Holiday gift guide 2011: For your bestie

Nothing surprising here -- Doomtree rapper, solo artist and writer Dessa has plenty of smart ideas. From unique jewelry to 12-string guitars, these thoughtful gifts are perfect for that one person you know inside and out--your BFF.

1. Pilot Razorpoint Pens

Whereas most felt-tip pens are overly inky and sloppy, Dessa finds that these pens form a "lovely line that tapers on the lateral and makes full, robust vertical strokes." They're perfect for doodling and passing notes. (Art Materials, www.artmaterialsonline.com • $1.49-$3.25 each)

2. Used acoustic guitar

"I can't play guitar, which has heretofore prevented me from buying one," says Dessa. "But I've come to suspect that guitar ownership may be the first and necessary step to guitar mastery." Plus, it's a buyer's market -- when the economy tanked, local shops like Twin Town and Encore were flooded with used guitars. (Twin Town Guitar, 3400 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. • www.twintown.com • starting at $85)

3. Jewelry by Primitive Precisions

"Elemental and carefully executed," this local artisan's jewelry caught Dessa's attention. (available from artist Hans Early-Nelson, www.primitiveprecision.com • $20-$50)

4. Rare Bird jewelry

Dessa stumbled across Rare Bird at a recent open house at the Casket Arts Building, where artisan Micaela Clark has her studio. Made of salvaged items (including switchblades), these baubles aren't cheeky or ironic -- they're classic, romantic and beautiful. It's a little out of Dessa's price range, she says. "But that's what wish lists are for!" (available from artist Micaela Clark, www.rarebirdstudio.com • $42-$90)