Margaret Logan Style

Most gals, at the end of the day, are quite easy to please. It usually comes down to the amount of thought that goes into a gift (or lack thereof, one should say), its potential use and/or sense of indulgence.

For example, one can understand the disdain one of my old pals has for her husband’s attempt at gift giving last year. Afterall, she received a pair of slippers that required batteries from Target. We ladies will circle the wagon over this kind of thing. A fella just can’t win. Besides, he should know better.

It’s not so much the Target thing, at least for me. Granted, it’s not Tiffany & Co., but give me $50 and a half an hour at the flagship, and some clever gift giving is certain to ensue.

For example, for a mere $7.99, that’s right, $7.99, you can indulge in these fabulous lounge pants/PJ bottoms by Xhilaration at Target. With options like navy flannels with hot pink Woody station wagons toting Christmas trees, or hot pink flannels with white polar bears adorned with green bows, you’ll want several. With colorful satin sashes and made from 100% cozy cotton (they get better with wear and wash), they are jazzy, comfy, and you won’t mind answering the door in them or walking out for the morning paper. In fact, they’ll put a spring in your step. Watch your back, J. Crew.

And, if you’re feeling like a big spender, why not splurge for the pajama set, which includes flannel lounge pants, flannel boxers (so cute!) and a long sleeve 100% cotton t-shirt, all for the stunning price of $14.99.

Call me simple. Call me easy to please. But give me a fabulous pair of flannels over electrontic slippers anyday.

Flannel lounge pants for $7.99 at Target…that is, if there are any left!

Pretty nice presentation for $14.99. How can you loose?

Check out the Holiday Gift Ideas segment on 207:

Margaret Logan on ‘207′ December 9th 2008

For the fellas~

Why don’t men carry handkerchiefs anymore? More on this…but for now, Barbour hand kerchiefs, 100% cotton, Tattersal and spotted, $32 for three, available at Barbour on Commercial Street. Ring David Wood for details at 207-773-3906.

For the man who has everything, indeed. Collar stays in a 12 gauge shot gun shell, just for the fun of it. $34.50, at David Wood, 75 Market Street, Portland 207-773-3906.

And while we’re on it, silk bow ties. A bright splash of color with whimsical prints. My personal favorite is the pink with white fish bones. Lee Allison silk bow ties, complete with instructions, $39-$59.50 at David Wood, 75 Market Street, Portland 207-773-3906.

Yak Trax. We can’t forget the practical side of things. The crampon’s little brother, just slip these over your shoes to avoid life’s biggest pratfalls. $12 at any Hannaford Brothers grocery store.

Corgi wool socks. The ultimate in comfort and high style. $39.50 at David Wood, 75 Market Street, Portland 207-773-3906.

Pocket Lens Cloth – this defines thoughtful, usefule and jazzy all at the same time. If you wear glasses, that is. $3.95 at David Wood, 75 Market Street, Portland,
207-773-3906.

L’eau Tide cologne for men. As lovely, subtle and tongue in cheek as it gets. David Wood’s signature scent, $39.50 at David Wood, 75 Market Street, Portland, 207-773-3906.

I call them “Portland On The Map” cuff links. Tres cool. $89.50 at David Wood, 75 Market Street, Portland, 207-773-3906.

Finding one fabulous gift for under $50 is no small feat, but enough to fill up a five minute segment on 207, covering everything from kids to host/hostess, men and women…? Let’s just say there was a lot of leg work involved, and many helpful folks offering up many great ideas at some of Portland’s finest shops. Not to mention a few pleasant surprises along the way.

If you haven’t seen the segment, view it by clicking the link below:

Margaret Logan on ‘207′ December 9th 2008

The Gifts…..

For the kids~

Truffle the Pig – unbelievably soft, incredibly cute. By Jellycats, $22 at Mina & Co, 425 Fore Street, Portland 207-774-0744

Truffle the Pillow ~ unbelievable comfortable

And the ultimate in stuffed animals, the Large Truffles Friesian Cow, also by Jellycats, $44, available at Mina & Co.

And their pal the Giraffe, also by Jellycats. $19 at Mina & Co.

Santa and Reindeer Maracas, $8.50 each, available at Folly 101, 101 Exchange Street, Portland, ME 207-773-5227

“Girl’s Night In” Pink Monopoly set $20.99, available at Toys R Us.

For the Hostess~

Vino Tagz, stem markers for wine glasses, $14. Available at Mina & Co. 207-774-0744

Mariposa Lobster Claw Bottle Opener $28, available at Mina & Co.

Mermaid Bottle Opener, $12. Available at Fiachre, 426 Fore Street, 207-879-2570. A big hit on the set!

Artful Wares Lobster Shell Spreader and Cheese Plate $26/$77. Made from reclaimed lobster shells, right here in Maine…Available at Mina & Co.

Retro Kitchen Chic – vintage skier print kitchen towel $5. Available at Folly 101, 101 Exchange Street, 207-773-5227.

Festive holiday spreaders complete the ensemble. $3.50 each at Folly 101, 207-773-5227

The snail…perfect for the mantle or the flower bed, $20. Available at Fiachre, 426 Fore Street, 207-879-2570.

The ultimate in candle giving…Made from beeswax for a cleaner, longer burn, beautifully aromatic and handmade here in Portland, $38. 2 Note Botanical Perfumery, Moulton Street, 207-838-2815.

Please check in tomorrow for a complete list of photos and product information from my 207 appearance tonight on holiday gift ideas…