Still shopping for last minute gifts? (It's OK, I am too!) Avoid the mall and hit one of these alternative shopping hotspots for fabulous, affordable gifts you'll be proud to give.
IKEA: This is a great place to shop for a unique, tasteful gift that won't cost a fortune. Especially cool if the recipient doesn't live near an IKEA and hence can not treat themselves. Ideas: Blown glass vase; frame with photo; dishtowels and kitchen gadgets; a cozy throw; toys for kids; Swedish treats like ginger snaps and sparkling cider.
Whole Foods: Find organic and natural bath and beauty products, kitchenware and tasty snacks to please the pickiest people on your list. Ideas: Burt's Bees gift set; bamboo cutting board; Le Creuset ramekins; a pretty apron; gourmet snack basket filled with goodies like dark chocolate, wasabi peas and balsamic almonds.
Drugstore: Create a theme-based gift basket based on the recipient's personality or favorite hobby. Ideas: Movie buff basket with a classic DVD, popcorn and candy; Cupcake lover kit with cake mix, frosting, cupcake tin, liners and doilies; Stress-relief pampering kit with tea, nail file, polish, bubble bath and mud mask.
The Packy aka Liquor Store: For the friend or couple who has everything, a nice bottle of wine or champagne is a thoughtful gift you can share together. Ideas: A bottle of Prosecco; a nice bottle of Scotch; wine from a local/regional vineyard; Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs 4-pack, Veuve Clicquot (half bottle); wine vacuum pump and wine notes notebook.
AutoZone: If your guy loves cars, get him a bucket filled with things he needs to take care of it. Ideas: Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner/Conditioner, a brush for cleaning rims, glass cleaner, and microfiber towels.
IKEA: This is a great place to shop for a unique, tasteful gift that won't cost a fortune. Especially cool if the recipient doesn't live near an IKEA and hence can not treat themselves. Ideas: Blown glass vase; frame with photo; dishtowels and kitchen gadgets; a cozy throw; toys for kids; Swedish treats like ginger snaps and sparkling cider.Whole Foods: Find organic and natural bath and beauty products, kitchenware and tasty snacks to please the pickiest people on your list. Ideas: Burt's Bees gift set; bamboo cutting board; Le Creuset ramekins; a pretty apron; gourmet snack basket filled with goodies like dark chocolate, wasabi peas and balsamic almonds.
Drugstore: Create a theme-based gift basket based on the recipient's personality or favorite hobby. Ideas: Movie buff basket with a classic DVD, popcorn and candy; Cupcake lover kit with cake mix, frosting, cupcake tin, liners and doilies; Stress-relief pampering kit with tea, nail file, polish, bubble bath and mud mask.
The Packy aka Liquor Store: For the friend or couple who has everything, a nice bottle of wine or champagne is a thoughtful gift you can share together. Ideas: A bottle of Prosecco; a nice bottle of Scotch; wine from a local/regional vineyard; Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs 4-pack, Veuve Clicquot (half bottle); wine vacuum pump and wine notes notebook.AutoZone: If your guy loves cars, get him a bucket filled with things he needs to take care of it. Ideas: Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner/Conditioner, a brush for cleaning rims, glass cleaner, and microfiber towels.