*Saving money on the perfect gift
It’s that time of year again – the time to start shopping for your loved ones for Christmas. If you are like anyone else out shopping, you probably want to find the best value for your money. NeXt has taken some popular gifts and found alternatives to the brand names to save you some money this holiday season.
• UGGs are once again popular. Yet, this stylish boot can set you back up to $160! Many brands try to copy the famous UGG style and it’s hard to find a great alternative. One I found was a pair of boots made by Bearpaw, available at Famous Footwear. These boots come in black, sand and brown. These boots are just as comfortable and cute as UGGs without the big price tag!
• Looking for a warm, sharp-looking jacket for those cold Buffalo winters? Many turn to the Northface for a cute jacket that will also keep you warm. But, those price tags can be hefty. A man or woman’s Denali fleece jacket, one of the most popular styles, is $165, while the children’s version is $99. If you’re looking for a toasty jacket without the high price, alternatives are available. Columbia Sportswear makes fleece jackets that can compare to Northface jackets and only cost $29.99 for men, women, and children. These jackets can be found at Dick’s Sporting Goods and other retailers.
• Looking for some jewelry for a special woman in your life? A pair of real pearl earrings can cost $100 and up at jewelry stores. If your mom, sister, girlfriend, etc. is not too picky about whether her jewelry is real or not, Claire’s Accessories can be just the place you need. They offer cheaper versions of pearl, diamond, or other precious stone jewelry at prices that won’t break the bank. For example, a pearl of faux-pearl earrings can cost you only $8.50!
• Another great place to find cheaper prices on gifts you just have to have is Amazon.com. New and used versions of many gift items are available for purchase at manufacturer’s price or even cheaper (although you have to figure in the cost of shipping and handling). If the new iPod Nano-Chromatic is on your list, Amazon helps you to find a better deal. If you buy the iPod through the Apple store of any of its licensed retailers, it can cost $149 for an 8GB model and $199 for a 16GB model. The same iPod, in both sizes, was found on Amazon. com for a price anywhere between $129 and $173.99.
• If you want to spend less money this holiday season, consider some of these ideas. Online stores of big department store chains sometimes offer sale prices not available in-store at the mall. Web sites like Amazon and eBay offer a place to buy and sell used or new items at lower prices. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag. Merry Christmas, and happy shopping!
Rebecca Bratek is a senior at Immaculata Academy.
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