Christmas Wrapped

Save money and time, all while simplifying the season.

Maggie Mason

Seven Clutches Under $35

Posted by Maggie Mason | December 23, 2008

My mom used to say that an evening bag need only be large enough for a hundred dollar bill and a lipstick. By now, you’ve secured your little black dress, but you may still need a place to stash your mad money.

Consider these clutches. With one fun exception, they’re under $20 a bag, which makes it far more likely that you’ll have enough cash leftover to fund your evening. Excellent.

Happy New Year, Sweets! You look smashing.

Angie and Lola Clutch with Zippers

$34.99

Target Velvet Large Bow Clutch

$15

Moss Sup Co Black Port Hole Frame

$17

Merona Split Box Clutch

$13

Xhilaration Patent Hinge Clutch Black

$10

Leather Checkbook Clutch

$14

Target Cinched Clutch

$17

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Chic Host Gifts Under $15

Posted by Maggie Mason | December 15, 2008

I know this makes me the WASPiest person alive, but I like to keep a stash of inexpensive host gifts on hand. They’re more memorable than yet another bottle of wine, and I hate choosing a wine when I know my hosts are particular about what they drink. Host gifts are also convenient when we’re going to something earlier in the day, like a brunch.

I prefer things that will look good with a simple bow, so I don’t have to worry about wrapping while I’m frantically throwing my outfit together. I often buy food — favorites include Stonehouse Lisbon Lemon Olive Oil, Poco Dolce chocolate tiles, lavender salt, or Mighty Leaf teas, but I also like to have a few more shelf-stable items on hand.

Aqua Scoop Ice Cream Scoop

$12

Pop by a convenience store on your way over, and pick up a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. Then tie a big bow around the scoop and the ice cream in the car. Voila!

Perfect-Cube Ice Trays

$15

My friend Melissa told me about these trays, and now I’m telling everyone I know. They make perfectly square cubes that are so easy to pop out of the trays, even once the tequila kicks in.

Soy Candle

If you’re living your life well, you can never have enough candles. Classic, useful, and these are even on sale. The trifecta!

Vellum Lampshades Set of 3

$13

Speaking of candles, these little vellum lampshades turn any wine glass into an insta-votive.

Danesco Porcelain Salt Pig with Spoon

$14

Salt pigs are so useful, and almost no one has them in The States. You keep them next to your stove, so you can throw in a pinch of salt or two while you’re cooking. This one comes with a spoon, which I’d probably chuck. If you don’t have a salt pig, order one for yourself too, you’ll use it constantly.

Pretty good for the price of a bottle of wine, no? Order a few to keep in your closet, and you’ll be surprised how often they come in handy. You, my dear, are crazy thoughtful.

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Pajamas for the Whole Family

Posted by Maggie Mason | November 24, 2008

Because my life is so arduous, I spend lots of time working in my pajamas. Unfortunately, if you spend too many workdays in maternity-stretched yoga pants, it begins to erode your self-esteem. Hence, I’ve become slightly obsessed with sleepwear.

A new pair of jammies makes me feel shiny and new, and I’d love to have a different robe for every day of the week. Maybe it’s because my always mom used to buy us new pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve — most excellent tradition on record.

If you’d like to play along, here are some of Targets best pajama options for the whole team:

Owls Pajama Set

$13

(A matching set for mom too.)

Satin PJ Set Sock Monkey

$15

Flannel PJ Set, Green Cowboy

$15

Superman Pajama Set

$13

Flannel Sleep Pant

$15

Flannel Pajamas, Navy Plaid

$15

Footie PJ’s, Sock Monkey

$25

Long-Sleeve Union Suit

$20

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10 Little Black Dresses Under $40

Posted by Maggie Mason | November 11, 2008

We’ve all had the occasional nothing-to-wear nightmare. Tearing through your closet in a sartorial panic– it’s your wedding day, prom night, interview morning — and everything you own is useless.

This season, get yourself some girl armor, the perfect little black dress. As usual, Target has your back with lots of great options for under $40.

Maybe you need two.

Sateen Pencil Dress

$39.99