SavvySugar

Is It Rude to Regift?

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:45:10 -0800

Have you stashed away disappointing holiday gifts from last year only to disguise them as new presents for others this year? If so, you're not alone. According to Time, a recent Consumer Report survey suggests that 36 percent of holiday gifters will be regifters this season, passing along unwanted or unneeded items from season's past.

Sure, the idea's a guaranteed money and time saver. It also ensures that nothing unwanted goes to waste - or does it? If you didn't like the gift in the first place, what makes you so sure someone else is going to? Unless of course he or she is dying for whatever item you've previously rejected and are wrapping up this year. And of course, there's always the risk that the original gift-giver pays you a visit this year, and looks for the special present she gave you last year to ensure that it's being used and loved.

Well, obviously there's a certain art form and etiquette to the whole regifting process, and if you're smart about how you regift, you'll probably get away with it, no questions asked. So tell me, is regifting something you do? Or is it rude to give hand-me-down presents from past holidays?

Would You Trust $3 Appliances From Target?

SavvySugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:13 -0800

Any bargain hunter knows quality and price aren't necessarily correlated. But a $3 coffeemaker? That's less than Starbucks and friends charge for several of their caffeinated menu items.

You might have heard that Target's supposed Black Friday deals were leaked online. A spokesperson for the company wouldn't confirm the rumored deals which include $3 Chefmate brand toasters and coffeemakers, high-definition TVs and navigation systems with slashed price tags, half-priced clothes and toys, and more. If the leaked advertisement is accurate, it sounds like Target is going all out this year trying to get shoppers in its automatic doors.

I'm not used to $3 appliances existing outside garage sales and thrift stores, so it's really something that the chain store is offering these low prices. Sure, I'd throw down a few bucks for a perfectly good, gently used appliance. After all, the person who bought it new surely spent more for the item. Something feels different about buying a new appliance for such a low price - I'm just not sure I'd trust that it would hold up for very long. What's your take?

8 Steps to Financially Prepare For the Holidays

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:30:15 -0800

The season of giving can influence our preferences for excess, whether it's a second helping of dessert or spending money we don't necessarily have. There's nothing Scrooge-like about staying financially smart throughout the holidays - consider it a gift to yourself. And when it comes to gifts like these, the more, the merrier, so follow these eight steps and feel the love.

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Your Two Cents: Is There Room in Your Holiday Budget For Charity?

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:58 -0800

The holiday season isn't just about gift-giving - even while the budget may be stretched, it's also the time of year to give to charity. It's no secret that things are tight this year. The recession is changing the way we holiday shop, but is it also changing our philanthropic spirit of giving for a good cause?

Apparently so. Charitable foundations and organizations throughout the country are suffering from a lack of funds - the size of charitable giving just isn't sizable enough. Nonprofits, especially on the local level, are dealing with some serious cutbacks in their budgets, thanks to an economic climate that makes giving to a cause more of a luxury than it used to be. Where organizations used to rely on the generosity of philanthropic donors, they are now turning to the government for aid.

It's unfortunate, but while philanthropy is still a valued cause for giving, there are many who just may not be able to offer support this year. Of course, there are other ways to help out - volunteering, for one - but I'm curious: Is writing a check for charity out of the question this holiday season? Or are you still making room in your budget for a charitable donation?

7 Sales Happening This Week

SavvySugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:30:33 -0800

Get a head start on the Black Friday crowds that are just a couple weeks away by taking advantage of some sale events happening this week. You can shop and save on gifts without even leaving the house! Check out seven promo codes that could help you get a jump-start on holiday shopping while staying on budget. Some of them expire soon, so if you're going to act, do it fast!

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Introducing the PopSugar Network's 2009 Holiday Gift Guides, Recipes, Planning Help, and More!

PopSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:15:00 -0800

Holiday season is officially here and we're getting in the spirit bringing you everything you need - from gift guides galore to recipes, survival tips to budget advice - we've got it all! This year we're blowing it out bigger than ever from now until New Year's. To check out all of our holiday coverage at any time, check it out here and if you're just looking for just our gift guides, find them here! Our coverage has kicked off already so check out a taste of the gift guides and planning help now!

Download Our Thanksgiving Planner!	Buzz Has Gifts For Dear Old Dad	10 Great Gifts For Mom on Any Budget
Gifts For the Fly Fisherman	A Holiday Gift List For Mommy	Etsy Finds For Dad
5 Thoughtful Finds For the Baking Enthusiast	Fab: Mama, Pops, Nana, Dada	Geek's Gift Guide For Dad

Your Two Cents: How Did You Pay For Holiday Gifts?

SavvySugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:30:32 -0800

December can be an expensive month that leads to cringe-worthy credit card bills in January, but we're all different in the way we handle the gift buying bonanza at the end of the year. Some people opt to use cash-only to control their spending, some rely on debit cards to make keeping track easy, while others are all about using credit cards to earn points. How did you primarily pay for gifts this season?

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Which Online Store Had Its Best-Ever Holiday Sales?

SavvySugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:30:28 -0800

Most retailers have reported weak sales during the typically profitable holiday season, leading to deeper post-Christmas discounts than usually offered. One online store stands out as having its best-ever holiday sales, trampling last season's numbers and its competitors. Can you guess which retailer is sitting prettiest?

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Will You Be Shopping the Big Discounts This Weekend?

SavvySugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:00:16 -0800

The day after Thanksgiving is typically the day of deals, but this year we'll be seeing even deeper discounts starting the day after Christmas (today!). Like Black Friday, many Americans don't have to go to work on Dec. 26, and it's expected that retailers will slash prices even more to get rid of old inventory.

Will you spend any of your time off (or put your holiday cash to use) this weekend, or are you burnt out from shopping in 2008?

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I'm Asking: How Much Did You Spend on Holiday Gifts?

SavvySugar — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:00:30 -0800

Back in October, before the aggressive days of holiday shopping began, you shared how much you planned to spend on gifts this season. Compared to the National Retail Federation's projection that US shoppers would spend around $830, most of you planned on spending much less. Were you able to keep your spending under the limit you set for gifts? What was the total damage?

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