The perfect holiday gift isn’t always the priciest one. It’s easy to forget that when the clock’s ticking and you’re clicking the panic button.
But in a poll of 550 people by the Center for a New American Dream, only 28 percent said it is necessary to spend a lot of money to have a fulfilling and enjoyable holiday.
“People are focusing on what really matters–financial security, relaxing time with family and friends, and reduced stress during the holiday season,” said Betsy Taylor, president of the non-profit center, which aims to help Americans consume responsibly.
More than three out of five Americans say they are or may be considering giving gifts such as savings bonds or piggy banks, according to the poll.
“American consumers are encouraged to spend,” Taylor said. “At the same time, they are being told to save money.”
It’s possible to do both at the same time–and produce smiles all around.
1. Bankable assets: The Coink Bank is cute for more than kids–complete with its dollar-sign tail, it won a 2005 ID Magazine Design Review award–and the opening is big enough for bills but not hands to reach inside. It’s $34 at the Museum of Contemporary Art store, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and until 6 p.m. other days at 220 E. Chicago Ave., or mcachicagostore.org.
2. Twas the night before: Maybe you don’t need the wakeup call that Christmas and Hanukkah are just a week away, but a teen who’s a heavy sleeper could benefit from L.L. Bean’s Moonbeam Clock. We love the colors and the civilized way it tries to rouse its owner–a gently illuminating light rather than a blaring alarm. (If the snoozer doesn’t get up, a bell sounds 5 minutes later.) $36 at llbean.com or 800-809-7057.
3. Chilling out: With three flexible massage heads, internal battery and magnetic colors (turquoise, pink, green and purple), Homedics Mini Massage-On-The-Go made the rounds to rave reviews at the office, $9.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens ‘N Things stores.
4. Three hands are better than two: In anticipation of the inevitable vanishing act, Little Miss Matched sells its acrylic/spandex gloves in sets of three that fit either hand and stretch to fit 5-year-olds to adults, for $15 at littlemissmatched.com. (Lands’ End sells cashmere twosomes with insurance: If you lose one it will replace it at half-price. $34 at landsend.com or 800-963-4816.)
5. Do-it-yourself help: The Black & Decker ATM100 25-Auto Tape Measure made a male companion say “that’s actually pretty cool” when seen on TV. It extends and retracts with the push of a button, so the user no longer needs two hands to operate. It’s $24.50 on Amazon.com.
6. Brightening the day: For their visual enjoyment as well as listening enjoyment, the Multidot iPod case in PVC has a clear viewing panel and iPod port, $15 at plumparty.com.
7. About that generation gap: A DVD game for songs from the 1950s forward, Shout About Music, unites the family in a challenge to identify music titles from portions of songs, fill in missing song lyrics and arrange music-related events and topics in a specific order. All that’s needed is a TV and a DVD player. It’s for ages 13 and up and is $19.99 at Wal-Mart, Toys “R” Us and Target. (Other editions are Shout About TV, Shout About Movies. Shout About Music Country Edition is offered exclusively at Wal-Mart.)
