Great gal gifts for under $50

Got a gal on your Christmas list? If you're too busy to read the rest of this article (or if it's 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve), just remember the three c's: cashmere, chocolate and carats (the diamond variety). But if you have a minute and you want to find something really lovely and one of a kind for the lady on your list, here are some top picks (that won't break the bank) for:

THE MARTHA STEWART

She makes a mean apple pie and is the only person you know who can operate a sewing machine. If you have a domestic diva on your list, think stylish accessories for the home — or for her next dinner party. Mrs. Cooks' pear and apple place-card holder sets ($15.95 for a set of four) make a great gift when paired with Provencal table linens ($19-$52) from Williams-Sonoma. Or, try a combo of Le Creuset Petit Garden Mini Stoneware Casseroles ($25), which range in color and shape from green apple to yellow bell pepper and are available at Sur La Table. The Food Loop ($16.95), available at Mrs. Cooks and Metropolitan Market stores, is brand new this season. Use it in place of twine to bundle fish, truss a turkey or wrap asparagus or Beef Wellington.

THE FASHIONISTA

Glitz and glam are her calling cards, so give her something that sparkles. I found a rack of gorgeous sequined and beaded handbags ($32-47) marked down from the triple digits at University Village's eclectic boutique Rosanna.

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Sterling silver necklaces by Carmen de Anguis ($45, $89).

THE MOMMY

Chances are good that you won't be able to give a mother what she really wants: more time. But make it stand still for a moment by sending her to a locally owned spa and salon such as Habitude. Here, courtesy of your gift certificate, she can indulge in an ultimate manicure ($40) and really be pampered. Also a novel idea is Something Silver's sterling silver necklaces by Carmen de Anguis ($45-$89). The designer uses photo negatives, such as postcards or old botanical prints, as the centerpiece of her pendants. "Each necklace tells a special story," explained a clerk. For an extra $10, bring in your own photo negative to Something Silver, and the designer will make a customized necklace. (Hint: A photo of her honeymoon in Italy — or the kids — would be lovely.) The perfect stocking stuffer? Add something from Kiehl's. I love the French Rosewater ($13), which adds a bit of skin-softening scent.

THE GLOBETROTTER

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Fresh's Memoirs of a Geisha line of makeup.

If she travels frequently, Aveda has plenty of gift ideas for her airplane-ravaged skin, such as Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist (5 oz., $17). This cooling spray-on mist with peppermint, witch hazel and aloe hydrates and balances. Essenza in Fremont carries a large selection of Fresh products, including the Memoirs of a Geisha line (inspired by the forthcoming movie). While the popular line is sold out in many parts of the country, Essenza has plenty of products in stock, including the Crushed Pearl Shimmering Powder ($38) and the Sake Bath ($42), made with actual premium Japanese rice wine. (We've also seen the products recently at Sephora). "These products are inspired by old Japanese traditions," says an Essenza sales clerk, explaining that the line's key ingredient — rice — has been known to keep skin soft for years. Next door to Essenza is Tininha's. Specializing in swanky, designer bikinis, you'll also find one-of-a-kind clothing, scarves and accessories in this small boutique. The Handed By wallets ($12), made in Holland out of recycled materials, are a cute way to wrap a gift card.

THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER

She's the woman who makes her own Christmas cards, isn't afraid of cutting mattes for framed photos and probably enjoys rubber stamping. But if you're thinking hearts and butterflies, think again. Stamping has gone hip. Visit Impress Rubber Stamps, a locally owned craft store, if you need proof. "Personalizing and monogramming is really popular this year," says Ann Zazzie, one of the store's owners, who suggests ($18.95).

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HL ENTERPRISES LLC.

Cleavage Cupcakes and Takeouts ($44) are silicone inserts that add a full size to the bustline.

THE BEST FRIEND

You could get her a Coach bag, but save that for Santa and get her something she wouldn't dare get herself. At most local bookstores you'll find the hit title "French Women Don't Get Fat" by Mireille Guiliano (Knopf). After all, which one of your girlfriends wouldn't love to learn how a daily chocolate croissant can help her shed pounds? Also, a fun girlfriend gift (if you know her really well) are Cleavage Cupcakes (Web site, $44), gel inserts that provide a little extra oomph at the bustline. She may laugh when she opens it, but she'll thank you as soon as she tries them on with her favorite halter. The Cupcakes are available at the Fremont boutique Bliss, where you'll also find small handbags by St. Tropez ($16) that come printed with pithy little quotes such as "I love my pool boy."

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PETAL CANDLES

Petal candles ($24).

THE GARDENER

Pay a visit to Ravenna Gardens (a Seattle-based company with several stores in the Puget Sound area) if you have a garden enthusiast on your list. Here you'll find a whole crop of gift ideas for inside and out. New this season are Ravenna's Chinese lanterns ($14.95-$29.95), which come in colors such as green, red and brown. Or try the red and green paisley pillows and matching table linens ($29.95-$38.95), which scream "garden party." Also, a lovely holiday-hostess gift for all the parties you have on your calendar this month are candles ($24) by the new local company Petal (available at Burnt Sugar, Frenchy's and Undies and Outies).

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