A few fun ideas for last minute gifts under $29 for 20-somethings trying to stay on a budget (and heed yesterday’s advice not to overcharge). Check out the links to some favorite gift guides with highlights to unique gifts that don’t cost a fortune.
1. Top 10 Green Art Gifts for 2010
http://www.thegreenartproject.com/
Check out the graceful paper mache bird at West Elm ($10.00) by David Starck. 100% green. 100% stylish. West Elm has a great selection of gifts under $25.oo.
http://www.westelm.com/shop/room-wall-decor/objects/?cm_type=gnav
2. Elle Magazine 15 Great Books for Holiday Gifting
http://www.elle.com/Pop-Culture/Movies-TV-Music-Books/Book-It-15-Great-Books-for-Holiday-Giving
Gourmet salt is the new coffee. Show your gourmand friend you are in the know with Salted: A Manifesto on the World’s Most Essential Mineral, with Recipes. $23.10, get it at amazon.com. Books are a great way to give a lot for a little.
3. Elle Magazine Best Gifts Under $20
http://www.elle.com/Shopping/Elle-Shops/Assistant-s-Gift-Guide
The 2010 bubble calendar, $20.10 makes a great office gift that will fun for all. No one can resist bubble wrap! Visit bubblecalendar.com.
4. Elle Magazine Best Stocking Stuffers
http://www.elle.com/Shopping/Elle-Shops/Small-Wonders-The-Best-Stocking-Stuffers
The Table Topics box of fun conversation starter for the party planner in us all. $13.00 at Macys. http://www.Macys.com
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=498369&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
Also check out the Sonia Kashuk Travel Brush Set. $21.99 at Target; get it online here. A girl can never have enough make-up brushes and these add a streamlined silver look to make any application feel elegant.
5. New York Magazine Gift Guide
http://nymag.com/guides/holidays/gifts/2010/69472/
Stormy Nut Bowl $10 Anthropologie
Colorful Frames by BoConcept $12 at BoConcept.
http://www.boconcept.us/Mixed_accessories.aspx?ID=84644
Nikku Cups $12 each at Sprout Home.
http://sprouthome.stores.yahoo.net/lolitacups.html
6. Miscellaneous
Last but not least along with the salt theme…gourmet salt like the truffle salt at Aix et Terra make a fun new gift and you can find some interesting salt dishes at antique shops or online at Aplusstore.com. Check out your local gourmet food stores for unique salts in your area.
http://www.aixetterra.com/-rubrique5-.html
http://www.saltworks.us/gourmet-sea-salt.asp?gclid=CL-F7J7I7KUCFeYD5QodCj3bpw
http://www.aplusrstore.com/product.php?id=61&mid=13
And a rule of thumb for giving gifts at work? Many say give down but don’t give up. Consider those who have gone above and beyond and those that do all the behind the scenes work. Who helps you help yourself? One 40-something investment banker’s advice:
“Don’t get your boss a gift. Instead give your support staff a drink. And get the secretaries of your clients’ gifts. When you are the one supporting the big bosses you need help.”
And if you want to give your boss here are some helpful guidelines.
http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/officegiftgivingtips/a/gift-bossrules.htm
Happy Holidays!
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