Gift-Givers Get Crafty In Tight Holiday Times

Fantasy gifts for 2011 unveiled in 'Christmas Book'

(NEWSER) - It’s that time of year again: time for Neiman Marcus to say, “Recession? What recession?” and urge you to purchase a $250,000 mahogany speedboat for your beloved this Christmas. Yes, the Christmas Book was unveiled yesterday. To really get into the holiday spirit, read on for the highlights, via AP :

• $1 million: A cool mil will get you a fountain, apparently with water that dances to music, installed in your home.
• $420,000: Private jet tour of European flower shows.

Use a signature gift to cut costs, give meaningfully

(NEWSER) - Tight budgets are forcing Americans to skirt the season's traditional buying frenzy and make gifts that put "emphasis on people, not stuff," Melissa Magsaysay writes in the Los Angeles Times. She's creating "a creative signature gift" of Ugandan beads that she's turning into bracelets: The one-size-fits-all present "will make the recipient smile, think of me, and feel appreciated.” More»

Talk-show host's holiday goodie bag will be unusually downscale this year

(NEWSER) - Oprah’s favorite things this year are cheap, cheap, cheap, Us Magazine reports. The TV host, who usually gives away pricey items on an annual holiday show, will bow to the economy and push affordable stocking-stuffers instead. The Nov. 26 airing also includes DIY tips, with viewers meeting “a mom who shows us how to create a one-of-a-kind treasure that comes straight from the heart.” More»

Don't worry, it's not too late to get deals

(NEWSER) - Happy Cyber Monday , the day when people who didn’t feel like braving Black Friday can still get half off a Kitchenaid mixer on Amazon. Last year was a huge hit , and analysts don’t expect today to be any different, as Cyber Monday has become more successful each year. A record number of retailers are expected to draw in shoppers with promotional emails, and a record number of shoppers are expected to take the bait, CNBC reports. In addition, the gap between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is closing; last year, Black Friday had 5% more deals than Cyber Monday, compared to 10% the year before. More»

Analysts say earlier hours could become the norm

(NEWSER) - Despite outcry and even protests beforehand, it appears the strategy of opening as early as 10pm Thursday night worked for Black Friday retailers, meaning “ Black Midnight ” or even “ Black Thursday ” will likely become the norm. The Los Angeles Times reports that Toys R Us, Sears, and Target all reported longer lines than usual, and at least one mall also experienced significantly better traffic. Early estimates show sales increased 10% to 14%, the AP reports, and retail analysts agree sales are likely up from last year. “After seeing what I saw last night I can't imagine that this is going to be a one year only shot,” says one. More»