2012 Gift Guide: Perfect Presents for Your Favorite People

genConnect.com

It's gift-giving season and genConnect has reached out to some of your favorite experts for inspiration. We've got creative picks for best friends, style mavens, jet setters, wellness seekers, and, of course, grandma.

Armed with our expert recommendations, you can be confident that your presents won't be re-gifted next holiday. Expect to hear: "How thoughtful!" "How personal!" "How clever!" You can thank us in 2013. Happy gifting!

SpaFinder'sSallie Fraenkel suggests a winter getaway with your mom or best friend as the ultimate holiday gift. Her picks: The Oaks at Ojai in Ojai, Calif; Red Mountain Resort in Ivins, Utah; and Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, N.Y.

But if a spa vacation is out of reach, Fraenkel says a SpaFinder Wellness gift card is also a great option. "It allows the recipient to choose the wellness experience he or she truly wants," she says. "From a hot stone massage, to a facial, to a cutting-edge fitness experience such as TRX or CrossFit, to a destination spa in an exotic locale, SFW gift cards are accepted in 92 countries."

Liz Gumbinner, publisher and editor-in-chief of Cool Mom Picks and Cool Mom Tech, offers 3 ways to turn smartphone photos into smartholiday gifts. Grandma will love you for it.

The DIYVA Pillow Purse
The DIYVA Pillow Purse

Know a frequent flier? Do-It-Yourself guru Barbara Krecommends her pillow purse as the perfect accessory for looking chic while feeling well rested. And any mom will appreciate the pillow purse you gave her while waiting at the DMV or sitting in church with a tired toddler.

Wondering what the future holds for your future Ivy Leaguer? Learn from the current generation of Internet Pioneers featured in Hooked Up: A New Generation's Surprising Take on Sex, Politics and Saving the World by Jack Myers.

And if your makeup-loving niece is bummed that her favorite blush, nail polish, lipstick or eye shadow has been discontinued, GIELLA Custom Blend Cosmetics can match it. No wonder you're her favorite PANK (Professional Aunt, No Kids).

Want more fabulous gift idea from genConnect's experts? Click here for the complete 2012 Gift Guide.

About the Experts:

Sallie Fraenkel joined SpaFinder in 2004, bringing more than 20 years of marketing experience and a lifelong interest in health, fitness, and beauty to SpaFinder. Ms. Fraenkel was a 20-year veteran of the pay-television network Showtime Networks, where she founded and developed the company's fast-growing video distribution business.


Liz Gumbinner is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the popular shopping and trend blogs, Cool Mom Picks and Cool Mom Tech. She has a successful side career as a creative director in advertising and is frequently seen on programs like NBC's TODAY Show, The Martha Stewart Show, and CBS The Early Show.


Barbara Kavovit is the founder and designer of a successful line of tools and do-it-yourself products specifically designed for women. Barbara K created the DIYVA brand for women to give them easy solutions so they can be empowered to take on life's demands with style and confidence.


Jack Myers is a media economist and vice president of Media Advisory Group.Jack writes the weekly (subscriber-only) Jack Myers Media Business Report and publishes Jack Myers Wall St. Media Business Report, JackMyersThinkTank.com and MediaBizBloggers.com blog platform for industry thought leaders.