It’s an inevitable hazard of holiday shopping. You’re out browsing for gifts, and all you can find is stuff for yourself.

Last year, I suggested a host of treats that you could buy for your sweetie for Valentine’s Day. This year, while out shopping, all I saw were treats to buy myself. It’s not exactly romantic, but when you pick out your own gifts, there’s no chance of them being the wrong color, the wrong size, or the wrong sentiment altogether.

I don’t think this is selfishness. I think it’s a natural evolution. It could even be perceived as feminism: You go, ShopGirl!

Taking a cue from my fellow columnist Jessica Bloch (of “Single File” fame), I think it’s a grand idea to buy yourself a right-hand diamond for Valentine’s Day. If you’re feeling flush, why not? If you’re not feeling flush, check out your local vintage shop or antique store, where you often can find high-quality jewelry (even diamonds) for a fraction of retail cost. Or, you could buy yourself a J.Lo-size semiprecious ring.

If rings aren’t your thing, pick up a bracelet. Lately, I’ve been all about large, jewel-encrusted cuffs with a Baroque look. If you’re looking for maximum flash for minimum cash, check out the stretchy beaded bracelets at Ampersand in Orono ($12) in ruby red. Tres romantique. They’re plastic, but that will be our little secret.

Speaking of plastic, several of my favorite girly V-Day gifts come in credit-card-size packages. Alchemy’s aptly named Hot Kiss lip palette is slim and sexy, with six sheer shades of gloss. It costs $22.50 and is available online at www.alchemy.com. If you’re looking for a long-term relationship, try Eyeko’s Fruity Felt Lip Pen (virtually smooch-proof) or the Make Out Kit, a cute, compact set of lip gloss, eye shadow and blush. They’re available at www.eyebeauty.com.

Rather shop locally? Try the “Love Bites” gloss set at Borders in Bangor. Cute.

Also at Borders, I found the conversation heart-shaped “Sweetnotes” playing cards by Two’s Company ($4.99). Perfect for poker, or solitaire, or, in light of Valentine’s Day, a game of hearts.

During a recent trip to Old Navy in Augusta, I thought their pink, retro-heart-print collar would look smashing on ShopPup, but I just bought her a collar last week, so I declined. I did mull over their Valentine pj’s, but I resisted. Like I need more holiday pajamas.

A few days ago, I stumbled over Stila’s Creme Bouquet Valentine gift set. The pink perfume and matching powder puff smell like Love’s Baby Soft, which brought me back to junior high. Then I realized I didn’t want to go back to junior high. If you do, visit www.sephora.com.

For those of you with more mature taste (OK, like my taste is mature!), I still maintain that a right-hand diamond is your best bet. Or a moonstone. Or carnelian. Something big, bold and sassy that says, “I love you” to the most important person in your life: you.

Reader Response

. The reader who was looking for lightweight wool socks is in luck. Leta Gillis of Calais wrote in to suggest wool-blend socks (10 percent to 17 percent wool) from Wal-Mart. They cost $3.95 a pair and, Gillis was happy to report, “no shrinkage so far.” Another reader, Judy Morrison of Milo, said her friend will knit a pair. For more information, contact me at the address at the end of the column.

. Just a quick note to thank you all for the flood of mail I’ve received since my column went weekly. Keep the letters coming! If I haven’t answered your question yet, don’t worry – I will. Until I do, happy shopping!

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476.