Many women seem to have a sixth sense about finding the perfect gifts for friends and relatives. Return the favor this year with one of our staff-tested holiday gift ideas for women. Whether she needs jewelry for a night on the town or a gadget to make short work of kitchen tasks, women will love these gifts.
Orvis Wine Barrel Lazy Susan, $129
Sunderland, Vermont
orvis.com
There’s nothing lazy about this versatile Wine Barrel Lazy Susan made in the USA from the top of a solid pine wine cask. Branded with a vintner’s stamp and wrapped in a recycled metal wine barrel band, the 23-inch disk can be used for serving appetizers on a kitchen island or sharing side dishes on the family dinner table. Free engraving of the family name adds a personal touch.
The Orange Chef Chef Sleeves for iPad & iPhone, $19.99
San Francisco, California
theorangechef.com
An iPad in the kitchen can be a great resource for reading recipes, watching knife tutorials or catching up on TV while prepping ingredients for dinner. Keeping the pricey device safe from spills, splashes and sticky fingerprints will no longer be an issue with Chef Sleeves from The Orange Chef. American made of 100 percent recyclable, food-safe plastic, the ultra-clear, touch-sensitive sleeves make a perfect gift for the home chef. Pairs nicely with a heat resistant, dishwasher safe iPad stand ($34.95).
“Empress of the Garden” by Michael Shoup, $39
Brenham, Texas
antiqueroseemporium.com
Often perceived as finicky, hard-to-grow plants, roses have a bad reputation, which author Michael Shoup attempts to erase with “Empress of the Garden.” His is a compendium of 30 years of advice and experience from The Antique Rose Emporium, his mail-order nursery in Brenham, Texas. A proponent of hardy, old-fashioned roses as landscape plants, Shoup offers tips to help the gardener on your list transform their lackluster lawn into a beautiful, fragrant flower garden. His elegant coffee table book is printed in the United States.
Vitamix Pro Series 300, $529
Cleveland, Ohio
vitamix.com
This is not a late-night infomercial for the latest and greatest kitchen gadget that will disappoint upon arrival. The Vitamix Pro Series 300 chops, creams, blends, heats and grinds as advertised. The foodie on your list will love the variable speed control, easy-grip handle for right- or left-handed use, spill-proof lid and hardcover cookbook filled with healthy recipes. Vitamix maintains its commitment to U.S. production with two assembly plants in Northeast Ohio. The company also sources 70 percent of the components within 200 miles of their corporate headquarters in Omsted Township, Ohio.
Chilewich Manhattan Tray One, $85
New York, New York
chilewich.com
Appetizers, cocktails and breakfast in bed all seem more elegant served on a Chilewich Manhattan Tray One. The gracious host will enjoy the style, function and durability of this coated iron tray (available in black or white). Instantly customize the tray for any occasion or décor by lining the bottom with one of more than 100 Chilewich designer placemats. Trays are packaged in an easy-to-wrap box great for gift giving.
Danforth Pewter Serenity Snake Chain Necklace and Earrings, $24.95-$34
Middlebury, Vermont
danforthpewter.com
Skilled artisans hand-hammer matching Serenity pewter pendants and earrings in Danforth Pewter’s Vermont factory. Paired with a sterling silver snake chain, the Serenity pendant adds classic style to casual outfits. Not clunky or too heavy, matching Serenity earrings complete the ensemble.
Mississippi River Pearl Co. Jewelry, prices vary
Alma, Wisconsin
mspearlco.com
Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Tiffany & Co. and Harry Winston have each bought Mississippi River freshwater pearls from Nadine Leo, a Wisconsin pearl collector and jewelry designer. And you can too. The ultimate American-made gift, each one-of-a-kind design — from simple freshwater pearl earrings ($50) to gemstone-accented pendants ($850) and large, rare iridescent pearl rings ($3,500) — features all-natural, American freshwater pearls set in sterling silver or 14 karat gold.
Pampered Chef Cranberry Pie Plate, $35
East Dundee, Illinois
pamperedchef.com
Give the baker on your list the Cadillac of stoneware with the Pampered Chef Cranberry Pie Plate. The convenient deep-dish plate absorbs and retains heat for a crisp, perfectly golden crust every time. On the rare occasion when leftovers remain, slip the stoneware in the freezer and when ready to eat, reheat in the microwave, conventional and convection ovens.
Visit Haeger Potteries: America’s Largest Pottery Producer
J.K. Adams Appetizer Trays, $13-21
Dorset, Vermont
jkadams.com
Present a single baguette, finger foods or other small bites on shallow, oval Appetizer Trays hand-crafted by J.K. Adams. The entertainer on your gift list will love the heirloom-quality 8-inch, 11-inch and 20-inch artisan-made maple trays. Made of sustainably harvested timber, timeless style and functional design will make your gift the envy of the holidays.
