Holiday shopping can be a major bummer, especially if you are unemployed or on a tight budget. How do you get around purchasing something for everyone on your list without going broke? How can you buy something small and inexpensive without looking like an asshole (I'm imagining Samantha from SATC calling baby Brady an "asshole", right)? But most importantly, how do you avoid shopping for yourself during this fun fashion season?
Stay clear of retailers that you, yourself enjoy. Just because you like something and would buy it for yourself, does not mean that a friend or family member would love it just the same. Unless you had a genuinely fantastic experience with a particular product and are eager to spread the word about it, do not give gifts you expect others to give to you.
Ladies love scarves! I personally think a scarf is a very Fashion Friendly & Frugal gift. Not only can you find fairly frugal scarves, but you can more than likely find a print and/or color to compliment the receiver's coloring and personality.
How about a quirky make-up bag? Target and Nordstrom's Rack have amazing make-up bags in all shapes, sizes, and price-points. Quite frankly, what girl does not need a new make-up bag?! Have you looked at yours lately?... pretty gnarly, huh?
Now for the men. They are quite difficult to shop for. Stereotypically, holiday gifts for them tend to be tools, electronics, and other big ticket items many people cannot realistically fit into their budgets. So what in the hell do you get for the boys?! Try a pair of gloves, Target always has good prices and Macy's Men's Store always has sales. Maybe a CD (not illegally downloaded and burned) or a great book they may enjoy (and by book I do not mean Playboy).
If you are on a strict budget or have a lot of people on your gift list, pick out a very nice card for each recipient - none of that 99 cent shit). Papyrus is always my go-to brand when I want something super nice. The best part about sending out cards is that you can send them to that many more people, considering they are cheaper than most gifts one would usually buy. Actually, the best part is that you can personalize each card and send a very special holiday message to each individual.
DO NOT purchase bath stuff - unless that particular somebody LOVES splish splashing in the bath. DO NOT buy a wallet, not matter how frugal it may be, unless you are willing to hide a bunch of cash in it - or a fat check.
One BIG "do" for gift-giving this year (and any year for that matter), is to donate to a local charity, research facility, and/or family in need. Your recipient may have a "WTF moment" but will soon realize that there are many more important things in life than to receive a holiday gift.
Good luck with your holiday shopping this year and I wish you all even more luck with all of your family gatherings. Enjoy the holidays and celebrate safely.
XOXO
FF&F
*Image: www.westranchbeacon.com
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