BY TIFFANY SCIACCA

I have never been a water lover per se. Blame it on two drowning experiences or maybe in a past life I was a failed mermaid left behind on the shores by my impatient sisters. But, I have always enjoyed it from a distance, appreciating the beauty and strength. Now, that the ocean is practically outside my window, I have been able to take my time warming up to it. Listening to the tide roll in and out, collecting beautiful sea glass, finally going in mid-thigh, still shrieking like a banshee and now that the air has cooled and the beaches no longer overrun by tourists and locals alike, I enjoy long hand holding walks. Now some people love the water and anything water related. Luckily, there are quite a few gift options out there and below you will find what I hope are interesting ideas for the upcoming gift giving season.

1. JELLYFISH PLANTER

I did not even know such a thing existed! Jellyfish are beautiful as it is in their natural state. Here in Sicily you can spot them peeking just above water floating along with the current. However, they are far more appealing and accessible as planters. These Jellyfish planters would be perfect for air plants or and would look beautiful in any window, especially with a blur sky as a backdrop. I especially like the lavender and mango shades.

Small Jellyfish Hanging Planter, $28 at CindySearles

2. A DREAMY COLORED POLISH

I am a sucker for nail polish. Let it be known that every list I make in the future will feature a polish, even if it is a list about cereal. I think nail polish is just one of those safe buys. If you have a friend who loves to glam up? Perfect gift. On the other hand, if you have a friend who is more minimalist than a straight line, chances are they still might desire a pop of color bright or muted on their toes or pinky finger. You can find a decent bottle for less than a few dollars or go all out. Serge Lutens has a bottle that sells for $65! That is a bit rich for my blood but I would spend $10 for someone that I know would appreciate it. Odeme is Five Free and Cruelty Free. Cassavetes is described as an "ever so pale lilac."

Cassavetes nail polish by Odeme, $10 at Catbird

3. A FILM SET IN OR AROUND THE GREAT BLUE SEA OR ANY BODY OF WATER

Perhaps the person you are shopping for is a Film buff? At first, I was going to run with that one film about a man-eating shark because that is one of my favorite movies. Apparently, my father took me to a showing of Jaws and used me as a baby shield when the scary parts came up. (That might explain a few things.) But, I decided to go with The Host, which came out in 2006 and is a great, albeit sad take on the monster genre and is about a father’s quest to rescue his daughter from a sea monster. If they favor something with a little less bite, then 2007’s The Water Horse may be more to their taste. The Water Horse is based on a children’s novel written by Dick King-Smith, is set in Scotland, and is a little more E.T. than Jaws.

4. AQUATIC LIFE INSPIRED WALLPAPER OR FABRIC

I think it’s a great idea to creative your own setting. Especially if you are fortunate to have your own little home office or writing nook at home or have a nice boss that will let you decorate your cubicle. The smaller the space, the less cost to you.

Custom wallpaper, $5 a foot at Spoonflower, Collection Underwater Worlds

5. VINTAGE SNAPSHOTS

One can always make room for art, and vintage photographs are much easier to obtain for a decent price. You can walk into almost any vintage shop or used bookstore and find a trove of photographs or even postcards. Pick some centered on swimming, sunbathing, or even just a view of any body of water whether it is the ocean or a backyard swimming pool.

Vintage photo, Circa 1940 $4 at Mirrors of Time

via Mirrors of Time — via **Mirrors of Time**

So, there you have it. Now you can let someone else add to your loved friend’s seashell collection and surprise them with a little treat that they did not see on the horizon!

Tiffany Sciacca is a writer who has recently moved to Sicily from the Midwest. Her work has appeared in the Silver Birch Press, SOFTBLOW and DNA Magazine UK. When she is not learning a new language or trying to blend in, she is reading horror anthologies, binging on Nordic Noir or plugging away at her first Giallo screenplay. @EustaceChisholm