But if you truly feel like you can't get out of it, here are some things I'd enjoy.
Oh, and my birthday is October 25th.

about $0

something cool you made or found--a poem? a feather? a rock?


about $5

milk (not dark!) chocolate
Andes mints
Ben & Jerry's mint oreo ice cream


about $10

black tights (size tall)
cute tights (ditto)
flowers (peonies, tulips, roses, marigolds...)
Japanese sweets
---I love them all. How about higashi from Minamoto Kitchoan? (212/489-3747)


about $20

a box of my favorite pens
a gift certificate to Three Lives Books (212/741-2069)


about $50

a coffee table book about Japan
a gift certificate to Takashimaya (212/350-0100)
---I'd spend it downstairs at The Tea Box!


about $100

a medium-sized V-neck cashmere sweater in black, brown, gray, or green
a gift certificate to Marimekko (212/628-8400)
---I'd buy fabric and make myself a dress...


Or if this is all too frivolous, you could donate money to Emily's List.

Best (material) gift of all: buy one of my books!


Well, thanks for tuning in. And likewise, if you have recently put up a wish list online, tell me and I'll check it out!

xo,
E.