Every day gets a name when it comes to trying to capture everyone’s money at the holidays. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday. It’s no longer what it was years ago when you really geared up for Black Friday, I loved shopping on that day. I wasn’t one of those who lined up waiting for the doors to open, but I was there. My Mom and Dad and I would find all kinds of wonderful gifts for everyone. One of our favorite stops was Fortunoff. Boy, do I miss that store. We got so much accomplished on that day. I even got Tom into the spirit of it when he joined the family and he and Dad could take breaks while we kept going. Back then it truly was a major sale. Now, the sales start months ahead. There are even Christmas in July sales (even I draw a line on that one). Now you are left to wonder if you are getting the best sale or not. But who cares? Let’s keep everyone in business and spread out your dollars.

I always start my holiday shopping with a list of some sort. I think about who I’m buying for and then I get creative. We are fortunate enough not to need anything that’s why you have to get creative and look for something you know the people on your list might not go out and buy for themselves.

Tech items are always a good category to consider. One of my best of all time gifts was the Halo charger. You’ll never have to wait again if your battery dies or if a tire deflates. Halo has an updated model out this year. Check it out. (QVC). Another great gift is a charger for your phone and other devices. This is a must have when traveling in case your phone charge runs out and the charging stations at the airport are all occupied. Such a terrible feeling that is. What did we do before cell phones?

Gifts of Fashion are always appreciated. It’s fun to give an item that will make the recipient smile. Perhaps a furry handbag or the most perfect crossbody bag. Faux fur accessories are on the IT LIST this year. Perhaps a bit of sparkle or a hat and sweater set are what you are looking for. (Fashions from Bloomingdale’s)

Beauty Gift Sets are always appreciated. One of my favorite memories of Christmas Past is the Estee Lauder gift sets. They have been doing gift sets forever. This has always been a tremendous value for a purchase with purchase. Most companies do a gift set for the holidays because it is an easy “bow and go” for the customer. One of the best ones I found this year is on QVC from Tarte. It is the Maracuja Juicy Lip 9-piece Lip Library with gift bags. This is a wonderful set that has 3 lip Balms, 3 Lip Plumps and 3 lip cremes on sale right now for $62.96.

Additional thought for gift sets:

Gifts of Food and Experience are always well received. Omaha Steaks and Hickory Farms offer great packages, Gift cards for favorite restaurants and events are always appreciated.

Two catalogs worth looking at are Breck Gifts and Uncommon Goods. I was the lucky recipient of gifts from both catalogues and have used them for many gifts this year. Can’t tell you what I will be giving this Christmas because I would spoil surprises. Uncommon Goods has some of the most original gifts you will ever see. They feature original items from artists and small businesses.

I hope that whatever you select for your gifts this year will bring joy to both you and the person you are gifting. Enjoy the season.