Last week I promised you five non-sucky, non-budget-breaking holiday gift ideas, but I can tell you’ve had a long week, so you’re getting six. Two ideas for your girly-type recipients, two for the less overtly effeminate, one for a household or couple of any orientation, and one for kids.

Gifts for girls. We’re going for beautiful, personal, and non-size-specific. The rules: No fitted clothing for a girl or woman unless she’s 6 months old or your identical twin. If you were hoping to pick out the perfect high-waisted harem pants, then (A) Yuck, and (B) That’s too bad; this year you’re making smart gifting decisions.

1. The holiday season is busy and she hasn’t had an extra minute (or an extra dollar) to set aside for New Year’s. Or Valentine’s Day. Or some other dressy-type deal. Accessories are the way to go here, and in layman’s terms that means a small thing she carries or wears for going out. A jeweled lipstick case, coin purse, or hair clip, for example. Something pretty, shiny, rich-looking, but affordable, maybe vintage. It’s hard not to love the way these can brighten up an old outfit.
2. The other thing she needs/wants for winter fashion is a wrap or shawl of some sort, otherwise known as a largish scarf that could double as a table runner. A table runner is a largish placemat that “runs” right down the middle of your table to fancy it up a little, but more on that later. The wrap should be black, brown, metallic or multi-colored fabric and may be called “pashmina” or “cashmere,” if you’re spending a little more. Cozy, classy, non-sized, and shouldn’t be too hard to find at a reasonable price (i.e., Target’s got ’em for $12)

Toys for boys. The rules: don’t go the fitted clothing route here either because we’ve all decided that’s a waste of money and thought. Also, skip anything that smells like work or obligations, for example, grooming products or desk calendars.

1. The Blockbuster video store on my street is closing and the boys in my family are going to reap the benefits. I’ll be looking for well-regarded, male-themed movies or documentaries that they may have missed, plus I think everyone should have his or her own copy of Shaun of the Dead, with or without the optional action figures.
2. Otherwise, give them what they want within your means by shopping at the electronica dungeon at Overstock.com for things like iPhone accessories, GPS bases, travel chargers, computer speakers, etcetera, in the under $25 bin (+$2.95 shipping). Note, they only have 3,948 items in this category.

For the holiday house. This can be a hostess/host gift, or an in-laws gift, or a gift for a new couple — whatever. The trick is to wait until it’s very very close to, say, Christmas eve, and then hit the marked down holiday stuff. The rule: No animated lawn ornament snowpeople or cartoon characters should be involved, even if you think they’d love it. And, try to avoid designs with poinsettias or geese or Santa. We’re not just filling boxes here people, we’re developing your gift style. People should be inspired to aspire to desire the stuff you give them. I’m not sure what I just said . . . it might be great.

1. Back to the lovely idea of a table runner. Like a wrap, a beautiful, possibly fringed or beaded table runner adds a finishing touch. Do not get a tablecloth instead because the sizes are impossibly confusing and you will get the wrong size unless you’ve measured their table, which would be weird of you. You don’t want to equip them, you want to adorn them. So a gorgeous, affordable table runner — or a nice set of placemats or candle holders– is just something they will always use and like and may not bother to buy themselves. For extra credit, get it somewhere socially conscious.

Children. It’s hard when you want to get something special for a special kid, but you’re limited by your budget. To be the favoritest uncle who didn’t buy them a Wii, think about going big, as in the oversized present that takes up half a roll of wrapping paper. If they’re young enough (1-3), an inflated beach toy can be a lot of fun in the house. Otherwise most discount stores sell doll furniture and playsets that are LARGE but cheap. The rule: Be somewhat considerate of space in their house or room.

1. What I know: there is nothing that works longer in a kid’s room than a beanbag. Couch, body pillow, chair, ottoman — no matter what the design it will be used for forts, slumber parties, study areas, dorm furniture, and eventually to help them achieve interesting sexual positions. (You don’t have to mention that last part while they’re unwrapping it under the tree.) Shop around — it is possible to spend a lot of money if you try — but you should still be able to come in under $50.

Look at all the great stuff you got and all the money you didn’t spend! You got more ideas, Genius? Tell Ruby.

Advice for the Rest of Us appears Fridays that aren’t in National Novel Writing Month.

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