By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Fabulously frugal gifts – just the thing for the holiday hustle!
The holiday hustle is already in full swing – and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet! But never fear because your girl is tackling gift giving like a pro, and more importantly, on a budget.
Now I am a bargain queen always up for a good deal. I will go anywhere, anytime. I will search high, I will search low. I will travel miles – oh the places I will go. And yes, I understand I sound like a Dr. Seuss book.
I am often asked where I purchased specific items – wardrobe essentials, favorite things, trendy accessories – and most often, the answer is a tale regarding a literal steal. Now I like nice things, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t like paying a lot of money for nice things. I want nice from the bargain bin – not the bin that breaks the bank.
So, with the Christmas crunch looming, I thought I would share a few of my go to’s for fabulous frugal finds.
Good Morning America’s Deals & Steals
I absolutely love Deals & Steals! Just last week cousin Suzie texted me about our favorite candles 50% off with free shipping. If you haven’t used Nest New York candles, they are beyond and make the perfect gift. It even says “Bougie Parfumee” on the box. You can’t go wrong with that.
I’ve also purchased make up and jewelry travel bags, extremely functional with a very Chanel look, and Daniela Swaebe jewelry, which is waterproof and beyond fab.
The key to an effective Deals & Steals purchase: the sale is typically one day, don’t buy if it’s less than 50% off and always go for items with free shipping. I’m already paying you for the product. I don’t need to pay you to get it to me.
Amazon
Amazon is now my go to for make-up. I’ve gone to drug stores, Sephora and to both major and discount retailers. I’m telling you, most essentials you can get on Amazon cheaper, and again, free shipping for Prime Members.
My favs? I received lipstick for my birthday, and I am beyond obsessed! I’ve already purchased it for girlfriends. It’s a crystal flower jelly lipstick that’s hydrating and clear. But here’s the thing: it changes color on your lips to give you a natural stain that compliments your skin tone. I have no idea how that happens. I just know it does, and it looks and feels amazing!
Another fav is the Julep Eyeshadow Cream-to-Power Waterproof Shadow Stick. I’ve bought that for girlfriends as well. And I do love the Anastasia Brow Wiz. It’s a solid $7 cheaper on Amazon!
T J Maxx
It’s virtually impossible to drive past a T J Maxx without stopping. I don’t know if it’s a force field or just a violation of Texas law, but I’m not one to question the issue. I’ve even made Mr. Kaminski go with me to random, out of the way locations. You know, date night and such.
The Maxx is great for gifts. A few of my favs are bag charms, tote bags, beaded pouches, candles, bath products, plush blankets for every occasion and then there’s the theme gift-giving. I gave one girlfriend a cherry themed present adorned with cherries on everything: beaded pouch, bag charm, earrings and stationery to celebrate a birthday – with a cherry on top!
The Tiky Tok
Now don’t be hating on the Tiky Tok. I have purchased products there that have changed my life. Specifically, erasable gel pens. Being a paper calendar girl with a constantly changing schedule, the set of 22 erasable pens for $18 – free shipping, of course – has been a game changer. Yes, I bought those for girlfriends, too.
Another fav is the Christmas gift card book that features page after page of cuteness with pages that say, “When you need a coffee break,” or “When you need to unwine.” You simply put an appropriate gift card on that page, and there it is! The perfect gift. Best of all, it’s spiral bound so if there’s a page that’s not appropriate for your gifting, you just rip it out. Genius!
Dollar Tree
Don’t even judge me. I love a good Dollar Tree, even though everything is $1.25 now. No truth in advertising there. From holiday décor to bath products to make up wipes that are $1.25 instead of $9.99, I’m in. It’s the perfect place to put a travel bag together for girlfriend trips and for stocking stuffers.
Not all of my go to’s are online. Dillard’s and Neiman’s run amazing sales on brand names. Just get on their email list. It’s worth the effort. I have designer bags and clothes from both at 80% off. Oh, but that was for me, and we’re talking about gift giving. I digress.
Here’s wishing you happy hunting this season for great gifts that don’t break your budget. Remember: frugal is fabulous! See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
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