But don’t let such razzle-dazzle blind you into thinking you must spend millions ($5,000,000 to be exact) to sparkle in the spotlight. Listed below are a few stunning and way more affordable black diamond jewelry alternatives that are sure to enhance your look.

Start off your black diamond collection (because it will turn into one before you know it) with a pair of classic princess-cut black diamond studs. They are understated yet refined, so you can wear them from business hour to happy hour, to late-night delight.

On those hot nights out on the town, complement your little black dress with an eye-catching black diamond fashion ring: a unique design that will reflect even the dimmest evening lights from every angle.

If you are into heart designs, treat yourself to a truly exquisite black and white diamond heart pendant. This piece is one you will treasure forever, so it’s well worth the indulgence.

And if you are willing to splurge on something spectacular – and I mean SPECTACULAR – indulge in a show-stopping 1-carat black and white diamond ring. This stunner will have you reveling in your own fabulousness (and make lots and lots of women develop ring envy).

So be bold when it comes to your jewelry wardrobe: step out of the box and dare to wear black diamonds. They’re hot. They’re in. They’re a girl’s new best friend.

It’s hard for single people this time of year when advertising bombards us with images of happy couples gifting one another with luxury gifts to show their undying love for one another.

Why not ignore the advertising and lovey-dovey couples this year and indulge yourself?  That’s right, gift yourself…who says that you cannot? There is no rule against gifting yourself every once in a while.

Here are some gift ideas for the single gal that I have found online.

Why not make yourself a yummy chocolate goodie using this cookbook? The Deep Chocolate cookbook is only $19.95 from Fredflare.com

Making your own chocolate goodies is better than getting the semi-stale boxes of chocolate from the supermarket from a last-minute shopping boyfriend, right?

Next, why not light some candles to relax? Like these:

This 6-piece candle set from Overstock.com is only $55.99 and would set the mood for a long soak in the bath.

Once the candles have set the mood, it’s time to prepate a bath with wonderful scented bubble bath.

A Diet You can Live With Gift Set by Philosophy at Sephora.com gives you three great scents to add to your tub: Pink Frosted Layer cake, Creme Brulee, or Fudge Cake. Quite an indulgence for just $30.00.

Or you can choose:

Cinnamon Red Hots scented bubble bath by Philosophy smells just like the candy version and is almost good enough to eat. It’s only $16.00 as well, so not too expensive if you want to indulge yourself in cinnamon scent.

After a long relaxing soak in a bath, why not paint those nails…both fingers and toes.

 Sephora has many great nail polish colours in the Sephora by Opi nail polish line. They have just come out with six new colours for spring, all bright and spring-like. My favorite is 24/7 (pictured). They are only $9.00 as well.

Then treat your lips right (for future kissing when Mr. Right comes along) by putting on a bit of lip gloss.

Another great, new, gift set by Philosophy. This lip gloss duo is flavored Candy Hearts and Pink Bubbly. The gloss both smooths and moisturizes your lips as well as tastes great! It’s only $20.00 at Sephora.

After your bath, slip into this incredibly comfortable sleep set by Victoria’s Secret:

Not only is the sleep set comfortable but it is also organic. It only costs $26.00 as well, so why not indulge yourself? Who says you can only dress pretty for a boyfriend?

Buy yourself some jewelry! Being single doesn’t mean you can’t gift yourself with some bling. Boyfriends can be so cheap in gifting anyway and you need something pretty to wear!

Maybe this love necklace by Zad I found on Lulus.com. It’s only $11.00 and really eye-catching.

Or, my personal favorite, this Love Note necklace in sterling silver from Dogeared Jewels. It’s $74.00 and you know you are worth it!

Or if you really want to indulge yourself:

This Louis Vuitton ring is a spendy $265.00 at eLuxury but sometimes a gal just needs to gift herself with something expensive!

Just remember ladies, single does not mean dead. Valentine’s Day can be a day to celebrate yourself and show yourself a little love. Men can be so unpredictable and “hit or miss” with gifts anyway, you might as well make sure you get something you really want!

To wear

From top left: Skull Bib, Raised by Wolves onesie, iPoo onesie, cute baby shoes, My Mom is Hotter than Yours onesie, and My Daddy Rocks onesie.

To Cuddle

From top left: Ludic the Woollyhoodwink, Billy the Tuff Bunny, Drunk Underwear Man (I wonder why its no longer for sale…?), and Bop’N Beep.

To Watch

From top left: Flights of Fancy Mobile and Moo Cow Mobile.

To Read

From top left: The Baby Owner’s Manual and The Baby Owner’s Maintenance Log, great introduction books for techie parents. Baby Fix My Car and Baby Mix Me a Drink, great educational books for your baby to learn how to do something useful for their parents

Don’t forget there is still another fantastic option for any design lover on your gift list! A magazine subscription is really the perfect gift, at least for me. I love running to the post to pick up the latest Living Etc, Domino or even W (as we know home decor follows fashion). Below are a few of my monthly reads!

Do you have a favorite design book or magazine? If there are books on your list this year, what are they?

SpareSoles are perfect for fashionistas who forgo comfort for style and sport killer heels (emphasis on “killer”) on party nights. (We all do it!) Light and portable, they’re easy to tuck away into an evening bag or clutch. While they don’t provide much support, they’re sure to relieve achy feet from four and five-inch heels during formal events and functions.

Help your pal make the most of the shoe collection she already has by giving her a pair of shoe clips. Shoe clips are an easy way to add new life and flair to a plain pair of shoes. Try Absolutely Audrey or Shoeworthy – some are even made out of vintage brooches and pendants!

You can also think beyond the shoes and about what will make her comfortable — what does she want after a night on her feet? Maybe this Davies Gate Seeds & Grains Best Foot Forward Super Luxe Foot Set will do the trick! It includes a Buckwheat Buffing Soap, a warming Mustard Seed Foot Serum, and a hydrating Cardamom Foot Butter. And, of course, comfy terry slippers are always a winner — and these are even monogrammable.

For a bit of humor, give her something fun but useful like a high heel cake server or stiletto letter opener.

Stiletto by Caroline Cox is a historical analysis about how the stiletto heel has been perceived since its invention (elegant or vulgar?). And if your friend is concerned with keeping up with the trends, sign her up for a subscription to Lucky magazine — each issue displays practical translations of runway couture to real world style.

None of these options quite right for your shoe addict friend? Send a Piperlime gift card her way and let her choose her gift — shipping is free, it never expires, and with their wide selection, she’ll definitely find a pair of shoes she loves!

What happens when the friend/relative doesn’t drop hints and they are the type of person who isn’t into the latest American Idol Winner CD or fuzzy slippers as gifts? You know, the loved one who walks to the beat of their own drummer and is of the creative mindset. What do you do then?

I have been wandering the Internet for the past few weeks looking for inexpensive gift ideas for those types of people because, well, being a photographer, I am one myself. So let’s see if I can help you out a bit.

For The Artist:

These colored pencils are made out of recycled Chinese newspapers! The come in their own tube for storage and are fun, as well as functional. They are also only $10!

This book offering tips on how to be creative when making cards and envelopes for postal mail is perfect for those artists who love to keep in touch with faraway friends. It has 25 different creative projects for those who love to write snailmail and is only $20.95!

For The Writer:

Every writer, professional or someone who just loves to journal, loves to have a place to write down all their thoughts and ideas. Why not get them a classy blank book to capture all the ideas running around in their heads? This blank, unlined, moleskine journal is only $15.00.

This book is for the writer who wants to publish their own books, zines, graphic novels, or any other form of book on their own. It is full of ideas and resources to get the writer published and it is only $21.95.

For The Photographer:

The Holga camera is perfect for that photographer in your life who loves to be artistic with their images. The Holga has light leaks and sometimes even double exposes the film which can create interesting images during printing. Holgas are perfect for black/white medium format (120) film and, as I own one myself, I highly recommend them. Your best bet for buying on cheaply is to go to a site like Calumet Photo where you can buy one for only $32.99.

For The Budding Fashion Designer:

If your loved one is a fashion designer in the making, or just a lover of fashion, this is the book for them. This book is full of sketches, designs, and drawings from designers like Betsey Johnson and Karl Lagerfeld, to name a few. This $40 buy will definitely inspire the fashion lover in your life to get sketching those ideas for fashion out on paper.

This origami kit comes with instructions and folding papers so the fashionista in your life can fold origami clothing and accessories to their heart’s content. The best part? You can gift this for only $12!

For The Creative Traveler:

This guidebook is perfect for the traveler that likes to go off the beaten path and avoid the cliché tourist sites when in NYC. Full of color photos, the book explains unusual destinations, as well as how to get there. Perfect for the traveler that likes to really get to know a place that they visit and for $22.95, it won’t break the bank.

This journal is perfect for that creative traveler that wants to record their wanderings in the world. It has plenty of room for writing, doodling, making lists, and features built-in envelopes to stash ticket stubs and other items from your travels. Priced at $27, it comes with a pouch to protect the journal.

These are just a few of the finds I have made recently online that would make great gifts for those hard-to-buy-for creative people in your life. Have fun shopping and try not to get buried under stress this holiday season!

If your boyfriend seems stressed about gifts, show him this link. Most of these gifts are less than $20 and all are covetable in their own right.

1. Stocking – This plastic to-go cup is environmentally friendly and budget-conscious too. You can save up to $30 a week making your own coffee at home, but still carry the familiar cup in your hand. $20.00
2. Christmas Eve – The Night Before Christmas was originally titled A Visit from St. Nicholas. Find an early edition copy for a lovely and nostalgic Christmas Eve gift. $10-25
3. Stocking – J.Crew makes lovely gloves, like this yellow fingerless pair. Slip the mittens over your fingers if you get chilly! $12.50
4. Christmas Eve – Christmas Eve pajamas are a must-buy. Make them sexy, but with some holiday-ish print. Victoria’s Secret has great options. $39.50
5. Under The Tree – Take tons of photos with this adorable pink fisheye camera. $48
6. Under The Tree – More of a couple present, this wine accessories kit is a great deal, comes in a nice boxed set and is the perfect thing to bring along on a spring picnic. $12.50
7. Stocking – Starbucks has this great gift set of holiday blend coffee featuring characters from A Charlie Brown Christmas. $40
8. Under The Tree – With everyone so busy these days, it’s hard to find time to read a long, exhaustive novel. Try a collection of short stories for quick pick-me-ups. $12
9. Under The Tree – To make perfume buying easy, get this collection of popular scent samples. $50
10. Under The Tree – Every girl loves shoes. Just find the right size! $48
11. Under The Tree – Turtlenecks are a wardrobe must-have, especially in the winter, as you can wear them over and over. Try them under summer dresses to extend your wardrobe when the snow flies. $10 each
12. Stocking – Adorable gingham headbands at an amazing price. $2.80
13. Under The Tree – Every woman loves flowers, but try these more earthy, elegant arrangements for something different. $50
14. Christmas Eve – You must have slippers to go with your new Christmas pajamas. May I suggest these from Old Navy? I have them and adore them. $20
15. Under The Tree – The entire series of Sex and the City is the kind of decadent gift every woman wants, but would never buy for herself. Wrap it pretty! $95

1. Wine glasses

They’re the perfect gift for just about anyone, whether they drink wine or not. Sparkling cider or white wine alike can be enjoyed in this set of stemless Chardonnay tumblers (just $15)!

2. A Cozy Winter Accessory

Berets are totally on trend this winter, so I don’t think anyone on your gift list would be mad to unwrap this 100% cashmere topper. It comes in black and chocolate brown as well. At $25, you might wanna treat yourself to one as well.

3. Something Chic for the Home

Candles are always a great idea – which is why most people have one or two collecting dust in their homes already. I recommend a candle holder instead. It doesn’t burn away, so it’s automatically a better investment. This crystal, square-cut Vera Wang holder is a steal at $15.

4. Small jewelry pieces

Baubles are a thoughtful gift for the fashionista in your life. Just be sure you know their taste well. Your boho friend, for example, would totally dig this wooden bangle by Kenneth Kay Lane – and you’ll dig that it’s $20 on Bluefly, not $50 which is what it retails for.

If your budget’s a lil’ higher than $25, there’s a plethora tres chic wallets & cosmetics clutches for under $50. Take a look, and happy shopping!

For My Sister:

This jeweled headband is made from vintage pieces, making it one-of-a-kind.

For My Mum:

My mom and dad have a black lab they love dearly, and my mother likes to find little home decor items or the like that have subtle appearances of their dog. She’d really like these adorable holiday greeting cards.

The vase is another good find: it’s all handmade porcelain, and the yellow interior would match the colors of the living room and sitting room in my parents’ home.

For Dad:

My dad is notoriously hard to shop for. It’s not that he’s picky, it’s just difficult to find something useful or meaningful that’s not power tools, ties or cuff-links. This gorgeous photograph of Nova Scotia, Canada, where he grew up, would be perfect framed in his home office.

Okay, I know, cufflinks are so freaking cliched, but these are made out of vintage typewriter keys, for goodness sake. So cool.

For My Fiance:

You’re thinking, “Teacups? Seriously?”

I’m not crazy–my fiance is a strange bird. He enjoys shopping for home decor and looking at decorations and paint ideas. He could spend hours in Ikea. I’m not kidding.

This teacup set is really unique because one, it’s handmade, and two, it’s designed specifically with items you may find in video games (weapons, health elixirs, etc.) My fiance is not only a video game fan, but also works in the industry, so this is really ideal for him.

The soaps are a super stocking stuffer. My fiance hates body wash and gel because, and I quote, “They don’t clean well enough.” He’s a big bar soap fan, and these have the scent of frankincense and myrrh: how appropriate for Christmas!

The last item is a set of skinny ties. My fiance loves skinny ties and refuses to wear “regular” ones. I often hunt around vintage shops to see if I can find any, but since they are becoming more popular, it’s getting harder and harder to pick them up at a decent price. Etsy.com has lots of skinny tie options, and many of them are vintage, which is even better.

For Anyone!:

I love these earrings (hello, fiance!). They are affordable, beautiful and really organic-looking. Any friend would adore you for buying them these.

For a dog-lover in the family or among your friends, you can’t do much better than a doggy bowl platform as well-designed as this.

If you know a photographer, or just someone who appreciates photography and cameras, this necklace is a good bet.

One of my favorite Etsy finds is a set of Harry Potter-themed journals based upon classes that Harry and friends attended at Hogwarts. This journal–”Defense Against the Dark Arts”–is my favorite of the set, but they are all lovely and have really unique graphics and typefaces.

I like the color of this vintage-style scarf, and it makes getting dressed a cinch, as you just pull one end through the loops and it stays in place all day.

• What are you buying your family and friends this holiday season?