The Recessionista’s Second Annual Holiday Pick List 2009

Despite the economic downturn, shoppers are still faced with the challenge of getting ready for the holidays, entertaining and playing Santa for their children. In order to help consumers everywhere, The Recessionista Blog has put together the following 10 picks/suggestions. The list is a guide for a cheap and cheerful holiday that combines luxury with economy.

The Recessionista’s Holiday Pick List 2009

1) Gift cards from your credit card points: Give the gift of gift cards using your reward points from credit cards, hotel points and airline miles. Now is the time to check your balances, on your Hilton Honors, American Express Membership Rewards or other cards. We all forget that we sometime carry point balances for freebies along with our credit card debt.

2) Accessories: One of the best ways to enliven any outfit is to accessorize with a scarf, pin or jewelry. A few well chosen, chic n’ cheap accessories can renew an outfit, or at this time of year add a holiday touch. Check out J. Crew’s Velvet Flower pin for $14.99. The style is similar to Chanel’s classic Camellia Flower Pin but its much less. I also love Jones New York’s colorful wraps for $24.99. The rich colors are amazing from teal, to ruby red, to simple ivory, they are like jewels. Also, check out Avon for some great scarves and fashion accessories. Their stuff is cute, and the prices are extremely affordable. Look for more great accessories at H&M, Nordstroms (when there is a sale) and Ann Taylor Loft.

3) Thrift is the new chic: Wonderful vintage items can be found at consignment stores or thrift shops in upscale neighborhoods. Look for costume jewelry and vintage handbags at your local Goodwill, Junior League or Hospital Thrift stores. In Los Angeles, I have found treasures at the Salvation Army Canoga Park and the National Jewish Women’s Thrift store. Check YELP! to find to good stores in your area.

Pictured: The luxury candle from the drugstore, Glade’s Currant & Acai candle.


4) Candles: Give the gift of a beautiful and inexpensive holiday candle. One of my favorite finds this year was Glade’s Fragrance Collection. These soy-based candles can be purchased at any drugstore or big-box retailer for under $10.00. A small candle is only $3.99 US, the larger candle is $8.99 US. Check for coupons on the web, and in your Sunday newspaper to further reduce the retail price. My favorite holiday scents are the Currants & Acai and the Pomegrante & Cranberry.


Pictured: My favorite year-round piece of jewelry, the Yummi Glass Heart.


5) Jewelry: Pick a simple, classic piece of jewelry that will sparkle and become a focal point. One of my favorites is the the Yummi Glass Murano Glass Heart rimmed with 24k gold. These hearts are pricey at retailers and boutiques, but you can find them for much less on eBay or the Yummi Glass website.You’ll also find expensive looking, but not expensively priced, jewelry at TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Avon, and Loehmann’s.

6) Sweaters with Sparkle: Become instantly festive by gifting sweaters with sparkle, perfect to wear from work, to dinner, or to a party. Kohl’s has a great sparkling holiday sweater for $34.99 ($21.99 during power hours.) H&M and Ann Taylor Loft have some beautiful sequin/beaded tops. For kids, check out the Avon kids’ clothing collection. Its reasonably priced with crystals and rhinestones placed around necklines and on bodices for some shine. Macy’s also has some beautiful, reasonably priced pieces in their BeDazzled & INC. collections. Use a savings pass from your local paper or the Macy’s website to maximize your savings.

7) Designers for Less: Check out the online shopping clubs. Clubs like HauteLook, the Gilt Groupe , RuLaLa ,Row Nine, Ideeli and others offer invitation only specials with discounts of 70 to 80 percent on fashions for men, women and children. For in-store shopping, check Loehmann’s. They have the name brand designers high-end lines for less. They also have many gifts for under $30.00. And of course, don’t forget designers like Norma Kamali on eBay and lower priced lines like Simply Vera at Kohl’s. Give the Final Cut outlet at BCBG online a look. There are also deals to be found on eBay from numerous designers. Just search by designer name, and sort by price. There is nothing like a little online trading to stretch your holiday dollars. Remember, you can sell off your old items to help you buy your gifts.

Pictured: 2005 Ercavio Roble La Mancha, average price, $8.00 US.
8) Gift a cheap and cheerful bottle of wine: I discovered some great wines for under $20.00 this year that make wonderful gifts. Some of my favorites: Mark West Pinot Noir, 2005 Ercavio Roble La Mancha [a delicious red wine produced from 100% Cencibel (Tempranillo) ] and for a great white, try Burgans Rias Baixas Albarino or La Crema Chardonnay.

Pictured: Homemade Seashell ornaments by Lynn


9) Make your own holiday ornament or card. Whether its a special holiday card designed by you on the your computer (sent using e-mail to save on card costs and postage) or a special holiday ornament, you can make some cute gifts. My friend Lynn decorates Martini glasses and turns seashells into beautiful ornaments. All it takes is some glitter, some glue, a little paint and some imagination.

10) Fill a stocking with little trinkets from the drugstore or a discount store. This is a great idea either for men or women. For guys, throw in some iPOD gift cards, snacks (check gourmet items from Marshall’s), Starbucks card and a warm scarf. For ladies, a candle, body wash, a special lipstick and a candle make a great package. You’d be surprised at the treasures you can find at the Dollar Store too. They have great books.

Happy holidays to all my savvy shoppers. I hope this year’s list is helpful to you. Please note, this is not a sponsored post. I am not paid by any advertiser to promote these products. Throughout the year, I see a lot of things “labeled” as bargains but at the end of the day, only a handful meet The Recessionista’s criteria of delivering quality for price.