Valerie Monroe's Plain Gorgeous Gifts

Val's top picks, plus see what Oprah, Nate Berkus, and Adam Glassman are giving this year.

By Val Monroe

Photo: Patrik Andersson. Ornament: iStockphoto

"You don't love a present because it's beautiful; it's beautiful because you love it."

Colorama

Give generously: a palette of 100 eyeshadows in almost every color imaginable. No one else has to know they're only ten cents each!

E.L.F. Cosmetics 100-Piece Eyeshadow Palette, $10; EyesLipsFace.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Blow Out

I love how these bubbles fill the air with just a hint of fragrance. They're a playful way to sweeten someone's holiday.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Les Bulles d'Agathe, $18 each; NeimanMarcus.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Pretty as a Pitcher

This stainless steel carafe with a shot of color is one artful way to serve a favorite beverage.

Paul Smith for Stelton jug, $229; Barneys.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda

The Spice of Life

Exotic chocolates—chili powder, tahini—tempt even the most jaded candy lover.

Faces of the World, originally $12 for box of five, now $9 with code OPRAH; DeBrand.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Loving Cups

For the friend who should have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, these elegant espresso cups fit the bill.

Originally $175 for set of four, now $140 with code OPRAH; Frette.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Mix and Match

Your option-loving friend will take a shine to this kit of dual-ended wands, which allows you to pair three different scents and lip glosses in any combination you like.

Clinique Click and Be Happy, $28; Macys.com

Photo: Gregor Halenda

Worldly Good

One hundred percent of the net profits from sales of this superhydrating lotion goes to the Koons Family Institute, an organization that fights child exploitation.

Limited Edition Creme de Corps by Jeff Koons, $70 for one liter; Kiehls.com

See more holiday gift guides, handpicked by our contributors:

From the December 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine