Holiday Haste

Because last year you said you’d do better…

Not to worry, neighbors. I’ve got the remedy. Today’s blog will provide you with the spots to find special, affordable gifts for the last person or every person on your list…or for yourself, too — especially if you’re crunched for time. And if you’re reading this, you probably are.

1. ANTHRO, ANTHRO! READ ALL ABOUT IT! At this point, I need a sponsorship. I swear by this store. Nearly 80% of the gifts going to my friends and family this year are coming from Anthropologie. From decor, beauty, apparel, accessories, and more, they do not disapoint. For the most part you all know, I am the Disco(unt) Queen and I do not believe in buying anything full-price unless necessary and warranted. From my experience, Anthropologie tends to have a great sale section. Very unique finds! Sale prices typically range from as low as $4.95 to $199.95 and they offer 30%, 40%, or 50% promos on the sale litems periodically. With the latter, however, those items cannot be returned, so if you purchase for half the sale price make sure that you’re confident in your purchase.

   Anthropologie Honorable Mention: Volcano by Capri Blue

2. Barnes & Noble is obviously the place to go for the book worms, kiddos, and super-organized folks in your life. I will say that their sale section is not exciting, but they have great book deals for as low as $7, calendars, pens, and journals for considerably reasonable prices. B&N is also a good avenue for your game night friends if you want to select a new game for them to try for small gatherings. Games are expensive as hell these days, so don’t be alarmed if they ask $40 for Family Fued. If you have any small cousins, neices/nephews, sons/daughters, god-children on and on and on, the Young Readers and YA sections include amazing, relevant, and socially conscious children’s books.

   B&N Honorable Mention: “Bunheads” by Misty Copeland

   Small business bookstores: Posman’s Books, 44th & 3rd Bookseller, Old Town Books

3. Paper Source has become my new haven for hilarious gifting. I love this store. This is another solid store for the game night friends in your circle, similar prices to B&N. But honestly, I don’t frequent Paper Source for the games — it’s the holiday cards and stocking stuffers for me. They have satirical books and trinkets that will have you laughing in store and that every adult can appreciate. It’s a great place for the crafty loved ones in your life, as well — a grand selection of writing and drawing tools, sketch books, party supplies, and even a personalized card/invitation station. If you sign up for their loyalty program you receive $10 off your first purchase. Sale section is usually 50% off and definitely worth taking a peek.

   Paper Source Honorable Mention: Covid Christmas Card

4. Phenomenal Woman Campaign is a site that I’ve gotten into recently — notably due to VP-Elect/Soror Kamala Harris. This campaign is spear-headed by VP Harris’ neice, Meena Harris, and it features original, creative apparel for us and by us. Specializing in apparel with attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, Phenomenal Woman, Girl Dad, voting, and much more. They even have items for the teenie weenies ones, so you can find something for those quarantine babies. Meena also writes children’s books specifically highlighting to Black and brown girls. Reasonable prices considering the high profile of the campaign’s supporters.

   Phenomenal Woman Campaign Honorable Mention: Vice President Aunty sweatshirt (I have this one! it’s very warm)

5. Local Stores/consignments are fun places to find one-of-a-kind gifts that no one else around will have. Shopping small (and Black, if you can) always brings a little bit more joy because large corporations aren’t getting your dollars and we know some of the money will be contributed back to our communities. Clearly, gift cards could be the way to go for small shops, but it’s always more pleasurable looking for something that matches the recepients personality or interests. One small store I like to shop is ACE Hardware. They carry grill toys for the people who love cook, kitchenware, plant and gardening supplies, and more.

   Ace Hardware Honorable Mention: YETI Wine Tumbler

& so on: Sur La Table, Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls/TJ Maxx, Juvia’s Place, celebrity shops (i.e. Kelis, Pharrell, Tracee Ellis Ross), Blue Mercury, Things Remembered

Pro-tip: Request a gift receipt (if items were not final sale) and ask for boxes and tissue, many stores offer it complimentary.

Note: I understand that this year might have burned a hole in our pockets due to meeting life’s obligations — some places mentioned in this post also offer Afterpay and additional buy now, pay later options when shopping online. Additionally, as much as I love gift giving for the holiday season, remember the reason for the season. For me, that’s the gift of Christ. For others, the reason may vary. Regardless, I hope that we are all more patient, loving, and present this season and the ones to come. Spread joy, cheer, and love until someone wants to punch you in the face. We have SO much to be joyous about. Happy everything & Merry always!

And a playlist to (w)rap to…

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