2009 christmas gifts

2009 christmas gifts ideas

It’s that time of year once again where we all browse retailers for that one gift that seems impossible to find at a reasonable price. Well before you break the bank consider some gift ideas that we came up with here at Healthy Financial Habits. Most of these ideas will cost less than $20 and are sure to bring a smile to your friends and family members  face. Here is a list of 10 items that make a great gift for just about anyone:

  1. A bottle of wine – The person you are looking to buy for may not be a wine connoisseur but most people would appreciate a good bottle of wine as a Christmas gift. It is fairly easy to find a decent tasting bottle of aged grapes for under $20. If your not sure what type of wine to purchase consider visiting a wine specialty store for advice.
  2. Baked goods – Your name my not be Rachel Ray but you can certainty drive to your local bakery and pick up a cake, cookies, and other holiday treats. Take them home and repackage them with your own packaging if you are brave enough to call them your own.
  3. Magazine subscription – Do you know someone who is into golfing?  Subscribe them to a year of Golf Magazine. Have a friend that is into fitness or interested in becoming fit? Subscribe them to Men’s Fitness or Women’s Health Magazine. If you search you can usually find subscriptions for less than $2 an issue.
  4. Plants – Even if the person you are trying to buy for is not into plants get them something easy to care for such as a cactus. Poinsettias are a great gift around the holiday seasons. Spider plants are common, easy to grow, and can be beautiful if properly cared for.
  5. Pet toys – If your gift recipient is an animal enthusiast give them a chew toy for their dog or a radio controlled mouse for their cat. This not only will bring a smile to their face but will also delight their four legged friend.
  6. Book – Even if the person you are trying to buy a gift for is not into reading you can spark their interest with a good book on a topic that they may be into. Listen carefully to what they talk about. If they have a hobby such as wood working buy them a book with wood working ideas. If they frequently mention cooking then buy them a cook book.
  7. Music mix – If you are reading this article you most likely have access to the internet and have the capability to burn a custom compact disc.  Pay attention to what type of music they listen to and create a custom CD. If you artistic then draw or paint something on the CD.
  8. Treasury bonds – Is the person you buying for young and not into investing. Buy them a Treasury bond or similar investment then give them a lesson on the time value of money. This could be the best gift they ever receive if they take your advice.
  9. Popcorn, Peanuts, Fruit – Food will certainly bring a smile to their face. Grab some popcorn, peanuts or create a basket of fruit. If you are lucky they may even share with you.
  10. Collegiate  Sportswear – Did your person attend college?  Buy them a comfortable sweatshirt embroidered with their college name and or logo. What about collegiate jewelry?

These are just a few ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their face and keep some cash in you wallet at the same time. Remember to listen to what your gift recipient talks about.  Whatever you do don’t forget to be creative. Happy shopping!