Gifts Under $50

Still searching for that PERFECT gift for your fashionista BFF, designer-obsessed sister or stylish mom?  It’s no small task shopping for the woman who already seems to have everything, especially when you’re on a tight budget.  So what better way to stay within your budget and still give a gift that’s sure to please than with a Rent the Runway gift certificate. Whatever your budget, there are thousands of designer dresses and accessories to choose from.  Here are some of our favorites for $50 or less

 

Mark & James By Badgley Mischka ‘Crimson Catwalk’ Dress

Retnal $50  Retail $285

http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/markjamesbadgleymischka_dresses/crimsoncatwalkdress

and

Nicole Miller ‘Look At Me’ Cut-Out Dress

Rental $50  Retail $310

http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/nicolemiller_dresses/lookmecutoutdress

Carlos Falchi ‘Vanilla Latte’ Clutch

Rental $35  Retail $695.00

http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/handbags_jewelry/vanillalatteclutch

House of Harlow Silver Sunburst Bangle

Rental $15  Retail $100

http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/bracelets_jewelry/silversunburstbangle

Top Ten Gifts Under $10

Under a really tight budget or need to shop for a lot of people this year? Look no further than this list. You don’t need to purchase cashmere sweaters and electronic gadgets. The little things in life can make your loved ones happy. After all, it’s the thought that counts. 

10. Makeup palette

What woman doesn’t love the gift of makeup? Many catalogs, such as Avon and Mary Kay, offer affordable makeup palettes and sets. Don’t think you need to shop at Sephora for the good stuff.

9. Flannel shirt

Nothing will keep a guy warmer and happier than a flannel shirt. You don’t have to purchase a designer quality shirt either. Retailers like JCPenney have them for less than $10.

9. Dollar store toy

Kids don’t need the fancy toys. In fact, they are just are fascinated by the toys from the dollar store. How about a knock-off Darth Vader or Polly Pocket?

7. Costume jewelry

Look no further than your mall for trendy and affordable jewelry pieces. Perfect for your mom, sister or best friend.

6. Clothing pattern

You don’t give them a pattern; you make them one. Knit a pair of booties for the new mom. Or, knit gloves for your nieces and nephews. Not only is this affordable to purchasing winter accessories, but it also more personal.

5. $10 gift card

Anyone will be happy with a gift card to their favorite coffee place or movie theater.

4. Bath and body sets

Stores like CVS and Rite Aid offer these types of sets, which is a lot more economical than shopping at Bath and Body Works.

3. Fuzzy socks

These fun and cozy socks make the ideal gift for anyone you know.

2. Winter gloves

It’s winter…And you know you can never have enough pairs of gloves.

 1. Money clip

Instead of putting a money or gift card inside of a generic Christmas card, use a stylish money clip.

Steal of the Week: Fur Boots

Slip into a pair of these cutie booties this winter. Not only will you look cute, but you will stay warm as well. 

REAL

Coach Jeneva Boot, $348 at www.lordandtaylor.com

STEAL

Black Firetrap Fur Trim Ankle Boots, $105 at www.debenhams.com

Shop For a Cause This Black Friday with jcpenney

Now that the holidays are fast approaching (can’t believe it’s already Black Friday this week!!), many of us are thinking about ways we can give back this year for those less fortunate.  I wanted to bring to your attention that The Salvation Army and jcpenney have teamed up again this year for The Angel Giving Tree Online Program.

Jcpenney will also be giving a $25 donation for each Foursquare check-in this Black Friday! The store that has the most check-ins on Black Friday will earn a special party on Dec. 17^th.   So encourage your friends to visit their local jcpenney on Black Friday to contribute to even more donations to The Salvation Army AND work together to get a party of your local jcpenney! If your readers would like to shop for a cause they can show their support by tweeting with the #shopforacause or #jcpangel hashtag.

Just for a little more context, the program allows customers to adopt an ‘angel’ (a needy child or senior) and then shop for gifts for their angel this holiday season.  Every user can adopt their angel based on location, sex and age, and then choose items off the child/senior’s list to give them for the holidays. In collaboration with UPS, Angel Giving Tree gifts purchased through jcp.com can be shipped free of charge to a local Salvation Army collection center.

Why Shamza.com is Better Than Etsy

Shamza.com sells beautiful organic silk scarves at exceptional prices. They run in the range of $70 and $100. These accessories are like walking pieces of art. I currently own the rainbow scarf. It is so beautiful that you want to show it off on your wall.

The scarf looks like a design you would see a model wearing on the runways in Paris or Italy. Shamza.com also carries other artful pieces such as clothing, glassware, home décor and gifts. Purchase some for yourself or for a loved one.

If you want to make extra money on the side with your own art, consider selling it on Shamza.com. On Etsy, the seller has to pay 0.20 cent per uploading and item, plus 3% of the sell. On Shamza.com, he can upload for FREE up to 10 items and he pays Shamza only 4% only when he sells an item.

Shamza.com also establishes a personal connection with their sellers and buyers, unlike that other online store. If you want to make an impact on someone’s life with your art, start here. It will worth the earnings you make. Maybe you can use those earnings to buy a beautiful organic silk scarf.

Steal of the Week: Bomber Jackets

Just because the temps are dropping, doesn’t mean you don’t have to look cool. Reach for a bomber jacket instead of a puffy parka. This will look great with everything from turtleneck sweaters, denim skirts to dress pants.

REAL

Acne Sherling Collar LeatherJacket, $1,230 at shopbird.com

STEAL

Madison Crinkle Faux Leather Aviator Jacket, $68 at collectionb.com

Functional and Stylish Holiday Gift that Gives Twice

It’s every woman’s goal to be active, stylish and charitable-minded. Sometimes the three don’t necessarily play well together, until now. The spacious Shusokumb tote bag (Pronounced Shu-Sock’ Em – for Shoes, Socks and Umbrella bag) was designed with the active, stylish woman in mind. A soft shoulder strap means comfortable carrying. And when you unzip? It’s a whole new world. Pockets and zippers reveal hideaways for everything from your iPhone, Blackberry and iPod and lipstick to water bottles and what-nots.And while it’s large enough to hold your life, the Shusokumb tote’s vertical design (tote size is 14” x 14” x 6”) is compact enough for travel on subways, trains or buses. It’s a fully functional bag that gives “life on-the-go” a whole new meaning. The Shusokumb tote bag comes in black, beige, navy, red and green and retails at $39.95 and can only be purchased online at Shusokumb’s Web site atwww.shusokumb.com. Two dollars from the sale of each bag is donated to ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer to help make a difference in the fight against prostate cancer. The bag was designed by Robert Ginyard, a Baltimore-based entrepreneur and prostate cancer survivor, who has partnered with ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer and is committed to increasing awareness about prostate cancer and improving the lives of men and their families. You won’t have a moment’s guilt when you buy one of these charitable tote bags because you too can help make a difference. To learn more about the Shusokumb tote bag, please visit http://www.shusokumb.com/.