'Tis the season...where should one shop?? Fabulous Recessionista ideas on how & where to save money.

Picture from Martha Stewart website.

Every year it's a dilemma for many... "I don't have time to shop" and "where do I begin?"

But this year I'm sure many people are also contemplating how they can also save money. Here are some simple tips that work for me and perhaps it will save you some time and cash this year. :) "Recessionista" friendly people!

Make it simple - make a budget and a list:

1). First thing is to make a list of all the people you want to get something for.

2). Second thing is to decide on a total budget you want to spend on everyone.

Divide evenly so you have an average per person and if you know that you want to spend more on certain people put that amount beside their name and then subtract that from your total so you know how much you have left for everyone else. So, now that you have your list and dollar amount you can begin!

For some simple suggestions for those in the $20-50 range these are my suggestions:

1). For the avid readers - shop or pick up a Gift Certificate (GC) at Chapters - can't go wrong here, people will have tons to choose from especially once things go on sale... right after Christmas!

2). For the all-things-girly - shop or grab a GC at Sephora - if you can't find something yourself that you think they'll like.

3). For the "newly moved in" or always looking for something for their place pick up GC at IKEA, Pier One or Winners (yes they have a home section too).

4). For those who love pampering - GC for a manicure or spa treatment- great for all the holiday parties and family gatherings for any girl or perhaps a massage?

*The great thing about GC's is that you can get lots online or if you do decide to go out, go on weekdays when it's less busy avoid the big line ups! Plus, surprisingly sometimes no matter how well you know someone, sometimes a GC is a better way of truly making someone happy and giving them the choice, not give you the "oh. this is a great pair of snowman socks again. Gee thanks" response.

Other suggestions to save money. My favorite, stay at home and start from scratch:

Picture from Martha Stewart website.

1). Bake sugar cookies, coconut macaroons, seasonal Christmas muffins or baked goods of your choice and wrap them up in cute bags with ribbon to give away.

Picture from Nigella's website

2). Make your own personalized vodka and gift bag it. ( suggestion - check out Nigella Lawson's recipes for chili and pomegranate vodka in her Nigella Christmas edition. Also try making lemon or chocolate vodka).

3). Make homemade mulled wine or apple cider. So easy!

This is when getting the "cheaper" stronger wine is not an offense it does make the best mulled wine. ha ha! I like simple recipes from Jamie Oliver or Williams-Sonoma as suggested in the links above MMMmmmmmm.... sooo good! That will warm you right up and if you're making it, you get to taste!

Picture from Williams-Sonoma website.

4). Send out homemade cards. You can get simple ones from your local craft store that you can paint, draw and decorate yourself or use photographs!

5). Use natural "green" ingredients for decorations - pine cones, berry wreaths, seasonal flowers like poinsettias and amaryllis as well as holiday greenery for table, mantle piece and staircase decorations. The smell will be fantastic!


Picture from Martha Stewart website.

And last but not least for a little inspiration - watch Nigella's Christmas Kitchen if you want something easy and fun to make for your girlfriends and there's no swapping of gifts.

So hopefully this year this might have helped a little and instead of the dreaded shopping and what to do, it will be happy shopping, baking and all that jazz!
I'm putting on the carols and heading to the kitchen myself. :)
Good luck!