This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Newton Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Part Two: Women

Part two of four of our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide for buying presents right here in Newton.

Editor's note: This is part two in our four-part Newton Holiday Gift Guide series, where we present holiday gift suggestions you can find right here in Newton. Check out to see gift suggestions for little ones, toddlers and teens.

Stay tuned for next week's installment, which will be posted Wednesday, Dec. 14.

--

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The women in our lives do so much for us. Here is your chance to give back to that special gal with a gift that lets her know you understand the many roles she plays in your life and the lives of others.

Working Girl

Manicure/pedicure – If you want to help your working girl present a polished image, why not treat her to a mani/pedi at Miniluxe? Go for the full pampering treatment and spring for the Miniluxe Manicure, the Miniluxe Pedicure and the add-on neck/shoulder massage that can be done while her nails dry. Or to save her time, spring for one of the new Shellac gel manicures: she can sail out, digits done, without additional drying time and her nails will look newly polished for up to two weeks.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Available at .  Shellac Application w/ Manicure- $45; MiniLuxe Pedicure- $37; Add-on massage - $12.

Lapel pins – Just because she has to rock a power suit or cardigan at the office doesn’t mean you can’t help your working girl look fashionable. DIVA in Newtonville carries a wide assortment of pins that can dress up even the most conservative attire and give it that personal touch.

Available at . Silver and pearl portrait pin featuring silent film actress Theda Bara ($192); gold-toned Art Deco lady’s lapel watch pin from Elgin ($135); Nature’s Paintbrush jasper/black onyx/whiskey quartz/freshwater pearl/sterling silver pin/pendant from Amy Kahn Russell ($345).

Fitness Buff

Yoga classes – Sure, you want that special woman in your life to be good to her body, but you also want her to be good to her spirit. Combine both of these with yoga classes at Prana Power Yoga. Get your gal a 10-class pass, up the ante with a month of unlimited classes or really go for the gold with a year of unlimited yoga classes.

Available at or at their website. 10-class pass - $120; 1 month unlimited pass - $150; yearly unlimited pass - $1475.

Weights/pedometer – Now that winter is upon us, even the most dedicated exercise buff may have trouble getting motivated to leave the house (and the same will be true during the dog days of summer). Why not encourage your gal to keep in shape by helping create a home gym with hand weights and a step pedometer? Even when she’s just chasing after the kids or hitting the mall, your workout warrior can stay fit.

Available from . Step Pedometer from Sportline ($12.99); Neoprene-coated dumbbells in weights from 1 lb. to 10 lbs. ($1.99 – 1 lb. in increasing prices of $1.00 up to $10.99 for 10 lbs.)

Maternal Goddess

Photos of the family – What mother doesn’t love to look at pictures of her beloved offspring? Surprise Mom with professional photographs of her kids (even the furry ones!) from Robert Ruscansky Photography. Robert will work with you to put together a gift package that will last long after the holidays.

Available through . Contact Robert for pricing and to arrange a photo session.

Premade meals – We all know Mom is an amazing cook (or maybe just amazing at placing just the right takeout order). Why not help her put a nutritious, delicious meal on the table without hassle by getting her a gift certificate to Healthy Habits Kitchen? Owner and Newton resident Sue Schochet’s partially-prepared/assembled meal business has a location right over the border in Wellesley.  Mom can take her gift certificate (they come in any denomination), head over to HHK and either assemble the meal herself or pick up a pre-assembled package. You’re not just giving her the gift of food; you’re giving her the gift of more time and fewer dishes.

Available at or at their website- gift certificates in any denomination. Special: Be one of the first 25 to purchase an HHK gift certificate and earn additional credits - $100 ($10 free); $200 ($25 free); $300 ($50 free).

Hostess with the Mostest

‘Tis the Season Urban Wine Sampler – When you arrive at the party with this fantastic assortment of wines at a remarkably good price, you’re sure to be invited back again and again. Included in the Urban Grape 'Tis the Season package are the following wines: 2008 Haut Cabriére Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Blend; 2010 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon; 2010 Michael Pozzan’s Annabella Pinot Noir; Pascual Toso Brut Sparkling, Chardonnay. This is just one example of The Urban Grape’s gift packages, all wrapped up and ready to impress the hostess. Or your mother-in-law. If you’re lucky.

Available at - $50 for $66 worth of wine (includes gift wrapping)

Serving dishes and display  - If your hostess with the mostest is right under your roof, you can make entertaining easier for her with these thoughtful serving pieces. The three-tier bamboo server is environmentally friendly and easily cleaned after it’s been cleared of whatever delicious goodies your entertaining expert has served. The wide assortment of white porcelain servers and condiment dishes also make great everyday pieces.

Available at China Fair. Bamboo server from Lipper ($24.99); porcelain serving and condiment dishes (from $1.99 to $9.99).

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?