Some holiday shopping ideas that won't break the budget

Let’s face it. Shopping for gifts can be stressful. The stores seem to be filled with the same tired things. What used to be a stocking stuffer now costs $20.

We’re here to give you a little inspiration without running up your credit card bill. Some of the best gifts aren’t found in stores with the gaudiest signs.

“It’s like Christmas every day in here,” said Cheryl Myers, owner of Better Homes & Bargains in Chesapeake. Every corner of her consignment store is filled with goodies ranging from Coca-Cola collectibles to vintage jewelry to a Bing Crosby figurine that greets customers with Christmas music.

Here’s just a few of our favorite things to get your holiday shopping started:
 
When you’re dressing up your table, don’t forget to deck out the wine bottles with holiday bottle collars. $6.99. A. Dodson’s, 2948 Bridge Road, Suffolk.
 
If your man doesn’t take a subtle hint, give him some bedtime reading. Each page has a sentence every woman would love to hear and we’re not talking about sweet nothings. One liners include, “Is that the baby? I’ll get her” and “I don’t have to have a reason to buy your flowers.” Pornography for Women, $12.95. A. Dodson’s.
 
Cameos are always elegant, even atop a wine bottle. $12.99. A. Dodson’s
 
Show your ODU/Virginia/JMU/Virginia Tech spirit while keeping your hands fashionably warm with these spirit fingerz, $18.95. A Tisket, A Tasket, 1897 Governor’s Point Drive, Suffolk.
 
Santa’s gotta be a Hokie fan. Feed him cookies on this spirited plate that reads, “The Hokies were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of bowl games danced in their heads.” $26.95. A Tisket, A Tasket.
 
Suffolk artist Nansi Strickland isn’t sure whether these whimsical tiles are art or laughter. Each is a slice of life from an artist who lived in Dallas, Denver, Boston, Seattle and New York before finding her dream home along the James River. $10-$32, Katody’s, 1893 Governor’s Point Drive, Suffolk.
 
Want to express exactly how you feel about place of employment? These double-sided totables let you do just that. (Flip it on one side in front of the boss and turn it over once you’re out the door.) $19.99, A. Dodson’s.
 
You’ve chopped half an onion, sliced a piece of lime and just want half of that banana. Keep leftovers fresh in these colorful savers. There’s even one for storing that half eaten cupcake. $1.99. The Grater Kitchen, 3235 Bridge Road, Suffolk.
 
Cook in style with a colorful apron. Grater Kitchen owner Ashley Baird models everybody’s favorite. Each apron is prewashed and handmade by Baird’s 81-year-old grandmother. Children’s sizes, too. $15-$24.99. The Grater Kitchen
 
Have a Coke and a smile ... and a memory. Set of four glasses, $7. Better Homes & Bargains, 109 Volvo Pkwy., Chesapeake
 
Keep your cocoa hot with a holiday lid for your mug. Something Special Boutique, Churchland Shopping Center, Portsmouth
 
Smart kids become even smarter adults. The Smart kid character (Skiddo) reinforces self esteem and self confidence. Twin and full sized bed sheets also available. $24.99 (25 percent off through the holidays), Something Special Boutique
 
Get a head start on Halloween shopping. Everything is 25 percent off. Something Special Boutique.
 
They say books are always a wise choice. And every book in the store is half price. If you like V.C. Andrews, Stephen King, Danielle Steele or anything with chicken soup in the title, bring your shopping cart. Book Owl, Churchland Shopping Center
 
Maybe you can’t afford a quilt, but this calendar is a steal at $8.95. If she wants to learn to quilt, an eight-week class is $80 plus supplies. Addicted Quilter, 3232 Academy Ave. Churchland section of Portsmouth
 
Solemate socks are mismatched with care. Snuggly warm, they are made of recycled cotton. $16. Original Artwork Gifts, 3115 Western Branch Blvd., #107, Chesapeake.
 
These wallets and cell phone holders are made from 100 percent trash. Discarded candy wrapper found in Honduran communities make these gifts 100 percent green. $14 and up. Original Artwork Gifts.
 
That ranch dip tastes even better in these festive dip cups. $12.99. Lasting Impressions Florists & Gifts, Chesapeake

Vicki L. Friedman, (757) 222-5218, Vicki.Friedman@pilotonline.com