Perhaps the easiest way to zip through your gift list is to buy your presents online. “Thepurplebook: the Definitive Guide to Exceptional Online Shopping” by Hillary Mendelsohn includes 1,600 recommended retail websites that are arranged by popular categories. During the holiday season, several online stores offer free shipping so be sure to look for discount codes as you navigate these sites. Almost all online retailers will gift wrap your purchases for a nominal extra charge, which will save you even more time.
Incredible bargains on a variety of gifts, including rare and discontinued items, can be found on auction websites. “Absolute Beginner’s Guide to eBay” by Michael Miller is a handy primer on how to research, bid on, and purchase merchandise listed on eBay.
If you are short on cash, but not on time, consider making gifts for your loved ones. “Crafting Christmas Gifts” by Tone Finnanger gives step-by-step instructions on how to create rocking reindeer, appliqué penguins, gingerbread ornaments, and other holiday motif projects.
Gift baskets are an affordable way to create thoughtful presents that are one-of-a-kind. “The Perfect Basket: How to Make a Fabulous Gift Basket for Any Occasion” by Diane Phillips features more than 60 themed baskets with tips on how to select, assemble, and decorate your basket or container. Find even more gift basket ideas in “Bountiful Baskets: Creating Perfect Gifts for Any Occasion” by Sara Toliver. Another good choice is “Jazzy Gift Baskets: Making & Decorating Glorious Presents” by Marie Browning.
