This happens to me every year. As soon as I sit down to write the holiday gift list, I realize that the notes and photos I’ve taken on my travels are of lovely little goodies that I’d be thrilled to find under the tree. So, honey, if you’re reading this, consider it more than a hint. Here’s my list.

love,

erica

p.s. What a night! 200 ladies (and 3 guys) turned out for Girl’s Night in Guilford. Click here to see pix on facebook.

Great news for those of us who can’t get to Beurre & Sel, Dorie Greenspan’s brand new brick and mortar cookie shop in NYC. You can now purchase stacks of buttery Sables, Classic Jammers and my absolute favorite, World Peace Cookies, at Fromage in Old Saybrook and online. $10 – $14.

I so miss the days when all my daughter’s problems were solved with a new dolly, and even though she’s 17, I think she’d still love one of these ADORABLE handmade cotton dolls with unique “personalities” at Lori Warner. Theborn in Chester tag is a nice touch. $36.

This whisperweight cashmere and silk scarf by Chan Luu is my hands down favorite EVER. Light enough to wear all year long and big enough to circle your neck a few times or wear as a wrap, I mean it when I say versatile! Find a slew of new winter colors at Dina Varano in Chester. $188

Everyone knows I’m a big fan of Jennie Fresa’s painless French brow waxing and organic facials, in her sweet spa housed in a historic 18th century Cape, but now there’s even more reason to head to Clinton. Product! Jennie has recently added Stila Cosmetics, Kai fragrances, Lollia Candles, Finn & Company and TaTa Harper’s sought after natural treatments (just tried her Resurfacing Mask and love it for an instant lift) to her mix. Plenty of perfect choices for a secret Santa or beauty junkie. Stila snowflake palettes $20 – $39.

With sinister names like Arsenic, Excess and Bulletproof, one wouldn’t expect that Tokyo Milk’s new line of dark scents would smell so… innocent, but they do, especially Arsenic, a heady blend of fennel, cut greens and absinthe. Eau de Parfum $38 at Chaos in Deep River.

Savvy Tea is happily ensconced in their new digs at 693 Boston Post Road in the heart of downtown Madison and stocked up for the holidays. This three pack of black teas makes a winning hostess or teacher gift: The Night Before Christmas Tea, The Weather Outside Is Frightful, and Hot Mint Chocolate Tea, $34.99. Check the website for upcoming Tea Tastings and Holiday Teas.

I stopped by Artistry at The Guilford Arts Center to see their once-a-year installation of the work of over 300 artisans. This is a don’t miss, holiday shopping bonanza. Mention The E List and take 10% off jewelry on 12/13.

There are so many clever, modern gifts for everyone on my list at Mix, that it was tricky to choose just one for this article. But I’ve been searching for a local spot to pick up Areaware’s alarm clock/iPhone charger and, voila, there it was!  Black or white for iPhone, $35. (And pick up a Corkcicle or two – the perfect hostess gift – while you’re there.)

Keep the tots (and grownups) busy at the holiday table with these hysterical punch out disguises on paper placemats. At Lily Juliet in Madison, $25.

Everyone needs  a pair of these ridiculously cozy, super stretchy fleece-lined leggings. Three sizes (so they actually fit) and four colors: eggplant, charcoal, sable and black. At Ella Where She Shops in Guilford, $34.