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The Gifter :: Black Friday Ops

Black Friday. Just days away, it’s the biggest (and craziest) shopping day of the year. Limited “doorbusters” attract massive crowds and can create endless lines. In many cases bargain items are snatched up in the wee hours of the morning.

So what does one do to best navigate Black Friday Sales? This is the HomeGoods and POPSUGAR mission this week for #TheGifter.

black-friday ops #TheGifter

I’m not one for massive crowds, so when I hit the stores on Black Friday I plan ahead and so should you. Here are some of my strategies on how to best navigate Black Friday sales.

Create a List

Be organized.  It’s faster and less stressful to get in and out when you know what you are shopping for. Create a comprehensive list of specific items and how much you want to spend. This way you will avoid impulse buying and going over budget.

Check Return Policies

Make sure you read the fine print regarding returns before buying. Often times, deep discounted items are final sale and therefore not ideal to give as gifts.

Go Where You Know

Valuable time can be lost when shopping at stores for the first time. For this reason I only shop stores I know on Black Friday. Being familiar with the layout, helps you locate items on your list more quickly.

Say No to the Doorbuster

This may be a little controversial, but I find it’s much easier to navigate store aisles if I avoid the “doorbuster.” These items tend to be in limited quantities, yet attract the masses. I aim for less-coveted deals that still provide real value.

Shopping at HomeGoods gives you Black Friday deals  on ever-changing products anytime.  And during the holidays, they allow you to be the ultimate gifter by offering the best value on designer gifts for everyone on your list. Here are some of the remarkable in-store items I uncovered this week at my local HomeGoods…

acrylic bamboo style chair #thegifter

Acrylic is a huge trend in home decor and can be very pricey. This chic acrylic bamboo style chair caught my eye and the price stopped me in my tracks. It’s a high-end designer look, without breaking the bank.

large-scale zebra art #thegifter

Large-scale black and white photography or artwork is a perfect way to accessorize and elevate your interiors. It also makes a fabulous gift. This beautifully framed large-scale zebra art was a steal at $199.99 compared to $400 at department stores. Love it!

hand-painted serving dishes from Portugal - holiday gifts #thegifter

This exquisite hand-painted serving dish made in Portugal would make a fabulous gift for the cook on your list. Found at HomeGoods for only $20.90 … a HUGE savings from the original $60 price-tag! Now that’s a doorbuster!

It’s your turn to get in on the action and be entered to win a $500 TJX gift card!  Simply tweet your Black Friday tips or a gift idea to any of the TJX brands (HomeGoodsMarshalls and TJMaxx)  using #TheGifter.

Happy shopping!

Cristin

*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by TJX through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated to write this post about TJX #TheGifter, all opinions are my own.

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Read full story By on November 24, 2013 in Christmas, discounts, gift guide, Holiday, HomeGoods

Oh (faux) Christmas Tree

Yes I did. Call me crazy. I’ve decorated the Christmas tree already. With Thanksgiving running so late this year, I decided “what the heck!” Don’t worry though, it won’t be a pine-needle-less, fire hazard by the holiday. It’s an artificial tree sent to me by Tree Classics. I’m super impressed with the quality – it’s hard to tell it’s not real even when you are in the same room. The only thing I miss about having a live tree is the lovely pine scent that fills the house.

Christmas tree with white feathers - Simplified Bee

I selected the  7 1/2′ classic Fraser tree with clear lights because of it’s narrow profile – great for small rooms. Love that the lights were already on the tree and that they are LED! Assembly took me about 30 minutes from start to finish. I did have to pull in my hubby to put on the top layers though.

christmas decorating with feathers // Simplified Beeholiday floral arrangement with white peonies // Simplified Beewhite peonies in a mint julep vase // Simplified Beereusable chalkboard gift labels - Simplified Bee #labels

This year I went with a crisp white and rich gold color palette for the tree decorations. Tons of white feathers were placed throughout the tree and along the top of the Chinese cabinet. I also added a new new items this year such as the fab faux fur tree skirt (above), owl snowglobe (next to the white peonies above) and felt snowflake ornaments (below) I picked up at West Elm!

faux christmas tree detail - Simplified Beetwinkle light Christmas tree - Simplified Bee

Have you started decorating your house for the holiday?

Happy Holidays,

Cristin

Land Of Nod: Design for Kids and People That Used to be Kids

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Read full story By on November 21, 2013 in Christmas, Entertaining, flowers, Holiday, holiday decor, owls, product review, simplified bee portfolio

The Gifter :: Outgift the Ungiftable

Every year there is a least one “has everything” person on my list that is hard to shop for. Finding just the right gift for them can be tricky and as I weigh through the options, the challenge seems to be greater – is it in my price range, is it too generic and does it have a personal touch? Sound familiar?

This holiday season, HomeGoods and POPSUGAR are putting a few bloggers (aka #TheGifter) to the test to uncover the best presents for the not-so-easy-to-shop-for people in your life. For the next five weeks we are tasked with a different mission and this week (you’ve guessed it!)  it’s “outgift the ungiftable”.

Here are just some of the fabulous gift ideas at amazing prices I found at my local HomeGoods store that are sure to please even the hardest to shop for person on your list. My secret? It’s simple; I select items I would only purchase for myself.

white faux fur throw #thegifter

Plush, luxurious and warm, faux fur throws are the must have home decor accessory this holiday season. When this designer faux fur throw at $39.99 (compared to $80 at department stores!) was spotted, I knew it would be a welcomed gift by the hard to shop for mom, sister or grandmother.

rare botanical candle #thegifter

Candles also make a great gift for the “ungiftable” on your list. This “rare botanic candle” is super chic. The same candle in a boutique would cost $50, but at HomeGoods it was only $24. Who wouldn’t be over-the-moon to receive this candle?

agate bookends // holiday gift // #thegifter

Timeless agate bookends make a great gift for the hard to shop for dads, bosses and teachers on your list, however they can be really pricey. These are similar to a pair found at a high-end department store, but for a fraction of the price.

foil initial notecards #thegifter

A handwritten note is always appreciated in our digital world. Beautiful stationary with a personal touch, such as this set with shimmery pink metallic initial (metallic touches are so hot this holiday season!), is always a welcome gift. The gold & white polka dot packaging is darling too!

For more fashion-forward gift ideas from HomeGoods that will satisfy all of the “ungiftable” people on your list, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter. And I’d love your input too! Every week, you can join in on #TheGifter weekly missions by tweeting a gift idea or answer to the Weekly Mission using #TheGifter. In doing so, you could win a $500 TJX gift card! There will be one lucky winner each week.

Happy shopping!

Cristin

*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by TJX through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated to write this post about TJX #TheGifter, all opinions are my own.

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Read full story By on November 17, 2013 in Christmas, gift guide, Holiday, HomeGoods

Your Invited :: Land of Nod Holiday Party San Francisco

Land of Nod Events - Holiday Party 2013 #nodeventsLand of Nod Holiday Party San Francisco Invite #nodevents

For all of you in the San Francisco area, I’d love for you to join me and Michaela as we get in the holiday spirit with Land of Nod at The Makery (fabulous studio & craft store!). There are limited spots available so be sure to RSVP now!

Hope to see you there!

Cristin

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Read full story By on November 13, 2013 in baby and children, Christmas, discounts, Entertaining, Holiday