Ashley: Yes!
Without further ado, I present to you:
Holiday
If you are anything like me, you are sick of all this talk of how holiday shopping has changed. Yes, we are in a recession. Yes, that means people will spend less money. No, this really isn’t the end of the world; things will get better – they always do. And even though I imagine that most everyone as sick of this endless talk as I am, almost all the blogs I read (and it’s not a small number) (Bethabee is definitely my favorite, mind you) have done at least one entry on holiday shopping on a budget.
But instead of giving you a break from the endless barrage, I’m going to add to it. Why should everyone else have all the fun? As someone who has been directly affected by the crappy economy (I did some time in the unemployment line earlier this year), I had to, like so many others, get stingy with my Christmas shopping this year. So instead of getting expensive presents (e.g. my boyfriend and I were going to buy a flat-screen TV together, and I really wanted to get my mom the new cell phone she really wants), I went small … but made sure to get something I knew the person would appreciate (e.g. this blog post! I knew Beth would love having an excellent writer such as myself grace her blog with my brilliance). Here I’ll give you a run down of the neat places I found, and some of my favorite items from each (note: I didn’t actually buy any of the things I’m featuring, just in case any of the recipients read this amazing blog!). And the best part, of course, is that everything is under $20!!
Place #1 - Fred Flare
This web store is a little wacky, to be sure: most notably, they sell breakfast-flavored dental floss and magnets shaped like already chewed gum. If you look through carefully, they have some really cute, fun stuff. They sell a little of everything: men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, some tech gadgets, some toys … the list goes on. Here are a few of my favorite items.
Price: $14
I desperately want one of these for my desk at work. They’re adorable! They come in different flavors, if you will: you can grow basil, chamomile, mint – even strawberries!
(Speaking of plants for your desk, check out their Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Clients and employees alike would love this in any office … after all, who doesn’t love the Peanuts? Price: $20)
The iPod Hoodie
Price: $20
Though I’m not much one for iPod accessories (my iPod has been naked since I got it three years ago), this was too cute to not comment on.
Micro Mini Porcelain Doughnuts
Price: On sale for $0.99! (regularly $6)
I'm not really sure of the point of these... but they're cute! And $0.99!
Place #2 - ThinkGeek
This place is great -- especially if you have any big nerds on your list. They have a Holiday Gift Center that breaks things down into convenient categories based on price, intended recipient, and type of gift. Here are a few of my favorites:
LOLcatz magnets
Price: $19.99
Ok, I’ll admit it: I think LOLcatz are hilarious. I even have I Can Has Cheesburger on my Google Reader. Maybe it’s because we have four hilarious animals at home (or maybe it’s because I have the maturity of a five year old), but I can’t help myself. So these magnets really tickle my fancy.
Mini Business Card File Cabinet
Price: $12.99
The Baby Owner’s Manual
Price: On sale for $13.99 (regularly $15.95)
(This addition was prompted by the fact that, according to Beth, “everyone [she] know[s] is pregnant!”) I really wish there was a preview of this in Google Books – I can only imagine that this is hilarious (and informative!). Definitely a fun one!
Place #3 - Etsy
Ok, so I know all you Bethabee readers are already quite familiar with this one. But it is such a wonderful place, I can’t keep it off my list. All of the following items come from my account’s favorites list.
Papillon Signed Art Print
Price: $9.95
At What Are You Looking? card
Price: $1.25
Isn’t this card adorable? And, like the description says, it “is sure to make someone smile”! In fact, this whole shop is amazing, and you can buy all the contents for less than $20! ($15.25 to be exact!)
Key Fob and Zipper Pouch Set
Price: $9.75
Aren’t these cute? These are perfect for those of you shopping for a girl who isn’t much of a purse wearer – they are the perfect size for keys, cards, a phone and some cash. And so many patterns to choose from! I really can’t decide which is my favorite … the bottom one, maybe. Or the two above it. Or the second one. I don’t know.
So there you have it. Ashley’s Shopping Adventure. A big thank you to Beth for letting me butt in on her blog! It’s been a whole lot of fun (and a great excuse to do some more online shopping!). Take care all, and have a wonderful, safe, happy holiday!
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