Gifts
Holiday Gift Tips on a Budget
It used to be that Thanksgiving ushered in the holiday season, but these days? It’s the minute Halloween is a memory—so that means it’s time to start making our strategic holiday plans. This year, saving money will be more key than ever, so we’ve compiled a few tips to help you enjoy the season without worrying about paying off some huge bills come Jan. 2 . . .
- Hold a White Elephant Party. A White Elephant Holiday party (aka “regifting”) is when you gift something you already own. The key to white elephants is to give the person something they want (family heirloom, your plasma TV) and not stuff that would otherwise be headed straight to the garbage.
- Use Giftcards. I use this tip especially during the holiday season. I put my entire Christmas budget on a Visa giftcard from my bank and once the money is gone, I’m finished shopping. Also works well for back to school.
- Get Coupons. Many of your favorite stores, like Off Fifth, Saks Fifth Avenue outlet, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales and Filene’s Basement, offer in store coupons if you sign up for their online newletters. You can also find coupons online by entering the name of the store and the word “coupon” in your search browser to find a long list of sites with coupons for the store.
- Check Online Before Buying in the Store. Use the SKU number (the numbers underneath the bar codes on the price tag) to find your favorite items online for less. Entering the SKU number into Google and a list of sites/stores that sell that item will pop up. Compare prices for the best deal Furthermore, many online discount/off price stores like Smartbargains.com and Overstock.com, are not allowed to use the name of certain designers but will have the SKU numbers listed on the page.
Now, For Something Completely Different…
What: The Something Store. The concept is simple: Pay 10 bucks and you’ll receive an item in the mail. Whether it’s a gadget, a necklace, knives, jeans, it’s a mystery until you open the box. Shipping is free, making it all the more tempting to surprise yourself.
What We Say: Novelty is the spice of life, we say, and this website is the most novel we’ve heard of in a long time. Treat yourself or someone else, and there’s even a chance that the item you get is worth way more than 10 bucks. It’s fun and entertaining, and a huge departure from the usual experience of shopping online. And hey, if you don’t like it, you can always sell it and get cash for something you do really want.
Would you take the risk?
Image from thesomethingstore.com
BareNecessities’ Father’s Day Sale
The Deal: Be conscious of your budget even while purchasing gifts for Father’s Day. BareNecessities.com is holding a sale until June 15—25% off brands like Champion, Hugo Boss, Gold Toe, and Tommy Hilfiger.
The Lowdown: BareNecessities has great deals on bras and underwear too, but sometimes we need to buy the basics for others. It’s hard to find a gift for a dad, so you might as well get him something you know he’ll need, like socks or PJ’s. Okay, you might not be wowing him with originality, but socks and T-shirts are personal gifts, especially if you know his preferences: ankle socks or tall, ribbed ones? Sleeveless or short sleeves? White or gray?
Shop it: www.barenecessities.com
Beautiful Journals for $15 or Less: Editor’s Picks
Keep track of your thoughts in beautiful style with one of these pretty journals, all priced at $15 or less:
1. Jill Bliss flower mini journal set, $14.95
2. Wonderland Dream Journal, $12.95
3. Continental Accessory Contech Diamond Starlight Journal, $3.99, Walgreens
Really, Really Cheap Holiday Gifts: Patterned Fleece Blankets
“THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: Old Navy has red houndstooth patterned performance fleece blankets for just 5 bucks each.
Who to Give it To: Who doesn’t love a soft, cozy blanket? I mean, seriously. And for $5, it’s definite Secret Santa material.
Buy it: @ OldNavy.com
Really, Really Cheap Holiday Gifts: Sassy Luggage Tags
What: A set of six “Sweet and Sassy” luggage tags, for $10, with bright colors and emblazoned with phrases that will hopefully keep everyone else’s paws off the luggage.
Who to Give it To: your favorite tired travelista, or anyone collecting ridiculous amounts of frequent flier miles
Buy it: @ Uncommon Goods
Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas
Gift Certificates: These are among my favorite gifts because they are, literally, the gift of choice. Nowadays, you can buy gift certificates for just about everything from electronics to cooking classes. Give grandma a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant, and your brother and new sister-in-law some vouchers to the movies. They will love the fact that you know them so well. If you’re really pressed for time, send an e-certificate—it’s sent right to the recipient’s e-mail right after you purchase them. You don’t even have to get off of the couch.
Books: There are books written on every subject, and if you know the recipient well, they make great gifts. Choose a coffee-table book of their favorite photographer, or the autobiography of one of their idols. Journals are great for a friend who loves to write.
Wine: Some of the best gifts are those you can consume. Wine makes a great gift, and comes in many flavors and price ranges. If you’re not sure which wine to choose, ask a wine-store employee. Most are extremely knowledgeable and can tell you the best selection for your price range. Just make sure to stay away from anything that comes in a box or jug.
Warmth: Quite a few gifts fall under this category, and all of them are greatly appreciated. Soft blankets make wonderful wraps during those cold winter months. Slippers are great for keeping chilly toes cozy. For a nontraditional twist, grab a pair of crocheted Mary-Janes. And don’t forget about hats, scarves or gloves. They come in a variety of styles and colors and you can find them just about anywhere.
Candles: You can never have too many candles, which are as functional as they are decorative. For that friend who always has a candle burning, purchase a couple of colorful ones and a decorative candle plate for next to nothing. Look for candles in various shapes, such as spheres. But be careful buying scented candles. What smells delicious to you may stink to your friend.
This short list should help you finish off your Christmas shopping with minimal effort. Now you can sit back, enjoy your rum-laced eggnog, and swear you’ll start your shopping earlier next year.
Advertisement
Featured on TBF
Copyright 2003-2009 TBF Group, LLC.