Holiday Niff Tips

Niff Tips Presents

The Fabulous Factor’s First Ever

2009 Holiday Gift Guide

It is that time of year. The air is crisp and cold. Tiny snowflakes descend from the heavens to live with us for a few blissful seconds before joining the fallen on the slush filled streets. Our hands stay warm with giant cups of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream slowly melting into a frothy foam.  And our pinky toe is now completely numb because we have spent the whole day standing in lines, wandering aimlessly through three different malls, and our three hour shopping plan has been extended into an all day event requiring the stamina and strength of a tri-athlete.

While the holiday season may bring you a mixture of excitement and dread, this year I am going to do all I can do to help you save yourself, and your dear little pinky toes, from the trials and tribulations of annual holiday shopping.

First things first. Know your dates!

Thanksgiving- November 26

Hanukkah- December 11-19              

Christmas- December 25

Kwanzaa- December 26

Now that those are marked down on your calendar, this is the next thing you need to do. Grab a piece of paper or open up an Excel spreadsheet and list everyone you usually buy gifts for. Divide the list up for people you need to mail gifts to and the people you will hand deliver presents to. Your out-of-towners or special order gifts are your priority.

Start doing research, figuring out what you would like to get each person and where you can get it- note this information on your list. Write down as many things you can think of next to their names. This will help you organize your thoughts and aid in brainstorming. When you purchase said item, you can make a mark next to the name. When you finally ship off everything, you can make another mark. (I personally keep an Excel tab for each year. It helps me keep track of who gave me what, and what I gave to them. It also helps prevent that embarrassing moment when you re-gift to the person that gave it to you!)

Having a master list is what will save you from aimless hours in the mall or online. Knowing what you need and where to go to get it will is the key. You are in, out, and home sipping some wine while watching glamorous Barbara Stanwyck get herself into trouble in “Christmas in Connecticut.”  Sounds glorious, doesn’t it?

Now that you know Operation Holiday 2009, it is my pleasure to introduce you to something The Fabulous Factor has been excitedly planning for the past few months- The Fabulous Factor Holiday 2009 Gift Guide with tips, tricks, and ideas for all your guys, gals, and crazy aunts that are strangely obsessed with Guitar Hero.

Good luck, lovelies! Happy Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or whatever you celebrate.

Much Cheer and Glad Tidings,

Jenni