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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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.-

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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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

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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

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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!

Sometimes it’s tough to find a gift. Fortunately, 2009 has yielded a slew of awesome holiday gift guides. Here’s a list of 23 that will surely help you to find some great gifts, some cheap gifts, and some great cheap gifts.

1. The North Face Holiday Gift Guide

If you’re looking for gifts for the outdoorsy type, The North Face helps you find that right gift by narrowing down your options by activity, apparel, gear, and price.

2. Sephora’s Best of Holiday 2009

Looking for gifts related to makeup, skincare, fragrance, bath and body, or hair? Maybe some natural and organic options? Sephora has plenty of great gift ideas, free shipping for orders over $50, and free samples. Still not sure? How about a gift card?

3. Barnes & Noble 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

People still read books. You can fly with them, you can ship them. If your giftee isn’t the literate type, how about DVDs, CDs, and other Home and Gift ideas that Barnes & Noble is serving up? You must be able to find something there … and once again, there’s always the Gift Card!

4. The Urban Outfitters Holiday Gift Guide

Browse by type. Shopping for a party girl? A do-it yourselfer? A romantic, humorist, or collector? How about a giver or a namedropper? You can find gifts for everyone here. Or, just shop for Cheap Thrills for him and her. Lotsa creative ideas to be found here.

5. Uncommon Goods Gift Finder and Holiday Gift Ideas

Unique gifts for him and her, sort through the Gift Finder by recipient, price, occasion, and department.

6. UGO Hardcore Holiday Gift Guide

For the person who seems to have everything. Rare and unique limited edition gifts. Separate browsing categories for Movies, TV, Games, Tech, Toys, Graphic Novels, and T-shirts. If you’re shopping for a geek in your life, this is one hot spot you’ll want to stop.

7. Crate & Barrel Gifts

Candles, household stuff under $25, plates, wine glasses, decorations — seems kinda hard to mess up with a gift from Crate & Barrel.

8. Change.org’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Want to give the gift of positive social and environmental change? Change.org gives you a cornucopia of links and ways to do just that. Rock on.

9. 1UP’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Gaming. Enough said. If you want to get your video game obsessed someone special something special, this is a top spot. Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC, DS, PSP, iPhone, and general stocking stuffers … lots of gaming gift suggestions to be found.

10. CNET’s 2009 Ultimate Holiday Tech Guide

Another gift guide full of geektastic goods. Ecotech, luxuries, gifts for foodies, and bargain budget tech buys. Tons of fantastic tech gift ideas can be found here. If you’re atechie yourself, you can create a wish list and send it out to your non-tech savvy friends and family.

11. The New York Holiday Guide

Getting a gift for someone in the Big Apple? Know someone planning a trip? Find some great gift ideas only to be found and experienced in New York City.

12. Endgadget’s Holiday Gift Guide: Laptops

Laptops. What more needs to be said? Everyone likes laptops. Endgadget provides thorough reviews to help you find the right laptop for the right person.

13. Newsweek’s Tip Sheet Holiday Gift Guide

Yes, that Newsweek. Sit back and watch the image player deliver ideas for ‘designers, gearheads, foodies, dandies, fashionistas, yummy mummies, alternadads, cool kids, do-gooders,’ and of course, the obligatory great gifts under $25. Fantastic list. If you don’t get some ideas from this, you should give up and just retire from gift giving for the rest of forever.

14. Cool Hunting Gift Guide

The ‘exclusives’ and the ‘new and noteworthy.’ Plus some classics. Browse by category or price.

15. TreeHugger Holiday Slow Gift Guide

Bringing the idyllic holidays back by removing the stress, TreeHugger is losing the stress and helping you to find gifts based on thoughtfulness, longevity, and quality — not quantity. The Slow Gift Movement can now get its glacier on. Anytime now.

16. The Atlantic’s Holiday Gift Guide: Kitchen Edition

Nearly everyone knows someone who loves a new, novel, or simply good kitchen gift. Megan McArdle continues her kitchen edition tradition by giving a multitude of kitchen gift ideas, from cheap to expensive. She also offers a list of kitchen items that might seem like good ideas, but aren’t.

17. OK Magazine’s Holiday gift Guide – Ideal Buys for Guys

Some guys are hard to shop for, this guide will make it easier.

18. Gifts.com

With a name like Gifts.com, you’d expect them to know gifts. And they do. With multiple ways that guide you to find the right gift. Shop top gifts, personalized gifts, toys and games, or by occasion. You can also shop by personality type.

19. Wired’s GeekDad 2009 Holiday Gift Guides

What some might consider the complete guide to gifting geeks, in several installations. Books, Gadgets, Toys & Games, More books, Miscellaneous, and Green & Science.

20. The New York Times Gift Guides

If you haven’t found it yet, now you have. Books, Dining & Home, DVD & Video Games, Electronics, Music & Theater, PLUS Style & Travel. Epic lists, with everything from Graphic Novels, to Mail-Order Foods, to Golf, and even E-books.

21. Earth911.com’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts made from recycled materials and under fair trade practices. The stay green way to go about checking the names off your gift list.

22. RedEnvelope

Seems like there’s so many places to find unique and personalized gifts that it’s hardly unique. RedEnvelope offers harder to find items for him and her, jewelry, gifts for the home, plus gifts for babies and children. Shop by customer rating to find what gifts got the highest score.

23. The GauchoBlog

That’s correct, you’re already in the best place to find holiday gifts. Starting December 12, this Saturday, we’ll be blogging about the best ways to save on holiday gifts with the Gaucho 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide. You’ll find a wide variety of different deals and gift ideas for all 12 days … that might just remind you a certain classic holiday song.