We are in the midst of the worst economic situation since the Great Depression. People are losing their jobs. We worry about the future. Yet it is holiday time. We still have to give tokens of our appreciation and affection to those important in our lives. This year's list of gift suggestions features distinctive gifts which are on sale or are deeply discounted. All of my selections are $25 or less. Happy holidays!
Tea From Stash Tea
Stash Tea offers an amazing selection of teas. It's been at the top of my holiday gift list for many years. Whether you are looking for traditional teas or something more exotic, you will find it here. You'll also find all the accessories such as tea pots, strainers, cups and so on. It's easy to find a gift for just about any budget or recipient. I spotted savings of up to 60% when I prepared this list just after Thanksgiving.Native Crafts From Ting-n-Ting (Bahamas)
Locally made handicrafts are always a distinctive gift. Having lived in the Bahamas, I confess to a bias towards things Caribbean. "Ting" is Bahamian dialect for "things". The pricing? They have coaster sets for $10. These are really lovely, hand-crafted gifts which will not break your budget.Nuts From The Nut Factory
Sometimes a gift needs to be less personal but still appropriate. For those times a beautiful gift tin of candy or nuts does the trick. With a budget of $25 or less you can find lots of good deals. This box of mixed nuts is but one which I found on their site. (Of course you could always assemble a little bag of various nuts and goodies from your local supermarket too, a good idea to keep up your sleeve in case you run out of time.)Wines From Geerlings & Wade
Many wine merchants offer lovely wine baskets. This makes a super gift for the wine enthusiast on your list. I chose Geerlings and Wade because I have bought from them and was impressed with their good service. I also have a virtually iron-clad rule about buying wine: never spend more than $10 per bottle. Since I am not an oenephile, this rule of thumb works for me.Chocolate From Ghiradelli
Almost everybody loves chocolate. Indeed some medical authorities are even saying that dark chocolate is good for your ticker. Ghiradelli has been making some of the world's finest chocolate since 1852. You can always find a gift for under $25 which will please the chocolate lover on your list.Skin Care Products From The Body Shop
Even in tough times we take care of our skin. We might not be able to afford weekly spa treatments anymore, but a bottle of some soothing lotion does wonder for the psyche. The Body Shop is my personal favorite for such necessities. I love their Vitamin E Body Butter. Just one of several dozen products they have for under $25.Jams And Jellies From Jeff's Jams And Jellies
I have to watch my sugar intake these days. But I never met a jam or jelly which I didn't like. (Not that I can remember anyway.) What I like about Jeffrey Gomes' site is that he offers goods he has made himself. Smuckers and Kraft products are ok but I am a huge supporter of small boutique businesses like Jeff's Jams and Jellies. Plenty of yummy selections to fit your reduced circumstances this holiday season.A Gift Certificate From Amazon.com
A gift certificate is always well-received especially when it's from an online emporium as vast as Amazon.com. Best of all the certificate can be emailed to those far-away friends hours before the holidays. A word of caution: do make sure you let the recipient know that you have sent her an email gift certificate. I've seen those emails deleted without realizing that they were a gift or had any value.Silicone Sleeve Case for iPod nano 4G
These iPod Nano sleeves will protect her precious Nano. And they won't break your budget either. A truly thoughtful gift for the iPod owner. You can also find other sleeve sizes for all the different MP3 players out there.
