The Recessionist's Gift Guide

Pictured: An assortment of rings, bangles, and bracelets from Skinny Style Today, I made the most amazing discovery at a holiday fashion show. High-end Los Angeles jewelry designer to the stars, Jessica Elliot, has a budget friendly line called Skinny Style that is gorgeous and just as appealing as her high-end line. Jessica has been a favorite of celebrities and stylists for some time. Her Jessica Elliot line is featured regularly in magazines like In-Style and People Style Watch . The necklaces and bracelets have been worn by Halle Berry and Janet Jackson to name just a few. And now her designs can be ... Read Full Story

For your significant other, there’s an unspoken rule: The greater the lengths you go gift-wise, the more you love them. Of course that’s just crazy-talk, but there’s truth in it somewhere. For proof, try to rationalize giving an iPod versus a $25 iTunes gift card. Here are some practical tips for buying gifts for your loved one, girlfriend, boyfriend, fiancé, husband, wife, mistress, secret lover, paramour, or otherwise significant other in the grips of a recession. It’s the thought that counts. So think hard.   DIY This blown glass vase would look great on someone else's table. If you plan to spend zero money ... Read Full Story

  images via dealextreme, anthropologie and worldmarket. So your errant friend Suzy, whom you haven’t seen in three years, has decided to send you a gift for Christmas. You hadn’t considered buying Suzy a gift, but now you feel guilted into giving. And you have no money. Don't worry: we've got solutions - and they'll also work for your significant others' mother, or your long-lost Aunt Trudy... DIY: Homemade Persimmon Cookies Image via Elise.com Send Suzy a batch of home-baked persimmon cookies in a cute tin. Persimmon is one of few fruits that's in season during the holidays, and it happens to make an ... Read Full Story

Every family or group of friends has at least one or two geeks thrown in the mix. They're the ones who get a little too into zombie movies and will watch just about any movie or TV show with a spaceship. Fortunately, it's absurdly easy to find something a geek wants. Unfortunately, most geeks already own all the low-hanging fruit in the gift arena. That means a good geek gift is either a little obscure or brand-spanking new.  This list combines a little of both, and should please the nerdier side of your gift list. DIY: Hand-knit light sabers Hand-knit lightsabers from seller carbonscoring ... Read Full Story

A couple admire the jewellery on display in the window of the Jewellers "Graff" on Old Bond Street on November 22, 2008 in London, England. High street shops are aiming to attract Christmas trade in what is widely expected to be a difficult season for retailers due to the global credit crisis, with the high-end brands likely to be hit hardest. (Getty Images) more pics » No person on your gift list is more confounding than the relative you know next to nothing about. For close family member and loved ones, there are at least some hobbies and interests you can use to triangulate ... Read Full Story