Holidays are often a struggle for many who do not enjoy the holiday season of gift giving, dinners, parties, and often travel plans. While this list is nothing overly fancy, it might just help with getting those last-minute gifts sent out.
1 –Teakwood Set for Men from Bath and Body Works - $15.95
2 – Hiware Bamboo Cutting Board from Amazon - $15.98
3 – Beats Solo3 at Best Buy Rose Gold - $99
4 – Book Nook Reading Valet from Uncommon Goods - $50
5 – Vertuo Pop+ from Nespresso (Choice of 6 Colors) - $99
6 – Custom Pride Tumbler from MADCustomgiftsStore Etsy - $20.98
I always like to think outside the box and never be afraid to order something custom-made from sellers all over the world. Hurry though, as you do not want to miss out on the holiday shopping deals if you plan to send these items out of state.
Shopping Tips & Tricks
Over the years I have mastered my abilities to get my holiday shopping done weeks before the big day arrives. Here are a few tips that help me each year.
1 – Use companies that allow you to ship directly to that special someone. Here you save money on shipping as most online retailers offer FREE shipping. Most companies I have found offer gift wrapping services or special boxes when sending gifts.
2 – Need to buy for a family of six? No worries here, buy each one a personalized gift card, I like to use those that arrive by email as it gives you a copy of the gift card just in case someone loses their gift. While it may seek “cheap,” it’s a great way to protect against theft.
3 – Sign up for rewards and bonuses as retailers have beefed up how they reward consumers for loyal shopping habits. This year I have stacked over $200 in rewards to use on future gifts or items for personal care.
4 – Use Coupons! This might seem like an outdated response, however companies put coupons out there for consumers to use. Check reward apps, emailed coupons, and in store only coupons. This year I saved $188 on a new bedroom set for our bed.
Remember to get your items shipped on time as nobody likes to give gifts that arrive late or not at all. Most companies suggest standard shipping by Dec. 16 to make it on time, otherwise you may have to pay a little extra to make sure everything arrives on time this year.
Shopping Local Is Important
Thinking about that special someone and what to get them for the holidays is often a daunting task. Let me save you the trouble and point you just a few of our local LGBTQ-owned stores.
Pride Factory – 2282 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Claudia Castillo Art Gallery – 2215 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
To The Moon – 2205 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
The Tacky Tourist – 630 Lake Ave., Lake Worth
Mix Men’s Wear – 2258 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare – 2155 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors
Art Frenzie – 2330 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Out of the Closet – 2097 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Out of the Closet – 1785 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
Out of the Closet – 2400 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
Chic Optique – 2228 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Creative Male – 3227 NE 2nd Ave., Miami
For other details and businesses to support, pick up a local copy of the “The Directory,” Out South Florida’s local directory of the safest spaces in South Florida. Happy Holidays!
