Like most Americans, you are probably in the midst of your busiest shopping season of the year. Whether you’re happily plowing through your list or stumped on what to get that special someone in your life, we have some suggestions, based on current trends and our favorite frugal shopping strategies.
But first, a word of warning: In the classic story “The Gift of the Magi “ by O. Henry, written in the early 1900s, a poor husband and wife exchange gifts. The wife sells her beautiful hair to buy her husband a chain for his treasured watch, which he has sold to purchase hair combs for her long hair. While they each appreciate the thought and effort of the other, their presents are rendered useless by the price they paid.
To avoid such a depressing scenario at your own holiday festivities, consider checking out some research on what men and women really want this holiday season. Gift cards, though impersonal, are always a popular option, along with electronics, experiences (like concert tickets) and jewelry (for women).
In fact, experiences deserve close consideration, especially this year: A survey of 2,000 adults by Eventbrite, an online ticketing service, found that millennials in particular prefer experiences over materialism. That’s partly because giving an experience means the recipient can enjoy the anticipation, the event and then the memory of it.
If you are crafty or creative in the kitchen, then homemade gifts also make a great option. Pinterest offers hundreds of aesthetically-pleasing and tasty ideas, from granola to cookies. U.S. News Frugal Shopper contributor Stefanie O’Connell says consumables, like brownies, often make great gifts, and they also help people reduce clutter, since the gift will be soon eaten and no longer take up counter space.
Here are more popular gift choices this year, even if you’re on a budget:
1. A new tablet. Android tablets, including versions for kids, are on the market for $200 and under. They were a big hit last year and are likely to be again. There are so many options now that you’ll want to carefully cull through them all to find the best one for your recipient; sites like Brad’sDeals.com can help.
2. Virtual gifts. With more people consuming books, movies, music and other media over the Internet, electronic gifts are also popular. That means stockings stuffed with e-books, iTunes gift cards and other virtual gifts will be greeted with glee.
3. Smartphone accessories. From Bluetooth paraphernalia to speakers to camera add-ons, the possibilities are endless. Sites like cnet.com and TheWirecutter.com can help guide you through the many options and price points.
4. Personalized photo gifts. Thanks to Facebook, you likely have access to the family photos of virtually all your close friends and relatives. That means with a few mouse clicks, you can create personalized photo gifts and order them through an online service like Shutterfly. Who doesn’t want a mug with their favorite people on it?
5. Books. According to Amazon.com rankings, best-selling books currently include “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande, “The Paying Guests,” by Sarah Waters and “Updike” by Adam Begley. You can also personalize an Amazon search by category, such as memoirs or cookbooks, if you know what kind of genre your recipient prefers.
6. Toys. It’s always hard to predict what the hottest toy of the season will be, but likely candidates this year include anything related to Disney’s “Frozen” franchise, from Elsa dolls to the movie itself, classic toys like Legos and newer arrivals like GoldieBlox. Just don’t forget to comparison shop so you get the best deals.
7. Gift cards. If you’re really stuck, there’s nothing wrong with returning to the idea of gift cards or cash. After all, gift cards allow recipients to pick their own gift, they often come with loss and theft protection, and, as long as they’re retailer gift cards, rarely carry fees or expiration dates. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual Gift Card Spending survey, the average shopper will spend $172.74 on gift cards this year, and the average card will be almost $50.
If only gift cards had existed back in the early 1900s, the characters of “The Gift of the Magi” might have found a way to keep their hair, watch and money.
More from U.S. News
11 Ways to Save Time and Money
10 Strategies From Super-Saver Shoppers
Gift Ideas for Last-Minute Shoppers originally appeared on usnews.com
