7 Non-Traditional Holiday Shopping Tips

1.  Shop for gifts at your local drugstore, instead of at the mall.

Strangely enough, many drug stores have some very nice gifts at quite reasonable prices. In fact, in some cases they have better deals than what you would find in the mall, and you won't have to deal with the crowds. That's a big one for me, I hate the crowds! Also, many drug stores have big discounts the day before Christmas, so if you don't mind waiting until the last minute, you can find some really great deals.

2. Purchase the same gift for different people (providing it is a gift that will work for everyone).

If you know a lot of people who love to read, and you know of a book they would all enjoy, why not buy the same book for everyone? It saves you time, energy, and maybe even money if the book is on sale.
 

3. Shop at specialty stores.

Do you have an artist in your life? Why not go to an art supplies store to look for their gift? Maybe you know someone who likes to sew. A store that sells fabrics and all the little sewing supplies that a seamstress would need might be a good choice. You can almost guarantee others won't be getting them the same thing.
 

4. Do your holiday shopping in thrift stores.

I know it sounds tacky, but not all gifts have to be new. I've found some very wonderful presents at local thrift stores. And let's face it, if the item is still in its original packing, who's going to know except  for you? The year one of my girlfriends got married, I found this beautiful crystal picture frame for her wedding photo. It was still in the original box and she loved it! The same thing applies to Christmas gifts.

5. Find out what your recipient's hobbies are, and then go shopping.

In my case, one of my hobbies is 3D art. I use the program Poser and I love it. However, some items are very expensive, and I have a hard time for example justifying a dress for my Victoria 4 character that costs more than I'd pay for a dress for myself. For someone like me, purchasing 3D content I've had my eye on in online stores, and saving it to a CD, and then giving it to me as a gift would absolutely make my year! I also bead, and last year my mom, bless her, sent me a bunch of beading supplies for Christmas. If you know what your gift recipient has a hankering for, you could buy one or two of those items and really make them happy.
 

6. Shop for gifts on eBay or other auction websites.

I'm a big fan of e-Bay, and often when I need an item that is more expensive than I might want spend the money on, I will go there to see if I can find a new version for less. I got my computer that way, and boy did it ever pay off! An enterprising person could buy all their gifts on eBay (or any other auction website) and really come up with some cool things. Ebay is also great for collectibles. So if your recipient, say, collects My Little Pony or Rainbow Brite products, eBay may be just the place to look!
 

7. Shop at the dollar store.

I know that sounds cheap, but I have actually found some very nice stuff at our local dollar store. When I lived in Portland, you could get sets with body lotion, body scrub, shower gel and so on for $5 and it was quality stuff. If you're looking for presents for young girls or teenagers, there is no better place to look. You can get beautiful costume jewelry and hair things (such as jeweled barrettes and ponytail holders, to name a few) for nearly nothing. Since I've moved to Seattle, the little dollar store in my neighborhood doesn't have as much as the one in Portland, but I've still been able to find some nice things for gifts.
 

These are just a few of the more non-traditional ways that you can get your holiday shopping done. Fortunately, many of them save you money, time, and make great gifts as well!