And while books might not be the most useful gift a person can receive (in this day and age, that would be cash), they can provide endless inspiration, amusement and information–and also make awesome pieces for the home in general. No matter who you’re shopping for–dad who loves cars, mom who obsesses over jewelry, your fashionable bff– you’ll always be able to find the right book. If they’re not into reading? Enter, the photo books. And now for a few of my Assouline favorites that might inspire some good giving of your own:

Proust Questionnaire in orange leather, $295 – I was given this book about 5 years ago and it is one of my favorites. Leather bound and printed on beautiful vellum paper with silver foil edges. Marcel Proust’s Questionnaire is one of the best-known interview devices. Fun, intelligent, and concise, it reveals much of the personality of those questioned. Complete with blank questionnaires for guests to complete. This is really a great coffee table book–and makes a wonderful gift for any new homeowner Or renter. Or anyone who enjoys entertaining.

Maharajas’ Jewels, Deluxe Edition, $395. More than mere emblems of wealth and beauty, the jewels of the maharajas symbolized the power and vision of India’s royal dynasties. This limited edition, presented in a leopard-print hinged slipcase box, includes a print on fine vellum paper. A treat for any jewelry lover.

Van Cleef & Arpels, $18.95. With over a century of unyielding devotion to the highest standards of haute jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels deftly combines glamour with nature and sophistication with simplicity—just like the women who choose it.

Survival Kit: Design, $150. Assouline has come up with some amazing book kits and I love the design one, which includes books on Bauhaus, Eames, Jean-Michel Frank and Le Corbusier.

The Impossible Collection, $550. Art advisers Philippe Segalot and Franck Giraud curate the ideal contemporary collection—in which money is no object and anything is possible—with this limited, hand bound edition showcasing the greatest works of art of the 20th century.

Art Game Book, $45. With games, puzzles, quotations, and commentaries, the Art Game Book is an original way to explore 20th-century painting, sculpture, architecture, design, video, installation, and photography. I bought a copy for one of my favorite ladies that loves both art and games.

What do you love to give?

Because the bottle shown next to the headline of “Holiday Gifts Under $100″ is really a $1,500 limited edition bottle of 50 hand painted by artist Sophie Matisse for Killian Hennessy – and I would know as I personally went to Matisse’s studio several weeks back to take a closer look at those exact bottles. WTF? I though this was a story about Holiday Gifts Under $100? Anyway, stay tuned for an intimate interview and look inside her studio that I’ve been meaning to post here for a while now…

• If you don’t know Kirna Zabete, it is time you get acquainted with the ultra chic boutique. – and today is the last day to snag 50% off of great designers like Giambattista Valli, Rick Owens, Nina Ricci, and many more (psst – if you are shopping for me, go here!)
• Today only, take 40% off (and an extra 10% off if you shop online) practically all full-priced merchandise (sweaters, jewelry, etc) at Banana Republic – you know, great sweaters for dads, jewelry for your sister
  
• Barneys is having yet another designer sale – definitely worth scrolling through (marni tights for $19 instead of near $100), plus take advantage of free shipping
• You’re probably going to stop reading my blog after you read this, but here’s hoping you don’t: Now through December 3rd, save 50% on the entire Lauren Conrad collection (yes, I’m talking about the collection by Lauren or LC from The Hills/Laguna Beach), which makes it all quite affordable. Ok, so the designs are all ripped off from Ella Moss, Vince, James, etc., but the fabric is super soft, the styles are all really easy to wear, and yes, I am placing an order. Makes for pretty good giving whether they know Lauren’s history with Brody or not
• Net-a-porter‘s super sale is still going on and going strong…
• and of course, BCBG is on sale, on sale, on sale – this time with free shipping on everything purchased today

It is safe to say that I’m filled with the holiday spirit. I’ve been shopping for gifts for a while now and have decided to share some of my favorite finds and ideas with you via my Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide.

See that cute little Kidrobot reindeer off to the left? He’ll be here all season and whenever you click on him you’ll go directly to the page with all of my gift ideas. Some are naughty, some are nice, all of them are great! I hope you enjoy and check back often as I’ll be adding to it often…Happy Holidays!

Now that you’re all loving Nicole Romano, you’ll be happy to know that her jewelry made it’s debut on VIVRE today.

Her pieces have a polished yet punk-y quality to them and bring a little edge to any look. The mixture of different metals within single pieces make them easy to pair with stuff you already own – my favorite piece is actually a simple short chain necklace of gold and rose gold antique chain with a thin silver chain woven in the center of the other two.

What also makes Nicole’s jewelry so great is the price – pieces are usually anywhere from $100 to $300) – so buy something for yourself and keep the collection in mind when you need to get a fabulous gift for a cool friend.

The next time you’re celebrating one of these fabulous occasions, look to Tina Tang for a great gift. She has a ton of adorable charms available so you’ll find just the right one.