I’m one of those crazy people who enjoys giving more so than getting. But that’s because I’m a total snob, not that I’m generous of spirit. I mean, I certainly appreciate the professional portrait of my nieces I get from my sister most years. But, geez, couldn’t she have at least tucked them inside some fancy frames? And there’s simply no way my mother can please with her annual assortment of Kohl’s-bought bedclothes. Not that I have anything against Kohl’s. What a great place to buy pots!

So, you see the point: I’m no fun to buy for. But it’s very much fun, I would assert, to find your way onto auntie Christy’s shopping list. Me, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, the self-satisfaction of knowing I’ll snag one-of-a-kind and/or designer items for all my loved ones, and they’ll never get the faintest whiff of the pittances paid to acquire these goodies. For these reasons, I’m much better at buying for adult women and style-conscious men. What follows is a sampler of the Christmas gifts I purchased over the weekend. (Note: This post is written in good faith that my loved ones don’t read this blog.)

My best friend Andrea is a woman of letters. While perusing Letterbox [1], I found her this gorgeous (but very affordable) letters kit, replete with address labels and envelope stickers in the themes of birds, flowers, vines, and leaves. This version was designed by Suzanna LaGasa [2] (a somewhat-celebrity graphic designer) for Sukie.

Local Motion currently has an assortment of cutesy leather handbags and carryalls from this Canadian label, ESPE [3]. I went in for this billfold for my brother’s style-conscious, teen-age daughter. It has universal appeal, don’t you think? And besides, it was a steal at just twenty-five dollars. Note: Local Motion hosts “Girls’ Night Out” this Thursday from four to nine p.m. Go for the free snacks and wine, if not for the sales.

For the practical—one might say miserly—mother whose sole extravagance is buying Coach handbags off eBay: A pair of sleek Coach kicks. OK, I didn’t get the best deal on these sneaks. I found a cheaper pair at Off Fifth [4], but wanted to make sure mom could easily exchange if the size isn’t quite right, so I went to Macy’s [5].

And while I was at it, I picked up some staples for myself. From the Len Druskin Outlet [6]: I couldn’t pass by these leggings with snap details. Also, just yesterday afternoon, I stumbled upon the newly remade vintage store, Swank [7]. I picked up the ‘70s socks (pictured above) as well as reams of vintage Santa-themed wrapping paper (left in boyfriend’s truck) for only five bucks. In fact, Swank is a great place to find cheap Christmas crap!