In the end, I decided to forgo that idea in favor of something a bit safer (update to come). But, if you are a confident gift giver, and you are sure the shoes you are buying will be adored, I say go for it. Or, as an alternative, what about a gift certificate to Zappos, Shoes.com, or, my personal favorite, Shoemall.com (if they have the same shoe, they are usually at lower prices than Zappos or Shoes.com, and they do the same free shipping, yadda, yadda, yadda) and a color print out of some shoes you think they'd like?
Here are some great party shoes:
Steve Madden's "Luvvy" in black/white. $79.95
Bonus! They have a matching bag. $48.00
Naturalizer "Focus" pumps at Shoemall. $69.95
Made by Elves (how cute!) Gold Wingtip shoes at Urban. $68.00
Carlos Santana "Flirt" Snake print flats at Smart Bargins. $39.95