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Step 1
Go native. Finding a product indigenous to an area means it’s likely among the best of its kind, and also serves as a nice memento for the recipient. So when in Napa, consider a bottle of wine, or ponder some Western wear while in Wyoming.
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Step 2
Hunt for bargains—and treasures—at a community flea market. These bastions of funky items are usually great spots for people-watching as well as offbeat Christmas shopping. A prime example is the humongous one held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California every second Sunday, one of the largest flea markets in North America.
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Step 3
Seek ideas as well as items. Even just a bit of window-shopping can provide inspiration for some online shopping back at your hotel later. This is especially wise if you feel a gift is seriously overpriced in the storefront; odds are you can find it cheaper online.
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Step 4
If in doubt, ask the concierge at your hotel for advice on great shopping and stores. It’s amazing what a reliable source of information they can be for shopping, restaurants and just about any other local 411 you can think of.
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Step 5
Keep "experience" gifts in mind as well, such as a gift certificate to a top restaurant you’ve enjoyed, which will also let you share a personal and pleasurable experience with a friend or loved one. This is much more thoughtful, of course, when the "experience" is close to the recipient’s home.
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Step 6
Follow your art. An art center or school can be a great source of affordable, yet accomplished artwork, but keep your travel situation in mind. Hauling around a 4-by-5-foot framed painting will only detract from your holiday cheer.
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Step 7
Think about the collections your friends and family have. A kitschy keepsake that might at first just seem like a silly souvenir—such as a snow globe you see at the airport—actually makes a great gift for a collector of those items.
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Step 8
The gift of reading is something plenty of people enjoy receiving, and a good, local independent bookstore is a great source of not only reading material, but insightful suggestions as well. The well-read staff at these establishments can almost always be counted on for reliable recommendations to suit any taste.
Comments
Haoie said
on 12/16/2008 I just had to do a bunch of shopping while travelling overseas.
It's not easy lugging it all around later!!
tiffanykei said
on 12/16/2008 These tips will come in handy for someone who's traveling. Especially since we can't all carry the dozens of presents for our relatives. :) Great tips. 5 stars!
scorpionmagnet said
on 12/15/2008 Nice idea about how to maximize your time while on the road. I like it.
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writer7 said
on 12/15/2008 These are excellent ideas!
kkolode said
on 12/15/2008 Practical ideas - for home as well as while on the road. Well-written article!