A room may be “fully furnished,” technically speaking, but it still won’t be complete if it didn’t have any accents or decorative pieces. Paintings and photographs are popular decorations because not only do they look great, but they’re easy to transport as well. However, art comes with a price, and often, that price isn’t as low as we’d like. But that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to find decent art at a cheap price. You just have to be patient and willing to do the legwork.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

IKEA and other furniture stores

If you’re planning to buy art on a budget, then heading to an art gallery isn’t recommended. People at galleries are the big players in the industry, and dealing with them can cost you more than just a pretty penny. If you’re just looking for something to spice up your home, consider checking out the art selections of furniture stores. IKEA is a good place to start. The retailer sells decent artworks at low prices. Sure, these artworks are mass produced, and there’s a chance that another home in your neighborhood has the same piece, but if you can get past the fact that the pieces in these stores aren’t unique or one-of-a-kind, then furniture retailers can be a goldmine.

Estate Sales

If you’re really adamant about finding one-of-a-kind paintings at low prices, then estate sales could be a good bet. You can purchase a lot of items with a “classic” feel to them at these sales, so it would make sense that you’ll find some of those good old paintings that you’re looking for.

Yard Sales

Yard or garage sales can be a long shot if you’re looking for art, but then again, it wouldn’t hurt to swing by a neighborhood yard sale to see what you can pick up. You may not get a hard-to-find painting, but there’s a good chance that you’ll score some great framed photographs or posters for your home.

Online

Yep, you can pretty much find anything online nowadays, and that includes art. Check out auction sites such as eBay and bid on artworks that catch your eye. Exercise caution when doing this though, as dealing with people on the Internet is much riskier than business transactions done face to face. However, if you do thorough research on the seller before putting your money in, and you should be fine.

Art Students

Check the local university’s art department and see if some art students are willing to sell their works. Since they’re not professional artists yet, you can probably haggle on a good price for items that you like. And who knows, if you buy a piece from someone who becomes famous later on, you can even re-sell his work for a profit.

Do It Yourself!

Nothing screams Y-O-U than a D-I-Y project. Creating your very own works of art will not only be easier on the budget, you can make sure that no other home in world will have the artworks that you have. Just head to the local crafts store, purchase some supplies, and paint away. Not much of a painter? Consider buying (or borrowing) a good camera that takes high-res images and take your shot at photography. Print it on black and white (or sepia) and you can end up with “artsy” shots that would be perfect for your home.

Image credit: HerryLawford on Flickr

Last week, we wrote about how users can get personal computers for cheap, by buying refurbished items. This week, for the benefit of our Apple-loving friends, we’ve decided to do the same thing for Macs and other Apple products.

Apple computers can set you back several hundreds to thousands of dollars. That’s quite a sum of money for the average Joe, so a lot of consumers hesitate or opt to buy the inexpensive Windows models instead. However, fans of Apple gadgets will adamantly argue that Apple’s attention to detail and quality brings about a user-experience that the PC just can’t match.

If you’ve already set your eyes on an Apple machine and you’re planning to get it (while breaking the bank, in the process), hold your horses first. Consider buying Apple Certified Refurbished products instead. Users that decided to do this reported saving hundreds of dollars, and said that they’ve had very little problems with their refurbished purchases.

Apple’s refurbished products are apparently “good as new,” but come with huge discounts. Sure, you won’t get your products in those big glossy boxes (refurbished items come in regular cardboard boxes) but who cares? When it comes to gadgets and electronics, it’s the inside that counts. Apple guarantees that all their refurbished items undergo an extensive process of quality control and testing, so there’s very little to worry about. Additionally, all Apple Certified Refurbished products are covered by a one year limited warranty, so just bring your purchase to the an Apple store, if you happen to encounter problems with it.

Apple’s Refurbishment Process

According to Apple, their “Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple’s stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, all units undergo Apple’s stringent quality refurbishment process.”

So what exactly can be expected in this process? Here’s how it works:

First off, the device is fully tested—this includes a full burn-in testing. Apple will then replace any parts or defective modules that were found in the above-mentioned testing process. After this, the product will go through a complete cleaning process, and more inspections will take place. Once it passes that stage, Apple will repackage the product, and include the appropriate manuals, cables, and other peripherals. The product will also have the operating software originally shipped with the unit and custom software offered with that system. Afterwards, the refurbished item is given a new refurbished part number and serial number. Finally it will go through another QA inspection before being put up for sale.

You can find refurbished items on Apple’s website. If you see something that you really like, be sure to grab it right away. Apple’s inventory of refurbished products is limited, and items tend to go quickly, so act as soon as you can!

Got an old Mac lying around?

Do you have old Apple devices (working or nonworking) just lying around? Then be sure to look into Apple’s Reuse and Recycling Program. If your old iPhone, iPad, or computer qualifies for the program, then you’ll be able to receive an Apple gift card.

Simply tell Apple about your device, and get an estimate on the fair market value of the item (estimates are performed by a third-party vendor called PowerON). PowerON will provide some prepaid options so that you can ship the product to an Apple facility for evaluation. After this, your Apple Gift Card should arrive in the mail. Talk about an easy win for the user and the environment!

Image credit: lejoe on Flickr

Thinking about getting computers for cheap? Then consider getting refurbished ones. Not only are they a whole lot cheaper, but a lot of refurbished gadgets still come with warranties. And while these items are considered “used,” Microsoft enforces several quality control rules that are applied to the refurbishment process, to ensure that the electronics are free from defects and can still perform competently.

When buying a refurbished computer, be sure to go to an authorized refurbisher. As previously mentioned, Microsoft has certain standards when it comes to refurbishing, so you should make sure that you’re doing business with someone’s who’s official and certified.

How to Buy a Refurbished PC

The guys at Microsoft gave a lot useful tips in their Authorized Refurbished guide that you can view here. According to Microsoft, “A refurbished PC sold by a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher or MAR has been cleaned of prior data, updated as needed with minor repairs or replacement of components, tested, and has genuine Microsoft Windows operating software installed on it so it is ready for a new owner.”

The first piece of advice that they gave was to “Ask the seller how the PC was refurbished.” While there a number of different ways to refurbish a PC, Microsoft has approved certain standards and practices that MARs must adhere to. Additionally, whoever refurbished the PC should also follow certain systems for data wiping and reporting, and should also conform to the standards of the Department of Defense.

However, if you come across someone who’s not an authorized refurbisher, then be sure to ask the following questions to determine if  the PC was refurbished properly.

- “Who does the refurbishing and what are their standards and policies?”

- “What process is used to make sure the hard drive data has been wiped and the hard drive is virus free?

- “Where did the pre-owned PC come from and has it been upgraded with any new or used parts?”

- “What is their equipment disposal policy and are they environmentally responsible?”

Another great tip from Microsoft is to “Ask if genuine operating system software is installed.” When buying from a MAR, be sure to look for the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that should be attached to the PC when it was newly purchased. Additionally, you should also look for a SPECIALLY DESIGNED Windows COA for the refurbished items. The refurbished PC COA should have the MAR’s name, as well as a unique product key, product name, and a statement that reads, “For Use on Refurbished PC Only—No Commercial Value—For Authentication Purposes Only.”

Last (but certainly not the least,) when buying a refurbished PC, “Find out if you get any support, warranty, or other services.” Even if a MAR has completely complied with all above-mentioned standards, unexpected problems can still arise with your machine. This is why it’s best to find out if it comes with any sort of warranty or coverage. Be sure to ask the following questions before finalizing the sale:

- “Does the PC have a warranty, and if so, what does the warranty cover?”

- “What is the return policy?”

- “What is the return or failure rate of the PCs they sell?”

- “Do the offer technical support and is it free or fee-based?”

If you get the PC from a MAR, you’ll be able to access a free web-based operating system support from Microsoft. You can still purchase additional support on top of this, so be sure to contact the company if you need additional benefits.

Image credit: kjarrett on Flickr

You can’t really put a price on fond and once-in-a-lifetime moments, but if there’s one thing that you CAN budget, it’s HOW you capture these priceless memories. Most people on a budget aren’t looking for big fancy cameras worth hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. If you’re the type who’s looking for a simple, affordable (but decent) point-and-shoot camera, then you’re in luck.

Below is a list of cheap cameras that still rank high in reviews, despite their price.

1. Nikon Coolpix S570 – The Coolpix series has been around for quite some time now, and for good reason.  (No, it isn’t Ashton Kutcher.) Not only is it affordable, with a starting price of $74.99, but it’s also proven to be one of best designed cameras in the market. According to CNET, the Nikon Coolpix S570 “is a solid camera” with respectable lens specifications and nice wide-angle lens with 5x zoom for people who really want to get close. The camera is recommended for landscapes and still photographs, and has been found to do well for portraits and pedestrian shooting.

2. Kodak EasyShare M580 – Users are praising this device because of its wide lens (28mm equivalent) with an 8x zoom. It has an image sensor type of 14 mega pixels, and it also has a 3-inch LCD, which is pretty huge for its category. Don’t let these “big” features fool you though, because the Kodak EasyShare M580 is still very compact, being only 4 inches wide, 2.3 inch tall, and 1 inch deep. It’s also pfairly easy to navigate, so you won’t’ have a lot of trouble customizing its settings. The Kodak EasyShare M580 is available at several websites, with a starting price of $79.99.

3. Canon PowerShot A1200 – Despite being labeled as “slow” at times, the Canon PowerShot A1200 is still a worthy contender in the compact digicam market. According to its CNET review, the device is great when shooting still subjects and can produce vibrant and sharp photos at and below ISO 200. The site furthers that, “at ISO 400, a sensitivity regularly used for shooting indoors without flash, photos get softer-looking, but noise and noise suppression are well balanced making 4×6 prints possible.” If you’re looking for a decent point-and-shoot camera that’s easy on the budget, be sure to check out this camera. Pricing starts at $87.00.

4. Casio Exilim EX-Z16 – Looking for a cheap but stylish camera? Then this device could shoot up to the top of your list. The Casio Exilim EX-716 isn’t just all about style, though. According to About.com, this device, albeit being inexpensive, still has a sharp and bright LCD without the screen glare that’s usually found in other cheap cameras. It has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, has a 2.7-inch LCD, and can produce fairly high-quality photos in decent lighting. Planning to get one? Pricing starts at $69.00

5. Fujifilm FinePix JV200 – For a camera with a starting price of just $84.98, this device sure is packed with a lot of cool features. The Fujifilm FinePix JV200 has a 14-megapixel CCD sensor and 2.7-inch, 230K-resolution LCD. It also allows you to shoot HD video at 720p HD and share it on any HD-ready TV. When it comes to taking photos, Fuji threw in a few cool features including Smile/Blink detection, Red-eye romaval, and i-Flash Intelligent Flash that controls the flash level for a given exposure. It also has a Motion Panorama Mode that “automatically stitches up to three shots to create a panoramic picture.”

Image credit: Shermeee on Flickr

If you’re required to wear eyeglasses, learning that you need an upgrade probably isn’t the best news. Getting a new pair of eyeglasses from optometrists and well-known lens stores can send you back several hundreds of dollars, and that’s not even counting add-ons like anti-reflective or polarized sun lenses.

If you just found out that you need yet another pair of eyeglasses, don’t reach deep into your pocket just yet. The CheapStuff Team did a little research and uncovered a couple of ways for consumers to buy cheap eyeglasses. Curious? Then put on your glasses and read on.

1. Get them online – Do a little surfing on the Internet and you’ll find that you can get a decent pair of eyeglasses for as low as $20! No, it’s not a scam, and you won’t get second-rate products either. According to Farhad Manjoo of Slate.com, eyeglasses are so affordable over the Internet because of cheap overhead costs. The truth is, a lot of eyeglasses sold in the US are made in China and are sold at really low prices. However, optometrists and lens stores add a lot of fees, which cause that low price to shoot up. Manjoo furthered that when you’re purchasing eyeglasses in these places, “you’re paying mainly for rent, labor, marketing, designer licensing fees, and a huge markup.” Websites don’t need to add these many costs, because online retailers usually work directly with lens and frame manufacturers. Manjoo writes that, “When you place an order, lenses that fit your prescription are cut and molded into your frame, then shipped directly to you. The price competition between online retailers keeps markups low, too.”

Thinking of purchasing your next pair of eyeglasses online? You have to complete a few steps first. Matthew Haughey of 43Folders.com states that first thing you have to do is to get your measurements. Head to your eye doctor and get an eye exam to receive the most up-to-date prescription. He said to also ask for your pupil distance measurement which involves “looking through a binoculars-like device that measures the distance between your pupils.” Once you get your measurements, be sure to write them down, and keep them handy when you’re shopping.

Additionally, Haughey mentioned that it would be beneficial if you had the exact measurements of the type of eyeglasses that you want.  In his case, Haughey “took millimeter measurements of all aspects of my old glasses: lens height, lens width, length of bridge (distance between lenses), total width of lenses plus bridge, and the length of the side arms.”

Once you have all your measurements, head to an online lens store, and pick the style that you want. Add in your prescription details, and include additional options (i.e. high-index lenses, non-glare coatings, anti-reflective coating, etc). Once you’re done, enter your shipping details and you’re good to go.

2. Try Walmart or Costco – If you’re not comfortable with purchasing eyeglasses that you haven’t touched or tried on yourself, then you could head to the optical department of stores like Costco and Walmart. These shops may be relatively pricier than online retailers, but they’re still cheaper than what your optometrist would charge.

Image credit: GoRun26 on Flickr

Whether you’re looking for everyday-wear jewelry or some bling for special occasions such as weddings, exclusive events, or romantic dates (hey, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner), it pays to know where to shop. A lot of jewelry retailers have outrageously high prices that can leave people with the feeling that they can’t get a decent rock for a good price. However, great deals on jewelry and watches are just around the corner (sometimes literally). You don’t have to shell out tens of thousands of dollars for lovely rings, bracelets, or watches. Simply widen your horizons and think outside the box and you’ll find great bling for low prices. Not sure where to start? Here are few ideas:

1. Wholesale Websites – A quick Google search for “wholesale jewelry and watches” will lead you to a bunch of great websites that offer precious items at cheap rates. Banggood.com for instance, a wholesale based in China, has a wide selection of watches and jewelry with prices starting at less than a dollar! Additionally, the more items you buy, the lower the cost. For instance, one of their products, a copper crown pocket watch has a unit price of $2.99. However, buy 3, 5, or 10 units and the price will go down to $2.70, $2.61, and $2.54, respectively. Of course, a lot of wholesale websites are based overseas, so minimal shipping and custom charges may apply.

2. Jewelry District – Not comfortable with dealing with wholesale sellers online? Don’t worry, they exist in the “real” world as well. In Los Angeles, for example, there’s an area in Downtown called the Jewelry or “Diamond” District wherein several jewelry stores sell their items a wholesale prices. The great thing about this place is that customers can see and touch jewelry for themselves before making a purchase. Trying to determine which shops should you go to and which stores could possibly rip you off? It would be helpful to ask an experienced friend to accompany you. When inside a store, also ask the staff about the business (i.e. how long have they been in business, where they get their items etc.) Better yet, why not bring an independent appraiser with you? That way, you can really know if you’re purchasing the real thing. Does your city have a jewelry district of its own? Make it a point to head over there. You never know what you’re going to find.

3. Neighborhood Jewelry Shops – Every neighborhood has a “jewelry shop around the corner,” and you should really consider paying yours a visit. A lot of independent jewelry stores offer items at prices far below retail. Then there’s the loyalty factor. If you have already an independent jeweler of choice, then be sure to consistently go to them when it comes to your jewelry needs. Let them clean your jewelry on a regular basis. Refer friends. Window shop every once in a while. Once they get familiar with you, they’ll be more inclined to give you a discount.

Indeed, when it comes to affordable jewelry and watches, know that there are a lot of hidden gems out there. It may take some digging, but that effort will surely pay off once you find great pieces that actually agree with your budget.

Image credit: Etereal9 on Flickr

Missed the boat on Cyber Monday? Don’t fret! The CheapStuff Team surfed around the web in search of best laptop deals out there.

So was the search a success? You bet. Below are some great bargains on laptops, with discounts as high as $400! If you like what you see, be sure to grab ‘em quick, because these deals are not going to last.

1. Dell Inspiron Dell Inspiron 17R 17.3-in Intel 2nd Gen Core i7 Quad-core Laptop w/6GB RAM & 2GB NVIDIA Graphics – $824.99 from $1,293.99 (You save $469)

This 17-inch notebook got raving reviews for its vibrant and bright display. It’s equipped with a 1600 x 900 screen with a second generation Intel Core i5-2410M CPU, as well Nvidia GeForce GT525M graphics card—great for gamers! It also has a Blu-ray player for those who want to watch their movies in super high quality even when they’re on the go. Want to personalize it? You can swap out the lid for a color or design of your choice.

2. Toshiba Satellite L750 15-inch – $399.99

Described as “eye catching” by CNET, this device received a rating of 8.3. The L750 boasts of an AMD Quad-Core A6-3400M, Radeon HD 6520G. In non-techie terms, that’s a pretty decent processor, especially for its price now. In terms of storage, the laptop has a perfectly respectable 640GB internal hard drive, and 4GB of DDR3 memory. CNET tested device’s battery by disabling all battery-saving measures, setting up the screen to its brightest, and playing a full-screen video on loop the whole time. The result? 3 hours and 42 minutes. Not too shabby, don’t you think?

3. HP dv4t 14-inch – $499.99 from $599.99 (You save $150)

According to LaptopMag.com, the HP dv4t is a “notebook designed for entertainment seekers who want to stay productive and amused on the go.” It has responsive touchscreen controls and comes with MediaSmart, a software that allows users to quickly get to their photos, videos, and music. The downside?  It apparently has a relatively thick design, and a not-so-stellar battery life. If you can get around that issue though, this notebook proves that it delivers good  value for its price.

4. Acer Aspire S3 Ultrabook 13-inch – $799.99 from $899.99 (Save $100)

This Ultrabook may not have the sleekest design of all, with majority of the device being plastic, but according to Ars Technica, “it’s a solid performer with a good keyboard and trackpad, and great battery life—a combination that’s been a rare find so far.” If you’re looking for a responsive trackpad that supports multi-touch functions, then you’re going to love this device. It allows two-finger scrolling as well as pinch to zoom. Additionally, it’s pretty easy to type on  and doesn’t put a lot of stress into your fingers. Its display fares well even with sunlight, and is evenly lit albeit “cool, blue cast to it.” In terms of power, this laptop has a great battery life that can last up 6 hours of continuous battery life and a 50 days of standby.

Image credit: Môsieur J. [version 5.9a] on Flickr

One of the best things about clothes is that everyone needs them. Clothing items make great presents for friends, relatives, and even yourself! However, when it comes to shopping for clothes, a lot of people, (ladies, we’re looking at you) tend to go overboard with the spending. All those sales and clearance items can add up, and if you’re not careful, you could end up with a not-so-pleasant surprise when you see your credit card bill.

Thankfully, there are still some stores out there that understand that impeccable style doesn’t have to come with an outrageously high price tag. The CheapStuff Team decided to give all you fashionistas a treat by rounding up stores that offer fantastic clothing deals. Check out these establishments that offer stylish clothing items for less:

1. 599fashion – This is definitely a crowd favorite. 599fashion is well-known for its ridiculously low prices. Customers have reported buying items that are usually priced at $15 for just $5.99. You’ll be able to find clothing items from stores such as Forever 21, Express, and Charlotte Russe for much lower prices. So what’s their secret? One word: WHOLESALE. 599fashion buys directly from wholesale suppliers, without requiring customers to buy in bulk.

2. Styles for Less – This is a boutique that makes every trendsetter smile. As its name indicates, this  store has a wide selection of clothing items at very reasonable prices. Styles for Less offers fashion forward clothes in just about every category, including casual, office, sporty, and semi-formal wear. Choose from a variety of tops, denims, dresses, and sweaters. This store doesn’t stop at clothes, though. You can also purchase handbags, shoes, and jewelry from their stores. Styles for Less also has a great VIP policy for their loyal customers. All VIP card holders get a 10% discount on their regular priced items. As an added bonus, during the month of your birthday, you can get a 20% discount on your first purchase for that month. Styles for Less has over 130 stores and has branches located in Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Utah. Don’t see your state? You can still shop through their website!

3.  Kohl’s – Alright, so this department store sells items way beyond clothes, but Kohl’s is part of this list because of the store’s great clothing section. Every Kohl’s store boasts of numerous clothes for women, teens, men, and babies. But what’s great about them is that they’re so generous when it comes to sales. The company holds sales several times a year, customers actually lose count. Moreover, the “Kohl’s Cash” program is truly a godsend for shopaholics. Customers can earn Kohl’s cash in stores, at kiosks, or online during events that run periodically. The promo works by giving customers $10 worth of Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent. The coupon value increases with each $50 purchase. This means that if you spend $100, $150, or $200, you can get $20, $30, $40 worth of Kohl’s cash that can eligible to purchase regular, sale, and clearance items.

Image credit: Noemi Manalang on Flickr

Think all office supply chains are all the same?  Think again. While you may find the same categories of goods across all stores, office supply chains differ in terms of their prices, shipping procedures, customer service, and return policies. These differences may depend on your location or the products that you’re purchasing, and sometimes, if you want to catch great deals on cheap office supplies, it’s best to compare the cost of items by visiting the suppliers’ websites.

In any case, the Cheap Stuff Team did some research on some of the top office supply stores in the US. Check out our findings below:

1. Staples – We found that Staples offers the lowest prices when it comes to the most common office supplies such as pens and papers. Staples has moderate prices when it comes to lunch room supplies, computer equipment (mouse, keyboard), and office furniture.

However, the company has a price match guarantee wherein Staples will match the lower price of their competitors or issue you the difference within 14 days. The select competitors that apply to their price match guarantee include Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Office Depot, Office Max, Quill, Medical Arts Press, Reliable, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, WB Mason, and Xerox.

About the company: Well known for its tagline, “That was easy,” Staples is undoubtedly one of the biggest office supply chains in the world. Staples was founded in 1986,  and currently employs over 90,000 associates worldwide, with an established  presence in over 26 countries throughout North and South America, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

2. Quill – When it comes to printing supplies such as cartridges and labels, Quill definitely takes the cake for lowest prices. This company also offers great prices on lunch room supplies including coffee and snacks. Regarding furniture and electronics, we found that Quill has moderate to low prices.

Unlike Staples, Quill doesn’t have a price match guarantee, but they do offer a lot of coupons and freebies. If you register an account with Quill, they’ll automatically send you regular updates on the sales and bargains that they have going on. Compared to the rest of the office supply chains, we found that Quill holds sales more often and they provide coupons that are actually useful. They usually throw in packets of assorted goods and snacks along with your order—just be sure to have the coupon code with you!

About the company: Quill had very humble beginnings. The company started with one desk and 2 phones in “Dad’s chicken store.” As time went by, that desk turned into a warehouse that grew and expanded over the years. Today, Quill has its corporate headquarters and Midwest distribution center in Lincolnshire, Illinois. They also have distribution centers in other states such as Georgica, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, California, and more.

3. Office Depot – Compared to other supply chains, we found that Office Depot had moderate to high prices in various categories. Like Quill though, Office Depot often holds sales, so be sure to check their website often to see if you can catch a bargain on the things that you need. You may also want to subscribe to their catalog and keep an eye out for their weekly ads because they always contain coupons and price slashes.

About the company: Office Depot was incorporated in 1986, with their first retail store in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They’ve now grown into a global supply chain with three business segments: North American Retail Division, North American Business Solutions Division and International Division. Office Depot currently serves customers in 56 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Image credit: Enokson on Flickr

Food and wine are common presents during the holiday season. It’s quite a courteous move to attend a party with a bottle of wine or some sort of food in hand. However, if you find yourself getting invited to way too many parties this season, it could be a budget nightmare. The good news is, finding cheap food and wine is pretty simple, as long as you know where to look.

Wine

Regarding wines on a budget, the Cheap Stuff Team consulted Oprah for her picks of “Terrific Wines $15 and Under”.

Giving a present to someone who’s environmentally conscious? Check out French Rabbit 2006 Chardonnay-Sauvignon. This White wine comes in “Petit” 250-milliliter cartons that have 10% of a carbon footprint of a glass bottle. The wine has flavors of peaches and apricots plus a nice fruity finish. Pair it with fresh salad or grilled tuna. ($11 per four-pack)

In the reds category, Altano 2006 is a top pick. Considered as one of the top Portuguese wines for its price, its described as downright “sexy.” Not bad for 8 bucks a bottle. Pair it with pizza or chili.

For Rose, Oprah.com recommends Bonny Doon 2007 “Vin Gris De Cigare”. Hailing from Randall Grahm of California, it “tastes like unsweetened raspberry candy and has the balance and the medium body to enliven everything from Thanksgiving turkey to a grilled pork chop.” ($15)

Searching for sparkling wine? Check out Mionetto (Nonvintage) Prosecco Brut, an Itallian sparkling wine that light and could serve as a great base for a mimosa.

Food

When giving food presents, you can always stick to traditional gift baskets. Online stores such as Harry and David, Mrs. Fields, GiftBaskets.com, etc., provide wide selections of gift baskets. Before selecting a final gift basket though, be sure to scout around for coupons and promotions. For instance, if you’re shopping at Harry and David, a quick Google search for “Harry and David coupons” should give you results containing discount codes, if they’re available. Remember, it’s the holiday season, so chances are, the food basket industry is keen to providing seasonal promos.

Gift baskets are usually filled with assorted fruits, wines, snacks, and sweets that will surely satisfy the appetite of the recipient. Nonetheless, if you happen to be giving a present to someone who’s committed to healthy eating (even on the holidays), be sure to select a basket that’s all-fruit. These types of gift baskets do tend to run out during gift-giving season, so if you really want to find a fruity present, try heading over to Edible Arrangements. The store offers gorgeous fruit baskets arranged in unique designs that actually resemble bouquets of flowers! According to the company’s website, their all-natural fruit gift baskets are “inspired by flower bouquets that are made from the freshest fruits.” Edible Arrangements contain a variety of fruits including strawberries, pineapples, cantaloupe, melons, apples, bananas and a whole lot more.

One minor caveat though: When purchasing gift baskets online, be sure to check every item before finalizing a sale. Always be mindful of the taste and health concerns of the recipient. The last thing you want to do is give a present that he or she is allergic to. Also check the website’s shipping schedule as well as its return policy, just to be on the safe side.

If you’re planning to go local, check your neighborhood florist, as some of them may offer gift baskets as well.

But whichever type of gift basket you choose, or wherever you buy it, be sure to add a personal touch to it. A hand-written and thoughtful note should do the trick.

Image credit: mothernaturebeauty on Flickr