Savvy shoppers save time, money

Listening to what others say will provide clues to appreciated gifts.
Associated Press
You should never start a gift list with a blank page.
Even before you pick up the pen and paper, you should already have an idea about a person's likes and dislikes, their interests and hobbies.
Then, think about all the people on your gift list and try to find something in common, suggest Anna Wallner and Kristina Matisic, co-authors of "The Shopping Bags: Tips, Tricks, and Inside Information to Make You a Savvy Shopper" (Dutton).
"One way to save time and money is to get a theme for your gifts. Maybe everyone will get books, or something for the home, or gym memberships," suggests Matisic. "That could be one-stop shopping for you."
If tastes and lifestyles are too divergent, however, cater to those differences, says Wallner. "I definitely think about the person. I think about our recent conversations. Are they taking any trips? Do they have hobbies? Are they getting married? Did they get a new house? I try to do a profile of each person and what day-to-day life is like. If you just listen to what people are saying, there are tons of clues there," she says.
Gift certificates are easy but they don't have to be a cop-out, she adds. She suggests a gift certificate to an airline -- "You don't have to buy a whole ticket. It could be $50 or $100," she notes -- or for a service someone would want but wouldn't splurge on, such as a cooking class.
But gift certificates or gift cards aren't good gifts if they're not for stores or services the recipient has any interest in. And even if a robe or jewelry or spa certificate was a hit last year, don't rely on it again unless it's requested, Wallner says.