by Todd Pheifer

Created on: September 11, 2008

Christmas shopping can be a challenge for anyone. Most people would love to just buy another person whatever they want in life. Unfortunately, the objects of some people's desire can be rather expensive. At the same time, people don't want to get something overly "cheap" and come across as lacking generosity. Therefore, some people settle on somewhere in the fifty-dollar "range" for a quality item. Still, people have to ascertain what others really want and they must shop for appropriate items. Here are a few thoughts on Christmas gift ideas under $50.

GIFT CARDS

The gift card is increasingly becomes part of the gift-giving tradition. It isn't as "personal" as buying a specific item and it isn't necessarily as exciting as finding that "perfect" gift. However, for some people it is actually desirable because it gives them control over their purchases. If some people were really honest, they would prefer to receive cash for a gift so that they could truly select their own gift. People can buy industry-specific gift cards or restaurant cards but if in doubt, they can go with the more general gift card such as Amazon, Target, Costco, or the local mall. This gives the receiver a variety of choices to select their own "perfect" gift.

IPOD SHUFFLE

Portable music players are all the rage in today's society. While some of the more high-powered digital music players can cost in excess of a couple hundred dollars, there are affordable entry-level units. For example, the Apple iPod Shuffle recently had a price reduction and now many retail establishments sell it for $49. The Shuffle is a good entry-level player and it can give people a sense of the digital music lifestyle. In addition, it is a very compact player that can be taken to the gym or when people go running.

CLOTHES

There are, of course, always clothes. Some people get excited about new wardrobe items while for others they are a necessary evil. Therefore, an under fifty-dollar gift could include a new shirt, pants, or a collection of socks or other accessories. This does take some knowledge of the receiver's taste, but it is a possibility.

Overall, I'm increasingly a fan of the gift card. It's quick, portable, and it gives the receiver a chance to buy exactly what they want. It may not be as "personal" as something specific, but most people will trade personal for control.

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