It’s the time of year we all look forward to. The most common month for generosity to be at an all time high while bank accounts reside at an all time low. Fortunately, there is a way around losing your trust fund.
Affordable gifts are really not that difficult to come by. You just have to make the time and be willing to put in the effort. I find that it’s easier to make a list of what you want at least three shopping trips ahead of Christmas. (On a side note, I think it should always be acceptable to measure time by shopping trips.) If you think you’ll be able to make it to the mall only once a week, start planning three weeks ahead of Christmas. If you think you can make it three times in a week, you can wait a little longer. Just give yourself some time. No one likes to be stuck stressing out and scouring the malls with the forgetful husbands and boyfriends on Christmas Eve.
Here are 5 suggestions for gifts for your parents, siblings, friends, pets, grandparents and boyfriend. There’s a homemade option for extra affordability, but all suggestions are under $50! Also, there’s a different watch for every category, because I believe that it is a timeless gift, and there are endless options for both genders and all ages.
Hope this makes your holiday shopping a little more enjoyable!
Boyfriend/ Guy Friends/ Brothers
1.HOMEMADE: fleece blanket- with sports team/school
http://www.linusidaho.org/finishafleeceblanket.htm
2. WATCH: Swatch Once Again Watch; dillards.com; $50
3. Duffel bag: NIKE Brasilla 5 Small Duffel Bag; sportsauthority.com; $27
4. Plaid button down: Urban Renewal Vintage Printed Flannel Shirt; urbanoutfitters.com; $39
5. CD: Take Care (Deluxe Edition); walmart.com; $15.88
Mom
1. HOMEMADE: Picture coasters
http://www.oopseydaisyblog.com/2011/08/photo-tile-coasters-using-resin.html
2. WATCH: Style&co. Watch, Women’s Silver Tone Bracelet SC1282; macys.com; $29.98
3. Slippers: Natural Women’s Hearthside Slippers; llbean.com; $34.95
4. Massage: 1- hour Swedish or deep tissue massage; Massage Envy; $39
5. Boots: Grey Report Makee; zappos.com; $47.99
Dad
1. HOMEMADE: Jersey koozies
http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2011/03/sports-jersey-insulated-beverage.html
2. WATCH: Unlisted Watch, Men’s Gunmetal Tone Bracelet UL1198; macys.com; $29,98
3. Cologne: Set Sail St. Barts 0.5 oz. Cologne Spray; tommybahama.com; $20
4. Wallet: Calvin Klein Wallet, Pebbled Leather Trifold; macys.com; $30.99
5. DVD: “Fast Five;” fye.com; $22.99
Grandma
1. HOMEMADE: Festive fudge
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/festive-fudge-806670/
2. WATCH: Ivory AK Anne Klein Round Dial Leather Strap Watch; shop.nordstrom.com; $38.90
3. Bath set: Vanilla Bean Noel Splish Splash Gift Set- Vanilla Bean Noel; bathandbodyworks.com; $30
4. Photo album: Light Blue Leather Brag Book Photo Album; crane.com; $50
5. Necklace: Tallia Linear Necklace; chicos.com; $38
Girl Friends/ Sisters
1. HOMEMADE: Picture slideshow DVD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLzc0OVcFrI
2. WATCH: Cobalt Titanium “Soft Touch” Watch; shop.nordstrom.com; $18
3. SCARF: Sarah Rugby Stripe Scarf; bananarepublic.gap.com; $39.50
4. MANI/PEDI: You have to Google to find a place near them, but here’s a place in Waterford:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterford-Nails-and-Spa/151325794909285
5. PURSE: Bag; hm.com/us; $24.95
Grandpa
1. HOMEMADE: Framed family tree
http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Themes/Family/1099.php
2. WATCH: Timex Watch, Men’s Black Leather Strap T2H281UM; macys.com; $45
3. Cigars: Here’s a website where you can browse Cuban ones: http://www.cigars-of-cuba.com/
4. Golf balls: Bridgestone e7 2010 Golf Balls; golfsmith.com; $17.98
5. Coffee: Starbucks VIA Christmas Blend; starbucksstore.com; $11.95
Pet
1. HOMEMADE: Doggie bark
http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/homemade-christmas-gifts/christmas-presents-for-pets/doggie-bark-687164/
2. Treat: Whiskas Temptations Cat Treats; petsmart.com; $1.50
3. Toy: Super Pet Comfort Wheels; petsmart.com; $6.99
4. Outfit: Top Paw Christmas Tree Dress; petsmart.com; $13.99- $14.69
5. Bed: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash; petsmart.com; $42.99