The holiday season symbolizes spending time with family and friends, eating food that we regret soon thereafter, and exchanging gifts on Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Gift giving can stress-out the most joyful holiday shopper. Everyone strives to give thoughtful and appreciated gifts without exceeding the spending budget. Yet, buying that perfect present for someone special (significant other, BFF, respected employer/employee) is far more taxing, emotionally and financially, than the $15 "Secret Santa" or Pollyanna gift purchased for the office party. It has been predicted that spending in 2013 will surpass that of 2012.
Baynote/etailing group 2013 Holiday Survey:
In 2012, holiday shoppers spent nearly $579 billion; the predicted 11% increase would push retail spending to more than $640 billion. Here's the breakdown from the inaugural Baynote/etailing group 2013 Holiday Survey:
• Most retailers expect a slow start to the season with increased momentum throughout late November and December.
• 38 percent of retail respondents believe holiday spending will increase between 11% and 20%
• Respondents predict that online will continue to steal market share from retail stores as the season progresses
To relieve your stress and assist in selecting the perfect gift, I enlisted a few of my fabulous girlfriends including; Star Jones, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Kym Gold, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Sunny Hostin, Dr. Margena Christian and Peggy VanDeweghe. These very smart, accomplished, fashion-forward women can afford to buy almost anything, but when charged with the task to share their favorite gifts to give and receive, for under $50, they offered very classy and affordable ideas. Their suggestions cover all the bases: electronics, home goods, eatables and even swanky leather.
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Who doesn't want to receive a signature Tiffany blue box as a present? I love giving Tiffany & Co. "O" Cabernet Tumblers, set of two - 21 ounces each ($30). Paired with my new favorite, reasonably priced Pinot Noir: 2012 Masterpiece Vineyard Russian River Valley($18).
If for some reason, you have $100 to spend on your BFF, sister, mother or partner - run, don't walk and purchase her the Shaped By An Angel undergarment designed by celebrity designer, Angela Dean (starting at $99). You immediately appear two sizes smaller without noticeable bulges and feeling uncomfortable. It lifts, flattens, and smooths the body. This is truly a "must-have".
Happy shopping.