Gift Guide: My College Roommate

I got so lucky when I got paired up with my college roommate. We bonded instantly even though we are quite different people, and we're still great friends to this day. Even though we don't get to see each other all the time, I love that we can pick right up where we left off and I can't wait for a reunion during the holiday season. I have LOTS of great gift ideas for her...

WHO I'M SHOPPING FOR: my college roommate

She's an airy-fairy free spirit, an artist with a true bohemian soul. She's a girlie-girl with a big heart. She's also a total scatterbrain, in the most delightful of ways.

WHO YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR: your baby sister...someone who always has her head in the clouds....that friend who is a friend to all (animals, mother earth, lost causes)...a girl with flirty and feminine taste

ASOS Embellished Cape, $100

This sweet little capelet is like giving the gift of fairy wings. It will look great over all of those pretty vintage dresses in her closet, or with jeans and a tank for an easy night out.

You're A Mess Tray, $25

She's totally self-aware and has a great sense of humor, so this tray is perfect for her. I'd put this together with a good book: the wonderfully messy Drew Barrymore's Wildflower, Shonda Rhimes' The Year of Yes, or Carrie Brownstein's Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl are great reads that will have her feeling great about her perfectly imperfect life.

Casetify Moroccan Tile iPhone Case, $40

She's probably shattered a screen or two, so a good sturdy case is a really thoughtful gift. This watery mermaid-esque pattern is so dreamy.

State Charm, $18

This little charm is a little bit sweet and a little bit gaudy. So of course, I love it. My roommate is a bit of a wanderlust and calls a few states home -- I love the idea of a necklace or bracelet with charms from each of those special places (Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and California are currently available, I'm hoping a few more show up soon).

Urban Decay Delirious Travel Eyeliner Set, $29

A great artist sees a canvas anywhere, even her own eyelids. Urban Decay makes some of the best eyeliners on the market, and this set is a like a crayon box of fun vibrant colors. 

Heart-shaped Umbrella, $35

Rainy days never dull her sparkle, so how about giving her the most adorkable umbrella ever. It's big enough for two, which is great because she always has a friend or crush to stroll around with.

Scarf, earmuffs, and gloves, $13-78

My sweet friend never grew out of that childhood habit of losing her hat/scarf/gloves, so why not give her a pile of cute cold weather accessories. This scarf is the coziest, and the bright pink color is so flattering on lots of skin tones. The earmuffs and gloves are pretty, useful, and cheap (so neither of you will feel bad when she loses them again).

Do Unto Animals, $14

If you have a friend who spends Sunday mornings feeding the ducks and has named all of the squirrels in her yard, this is perfect. Tracey Stewart (Jon's wife) wrote a funny, smart, and practical book about the special relationship between humans and animals -- there are a few people on my list who I'll be gifting this to. For extra credit, try a thoughtful donation -- the World Wildlife Federation and Farm Sanctuary allow you to adopt an animal on someone's behalf, a very adorable add-on.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mug, $14

My girl isn't afraid to wear her political heart on her sleeve, and this cheeky mug is the perfect way for her to let everyone know that she's down with the Notorious RBG. Pair it with a few pounds of her favorite roast, a box of Keurig cups, or even a coffee subscription service.

The Blend Custom Fragrance Kit, $29

For your friend who marches to her own beat and definitely wants to stand out, this adorable little kit will allow her to create a custom fragrance. Even better, she can change it up every day and match her scent to her mood, her outfit, or her horoscope.

St. Jude Heart Leather Zipper Case, $24

A big leather pouch can be a lifesaver for someone who doesn't always have her act together. Perfect for storing travel essentials, organizing receipts, or just corralling all of the little things in her purse. (Bonus: proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which will make her love it even more)

And if you need a few extras...

Some gourmet pop tarts that she can grab on those days she doesn't have time for breakfast (pretty much every day).

A keyring that's pretty hard to lose (bonus: make her an extra set of keys, because you know she'll need them).

An extra battery for her phone -- it's practical but oh so pretty.

Rainbow-hued temporary hair dye, because she's always ready to try something new.

An astrologically correct trinket dish.