7 Gift Ideas for the Single Guy or Gal

Intent.com

As the temperature drops and the lights go up, shoppers will be scrambling from store to store to find the perfect holiday gifts for their loved ones. Yet some people, like the mother of my friend Michael, do not venture quite as far. "Nothing is too good for my son," says this New Jersey mom. And so, for the past six years this lucky (or not so lucky) bachelor has received what she perceives is the perfect gift, a complimentary subscription to the Match.com matchmaking service for Hanukah.

From wedding registry re-gifts from the newly married to that ever so useful stash of Starbucks certificates, regardless of religious denomination or region, when it comes to gift giving singles might as well be on the receiving end of the stale fruit cake. The Holidays should be magical for everyone, so in the spirit of fairness, SingleEdition.com has assembled this Just for One Gift guide for you to pass along to friends and family!

1. Handy Roadside Assistance: Solo car rides can be tiresome and boring, let alone stressful. Give a lonely commuter the gift of listening and learning while on the go with a monthly or yearly subscription to audible.com. Or save that directionally challenged someone in your life from getting lost with a GPS Navigation System. (Garmin.com or Tomtom.com)

2. A Few Good Pieces for Entertaining: No need to wait for the bachelor/bachelorette party to add to their collection of bedroom essentials. Luxurious lingerie or fine linens go a long way in making those casual get-togethers seem a little cozier. A sinfully rich array of goods for him, her or home is available at Frette.com. For a wider, more moderately priced assortment of intimate apparel, be sure to check out BareEssentials.com.

3. Something to Come Home To: Why should flowers, sweets and wine be reserved for lovers? For the perfect perennial, treat someone to "A Year of Seeds," distributed through RedEnvelope.com. The do-it-yourself kit comes with seeds and colorful earthen ware pots that match with each flower of the month. Looking for an unconventional yet upscale treat that both men and women can enjoy? Consider a batch of hand-dipped, chocolate covered and creatively designed pretzels available at Fretzels.com or bottles of wine from Channing Daughters Winery (Channingdaughters.com), both shipped monthly throughout the year.

4. Meals Made Easier: Who says you have to wait for a wedding registry to shower that special someone with accessories for the kitchen or home. An original serving piece, like the artistically crafted glass condiment or breakfast trays from South Africa we spotted online at JacarondaStyle.com, will surely impress the solo host/hostess, especially during holiday time. Individually sized pots, great for serving one or groups of plenty, are also an adorable accessory for the solo chef. Le Creuset and Crate and Barrel both offer a petit casserole in white, green or red. For a wider more sophisticated selection of colors and motifs patterns make sure to check out Vietri.com
5. Long-Term Help: When it comes to beauty, fashion, finances and home we can all use a little guidance. Some professional one-on-one time with a financial advisor, decorator or even image consultant is an assist we all would appreciate. Or give them the gift of a healthy new year with some free personal training sessions with their fitness, golf, tennis or ski instructor of choice.

6. Healthy Entertainment: For the person who is always on the go or in front of the computer, an online subscription to their favorite newspaper, magazine or service will keep them up to speed. So why not grant them a year's worth of unlimited access to Wall Street Journal, Zagats or Weight Watchers online for 2008!

7. Lasting First Impressions: Some of the simplest, finer things in life can have the most memorable impact. Surprise the guy who has umpteen sets of cuff links with sterling silver collar stays from Tiffany's, or treat the she who has everything to a spectacular new ring, broach or necklace from the Michal Golan collection (Michalgolan.com). Personalized accessories, like the letter embosser and other fine paper items we found at Horchow.com are a luxurious yet handy treat for all!

Friends, what it all boils down to is that being single should not be a disqualification from gift giving or receiving. After all, none of us signed up for a cruise to the Land of Misfit Toys. So don't be shy, consider us your secret Santa and send your wish list off to those near and dear to you.
- Sherri Langburt, www.intent.com

For singles who know there's life beyond dating, SingleEdition.com offers a lifestyle destination that embraces the culture of single living.