2008 Woodie Awards
Trouble choosing a gift?
Choose a gift that gives a smile
Adam Poort
Issue date: 12/11/02 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The holidays are a time for the giving and receiving of gifts. It can also be a time for receiving headaches as we brave the malls and stare blankly at store after store in search of that perfect gift, that unexpected treat that is as fun to give as it is to receive.
So here is a guide to help get you started on your quest for finding the perfect gift, not the headache that is so common.
Inexpensive Gifts
Times are tight, especially on a student's budget. Trying to find a good gift under $20 is a difficult task, but not impossible.
Movies are the safest bet in the giving of gifts; just make sure your girlfriend actually likes boxing movies before you pick up the Rocky box set. While music is an old standard in gift giving, making a personal mix can be extremely inexpensive. Giving books is also a great idea, but another gift idea that keeps on giving is a magazine subscription. Nothing says Happy Holidays like a year's worth of Dog Fancy.
Selecting clothes for people is usually a difficult task, but seasonal items such as hats, gloves, and scarves are easy to pick out and often very inexpensive. Of course if you know something else your recipient is getting for Christmas, you could help accordingly with the accessories. Just make sure they open items in the right order to maintain the surprise.
Tech Toys
Part of what makes gift giving so much fun is that we can give and get the things we can't justify buying for ourselves. Technology is full of little items that we want but can't have.
The good news is that high tech companies know that time are tight and are offering affordable options and great deals on the things you've always wanted.
Digital cameras continue to be the hottest thing in technology. The difference this year is the wide range of financial options that make it easier to start your digital photo library.
Also hot and affordable are the personal mp3 players, which start under $100 but can cost over $400 for high-end models. Another new product on the market vying for your business is the satellite radio XM, which costs $200 for equipment and $10 a month after that.
So here is a guide to help get you started on your quest for finding the perfect gift, not the headache that is so common.
Inexpensive Gifts
Times are tight, especially on a student's budget. Trying to find a good gift under $20 is a difficult task, but not impossible.
Movies are the safest bet in the giving of gifts; just make sure your girlfriend actually likes boxing movies before you pick up the Rocky box set. While music is an old standard in gift giving, making a personal mix can be extremely inexpensive. Giving books is also a great idea, but another gift idea that keeps on giving is a magazine subscription. Nothing says Happy Holidays like a year's worth of Dog Fancy.
Selecting clothes for people is usually a difficult task, but seasonal items such as hats, gloves, and scarves are easy to pick out and often very inexpensive. Of course if you know something else your recipient is getting for Christmas, you could help accordingly with the accessories. Just make sure they open items in the right order to maintain the surprise.
Tech Toys
Part of what makes gift giving so much fun is that we can give and get the things we can't justify buying for ourselves. Technology is full of little items that we want but can't have.
The good news is that high tech companies know that time are tight and are offering affordable options and great deals on the things you've always wanted.
Digital cameras continue to be the hottest thing in technology. The difference this year is the wide range of financial options that make it easier to start your digital photo library.
Also hot and affordable are the personal mp3 players, which start under $100 but can cost over $400 for high-end models. Another new product on the market vying for your business is the satellite radio XM, which costs $200 for equipment and $10 a month after that.