Finding Perfect Presents

With the aroma of pumpkin pie filling the air, Christmas lights illuminating dark streets, and sleigh bells just a ring away, now is a great time to start shopping for gifts for all the loved ones on your list.
Sales are popping up at many retailers, so shopping on a tight budget can be simple – even for the cash-strapped college student.
Listed below are some popular, yet thrifty, treats for anyone on your list!
GIFTS FOR HER
SpaFinder Gift Certificate
Every woman loves a great day at the spa! These gift certificates are accepted at more than 5,000 spas across the country and the world. They can be used for any spa treatment of her choice, including massages, facials, fine beauty products and more. You can have the certificate shipped directly to her in a gift box (for a little fee), or even easier print it at home or have it emailed. You can obtain a gift certificate in any amount ($75 is standard) and these have no expiration dates. Visit Spafinder.com for more details.
Makeup
With everything from flashy lipsticks to neon-colored eyeliners, makeup is ideal for women who love the extra pizzazz. A popular favorite at Sephora is Urban Decay’s Naked Palette ($44), which includes 12 neutral eye shadows from intense and smokey to nude. The shadows also come in a variety of textures, from glitter to a matte finish. Another bestseller is Make Up For Ever, created by painter and sculptor Danny Sanz, who made sure every color on the rainbow was represented in the brand. This line is known for its bright, outrageous colors and versatility- eye shadows and lipsticks both double as blushes, so for $22 you can get two products for one low price.
Boots
Winter is just around the corner, so flip-flops are out and boots are in! Hot this season are combat boots for a rugged, yet ultimately chic look. Steve Madden Perrin ($170) and Troopa ($99) are bestsellers, both featuring lace-up leather styles in knee and ankle length. Aldo also has a similar collection for around the same price but boasts an army green that will complement the full outfit.
Perfume
For a crisp, fresh scent, try Miss Dior Cherie Perfume ($59). Its clean, feminine combination of sweet strawberry leaves, green tangerine, violette, soft patchouli, and pink jasmine intertwine for a fruity, alluring aroma that is hard to resist! Another favorite is Marc Jacobs Daisy ($60). Not only is the bottle beautifully adorned with plastic daisies on top, but also the fragrance is light yet feminine. A combination of wild strawberry, red grapefruit, and floral scents like gardenia and violent mingle and create a sparkling bouquet perfect for any occasion.
Oversized Sweater
What better than to step out in a comfortable yet trendy sweater that leaves you warm yet stylish? Overgrown, chunky sweaters are a new favorite and look great paired with skinny jeans or leggings and finished off with a chunky heel or ballet flat. Forever 21 has a huge selection- try Love 21’s Chunky Knit Sweater ($33) or Calvin Klein Jeans Oversized Sweater ($59).
GIFTS FOR HIM
Powermat
Help him keep the clutter in his room to a minimum with the Powermat ($80), which can charge up to three devices simultaneously. Each mat includes a Universal Powercube receiver that charges hundreds of devices, including the iPhone, Blackberry, Nintendo DS and Bluetooth headsets. There are even custom design receivers (purchased separately) that fit on certain devices like the iPhone – simple attach the hardcover case, drop it on the mat and charge. This gadget is available at Best Buy, Target and other electronic stores. Visit Powermat.com for more details.
Cologne
Alluring this season is Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme ($43). This scent has woody undertones and a pristine combination of citrus like bergamot and cedar with spices including ginger and Tonka bean, which give this fragrance an elegant yet deeply masculine trail. Macy’s offers a gift set for $75, which includes the cologne and choice of either deodorant or aftershave lotion.
Levi’s 501 Jeans
You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Levi’s 501 Jeans ($37-$46) Any guy would love this standard, straight leg jean that is comfortable yet durable. These can be paired with casual clothes like simple tees and flannels to dressier blazers or button-down shirts. You can find these jeans at most retailers including Macy’s and JCPenney as well as online.
Netflix Gift Subscription
What better than to give him a monthly subscription of unlimited movies he can watch from the comfort of his own home? Netflix gift subscriptions can be purchased for one month up to one year (plans range from $8.99 to $16.99 a month), and allows the recipient to enjoy free movies and television episodes that can be sent by mail or streamed on computers or other Netflix-ready devices like the Roku. The recipient must redeem the subscription on Netflix’s website and provide a credit card number for verification purposes. Note that once the subscription period has ended, Netflix will automatically renew the subscription on a monthly basis; to avoid extra billing charges, the recipient must cancel before the gift subscription ends. This may seem like a hassle, but for $108, movie lovers can enjoy unlimited flicks and watch their favorite shows all year long. Visit Netflix.com or visit your local Best Buy for more details.
Apple iPod Nano
The new Apple iPod Nano ($149 8GB) has been redesigned with more fun at the reach of your fingertips! It’s now equipped with a touch screen (same technology used in the iPhone and iPod) and a 1.5-inch color display. Its sleek design gives it a stylish flair and – a built-in clip makes it easy to attach to your bag, pocket, or sleeve for easy access. In addition to playing music, audio books, podcasts, and storing photos, it’s equipped with a built-in FM radio and pedometer. It’s smaller, lighter, and available in seven bright colors to match any guy’s tastes.
EDITOR’S NOTE: When you are out shopping please remember the children at the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The Queens Courier is collecting gifts for the patients. See the Gift Suggestions listing elsewhere in this issue.