Yip’s home decor gift picks

The designer offers six gift suggestions for the home this holiday.

HANDOUT: Pear and apple wooden bowls by Roost from Orange and Pear. ONE-TIME USE ONLY

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The holidays have officially arrived, which means it’s time to start gift shopping. We’ve done the legwork for you.

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Gifts for travelers

The Post’s Travel writers suggest presents designed for the jet setter in your family and friends.

Photos: Gift ideas from Post arts and culture critics

The Post’s Style critics suggest presents designed to bring more joy into the life of the lucky recipient.

Still need to mail a holiday gift? Here are the options (and costs).

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Christmas shopping apps organize gift-giving

Christmas shopping apps organize gift-giving.

Michelle Singletary: Instead of toys, consider contributing to a 529 plan

Instead of toys that end up broken or discarded, put your money toward a 529 college savings plan.

Gifts for pop culture gurus

Celebritologist Jen Chaney offers gifts that feature the joys of fictional small-town life.

Gifts for the celeb-obsessed

Present possibilities, from the I Am T-Pain microphone to a plush Lil’ Sebastian.

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Gift ideas for the politically inclined

Al Kamen’s In the Loop offers holiday gift suggestions and one for next year — a new Obama biography.

Luxury tech gifts

Gift ideas for the 1 percent.

Family Almanac: Toys, games and gifts for kids

Marguerite Kelly recommends the best toys and games for children.

Practical gifts for college students

Giving gifts from the heart sometimes means being practical instead of extravagant.

Stocking stuffers for techies

Here are 15 “just because” items that can make the holidays fun for the techie in your life.

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Gifts for dancers and dance-lovers

Presents that will get you on your feet — and make them feel better too.

Gifts for arts aficionados

Philip Kennicott recommends exhibits, books and albums to brighten the season.

Gifts for theater-goers

Peter Marks’s picks for the most joyful shows and songs.

Gifts for film buffs

Ann Hornaday offers a cinematic feast for movie fans.

Gifts for TV lovers

Finding the right box-set of sentimental reruns for the person on your gift list is no easy task. That’s because our favorite TV shows can be deeply personal, just like the holiday itself.

Gifts for music lovers

Selections by Post pop music critic Chris Richards.

Gifts for gardeners

Forget whimsy. Avoid flimsy. Gifts for gardeners, like gardeners themselves, are practical.

Gifts for wine-lovers

Dave McIntyre’s recommended reading from 2011.

Siri: The must-have Christmas gift for multi-tasking moms

What multitasking women really want this year is the new Apple iPhone’s cheeky little vixen.

Gifts for entrepreneurs

Know an entrepreneur? Here are some ideas to jump-start your holiday shopping.

If you’re giving or getting a gift card, follow these tips to avoid scams

Gift cards are more popular than ever for people who already have just about everything, but if you buy or use them, here’s how to avoid being scammed or ripped off.

Last minute shopping in Georgetown

Head to National Harbor and Georgetown, among other places, for last-minute gifts.

Gifts for dads

Car expert Mike Tucker Jr. shares his list for the best gifts for cool dads.

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