Gaucho: Savings Inside

Did you put off getting a gift for that niece, nephew, or other smallish humanoid?

During a time when school art programs are having drastic cutbacks due to the economic climate, why not support the arts by buying the gift of music for a child?

Not convincing enough, huh. Okay. How about this one — torment your family and friends by buying their kids musical instruments!

Really, most kids love music and learning to play music teaches many lessons aside from those concerning notes and rhythms. Kids can learn about the creative process, working together to blend sounds and harmonies, and doing your part in a group endeavor.

Here are a couple of great gifts for the future musicians and miniature music lovers out there. Or, jump to the end for more general last minute gifts.

The Roll Up Drum Kit

Hammacher Schlemmer has a fantastic replacement for a full drum kit. This roll up kit can be stored away much easier than the real thing and connects via USB to a Windows PC. It also boasts a variety of sounds, rhythm patterns, and drum loops that you can customize.

At $59.95, it’s a better deal than a real drum kit, too. This 3-piece Junior Kit is $179.99 new.

I guess there’s no replacing the real thing, though.

Electric Guitar Packages

A Fender is a classic guitar that is great to learn on and will set any kid on their way to rocking it. This Starcaster package in Midnight Blue is $199.00 at Amazon and includes everything you need to get strumming — the guitar, an amp,  strings, picks, a strap, a 10′ cable, a tuner, a gigbag, guitar stand, and an instructional DVD. Or, get the Candy Apple Red for 186.64 (and free shipping).

This is a tough deal to beat for a starter package. Many guitar shops sell this guitar alone for the same price.

The Wood Block

Keep is simple. Nothing is more basic than banging a block of wood with a mallet. Let them develop metronome-like precision before moving to more advanced matters. At $7.77, this Hohner wood block is quite a bargain.

Harmonica

Speaking of Hohner, a harmonica (or pocket harp, as some like to call it) is another low-cost, low-ear damage musical gift. With prices ranging from $5 and up, it’s affordable. It’s potentially tolerable to listen to, since all the notes are set to a specific key. (The key of C would be the standard to place to start a harmonica collection/practice.)

iSpin

For $99.95, you can make those teenage dreams of DJ fame come true. Or, at least, make them possible. The iSpin lets you spin and mix songs on 2 different iPods, without needing a computer. Hook it up to an multimedia speaker, or headphones with a 3.5mm jack.

Last Minute Gifts for Kids: Non-Music

If you’re looking for gifts for those kiddos but aren’t feeling the music thing, here are a few great spots to check out. Hit them up now, because today is the last guaranteed day for Christmas delivery.

Happy deal hunting on those last minute gifts! Just remember, it will all be over soon!

Of all the gift choices available at Christmas, one thing’s for sure – giving books is here to stay. It’s a reliable present that can be offered as a standalone gift, an extra gift or even a stocking stuffer, and is not just for family and friends but also for coworkers and neighbours. Here are some simple tips on finding the right book, and a few ideas for the best books of 2009.

Tip 1: Know Their Tastes

It’s easy to decide to get a book for someone, but you really don’t want it to be tossed aside and forgotten. The best way to avoid that is to clue in to your recipient’s hobbies and passions. It really doesn’t make sense to buy a detective novel for someone who’d prefer non-fiction — no matter how much you enjoyed it!

For the Dramatic:
——–

The Girl Who Played With Fire
by Stieg Larsson

This thriller is the second part to The Girl With The Dragon
Tattoo. It continues the story of the unlikely heroine
Lisbeth who’s now at the centre of a triple-murder investigation.

Genre: Mystery
Stamp: 61% off this book at Walmart.com

Tip 2: Do Your Research

Now that you have an idea of what they may be interested in reading, take some time to research bestsellers in those categories. Go online and read reviews on the latest books, bestsellers and more. Some good places to check are Amazon, Shelfari and GoodReads. All have wonderful communities of book lovers who passionately review and discuss the books they’ve read.

For the Spiritual:
——–

Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul
by Deepak Chopra

Alternative medicine guru Deepak Chopra sheds light on
how to restore the bond between your body and your soul.

Genre: Mind & Body
Stamp: 20% off this book at Barnes & Noble.com

Tip 3: Check Online First

Generally, you’re likely to find better prices on new books online than you would in a bookstore. Sites like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble are a good starting point for getting some of the best deals. At Christmas there are more book deals online than usual, and you’ll save more if you buy more than one book at a time.

For the Creative:
——–

Ideaspotting
by Sam Harrison

Look at the world around you in a different way to get
inspiration for your next big, bold idea.

Genre: Reference
Stamp: Sale – Just $10.19 at Amazon.com

Tip 4: Search for Savings

Don’t neglect to search for savings deals on the web! Take the time to browse for coupons and other promos for books you’re interested in purchasing — the Gaucho Savings Stream is always a good place to start. Lots of sales, discounts and coupons are available, for use both in-store and online, that you won’t find anywhere else.

For the New Cook:
——–

Salt to Taste
by Marco Canora

Get confident in your cooking with basic recipes for
you to master, then improvise based on your palate.

Genre: Home & Garden
Stamp: 34% off this book at Amazon.com

Tip 5: Focus on Your Goal

If you won’t be doing your shopping online, try to stay focused when visiting the bookstore. Head straight to your intended sections and browse from there! But do keep an eye out for in-store deals. If you absolutely can’t find what you planned to get, then go ahead and browse more thoroughly through the store.

For the Adventurer:
——–

The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill

A gripping tale about a young girl captured in her native West Africa
West Africa and her journey through slavery and freedom across the
3 continents as she tries to make her way back to her homeland.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Stamp: 20% off US version at Barnes & Noble.com

Tip 6: Don’t Falter

There really is a book for everyone. Just because someone may not read novels, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great book for them. Remember, there’s a wide reading genre out there and you’re more than likely to find something. If his interest is in design, get a great book on logos and branding that will inspire him. If she loves the environment, get her a book that gives tips on being green.

For the Contemplative:
——–

The Shack
by William Young

After a man’s daughter is murdered, he returns to the
shack where she died and has conversations with God.

Genre: Thriller
Stamp: 24% off this book at Chapters Bookstore (Canada)

Tip 7: Cash in on Books, etc.

Bookstores usually offer the best deals to people who join their book club and member rewards programs. Sign up and you’ll receive great rewards on select books, bestsellers and more. And if you absolutely can’t find a great book, don’t forget that major bookstores are the best place to find little tokens — from home accents like decorative  candles and exotic teas, to cute planners and popular board games. Perfect for stocking stuffers!

Three Great Reads for Just About Anyone

——–

Caffeine for the Creative Mind
by Stephan Mumaw

Wake up your brain with 250 exercises
that will get your creative juices flowing.

Genre: Reference
Stamp: Three Creativity Books for $32.10 at Amazon.com

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The Help
by Kathryn Stockett

A captivating tale that touches on race and feminism
in racially-conflicted Mississippi in the 1960s.

Genre: Fiction
Stamp: Up to 50% off New & Bestselling Fiction at Barnes & Nobles

————————————————————

Three Cups of Tea
by Greg Mortenson

One man sets out to promote peace by building
schools in the remotest mountains of Pakistan.

Genre: Non-Fiction
Stamps: Get this book for $9.97 on Ebay

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Hopefully this’ll help you find great book gifts this season. And guess what? If you still can’t find that one perfect gift for your avid reader, check out this awesome Stamp for providing them with great books all year round. Happy reading!