The Recessionista on Holiday Giving Under $25

December 22, 2008

A couple of girlfriends and I were talking about how crummy the economy has become this year and the toll it’s taken on our closets. Though no one will ever turn away from lux brands, one must shop smart. Shopping is an art and is something that cannot be done on a whim, especially when money is tight. I perused the stores last week for great deals on dresses, accessories and jewelry and found plenty for under $30. I made a list of what I wanted and dove into the sales racks at boutiques and departments stores. The proof was in the receipt when I came out of We One You Two with two dresses, two tights, and a gorgeous shirt – all designer – for $150. All the items were originally around $300 and $190 – tights were $25 – but I was able to get them at 40% off. It’s Recessionista chic. Yes, it’s chic to be a recessionista, someone who can maintain looking chic in an economic recession.

Since I found so many items out and about town in great stores, I figured I could ask a few of Washington’s ‘It’ girls where to shop without breaking the bank and how to be a Recessionista. In the next few weeks, I will be posting their answers, suggestions and thoughts on shopping smart.

I asked Angie Goff, WUSA 9 (CBS) traffic anchor and fellow blogger (Oh My Goff) what she would buy for the most important people in her life if she could spend just $25 on each person and how she could make $30 stretch for a weekend.

1. What would you give your best friend for Christmas if your budget was only $25?

Angie will be keeping her best friend’s hair in tip top shape with hair products from CiBU International for $19.99. The ultra chic cosmetic tote is packed with
– 1 oz. Geishalicous Color Protecting Shampoo
– 1 oz. Hue Nu Color Protecting Conditioner
– 1.5 oz Sashini Thermal Shine Solution
– 1.5 oz Pho Finsh Workable Finishing Spray

2. What would you give your boyfriend for Christmas if your budget was only $25?

Angie keeps her man’s face looking clean and healthy with Aveda’s Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist 150ml/5 oz for $24.50. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. The toning mist is a is practical and easy to use, even for guys who are on the run. Used twice a day to clear impurities, hey guy’s face will stay kissable soft even in the stressful recession.

3. What would you give your mom for Christmas if your budget was only $25?
Angie’s mom loves Pond’s Cold cream and that’s exactly what she is going to receive. She saves her mom five trips to the store – less gas and more time saved from standing in lines and a little piece of mind. This gift is thoughtful because her mom will think of her each and every day when she uses to her favorite product. The Pond’s cold cream cleanser is just $4.90 but with five bottles, mom will be set for a couple of months. You can find Pond’s Cold Cream at CVS or your local grocery store.

4. What would you give your boss for Christmas if your budget was only $25?
Angie’s boss will be all smiles this Christmas when he opens his $25 gift certificate to the Grooming Lounge – Washington’s best kept secret for men’s grooming products. The Grooming Lounge has everything a man needs to keep his face and body healthy and handsome with luxurious products made specifically for him. Her boss will stay camera ready for his close ups. You can make this gift the ultimate stocking stuffer for the men in your life.

5. What would you give your uber fashionable sister for Christmas if you budget was only $25?
Angie’s sister gets Gwen Stefani Harajuku Lovers “G” Eau De Toilette Mini Spray, just $25. What better present than having a whiff of Gwen Stefani’s rocktar power packed perfume for the ultimate rockstar sister.

6. Could you live on $30 for one weekend? How would you do that?
“Yes! $10 on seeing a movie, $7 on making S’mores with a good friend at COSI and$13 for a cab to the next Holiday party I’m crashin’.”


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