A 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Women

The holidays are here… I cannot believe it! If you’re like me, I try and make my gift shopping list before Thanksgiving arrives , so I can shop for the best deals. If you are struggling for gift ideas this year for those special women in your life, check out the list of ideas I have shared with you.I have included a variety of ideas for many different ages and price ranges. The ideas came from gifts I have given and/or received over the past year. All of the opinions are my own and I was not compensated for the items or to write this blog. Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

Holiday Gift Guide for Women

Joy Susan Mini Crossbody/Wristlet Cluctch ($39, 67 colors available) https://www.joysusan.com

MantraBand Bangle ($25, various colors and messages)  https://www.mantraband.com

Charter Club Double Knit Robe ($39 http://www.macys.com)

Giani Bernini Sterling Silver with 18k Gold Platted 1 1/2 inch Hoops ($80, http://www.Macy’s.com)

Bath and Body 3-Wick Peppermint Candle ($24.50 http://www.bathandbody.com)

The Wisdom of Sundays by: Orpah Winfrey ($27.99, http://www.barnesandnoble.com)

Vera Bradley Fleece Throw  ($49.99, http://www.verabradley.com)

Vera Bradley Toilettrie Bag ($58, various designs available  at Vera Bradley Outlet Stores for discounted prices)

Bliss Body Butter ($12.99, http://www.bliss.com and various retailers including Nordstrom Rack and TJMaxx)

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($12 1oz., various scents, http://www.loccitane.com)

Hand Painted State to State Ornament ($12, http://www.etsy.com Sold by Kathy)

Charcuterie Board Acadia Wood Plank (approx. $10-30, various prices and sizes available at various home decor and kitchen retailers)

A Date Night Gift Basket (various gift card amounts for movie tickets, dinner at restaurant and Movie Sized Candy wrapped inside a popcorn container with yellow shredded paper that looks like popcorn). This was an anniversary gift from my kids to my husband and I this year!

Essential Oil Diffuser and Oil Set (approx. $20-40, available at various retailers)

For other gift ideas for the special women in your life, check out the Guide Guide List I shared during the 2016 Holiday Season. Visit Holiday Gift Guide: For Women

Staying Organized in 2016 : Making Store Returns

One errand we probably all try to ignore after the holidays is making returns at stores. Standing in line, looking for receipts and not finding the right size in the messy racks is all overwhelming. Years ago, I started a process that has kept my returns organized. As you look at the items that you have overbought or received as gifts and will not use or need another size, consider this process to stay organized all year long and make those dreaded returns! Believe me, it is worth the time (and extra cash!) to make the returns than leave the items in a closet or drawer and never get used.

Return Tips:

If the return is clothes or a household item that you bought and did not fit, work for what you needed it for, or just did not like it:

• Put the item and the receipt back in a bag and add it to your car right away.
• The next time you are at that store ( I tend to shop at the same stores!), you will already have the item in your car to return.
• On the way back from appointments, work, school or activities, if you drive by the store, consider making the return at that time.
• Make the returns fit into your weekly routine.

If the return is a gift, and it did not work for you or your family:

• Tape the gift receipt to the item, add it to a bag and then your car right away.
• If they did not provide a gift receipt, bring it to the store and see what the store’s return policy is. Most stores will give you a store credit that you can use at a later time…maybe for the next season’s clothes. Try making these returns sooner rather than later for the best return price or exchange credit.
• Tip: If possible, try to provide a gift receipt for any gift you give. Retailers are making it harder for customers to try and exchange their items for something that fits or just works better.

Bag returns together from stores in the same shopping area, for example in the same mall, shopping plaza, city or street. Helps you remember which returns you have to make in that area.

Keep all store receipts in a small file. Use a larger sized coupon organizer and file all store receipts. Suggested categories include: mom & dad, kids, pets, home, gifts. Helps you locate the receipt for your return much quicker.