Gaucho: Savings Inside

In theory, women should be pretty easy to shop for with the plethora of female products on the market, but we know sometimes guys need a bit of help. Just look at Doug’s ridiculous post on the subject. Clearly, he needs help.

Here’s your gift guide to finding fun and interesting presents for the women in your life.

There’s been a lot of buzz around this new fragrance by Helena Rubinstein for Demi Moore, Wanted. Just take a peek at Demi Moore Twitter’s page and you’ll see how women are loving it for its woody scents with creamy floral facets. Wanted is a sophisticated scent that is so named because the fragrance makes the wearer feel wanted and lets them know they are wanted.

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There’s no justifiable reason why your wife or girlfriend should be lugging around a boring, so-so laptop bag. Do her a favour and get her a super fashionable bag for her laptop this Christmas – or help her protect it with a chic sleeve such as this one by Orla Kiely.

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Numbers don’t lie, and Susan Boyle’s new album has sold more than 1.8 million copies worldwide and continues to sit atop the Billboard charts. That must mean it’s good, right? If you think Susan Boyle may not be her style then consider albums such as Taylor Swift’s Fearless or Andrea Boticelli’s My Christmas; all are top seller albums for 2009.

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Here’s a gift she’ll definitely love. This discreet emergency case by Ms. and Mrs. comes with 24 portable solutions for beauty, fashion, and personal care emergencies. Even better is the fact that 10% of sales from these kits will be donated to breast cancer research.

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For women, watches are not simply a necessity – they’re also a fashion accessory, which means we can have more than one! A wide variety of styles vary from classic to glamourous to sporty so there’ll be something for her. This timelessly classic DKNY Stainless Steel Crystal Accented Bracelet retails at $115 at Macy’s.

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Who said girls don’t like tech stuff too? Your girl will definitely flip for this gift – The Flip Mino, a compact gadget for recording video. Perfect for gals who love to blog and take videos of just about anything! And they come in a great variety of styles. If you don’t see one you like just upload your own image!

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Shopping for the ladies can be quite tedious, but stick in there and you’ll surely find something. And remember to refer to our other articles for more great ideas for gifts for women, including chocolate gifts, keepsakes and books.

Also enter our Exclusive $100 Target Giftcard Giveaway – chances are you could find these gifts right at Target if you win the card!

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Have we got a sweet deal for you. Gaucho is giving away a $100 Target giftcard to help one lucky person with their holiday shopping –and we know you’ve got some last minute gifts to buy. You’ll only find this giveaway here so check it out!

Wondering what you’ve got to do to get it? It’s pretty simple — with just a little effort you’ll be on your way to a shopping spree at Target! All the details are to be found on this Stamp, but let’s break it down for you:

First, Become A Gaucho

Joining Gaucho is simple, free — and as you can see, extremely rewarding! Make sure to fill out your complete profile. Do this, and you’ve already earned 5 Points and are on your way to winning the Target giftcard.

Show Your Participation

Now that you’re a Gaucho member, comment on this stamp to show you’re participating in the contest. Also don’t forget to follow Ninomaravilla so you can communicate with him directly, if need be.

Get To Gaucho-ing!

Gaucho is all about sharing and discussing great deals you’ve discovered. The more active you are on Gaucho, the more points you’ll earn, and the more likely you are to win this awesome giftcard.

Here’s how to rack up the GauchoPoints:

• Stamp a coupon or deal – 5 points
• Each time you comment, save or share a Stamp – 1 point
• Each comment left on your Stamp – 1 point
• Each time your Stamp is saved & shared – 1 point

So just what can you get with a $100 gifcard at Target? Hmm … we’ve got a few ideas that range from clothing to electronics … and who knows, if you’re thrifty enough you could probably shop for the entire family with $100! Here are just a few ideas we think you may find interesting:

Gifts for Gamers

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Price: $59.00

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Gifts To Look Good

Carlos Falchi for Target® Small Hobo

Price: $19.99

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Gifts To Smell Great

Men’s Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani Collection

Price: $45.09

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Gifts For Growing Minds

LeapFrog Leapster2 – Green

Price: $59.99

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Gifts For The Whole Family

Wii Fit Plus Bundle with Balance Board for Nintendo Wii

Price: $99.99

This holiday season, it’s important to remember that Christmas is not just about receiving. More importantly it’s about giving, and giving doesn’t constitute gifts to just family and friends.

It can be an extremely rewarding experience to give to someone in need who doesn’t ask for the latest gadget from Apple, but just a chance to go to school, get clean water or have a positive outlook for the future. Isn’t that enough to give you a warm feeling inside?

Why Selfless Gifts?

Because it’s so easy to take for granted the simpler things in life. Christmas is a great time to reflect on all of your own blessings and give what you can to the less fortunate. These gifts are presents of peace, hope, and sustenance for someone in need. In some cases, your gift can mean the difference between life and death.

You can make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate this Christmas. Ideally, you would volunteer at a local charity or cause in your area, but if you are looking for charities that offer something a little different, pull your family together and consider one of these great causes.

1. Adopt A Penguin—

Oceana.org allows you to choose among six cool creatures in  their Adopt-A-Creature programme,  including octopuses, polar bears and even sharks! These animals feel the strain of climate change more than most animals as their habitats are being lost and food supplies decline. Oceana applies your gift to causes such as reducing overfishing and habitat destruction for these animals.

Minimum Donation: $35.00

2. Help Prevent Malaria

MalariaNoMore.org is a great organization for facilitating the fight against malaria through the donation of bed nets. Malaria kills more than 300 children every day and over  1 million each year. Today 40% of the world’s population is still at risk, but these numbers can dramatically change with your simple gift of a lifesaving bed net.

Minimum Donation: $10.00

3. Adopt A Coral Reef

The Nature Conservancy has a great adoption program for rainforests and coral reefs. Choose from forests in Brazil, Africa, Papua New Guinea and more. This is a wonderful gift that’ll get your family passionate about the state of the environment, and the adoption package you receive will serve as a great reminder of this cause.

Minimum Donation: $50.00

4. Gifts That Keep Giving

Heifer International is renown for awesome international donation options. Choose from their gift catalog which includes llamas, honeybees, baskets and even trees. The gifts provide transportation, food from their produce such as milk and honey, and provide a means of income from the sales of their produce. You can even donate to one of Heifer’s international projects in countries like Rwanda and Nepal where donations are used to stop such problems as poverty and illiteracy.

Minimum Donation: $10.00

5. Grant A Wish

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has helped lots of children and persons suffering from illnesses to realize their wishes. There are lots of options to donate; for example you can donate your time to your local Make-A-Wish chapter, you can donate airline miles which you just may not be using, and even fun shopping sprees.

Minimum Donation: $0.00

6. Unwrap With Oxfam—

Oxfam Unwrapped is one of the best places to find lots of options for selfless gifts. Choose a cause that’s close to your heart and see what they have in store. You can give schoolbooks, seeds, HIV education and more. Empower women and children from around the world with your gift – thus empowering yourself.

Minimum Donation: $12.00

7. Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife is the oldest science-based, results-oriented conservation group in the U.S. It is devoted to saving endangered species. There are a multitude of adoptable animals and animal inspired gifts. Profits go towards supporting and sustaining disappearing wildlife populations.

Minimum Donation: $5.00

(Bonus) 8. 350

We tried to keep this list to 7 sources of selfless gifts, but the list simply isn’t complete without mentioning 350.

Scientists say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the upper level of the safe limit for humanity. Right now, we’re at 387ppm. 350 is a fairly young organization that has rocketed to international involvement as they provide a focus-able, and still achievable, goal. What can you do to help? Sign up and support the cause by buying someone a 350.org t-shirt, some stickers, buttons, etc.

Minimum Donation: $1.49

Sometimes all you need to make someone happy at Christmas is to show that you remembered them. Keepsakes are the perfect reminder that even though you may be far away, they will always be dear to your heart. Of course, the best gifts are ones that can actually be used. With that in mind, here are a few ideas for great and affordable keepsake gifts.

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Floral Etched Purse Mirror – Red Envelope
Price: $29.95

This nickel-plated compact features delicate floral
scrolls and holds a regular and a 2x magnification
mirror.

Perfect for: moms, best friends, daughters, sisters

Why we love it: Cute and elegant, personalize it with
an engraving of her initial for just $1.95 more.

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SwissTool Spirit S - Victorinox Swiss Army
Price: $98.00

With lots of tools to carry everywhere you go, this ultra cool pocketknife is a great addition to any man’s life.

Perfect for: dads, husbands, brothers, boyfriends

Why we love it: Lightweight and ergonomic, this gift is the ultimate of cool. And everyone loves a Swiss Army knife.

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Modern Quill Pens – Jayson Home & Garden
Price: $28.00

Choose one of these elegant brass ballpoint pens
with feather quill, which include four refills.

Perfect for: moms, dads, mentors, husbands, relatives

Why we love it: Tasteful and elegant, each pen is
unique and will inspire them to write only the best with it.

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Gunmetal Double Dog Tag – Things Remembered

Price: $20.00

The polished gunmetal finish will make him stand
out, especially when you personalize it.

Perfect for: brothers, best friends, boyfriends

Why we love it: Cool and stylish, he’ll love to show
off your personal message to all his friends.

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Space Crystal Jet In-Ear Headphones - Swarovski
Price: $105.00

Shine with your music with in-ear headphones in polished stainless steel that glitter with crystals set in Pointiage.

Perfect for: teens, best friends, daughters, wives

Why we love it: Fashionable and unique, this gift acknowledges their love for music on the go and helps them do so in style.

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Each of these gifts is sure to be a hit, and should at least inspire you to find something very special for your loved ones. Keep checking the GauchoBlog in the days leading up to Christmas for more gift ideas, savings tips and much more.-

Each of us has that one person on their list who falls into one of two categories: the person who has everything, or the person too special to give them just anything. Sometimes personalizing vases and pens with photos just aren’t enough.  And not only do you want to give a meaningful gift, you also want it to be admired and cherished for a long time – without emptying your pockets.

Whether this person is male or female, younger or older, these sites will point you in the direction of completely unique gift ideas with a personal touch. You’ll love the options they provide and we’ve discovered the deals and discounts to make these purchases even more rewarding.

Give a Unique Portrait

Transform your most unique aspects into gorgeous pieces of art from DNA 11. This service easily and conveniently takes your DNA sample, or an imprint of your lips or finger, and creates amazing art displays for your home or office. We love this gift because it’s a classy gift for the person who has everything. You can even decide to display the DNA strands in one of 25 different colour options!

DNA Mini Portraits
Beautifully framed 8×10 inch mini-portraits feature your DNA and add beauty to any room.
Starting at: $199

Stamps for DNA 11

- $25 Flat Fee Shipping for both collection kit & artwork
- Save 10% + free shipping on each additional piece your order
- Limited Time Offer: Free shipping anywhere in Canada

More Gift Ideas from DNA11.com

Fingerprint Portraits

Take their fingerprint and
work it into a cool piece of art.

Starting at: $190

Not sure what to get?

Let them decide with
convenient DNA gift kits.

Starting at: $200

Find a World Treasure

NOVICA is known for being different. In association with National Geographic, NOVICA sells the most beautiful sculptures, jewelry, paintings, and more from around the world while helping the artists who create them – and that includes endangered Asian elephants for their exclusive Elephant Art. If you’re looking for an exotic gift for the adventurous spirit on your list, explore this vast catalog and you’ll surely find that treasure you seek.

Gemstone Pyramid, ‘Serenity’
Layered natural stones show their intricate allure in a sleek pyramid.
Price: $29.95

Stamps for NOVICA

- $10 off minimum purchase of $40 or more
- Up to 10% off selected Jewelry
- Sale on Sculptures, Masks & more

More Gift Ideas from NOVICA.com

Hammock – Mexico

Handwoven hammocks in
the ancient style of the Mayans.

Price: $57.99

Leather Bracelet – Thailand

A wristband of strong masculine
elegance for the stylish guy.

Price: $29.95

Create a Book of Memories

With Blurb you can publish all your most cherished memories in a finished bookstore-quality book of your choosing. Using either their book-making software or your own, you can choose book sizes, hard or soft covered and even jacketed books.  Order just 1 book or as many as you want. Does your recipient have a blog? Write poems? Love to garden or in love with their pets? The possibilities are endless! Just snap some pics and compile their passion in this gift that’ll last a lifetime.

Standard Portrait, Hardcover
Starting at: $29.95

Stamps for Blurb

- Flat Rate Shipping for 1 to 5 books
- 10% discount on single order of more than 10 books
- Free shipping on your order (up to $10 shipping)

More gift ideas from Blurb.com

Blurb Bookstore

Creative books by Blurb users
you won’t find anywhere else.

French Word-A-Day by Kristen Espinasse

Price: $24.95

Gift Cards

Inspire the avid reader in your
family to make their own book
with nifty Blurb gift cards.

Price: $20.00

We hope these suggestions will give you ideas for that hard-to-get-for person in your life – and make your present stand out if that’s what you’re aiming for. Keep checking the Gaucho Savings Stream for more ways to save on great gifts for the entire family; we’re plugged into all the best savings available!

Household traditions may vary, but Christmas trees are found in thousands of homes across America. On this first day of Christmas, let’s focus on trees. Depending on your preference or traditions, you may select a living potted tree, a cut tree, or an artificial variation. Regardless your choice, you may be wondering where to find the best savings deals on your tree.

Getting that Pine Fresh Scent

If you are going for a cut tree, you may want to check out your local garden nurseries. I consistently find the best deals on cut trees there. Typically, they are priced $5 – $10 less than the commercially sold Christmas tree lots, plus most nurseries provide the freshest cuts. This gives you more for your money, as your tree will have a longer life in your home before those pesky needles start falling out.

I have seen trees ranging from $20 – $80, depending on the type and size of Christmas tree you pick.

The two types of trees most commonly found at tree lots are the Douglas and Noble Firs. The Douglas fir, my favorite, has the richest pine smell, is nice and full, and is the least expensive. However, the trade off is that it won’t last long into the season before shedding its needles all over your floor. The Noble fir is not as fragrant and offers a less full tree, which some prefer for the best in ornament display. They are beautiful but typically run $10 – $15 more than the Douglas firs.

Scoring a Deal

If you are really in a pinch, you can wait until the week before Christmas when the trees are generally marked down considerably to clear inventory. I have picked up a few nice trees in tighter years, for right around $10 or $15 dollars. But you never know what kind of inventory will be left.

Living Christmas Trees

Now, if you are going with a live potted tree you won’t have to worry about the needles falling out. Well, of course they’ll still shed some needles — but not like a cut tree — and you’ll still get the pine fresh scent.

Living trees are beautiful, and in terms of getting the most for your money, you can’t beat it a living tree or an artificial tree. Living trees offer the opportunity to include a different angle in your holiday tradition, as you’ll have the chance to see the tree grow and change from year to year — just like your family. Living trees can also be enjoyed all year round and can last a lifetime when repotted or planted in your yard. They are less of a fire hazard that cut trees, since they don’t dry out if you’re taking care of it properly.

Prices on living trees (again) depend on the size and type. If you buy a small tree, you can easily find these for $15 – $30. Repot it, and in a few years, you’ll have a big tree! If you’d like to start off with something bigger, a 4-foot spruce varietal will run somewhere around $35 – $40. There is less selection for full size living trees, but you can find 6-foot Douglas firs and others for $70 – $80. Consider you won’t have to buy another tree, and this is a way to save money in the long run.

Shop for your living trees at nurseries and hardware stores. Hardware stores that sell nursery supplies often have potted trees that are sold at $10 less than the nurseries. Also, some hardware stores, like Orchard Supply & Hardware, sell living Christmas trees at an additional 10% off their already lower price.

Be sure you’re potted Christmas tree is returned to a nice spot outdoors after the holiday and that it stays watered and cared for. Indoor varietals are available that you can have inside throughout the year. However, if you’re not great with plants, a living tree might only cost you more money in the long run.

Artificial Trees

For your artificial fare, the best deals are generally found on Black Friday for around $25, but if you’ve mised the mark, no worries, there are huge savings still to be found.

This year, Walmart has several artificial trees. This 7′ Pre-Lit Douglas fir in particular is $88. For a 7-foot, pre lit beauty, this is a good deal and can be delivered right up through New Years Eve when ordered online.

Target has an assortment of beautiful trees, some plain and some pre-lit, from $59 to $179.

Lowes has the largest variety by far, with trees starting as low as $28 and going all the way up to $298.

Artificial trees have lasting savings value, obviously, since you can use them year after year. They are also less of a fire hazard than a lot cut tree.

Whichever type of tree you select for your home the tradition remains, the Christmas tree symbolizes unity, everlasting light and life. Let the spirit of Christmas encompass your families as you gather around your trees this Christmas — no matter the type or size.