Black Friday – Let The Holiday Shopping Commence

By Brian Maynor
November 29, 2013

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday and is enjoying the first shopping day of the holiday season!  Black Friday is a tradition.  Years ago I remember climbing into the car joining throngs of others for special deals and promotions only available the day after Thanksgiving.  This year they barely let you digest your dinner before tempting you with deals from stores opened Thursday evening. 

Personally not a morning person or fan of large crowds, I was not out and about at the crack of dawn.  My Black Friday shopping tends to be done online from the sofa. while enjoying a turkey sandwich and relaxing.  With dinner parties, work parties, gift exchanges and events already filling my calendar it is time for to start stocking my gift closet.  Here are few of my favorite things this year that would be great to give or receive:

1.    Candles.  All of my friends love candles, so that is an easy gift and one I always have on hand, but choosing the right scent can be tricky.  My recommendation is to keep it light and natural.  Eucalyptus, pine, and orange clove are always hits, especially around the holidays, plus you can find candles at every price point.  I tend to splurge on these during the holidays. 

2.    Cashmere.  Impress everyone with the gift of luxury.  Cashmere throws; scarves and gloves are great gift ideas and now won’t break the bank.  You can now walk into just about any discount store and find cashmere blend.  One of the best gifts to give is a pair of smartphone friendly gloves.  We’ve all been there struggling to free your hand from a glove to answer the phone while not dropping it.  Juggle no more.  These new ‘tech friendly’ gloves will keep your hands warm and functional to text, talk and type away on your smart phone.

3.    Coffee Table Books.  This is always an unexpected, but thoughtful gift.  From art, architecture, fashion and travel you can find coffee table books on every topic.  I love the bargain book section at Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million and frequently raid them for these very books. 

4.    Business Gifts.  There are always one or two people on your list that are more business acquaintances than friends, and it can be daunting trying to choose an appropriate gift.  For these occasions my recommendation is to forgo the gift card for a business accessories.  Iconic Moleskine notebooks, a business card case, magnetic collar stays or purse hook are all thoughtful, yet still professional gifts that have a purpose.

5.    Whimsical Gifts.  Sometimes I just like to have fun with gifts, and for those times I like playful cufflinks like these with Lego men, ‘Movember’ tie bar or Pantone Color Block notecards.  What could be more fun? 

6.    Party in a bag.  When all else fails or you just run out of options feel free to borrow my trusted stand-by, a bottle of champagne with two flutes.  Nothing says ‘Happy Holidays’ more than a bottle of bubbly. 

During the holidays it may be better to give than receive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with the gift.  Stocking your gift closet this year with these fun and thoughtful items are sure to impress and launch your reputation as a gift trendsetter.

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