My girlfriend has three hundred different monkey charms. So I thought I had my work cut out for me when she told me the only thing she wanted for Christmas was to expand her collection of this sterling silver jewelry. But I am brave; and besides, I thought it was a bit of a challenge. So I did what every red-blooded American male does when daunted; I called her sister! Mandy and her sister Rose have been close since childhood, and I knew if anyone could tell me where to look for unique handmade jewelry, she could.

And she did! And I was overjoyed to find out that the Magic Zoo also carries elephant accessories! This resolved another holiday gift dilemma; finding a gift for my mom. Mom is, lucky for me, crazier about 925 silver than she is 14K gold jewelry, so both pendants were very affordable. And the result? Mandy jumped in the air, threw her hands around me and gave me a big kiss! She really loved that little silver charm. And my Mom was impressed I actually found her something tasteful this year.