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During a time filled with social gatherings, extravagant gifts and festive décor, costs can add up quickly. Camille Kowalewski, shopping expert at eBay Canada, shares her ad- vice on how to think outside the box and save when shopping for items on your holiday list. Party Clothes: Whether you are gifting a fashion item to some- one special or adding something new to an outfit, brand is often very important. Con- sider getting a genuine, name-brand item, but previously used -- you're still getting the label, quality and style, but at a more rea- sonable price. Plus, with 1960s and 1970s fashion re-emerging, giving the gift of vin- tage will be right on trend. Must-have Tech: Tech gadgets are a popular on many wish lists, however these gifts can break the bank if you are buying the latest, shiny release. Consider purchasing refurbished tech items, which are restored to like-new condition but come with much smaller price tags. On- line marketplaces like eBay let you refine your search by price point and item condition to make finding a great refurbished deal from brands like Samsung, Sony and Dyson quick and easy. Holiday Décor: Dressing up your space can be a challenge on a budget. When it comes to home décor, focus on the few items that will add that special touch and start on- line to efficiently find the best prices. Retail- ers large and small are increasingly offering pre-holiday door-buster deals on their sites and on online marketplaces. Spending a little time on these sites, as well as checking social channels, can help you uncover great prices on whatever you have your heart set on. Alternatively, sites like eBay and Kijiji of- fer a huge inventory of new or lightly used décor. Often, people have purchased prod- ucts that don't quite fit their needs or have bought decorations that they've only used once. In either case, when they re-sell them at a fraction of the original cost, it's a win- win for both of you. - www.newscanada.com Pa ge 2 8 T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 1 9, 2 01 5 - T he IF P - H al to n H ill s - w w w .th ei fp .c a CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Find the gift that keeps on giving Sometimes we wish we could just get a list from our friends and families to ease the stress of finding the perfect gift - especially for that person who is nearly impossible to please. Here are some gifting ideas for the gift enigmas on your list so you can enjoy a care-free shopping experience this season: DIYers - Purchase arts and crafts work- shops for friends or family members who have a creative flare. They can put an addi- tional skillset to use and make some person- alized holiday décor with their new exper- tise. Zenfully Minded - Gift a spiritual friend with a private yoga class or weekend medi- tation retreat. They'll appreciate their down- ward dog away from city life and find inner nirvana in a countryside sun salute. Foodies - If their risotto comes out per- fect every time, pastry classes might be the way to go - even a soufflé can unnerve Michelin star chefs. A tour of a vineyard is a great gesture for those who are self-pro- claimed or practicing sommeliers, too. The Impossible to Buy For - A SiriusXM radio is the gift that can please anyone in- cluding the goofy dad, the music-loving best friend or even the too hip nephew. With more than 120 channels of music, news, talk, sports and entertainment to listen to, any- one on your list can tune in to hear whatever suits their mood. You can also gift a SiriusXM subscription to someone who may already have satellite radio in their vehicle or an on- line subscription so they can enjoy through their phone, computer or tablet, wherever they are. Style Maven - Gift cards are a fantastic option because you choose any denomina- tion, and you can get one directly from the recipient's favourite retail destination. From homemade knits to haute couture, they're not tied down to one article of clothing. - www.newscanada.com Five tips for being fashionably festive Celebrating in style at office parties, family gatherings and festive affairs can be a lot of fun, but for some, pulling together outfits for all these events can be downright stressful. Talia Brown, celebrity and fashion styl- ist, has some tips on how to effortlessly in- corporate the latest trends into your outfits without losing that fashionable holiday cheer. • A blanket scarf is perfect for the boho girl. Wrap yourself up in the office or on your Sunday stroll, it's the perfect way to add co- lour and pattern into your winter wardrobe. In the evening go for a fine cashmere or silk to freshen up your look. • The turtleneck has evolved. It used to be an under layer but now it's your statement piece. In a variety of textures, colours and prints, there is a turtleneck for everyone. For evening, wear a fitted turtleneck dress with a statement necklace. Be the one to turn eyes with this simple yet elegant look. • The little black dress will never go out of style and is perfect for a holiday party. It can take you from day to night simply by adding a show stopping necklace or an exquisite pair of earrings. Rebekah Price's exclusive holiday jewellery collection on eBay.ca, for example, can add some festive bling. • For men, the classic black suit is a dash- ing and timeless choice. Take your suit from day to night by adding a more formal tie. • As much as we love the elegant heel, sometimes you need to be practical. Stilet- tos just aren't snow friendly. Be winter ready and go to your party in platform loafers, ox- fords or a chunky pair of booties. Opt for a pair with tassel or fringe to stay on trend. - www.newscanada.com Proud to Support Donate a new hat & mitten set and enter to great prizes!WIN LOCAL ARTISANS •UNIQUE VENDORS •ONE OF A KIND GIFTS NOVEMBER 28TH & 29 TH Admission include s access to Holiday Traditions at the RBG Adults: $12:50 Student/Senior: $10.5 0 Ages: 4-12: $7.50 Under 4: Free RBG Members: Free Royal Botanical Ga rdens 680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington Saturday 10am-6p m Sunday 10am-5pm 289-293-0710 thechristmasshow.ca BROUGHT TO YOU BY haltoncas.ca BROUGHTGHT TOTO YOU BY MAKER'SMARKETPLACE New feature Save money with these holiday shopping tips