Top five gifts for her under $50

(ARA) – Finding a perfect gift doesn’t always mean spending a ton of cash. Whether it’s a handy gadget, a fashion accessory or a day’s worth of spa-quality pampering, the following gift ideas for women are all available for $50 or less.

An MP3 player for musical enjoyment
A workout partner, a travel companion, a convenient way to enjoy music on the go; an MP3 player makes the perfect gift. The tiny Sansa Clip Zip MP3 player is affordable, easy to use and comes packed with features such as an FM radio, a stopwatch for timing laps and a larger color screen. The player is compatible with virtually all audio formats, including DRM-free iTunes, and comes in seven colors.

Scarves for keeping cozy
Scarves are the perfect accessory for the stylish woman’s wardrobe. For sophistication, choose a soft pashmina; for a casual, organic look, a chunky knit scarf should do the trick. Classic colors like black and beige are always a hit, but bright hues of purple, blue or red are also popular this holiday season. With so many materials and designs available, you’ll find the perfect one to fit her unique personality.

At-home pampering
Women love the spa, but with treatments so expensive, many consumers are opting for the affordable indulgence of at-home pampering. A foot bath can revitalize tired feet at the end of a long day and a back or neck massager can relieve tension. For a personalized present, create a gift basket of manicure essentials such as files, buffers, scrubs and fun shades of nail polish. Remember, not all gifts come wrapped with a bow; take the kids for an outing and give mom some alone time, or cook her favorite meal and do the dishes afterward.

Glam up the cell phone
Every modern woman owns a mobile phone, and it’s not just for texting, calling and surfing the Internet; a phone can serve as an extension of personal style. Mobile phones and matching accessories come in every theme imaginable, from diamond sparkles to sleek black leather and bright neon designs. For an added touch, mix fashion with utility by including a helpful accessory like a car charger, hands-free headset or pair of ear buds.

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Thrifty Yet Thoughtful Presents!

(ARA) – Worried about gift-giving this year? Don’t stress. With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of detail, it’s easy to whip up the perfect present with the right personal touch, says Emmy award-winning chef and cookbook author, Giada De Laurentiis.

“I love to add a homemade element, whether it’s a freshly baked dessert or custom wrapping, because it makes the gift that much more unique and personal,” De Laurentiis says. “I also find that pairing a present with a favorite bottle of wine adds a delicious and elegant touch.”

Whether you’re trying to find the perfect gift for an outdoorsy friend or the host of a holiday gathering, De Laurentiis shares her customized gift ideas that make it easier than ever to give a perfectly personal (and price conscious) present:

For the movie fan
As the granddaughter of famed film producer Dino De Laurentiis, Giada knows just what a movie aficionado wants. She suggests choosing a colorful popcorn bowl and adding a bag of gourmet popcorn kernels, an herb-infused olive oil, a favorite light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio, and a classic movie on DVD. “Giving the gift of a movie night is the perfect touch for cinema enthusiasts,” De Laurentiis says. “Plus, the infused olive oil gives the popcorn a special gourmet flair without breaking the bank.”

For the travel enthusiast
A travel-themed gift basket is a great match for any jetsetter, and De Laurentiis enjoys spicing this one up with a little Italian flare. In a canvas tote bag, pop in a popular travel book, a portable clock, a pocket translator and a batch of your favorite biscotti. “I sprinkle green and red sugar crystals on top of my holiday biscotti for a festive garnish,” De Laurentiis says. “Also, this kind of Italian cookie pairs nicely with a crisp, fruity Italian wine like Bella Sera (R) Moscato.”

For the epicurean
A cookbook is a classic choice to give your favorite foodie, so why not spruce it up Giada-style? “I like to include a finished product of one of the recipes so the recipient can get a flavor of what’s inside,” she says. Pair those with a favorite bottle of wine – “You can’t go wrong with a smooth Bella Sera Pinot Noir,” De Laurentiis says – and place everything in a decorative wicker basket with a colorful ribbon, and your epicurean gift is cooked to perfection.

For the outdoor adventurist
A portable butane camping stove is a must-have for every outdoor enthusiast. Accompany it with cooking utensils, a sturdy skillet, a batch of homemade Italian flat bread and a versatile red wine like Merlot, and you’ve created the ultimate camping cookout gift. “A cooking kit is perfect for your ourdoorsy friends or relatives because it contains practical items they can use for many of their excursions,” De Laurentiis says. When it comes to baking flat bread, De Laurentiis suggests brushing the dough with extra-virgin olive oil to get a crispy, shiny crust.

For the romantic
Whether you’re gifting a hopelessly romantic friend or a newlywed couple, De Laurentiis suggests giving the gift of love with a stylish container full of freshly baked chocolate desserts. Along with it, she adds a pair of wine glasses and a bottle of dry, light-bodied red wine, such as Chianti. “With a delicious dessert and the zesty touch of Chianti, this gift idea is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy romance,” De Laurentiis says.

For the holiday gathering host/hostess
A bottle of wine is always a thoughtful hostess gift and appreciated at holiday get-togethers. “Bella Sera wines pair wonderfully with a variety of foods, so bring bottles of both red and white to a holiday party,” De Laurentiis suggests. “That way everyone can choose their favorite and truly get in the holiday spirit.”

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Secret Santa 101

(NC)—Coworkers aren’t easy to shop for when it comes to Secret Santa exchanges. Fortunately, bargain hunting website RedFlagDeals.com has some gift-giving tips:

• Avoid gifts that reference the recipient’s job. Receptionists don’t need stationery and the IT guy doesn’t need a book on database administration.

• Listen to water cooler chat for ideas. If their hobbies are hiking and kayaking, a gift card to a sporting goods store might work. If they’re a film buff, get something like a Netflix subscription.

• Well-intentioned or not, a diet book or a pass to the local gym will undoubtedly offend.

www.newscanada.com

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For the Smart Snacker

After indulging on holiday sweets all season, who wouldn’t love the gift of guilt-free snacking? From savory to sweet and smoky to spicy, Jack Link’s meat snacks are sure to satisfy everyone on your gift list. Quite possibly the perfect snack, Jack Link’s is naturally high in protein, low in fat, calories and carbs, and free of trans fats. In addition to its classic flavors, Jack Link’s recently introduced several exciting new global and restaurant-inspired flavors. A few of our favorite stocking stuffers include:
* Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky — 3.25 oz. Suggested retail price: $5.99.
* Jack Link’s Teriyaki Beef Steak Nuggets — 3.25 oz. Suggested retail price: $5.99.
* Jack Link’s new Flamin’ Buffalo Chicken Nuggets – 3.25 oz. Suggested retail price: $5.99.
Jack Link’s makes healthier snacking — and gift giving — a no-brainer. You’ll find Jack Link’s at convenience, grocery, drug and big box retailers nationwide.

For the Angler

The most innovative lure on the market, the Clackin’ Rap from Rapala, is a must-have for every fishing enthusiast on your list. Straight out of the wrapping paper, the Clackin’ Rap will excel in all fishing applications. Cast it, troll it, jig it in deep water, buzz it fast under the surface — no matter how this lure is fished, anglers will catch big fish. Suggested retail price: $9.99.

For the Motorcycle Enthusiast

Just because the enthusiast on your list is rough and tough on the outside doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate soft and comfortable. Enter the Skull Hooded Pullover from Harley-Davidson MotorClothes. It looks tough with the emblematic skull embroidered across its back, but it’s also comfortable and warm enough to make even the biggest biker Grinch happy while waiting for warm weather to return. Suggested retail price: $60 to $65, available at your local Harley-Davidson dealer.

For the Dog Lover

The cost of professional dog grooming can seem like a luxury in today’s rapidly changing economy. Now dog lovers can save money by giving their dog a professional quality bath at home between grooming visits. In just three minutes, they can transform their dirty dog into a clean and huggable hound with the HydroSurge RapidBath pet bathing system. The RapidBath system makes dog bathing easier and faster and lets dog owners give their pet a cleaner, healthier bath at home — even indoors during the heart of the winter.

It combines a constant supply of fresh water, shampoo and air to deep clean the dog’s coat, and actively wash away dirt, loose hair and dander without scrubbing. Just insert the shampoo, hook it up inside in a shower or to a hose outside, and spray. It costs $69.99 and is available at PetSmart stores nationwide.

For the Humanitarian

This person may have the weight of the world’s problems on their shoulders: from global poverty to world hunger. For these passionate people, the best gifts keep others in mind.

Help these folks wind down with a bottle of Fair Trade Certified “Live-A-Little” wine from Stellar Organics. The Fair Trade Certification from TransFair USA guarantees fair wages and humane work conditions for vineyard workers while promoting sustainable farming and stronger communities in the developing world.

Retailers throughout America, including Whole Foods Market, stock the South African wines. They start at $9.99 and varietals include a “Rather Revealing Shiraz” rose and a “Slightly Sweet and Shameless” white.

For the Health-Conscious

Any active, athletic-type knows that hydration is key to peak performance. Sporting a water bottle gives them convenient access to fortifying fluids during any pursuit. The CamelBak Better Bottle, made with a BPA-free material, is a worry-free and durable way to transport water wherever: from the office to the gym, fields, trails or courts.

The new Limited Edition Graphic Better Bottles feature wintry patterns perfect for the holidays. Check them out at www.camelbak.com, or at R.E.I., L.L. Bean, and Eastern Mountain Sports. Limited Edition Graphic Better Bottles start at $11.

These retailers have plenty of other options for your holiday gift list. For more information log onto any of these sites: www.rapidbathing.com; www.rapala.com; www.harleydavidson.com; www.camelbak.com; www.jacklinks.com and www.transfairusa.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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