'Tis the Season to Shop Wisely

CRUSH’S 2009 Recession-Friendly Gift Guide

I don’t want to alarm anyone, but Thanksgiving is a mere two weeks away, so we all know what that means: in 14 days, super-sized floats will invade Midtown in New York, tryptophan will prove triumphant in all carnivores, the Lions will blow it (again), and the holiday shopping season will officially…how do you say?...oh, yes: explode.

But in case you hadn’t heard, we’re in a recession – so how does one navigate the usual holiday insanity in the current economy?

Good news: frugal is the new black, and it is anything but boring – if you know where to look. Shop smarter this season and check out the following inexpensive ideas that are also tailor made to speak to these tough times and maybe even lift a spirit or two Your wallet and gift recipient will thank you.



Let the Music Play
Music is the perfect escape, especially during rough patches, and you can make it even cooler for someone on your list with these foldable speakers ($16). They’re just 3.15 cubic inches when fully constructed, made from recycled materials, self powered, and compatible with any device that has a headphone jack. They’re also perfect for listening to the brilliant new Matthew Ryan CD, Dear Lover, available for digital download for less than $10 on iTunes.

Another great choice in the music vein: Cassette From My Ex: Stories and Soundtracks of Lost Loves ($22.99 list price but usually available for less than $20 depending on retailer discount), a must for anyone who’s ever made, received, or can appreciate the sentiment and storytelling that goes in to a mix tape. Full disclosure: I’m a little biased on this one, as I have an essay in the collection, but I’d be hearting this book regardless, and anyone on your list will, too.

Home Sweet Home
A tough economy often means less dining out and more entertaining at home, so if your friend’s pad has become the new local pub, why not give a gift that enhances the atmosphere? CB2, an offshoot of Crate & Barrel but with more IKEA-like prices, has a number of options, including this set of six hand-blown wine glasses ($19.95) that offer “cheers” in multiple languages.

Or check out Fishs Eddy, which offers dinner, flat, and serving ware in fun designs and motifs at pocket-friendly prices. A set of four glasses adorned with nursery rhyme images will set you back just $22, or pick up a few of the composition notebook-themed cups, marked down to less than $4 each.

Fun and Games
Lighten things up with a little laughter this holiday season, and there’s no better place to start than with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” gang. They’ve put together their first Christmas special (available only on DVD, on sale November 17 for $16.99 at Amazon) and you can be sure it will take their usual debauchery to an entirely new level.

Or give laid-off friends some time back in “The Office” …a la Clue. The Dunder Mifflin staff has infiltrated the classic board game ($34.95), but in this version, the goal is to solve the mystery of who killed HR director Toby. Don’t be so quick to point the finger at Michael – there are six suspects and nine possible murder locations within the Scranton office, so anything is possible!

Hostest With the Mostest
Attending a holiday party this season? Mind your manners and don’t show up empty handed. Nothing says “thank you” like a yummy treat, and as far as I’m concerned (and this will come as no surprise to those who know me), cupcakes are the yummiest. Cupcakeries are all the rage right now, so do a quick search online to find out if there’s one close to you. Cupcakes will run you anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50 per piece, but a half dozen shouldn’t set you back more than $15 total. Call in advance to check on the day’s selection including any special seasonal flavors, and consider placing a pre-order as well. If there’s no cupcakery within driving distance, there’s also always the homemade option, made even easier by the Sprinkles Cupcake Mixes ($14), available in a number of different flavors including more festive ones such as Spice and Pumpkin.

In the mood to gift your host with something less sweet and more saucy? You can always count on Trader Joe’s for their wide selection of inexpensive wines, with most running as cheap as $1.99 to $3.49 a bottle, but thankfully no discount when it comes to taste. Slip your favorite into an eco-friendly, reusable wine bag from Maptote for just $12. Made from 100% cotton, choose from six different designs proclaiming various hot spots.

Now get out there and celebrate what's left of 2009…and raise your hand if you’re ready for 2010. Yeah, me too. I'll race you.