Five Gifts under $25

Here are a few picks for the bargain hunter. These gifts won't break the bank but each giftee will enjoy these budget finds!

Kate Spade 2011 Spiral Desktop Calendar, $20, katespade.com

Jenni Slippers Supersoft Bootie, $12.99, macys.com

tokidoki Perfetta Pencil Case , $ 20, sephora.com

Herringbone Throw, $21.99, overstock.com

Chelsea Charm Bracelet, $20, etsy.com/shop/PenelopeG2

Gift Tip #41: Scent Diffuser

I feel welcomed coming into a home that smells good, especially when the scent does not bowl your over but seems completely natural in the space. Scent diffusers come in so many fragrances it may be hard to choose for the giftee. Keep in mind their space...is it relaxing, perhaps a lavender diffuser would work well. Is it bustling with kids and fun, maybe a citrus scent would fair well in the abode. More romantic...try a rose scent.

Here are some options:

Indian Hicks Island Night, Crabtree & Evelyn


Japanese Cherry Blossom, The Body Shop

Island Orchard Mosaic Reed, Pier 1

Extra tip: Diffusers are great in a home but also think about giving this gift to someone who travels, it will make a hotel room feel a little more like home!

sources: pier1.com, crabtree-evelyn.com, thebodyshop.com

Gift Tip #40: Aprons

For many, this time of year calls for more time in the kitchen making tasty treats and holiday meals for family and friends. Aprons let your giftee cook the casserole, bake the pies....or pop open the microwave (I'm not judging!) while still being cute. In addition, aprons act as a barrier between cake batter and that new holiday outfit. Why not slave over the stove in style?

Here are some gift options that will take the outfit of the cook to a whole different level:

Betty Apron, Crate& Barrel

Jitterbug Apron, Anthropologie

Onyx Apron, Sur la Table

This would be a good gift for the family cook or a friend who acts as the chef at every dinner party. Bon appetit!

sources: anthropologie.com, crateandbarrel.com,surlatable.com

Gift Tip #39: Brooches

Brooches aren't just for your grandmother anymore! They are for your stylish friend, elegant aunt and or sassy tween to add pizazz to your outfit. Traditionally, brooches were worn on a blouse but why not try it on your coat, hat or suit jacket? It adds interest to your clothes and shows a bit of your personality. Here are a few options:

Lydia Brooch, $150, Swarovski Stores or Swarovski.com

Kyann Pin, $21, Chico's Store or chicos.com

Love of my Life Beautiful rhinestone art deco brooch, www.etsy.com: Seller 2007 Musarra, $62.99

Fun Facts:

• The earliest known brooches are from the Bronze Age.
• Brooches were first worn in one's hair.

When purchasing a brooch, think about how the giftee will wear it (i.e. on their cardigan, in their hair, hooked onto a belt loop, etc). Also, think about a favorite item the giftee enjoys, for example does she have a favorite flower, a love of a certain type of animal or simply appreciates a little bling? This will help you to pick out the perfect brooch.

sources: swarovski.com, chicos.com, wikipedia.com

The Spotlight: Purple Nanny

Who doesn't need their own Mary Poppins these days...or at least a night out without the kiddies? I don't have kids--but I've heard stories--sometimes you need to have some time away from the children you love dearly and that is where Purple Nanny comes in.

Purple Nanny is a childcare placement service based in Charlotte. Purple Nanny is run by a sweet, patient professional who has over 15 years of in-home childcare experience and truly cares about each family she and her staff works with throughout the area. This kiddie wonderland provides newborn assistance, acts as mother's helper, summer care provider and more.

Whether you just need a night out or are going away for a short-term business opportunity, Purple Nanny can help.

Straight from the horse's mouth (Purple Nanny website)

Purple Nanny can locate and evaluate the perfect caretaker for your family. Purple Nanny has the know-how to match a family’s needs and desires with a nanny’s strengths and preferences. This is a collaborative relationship and we know the importance of a good match.

Purple Nanny gives you the peace of mind and assurance that you made a thorough search into selecting your child a professional and caring provider. Our commitment is to the happiness and well being of our most precious gifts.

source: purplenanny.com

HoneeBee Funny: The Olden Days

The Spotlight: Shape Up Fitness & Wellness Consulting

Shape Up Fitness & Wellness Consulting wants you to be fit and they give you traditional and nontraditional ways to do so. Of course, at the fitness studio you have option of one-on-one personal training where the attention is all on you and your fitness goals or you can opt for the bootcamp classes which are small groups between 5-10 individuals, where you will probably feel like you are in basic training for the Army.

If you are in the military then you know how these classes go. If you're not in the military that doesn't mean you can't get in shape like you are! Bootcamps started as a fad but continue to stay around because of the results they give to various body types, whether a stay at home home who just had baby #2 or a retired military man wanting to get back in shape, there is a bootcamp for you. In addition to training, Shape Up gives you nutritional tips and also has their own newsletter that includes articles based around fitness/nutrition, as well as a healthy recipe that helps you to stay the course.

Straight from the horse's mouth (Shape Up Fitness & Wellness Consulting owner, Michael Anders)

I had created Shape Up Fitness & Wellness with the goal in mind to help people lose their weight, after seeing many fail in big chain gyms and working with unqualified trainers. In 2009 I had to apply my knowledge to my own body. I created the training plan, watched my eating and the pounds melted rapidly off. This made me even more determined to help people achieve their dream body, lose weight and tone!

Here at Shape Up we are able to help YOU reach your goals, whether you are trying to tone your muscles, lose weight or gear up for an athletic event, my trainers at Shape Up will get you there because I only hire the best! Anyone who has ever trained with us will tell you that we push you hard, but man, you have fun doing it!

Get ready to drop and give em' 50, grunt and sweat but it will all be worth it once you start seeing the results!

source: www.charlottepersonaltrainer.com