Great Gal Pal Gifts for Under $25

What would we do without . . .

. . . the friend that brings you chicken soup and ice cream when you're flat on our back fighting a vicious bug?

. . . the pal that grabs your kids at school pick up with the GYN is running late and you're still in the stirrups?

. . . the girlfriend you can call to vent to, instead of endlessly screaming at your kids, or doesn't hang up on you when you can't contain the hollering any longer?

. . . the teacher that deals with your little monsters day in and day out and still manages a smile?

This time of year the gift list is lengthy and budgets are stretched, so here are a few fun (and thrifty) things I've spotted for those gals in your village.

Two of my favorite reads this year happened to be by two of my favorite bloggers -- the original Scary Mommy, Jill Smokler,  and The Bloggess, Jenny Lawson.

This fall I met Janet Frongillo of Muffintop Mommy at a gathering of Boston area parent bloggers, and as soon as I heard the title of her then recently published book, "Mommy Mixology: A Cocktail for Every Calamity", I knew I'd love her and her blog. Entertaining reading while you sip . . . what a fab combo!

For a few more laughs, check out my neighbor friend's MomGoodz shop on Etsty -- "cheeky gifts for overextended Moms".

As you may recall, I have a huge crush on BlueQ -- their business model & their cheeky line of totes, purses and tins.

If you and your friends are anything like me & mine, there's always a smartphone stashed in a pocket, or stuffed in the yoga pants waistband, so here are two handy gifts for the iPhone addict in your village.

Make any pair of glove touchscreen-friendly with Digits, from Quirky.com.

And to keep that pesky earbud cord untangled -- throw a Wrapster in that gift bag, too.

And if you have a pal that is more fashionista than gadget geek, check out these surprisingly affordable statement necklaces (with matching earrings) from Bridget's Boutique -- my new blogging bud, Muffintop Mom turned me onto her stuff.

Source: bridgetsboutique.bigcartel.com via Fortuitous on Pinterest

(Note: I just got word from Bridget herself that the Boutique is, unfortunately, closed until after the New Year. But don't forget these beautiful baubles, they make great birthday presents!)

 Three cheers (preferably with a cocktail in hand) to all those gal pals that help keep our villages going!