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It's that time, and frankly, I dread one part of it every year. Shopping for my Mom. 

She is, hands down, the hardest person in my life to buy for. Ugh. She is eclectic and eccentric and has unique taste and has everything (bc at 75 you normally do) and she is somewhat limited in these later years in terms of her mobility, so for so many reasons, my brother and I groan over what to delight her with, each year. Whoever your "Mom" person is, I thought I'd spend this blog sharing my 2013 'Top Ten' list for gifts and stockings. These are genuine favs, not shameless plugs. Things I own, things I plan to give, in some cases, things I want! (PS: I considered this month just writing a blog about Thanksgiving and the dishes I dream about eating, and how Campbell's Green Bean Casserole is still my fav, and it's always better the next day, and how my Dad loves this weird Jell-o dish with balls of cream cheese in it, which used to gross me out as a kid...but then I figured, I can't write a blog just about stuffing my face. So I opted to share my gift ideas instead.) 

Shawn's 2013 Top Ten Stocking Stuffers, aka "QVC $30 or less stuff that rules!"

1. Poo-pouri: My#1 pick!!! They will laugh, then they will thank you...and beg for auto delivery

2. 32 Brand Effervescent Breath Crystals: Breath mints don't stand a chance. I inhaled these on my wedding day. Dr. Tom is a genius. He let me develop a signature flavor coming soon - "Watermelon Mojito"

3. Smileactives pens: My parents remind me every chance they get that they spent a fortune on my orthodontia so I owe it to them to take care of these babies. I don't know a single person who doesn't want whiter, more aspirational teeth. Love these pens because they are affordable, and they work! 

4. Scanner Guard cards: They are in my wallet right now. Giving to Dad this year.

5. Halo: My fav Halo charging device is the wall plug in one and it is more than $30, but the smaller one at $29 rocks too. These are a life saver. I use mine every day. Gifting to my step sons.

6. Emjoi Micro pedi: A 2013 Customer Choice Beauty Award winner. One customer says this is the best invention since the zipper. Nuff said.

7. Gingerbread Man Philosophy Supersize 3in1 Shower Gel: I'll never forget Lisa Robertson saying this was her uber fav. Then I tried it. It is mine too now. NOT like showering with gingerbread cookies. It's like clean, bubbly ginger ale. I wait for it every year and stock up.

8. Cheerful Giver Candles: Especially H201400. I'm burning mine right now. 

9. s/3 Kuhn Rikon can openers: You know I don't cook, but everybody needs a can opener. I use Kuhn Rikon because they are the best. Modern, easy, clever. In prints, it's an adorable stocking stuffer.

10. Steel by Design S/2 bitsy crystal pendant necklaces: I helped design these. I have drooled over a bitsy diamond cross at the blue box jeweler for years. It's $900. I told the Steel buyers we had to do a version that was just as quality, but in steel and crystal, not $900. They turned out perfect.

(Other honorable mentions include Lori Grenier's s/3 travel perfume bottles and any of Mally's holiday collections, especially for lips!) 

Shawn's 2013 Top Ten "More expensive QVC stuff that rules!"

1. It Cosmetics Brush set: The absolute best in class. I own, I gift. It's not humanly possible not to love these. They are incredible. 

2. Clarisonic: My skin is better at 41, than it was at 21, because of this. Take your pick but I love the Mia travel version best.

3. Shawn's "Hear My Soul Speak" Ring: I designed this based on a ring my Mom gave me from Europe about 15 yrs ago. This one for QVC bears a quote from Shakespeare in my handwriting. It is about having the courage to be yourself, to overcome, to not give up, to believe you are not alone, and here for a reason.  

4. Dennis Basso 100% Cashmere throw: the gift of pure luxury, if you want to splurge. Divine.

5. Dennis Basso H200758 Faux mink throw with gift box: If you remember Dennis' silky soft throw (and the original custom coat, done in rosette fur) this is similar. The colors are beyond.

6. Berkshire Blanket S/2 Supersoft Fluffie throws: Can you tell I love throws? I think they make amazing gifts, particularly for people that are hard to buy for. I'm giving these this Christmas. 

7. Vera Bradley Weekender bag / Travel tote: I took mine to Italy. I love it. And I'm gifting my Sis in law the TSV tote with ditty bag.

8. Heys Luggage: It's all I travel with. I gave a set to my BFF Jenny, and my husband Joe. And one year for Christmas, all I asked for was their premium Britto line. Mom and Dad surprised me that year. Nobody I know considers buying luggage for themselves, a compelling purchase. That's why as a gift, I think it's perfect. And Heys is the best.

9. Isaac mini quilted BH bag: I've been waiting for this lovely little gem to debut. I love a bitsy bag, for nighttime and anytime. And in quilted lamb leather...that little French fashion house better look out!

10. Isaac crystal rock bracelet: It's a splurge, but a gorgeous one. I own it.   

(Other honorable mentions include anything Bose, Bliss s/3 soapy suds and body butters, and Keurig, which I'm gifting to the trainers at my gym)

Now if somebody could just wrap all this stuff...ugh, wrapping for me is almost worse than shopping for Mom! As for fun discoveries outside QVC, I'm loving the catalog Olive & Cocoa right now. So unique. Mom just sent me a birthday box of yummy's from there. In fact, as I sit here being lazy, I think it's just about time to dig into that box and nosh on a little somethin' somethin'....

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