Gift Guides

Editors Best of 2008: The coolest jewelry and handbags

We're very pleased once again to present our editors' top picks for 2008. It's a tough thing we must say - with literally hundreds to choose from (and trust us, we love them all) narrowing down is no small feat. But narrow we did. Each day we'll present a new category right through to New Year's, starting with today: Our favorite jewelry and bags Kristen: I truly covet every one of Jeanine Payer's lovely pieces of jewelry which combine artistry and storytelling. Liz: I am constantly inspired by the jewelry from Amy Tavern, from her affordable signature pieces to her collectible studio work. Kristen: Fleurville handily creates the diaper bags that I'd rather carry than some of my favorite non sippie-toting handbags. Liz: This was easily the year of the eco-tote, but none made me all, "Yeah! Tote bags!" quite like the recycled totes from Joy by Mel Lim. There's nothing remotely hippie about it.

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Girls' beach weekend packing essentials

What to pack? Be sure to include these girls' weekend beach essentials

What we took as a moms' girls' beach weekend getaway in Destin, Florida. • Author named the Laura Ashley buttery soft robe the #1 robe in their collection. • Sherpani Jetsetter Totes has tons of space and exterior pockets for tickets and passports.

Barnes & Noble is already packed with gift-worthy finds

Gifts to get in the bag before December, at Barnes & Noble

Should I start my holiday shopping at Barnes & Noble now? Yes Barnes & Noble already has a broad holiday selection (toys, LEGO, puzzles, games, stationery, advent calendars, and books) so shopping early gives you more options and time.

Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels

Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels

Back-to-school shopping gets a lot of attention for backpacks, sneakers, and new clothes, but the unsung hero of a successful school year might be something much smaller: a good name label. Mabel's Labels makes it easy to put a name on a…