Top Gift Ideas for The Whole Family at Great Prices

Tis the season for family, friends, eggnog and shopping! Some people dread the shopping part, but for me it’s an opportunity to get my creative juices flowing. Here is a basic guide to making sure each gift given by you is appreciated and affordable.I like categorize my gifting in profiles. Each person on my gift list falls in one of these profiles and each profile can cater to numerous people you need to shop for.I am a huge fan of the “unisex” gift and contrary to popular belief, in order for a unisex gift to be good it does not necessarily have to be a pricey electronic nor a cheesy singing ornament.When shopping for anyone I like to think of the features of a specific person that really stand out to me and list them.This really helps me narrow down something that they will truly like.

Profile 1

Co-Workers,Secret Santa’s,Teachers & Your Boss

The most challenging aspect of this profile is gifting without being too personal while at the same time assuring your gift is special. Most gifts in this category tend to be mugs,ornaments or the dreaded fruit cake. Below I will compile my last years gifting list notes for examples:

Randa (My Boss)

Conservative,religious,not tech-savvy,loves accessories,not into plants,doesn’t travel much,enjoys good food but doesn’t eat out often,community oriented,does not wear make-up or much jewelry.

Possible Gifts:

A Bible cover,a scarf,a hat,a dinner gift certificate

Melissa (Co-Worker)

Into vintage,likes to shop,social,crafty,drives,about to be married,doesn’t travel,enjoys eating out and concerts.

Possible Gifts:

A memory album for her and her soon to be husband,a crafting kit compiled of various things,a new stationery set for her new last name,subscription to crafting magazine

Great Ideas For This Profile:

Gift Cards

Magazine Subscription

Purse hook

Coffee Mug with some coffee

Accessories like scarves,cuff links or wallets

Calendar

Stationery

Aromatherapy products like Lavender for females or Sandlewood for males

Profile 2

Aunts,Uncles & Cousins

Although these people are a tad easier to shop for there are still challenges regarding finding the gift that really shines through the rest.

Aunt Sandy

Loves to garden,likes antiques,enjoys culture,has some medical problems,likes to travel

Gift ideas:

Antique price guide,a gardening gift basket,a cd of cultural music,a memory foam pillow,orthopedic slippers,a traveling journal

Cousin Mike

Young,personal trainer,loves dogs,into fitness,likes to stay home

Gift Ideas:

A water proof writing pad,a new datebook,subscription to fitness magazine,gift certificate for athletic apparel store,new hand weights,advertising spot on line

Profile 3

Mom,Dad, Brothers and Sisters

The name of this game is personalization.No one ever dislikes a gift with their name on it and with so many affordable custom gifts available on sites like ebay and amazon the possibilities are endless.The list below will work for anyone in this category and can be found for less than $15 a piece.Group them up for a wow factor and purchase a nice basket from then dollar store with some tissue paper strips. Buy some clear cellophane for less than $2,wrap it up and tie a bow!

Personalized,Engraved and Custom Item Ideas:

Glass ornaments

Stockings

Guest Hand Towels

Hoodie Sweatshirt

Wall Decals

Car Decals

License plate frames

Mugs

Key Chains

Lawn flags and signs

Address number signs

Garden stones

Sun catchers

Business card holder

Keepsake box/Jewelry box

The Best Places To Shop:

Big Lots

Ross

Marshalls

Dollar Store (I tend to buy little gifts to add to main present)

TJ Maxx

Art Supply Stores

Tuesdays

Consignment Stores

Home Depot

Linen Closeout Stores

Thrift stores (they usually have a section full of brand new with tag items)

No matter where you shop never hesitate to ask an employee where the sale or discount sections are.You’d be surprised how many stores tuck these sections away.For custom items I have even purchased towels,stockings,hoodies and t-shirts and customized them myself using iron on transfer letters.