Purchasing a gift in today’s economy can be a stressful situation. Stocking up on a few gifts on sale can save anyone a bundle instead of being a procrastinator. Gifts need not be expensive but meaningful and functional. Think about the person’s personality, and find a gift that is unique. Here are some ideas for any occasion.
1. Magazine Subscriptions
Magazines such as Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and Family Circle usually cost less than $15 for a year subscription. Also, subscriptions usually have discounts such as buy one year subscription and obtain another year for free. Some magazines allow users to receive digital subscriptions and thus saving on paper and the environment. Amazon.com usually has subscriptions to magazines such as Catholic servant for under $16 a year.
2. Tickets
The Imaginist Theater in California usually has tickets to plays for $15 for adults and $12 for children. Anyone can purchase these tickets at brownpapertickets.com. Performing centers in your local town usually have discounts or tickets to shows especially during Christmas. Churches have concerts for under $15 during Easter and Christmas. Tourist attractions such as Miami’s Science Museum usually costs under $15 for adult tickets. Public Libraries usually have computer, crafts or other classes for $10-15 for an hour or more. Broward County libraries in South Florida have classes in computers for $15 or less.
3. Restaraunt.com gift cards
Anyone can purchase a$20 restaurant.com gift card for $10. These gift cards can be used for any restaurant. Some restaurants usually require the individual to pay for tips or gratuity. The user can visit the website to obtain the list of restaurants available in their area. These gift cards can be used in any state.
4. Catholic Virtual Mall.com
This virtual mall sells a wide selection of chocolate, rosaries, books, and statues for $20 and under. They have gifts for children, adults and seniors. However, individuals have to pay for shipping and handling on products bought. There are also products such as homemade fudge for $12 and under. Mugs, posters and other products are sold too.
5. Tree hut cosmetics
Tree hut usually sell body butter, scrubs, oils and shower gel . These products are made with Brazilian nut and others with coconut oil. These products cost under $10 and can be purchased at drugstore.com, amazon.com and other grocery stores. Anyone can combine the body butter, shower gel or scrubs to create a gift basket.
6. Bath and Body works
Aromatherapy products at Bath and Body Works make excellent gifts for that stressed out friend. Products such as lemon verbena and lemon ginger body lotions are sold for $15 and under each. They also have products for $6 and up. Purchase a few products and create a gift for a friend. Sometimes, bath and body works have specials where individuals can purchase 2 bottles of aromatherapy lotions or shower for $20.
7. Kitchenware and Homemade Pasta
Marshalls usually sell unique designed casserole dishes for under $8. A box of wine glasses can be purchased for $10 and up. Beautiful designed plates, cups and other kitchenware can be purchased for $15 or less. Home Made Italian pastas and cheeses can be bought for $10 and under and be combined in a gift basket for a dear friend.
8. Heart of Haiti Collection at Macys.
Heart of Haiti is a program that allows local Haitians to sell their crafts at Macy’s stores and macys.com. The Haitians receive income from these sales to sustain their families, pay school fees and help hurricane victims survive. Heart of Haiti Serve ware Painted Wood Collection can be purchased for $15. Coasters can be purchased at $15 for a set of four. Heart Pendants can be purchased for $12.
9. Books
Cookbooks, DYI books and prayer books under $18 can be purchased at Barnes and Nobles stores and amazon.com stores. A Cup of Comfort series include books for daughters, friends and devotionals. These books have inspirational and spiritual stories to help anyone through a tough time. Books are under $17. They also make excellent Christmas gifts.
10. Plants
Plants such as orchids, roses, and herbs usually make good gifts. Most of these plants are under $15 and usually stay over two years. However, some hospitals ICU do not allow patients to receive plants. Cactuses and African violets make excellent gifts and are low maintenance and are hardy. Home Depot, Target and Lowes sell these plants. Home Depot has return policies on defective plants and can give an exchange when needed.