Stocking Stuffers For Under $20
If you're lucky, you've finished your major holiday shopping. Now, it's time to get those little stocking stuffers that can be so much fun, even if they're seen as throwaways or afterthoughts by many people.
eBay Style Director Constance White has some unexpected suggestions, all costing less than $20, and all sure to bring smiles to the faces of their recipients. All these items are available nationwide, and in time for the holidays.
VINYL RECORDS: You can please the baby boomer, as well as the music-loving college kid by giving them a very retro gift, a vinyl record. Vinyl LPs and 45s are super popular now. Personalize the vinyl gift by selecting their favorite song or musician, or let Mom and Dad get nostalgic with a framed Vinyl LP or 45 of their wedding song. Some examples include LPs of Bob Marley, and his son Damian Jr. Gong Marley ($8.99 each) or seven-inch singles, which used to be known as "45s." Available at specialty record stores.
ATARI FLASHBACK: Let him relive his youth with this retro video game! Teens are also sure to enjoy the classic video game favorites with this collection of 20. Available at Urban Outfitters for $35, or on eBay for $19.99.
SLANG FLASHCARDS: For fun, or to understand the lingo of youngsters, these hilarious slang flashcards are sure to get a laugh from the whole family. Only $13.95 from knockknock.biz
AMERICAN GIRL FRAGRANCE COLLECTION: Just in time for the holidays, Bath & Body Works introduces the first fragrance ever from American Girl, "Truly Me." The scent is a blend of gardenia, sparkling pear, and sweet jasmine. The Eau de Toilette Mini is $5, perfect as a stocking stuffer. The collection also includes the Eau de Toilette Spray ($19.50), Shimmer Body Lotion ($10), Glistening Shower and Bath Wash ($10), Glimmer Body Cream ($10) and a lightly fragranced Sparkling Powder Puff ($12.50).
WHITE HANDBAGS: Big white bags are a must-have for the spring. Why not get this white leatherette handbag with braided handles and silver rings from H&M at the unbeatable price of $7.90. Available at H&M stores nationwide.
MILITARY CAPS: Military inspired fashions are currently a big trend. For a stylish twist, personalize an olive green military cap with an initial, either of a name or nickname. Hats: $5 each, monogram: $15-$20. Available through stitchit.com
TRAVEL KITS: Put together a first-class travel kit for a friend or loved one who travels coach. In a cosmetic bag include Evian face spritzer ($4.99), toothpaste, toothbrush, lip balm, eye mask, mints, or teeth wipes, hand wipes, mints, eye cream and eye mask. All can be purchased from any local drugstore at a fraction of a cost of what travel kits usually sell for. And, throw in a stylish luggage tag, or just give the tag by itself. Think bright, trendy colors to set the black suitcases apart from the rest. Adorable patterns are $8 at flight001.com, or add a personal touch with a monogrammed initial for $8 from Kate's Paperie. Tags with the person's last name can also be ordered from merrimade.com, $32 for 12 tags.
SIGNED BOOKS: Comb used book stores for signed editions of new or used books. They generally cost just a few more dollars than unsigned books, but look very impressive and exclusive, like you went to a lot of trouble. For instance, we found the Strand in New York City has a great selection of signed books: Joyce Carol Oates' "The Falls," $10; Elie Wiesel's "Souls on Fire," $35; Terry McMillan's "Waiting to Exhale," $15; and Kenneth Cole's "Footnotes," $1.99.
SKYPE HEADSET: It's a new way to call your friends or family on Skype, anywhere in the World for as long as you want, for free, forever. To use Skype, download the service for free from skype.com. All you need is a headset or microphone and speakers on both ends, the caller and the receiver. It also has free video calling, especially valuable for military families that can't be together over the holidays. Skype Headset, $4.99. Available at Radio Shack stores nationwide.