If you’re getting a present from me, you better believe it’s homemade. Don’t return the gift you got me quite yet, though – I’m not talking the ornaments-made-of-popsicle-sticks kind of homemade. This year, all the good girls and boys on my list will get DIY, personalized drink coasters, because ringing in the New Year shouldn’t include unsightly cup rings on your new coffee table.

What you’ll need:
• 4″ x 4″ tiles
• Self-adhesive felt or cork pads (those circular felt pads for chair legs work perfectly)
• Photos
• Mod Podge®
• Gloss sealer finish

How to do it:
1. Flip each tile over and position one self-adhesive felt or cork pad in each corner so the tiles won’t scratch the table.
2. Cut your pictures to size using a ruler. Make sure no extra paper hangs over the sides when you lay the photo on top of the tile.
3. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the tile, position your picture carefully over it, and smooth down firmly. Ensure there are no wrinkles or bubbles in the picture.
4. Next, paint over the picture with a coat of Mod Podge. Make sure to coat the sides of the tiles and that all of your brush strokes go in the same direction.
5. Once the tiles dry, spray each liberally with a layer of gloss sealer. This will make them waterproof.
6. After the sealant has dried, stack the finished products in groups of 4 to 6, tie with a ribbon, and let the gifting begin.

By Grace Romanowsky of Valenki By ACE, Staff Writer

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Meet Maureen, an Event Producer on our Living team. She puts together our home-centric Boutiques, making sure that each and every part of the event (from the initial photo shoot to the finishing touches) goes off without a hitch. Check out the gifts she’s picked for those lucky enough to make her list. (Don’t I wish I was her cubemate!)

For my mom: ”I love that these are classic but modern, and will carry through year after year.”

For my boyfriend: “He has a bar that he inherited from his grandfather, and this would be great for entertaining on it.”

For my cubemates: “My team is awesome and they all deserve some sweet treats around the holiday season.”

Find all these gifts (and lots, lots more) on Rue now.

By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

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While a boyfriend, best friend, or mother extraordinaire may know us better than even we know ourselves, that doesn’t always carry over into actual gift-giving. This is where you come in. Two words: Drop. Hints. There’s no rule against helping well-intended gifters out – you’re simply putting their money to good use for them (read: not purchasing a holiday fruitcake).

Create a Pinterest board, showcasing the gifts you want. And then title it, “These are the gifts I want.” You can’t get more straightforward than that.

Load up on the Post-it® Notes, then attack that stack of holiday-edition catalogs. Like little yellow beacons that simply can’t be ignored, flag every last dress, sweater, and food processor you could ever want – and then leave that Post-it–packed catalog out in a spot where it won’t go unnoticed. Hello, gift guide.

Post “Don’t you love this!?” links of your top wants onto accomplices’ – er, friends’ – Facebook walls. Just make sure they’re mutual friends with your gift-giver, of course.

A little recon shopping trip never hurts. Take your gift-giver for a totally innocent spin around your favorite shops – and make your likes known.

‘Tis the season to keep (computer) windows maximized. That deliciously structured bag you have your heart set on? Pull it up online, expand the browser window to its maximum size, then step away from the computer. Its next user will most certainly make note.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

Have a trusty hint-dropping technique? Tell us about it in the comments, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Glittering crystals that catch every light in the room? They’re no longer reserved only for tiaras. Whether your list is still lacking a little something for the newest member of the family or the hard-to-shop-for minimalist, these sparkle-studded gifts are the special momentos that will delight any giftee:

Crystal Bib Necklace

Check off the girly girl: This is for the crystal die-hards out there. Straying from the typical fabric-based necklace trend, this statement-maker adds a rainbow of color and serious glam to any LBD or cashmere sweater.

Wrap Watch

Check off the minimalist: It may have some sparkle to it (a crystal-studded wristband never hurt anyone), but this understated watch is the dressed-up version of the classic ticker. Made modern by the sleek wrap strap, don’t be surprised if this piece becomes part of her everyday arsenal. 

Keyhole Keychain

Check off the non-jewelry wearer: Hard to believe, but jewelry isn’t for everyone. This beautiful handbag keychain, however, most definitely is. Perfect for adding a hint of glitter to any purse or set of keys, it’s the unfussy version of the long-time favorite tennis bracelet.

Crystal “It’s a girl” bear

Check off the new comer: Create a new tradition for every niece, grand child, and best-friend’s newborn with this stunning token to commemorate their first holiday. Beyond thoughtful (and, let’s face it, totally chic), this crystal bear will mark the beginning of a beautiful holiday season.

Our Swarovski Boutique opens Sunday, December 2, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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