Writing these gift guides has gotten me thinking about the gifts that I have be given over the years.  As you can imagine, I am a bit difficult to shop for but I try to drop enough hints that finding a good gift is easy(ish).  Then I thought, “If Little Miss Particular (that’s me) liked these presents, then maybe other women would too.”  Thus, I present: The Best Gifts That I’ve Ever Received.

Clarisonic Skincare System ($145-$225)

I adore my Clarisonic.  I do not exaggerate when I say that it has saved my skin, and my adoration has turned me into a bit of a Sonic Technology pusher.  And I know several women who would be thrilled to receive one of these as a gift.  I’m obsessed.

If I start feeling a little blah, if I start to get a breakout, if I don’t get enough sleep and need to help my dermis look a little more lively; I bust out that Clarisonic and it’s like a miracle cure.  I use less concealer.  I need less moisturizer.  And the only thing I don’t like about it, is that I can’t buy a six-inch wide brush head to use on the rest of my body.  She’ll love it.

Ben Bridge 3/4 carat Diamond Studs ($995)

Diamond studs are a great gift because they’re classic, fabulous and she can wear them every day.  Depending on the quality and the size of the stones, a pair of diamond studs can set you back anywhere from $350 to several thousand.  I would say that if you are in an established relationship, you should be prepared to purchase at least a 1/2 carat and spend at least $500.  But don’t be afraid to search Overstock.com and going out of business sales (Bailey, Banks and Biddle for example) for better deals.

Macy’s Hotel Collection 800tc Sheets ($340 for a complete set)

In 2004, I received the most fantastic gift of all time, 800tc sheets from the Hotel Collection.  They are the softest, most incredible thing I have ever felt and they make going to sleep more luxurious than snoozing has any right to be.  But since we spend a third of our lives sleeping, we should probably be comfortable while doing it.

The 600tc sheets are also a solid choice for about $100 less.  And I do not embellish when I say that these sheets are so spectacular they will turn you into a sheet snob who totes a pillow case with you on every trip because you simply cannot stand to sleep on 150tc anymore.

Tassimo Hot Beverage System ($169)

If you like coffee, tea or hot cocoa then you need a Tassimo.  This single serving brew station let’s you select from dozens of drink choices with a push of a button and prepares whatever poison you need to start (or finish) your day off right.  The dozens of recipes make holiday entertaining fun, the Peppermint Hot Cocoa and Butterscotch Creme Cafe were big hits at my holiday cookie swap.  And since it serves Starbucks, Tazo and Gevalia, it’s an easy and delicious way to save money in these leaner economic times. 

Marc Jacobs Turnlock Wallet ($198)

A great wallet is a must have for any woman.  This wallet from Marc Jacobs is pretty enough to carry solo or inside your purse.  With divided pockets, this wallet can hold your cash, credit cars, lip gloss and Blackberry without batting an eye.  (Just remember to lock the keyboard on the Bberry.)  Stylish and practical, it will quickly become an item that you cannot live without.

Hopefully, there is a gift in this pile that will work for one of them women in your life.  Because gifts like these that make your life easier every day are better than fancy presents that spend most of their time in the closet.  Good Luck!