Gifts form a bridge between the giver and the givee—truly inspired gifts contain a bit of both. When you’re thinking about Style Statements, try this approach: let your Style Statement affect how you give, let your friend’s affect what you give.

You may be noticing a trend in these holiday posts: as Creative Joy, I like to make stuff. Holiday gifts are no exception. I knit scarves and purses, I create necklaces and earrings, and every year I bead a comb for my mother-in-law and make an ornament for each of my nieces and nephews.

My Joy side wants to watch people open my gifts—I hope to see the joy in their faces. That’s what I picture as I’m making the stuff, and that’s one of the best parts of the holidays for me.

How does your Style Statement speak to how you love to give?

• Dramatic wants to make a big impression! No gift cards in an envelope from her. The spectacle of the giving is part of the gift.
• Cultivated has spent a long time mulling over your gift. She seeds ideas all year long, lets them germinate, and gently brings forth the perfect gesture when the time is right.
• Understated is likely to slip a little something into your palm—a little something that makes your throat catch with its thoughtful simplicity.

What does your Style Statement say about what you want to get?

Sacred is seeking truth. Give her yours. Consider what you truly feel about her, and pick a gift that embodies it.
Cultured wants an experience more than a tchochtke. Take her to that new Kosher Vietnamese diner downtown, then to a talk at the museum.
• Comfortable wants shearling slippers.
  

[Photo by ||!prliignore6||]