The Enlighten Directory Project

Keep Holiday Spending Under Control: 10 Great Gifts for Under $20

There’s nothing like the shock of post-Christmas credit card statements to bring your stress level to an all time high. Each year consumers pay the price of Holiday overspending with high credit card balances and their ensuing negative effects on their credit score.

Is it really necessary to go into debt to please the people on your gift list? Christmas shopping on a budget doesn’t necessarily rob you of the holiday spirit. In fact, with a little creativity you can find the perfect gift without breaking the bank.

Bargain Books – Shop online at closeout book sellers to find books at 30 to 70% off retail. Closeoutbooks.com and hamiltonbook.com offer a great selection of discounted books with reasonable shipping charges. Remember that if you choose their standard shipping (Media Mail) option it can several weeks to receive your order, so be sure to shop in advance. I guarantee that your friends and family members will be happy and impressed by the $40 coffee table book that you only spent $15 on.

Flavored Cooking Oil – Visit your local dollar store to find plain corked bottles in interesting shapes. Fill the bottle halfway olive oil, then add flavorful herbs like Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Oregano and Parsley. Add a few peppercorns for decoration then fill the rest of the bottle with oil. Seal the bottle and decorate with ribbon. These economical gifts enhance the flavor of many dishes and look great on a kitchen shelf.

Find Discounted Gift Cards on Ebay – Thousands of gift cards for major retailers and restaurant chains are auctioned off on Ebay for a fraction of their value. Ebay has its own “Gift Certificate Portal” located here: http://gift-certificates.ebay.com/. Before you purchase a gift card on Ebay, examine the card’s expiration dates, valid locations, and usage restrictions. Additionally, You should always check the Seller’s feedback rating before completing your purchase.

Family Fun – The holidays are a time for families and friends to spend time together. Board games are a traditional family gift that never goes out of style. Don’t forget to buy a few packs of classic card games like Uno and Old Maid to use as stocking stuffers for the kids.

Create Your Own Designer Soaps – A few low-priced ingredients and a little of your time and creativity can result in a beautiful and useful present. You will need glycerin soap base, soap molds, coloring, and fragrance oils. 5lbs of glycerin base will make around 50 small soaps. Soap molds are available in a variety of shapes and sizes that range from traditional floral patterns to holiday shapes and even Feng Shui themed molds. This site, http://www.cierracandles.com/soap_molds.aspx, offers many unique but inexpensive molds as well as the other supplies you will need to get started. Fragrances are an optional component as fragrance-free soaps might be especially appreciated by those with allergies. A $30 investment should yield you enough soaps to make gift packages for at least 10 people.

Memories Are Priceless – Gather old family photographs and create a collage or scrapbook. You can’t place a price on memories and your “inexpensive” gift may become a cherished family heirloom.

Coffee & Tea – The Caffeine junkies in your family will appreciate a special gift basket with a decorative mug, gourmet coffee beans or herbals teas.

Yummy Treats – Homemade cookies, brownies or other baked goods are always a welcome gift, made sweeter if you include a book of family recipes. If you aren’t much of a baker, flavored popcorn is another snack your family members will appreciate. Search the web for “flavored popcorn recipes” to find easy instructions for making traditional popcorn flavors like cheese or caramel as well as exotic varieties.

Digital Photo Gifts – A lot of retailers like Walgreens and Wal-Mart now offer gift creation services in their Photo Centers. Each company offers different items ranging from personalized calendars and coffee mugs to photo stickers for kids. A majority of the items available cost less than $20.

About the Author

Jaime Hershman is a Certified Credit Consultant and the founder of Aurora Consulting, Credit Solutions. Visit http://risingcreditscores.com for more budgeting tips and information on how to build good credit, raise your credit scores, and stay debt free.

An Introduction To Feng Shui DVD $19.98 Feng shui means “wind and water.” This ancient Chinese practice recognizes that our lives can be directly affected by our surroundings. Health, wealth and happiness can be related to the flow of ch’i (positive energy) around us. The most popular aspect of feng shui is the arrangement of furniture and fittings in the home. This informative program hosted by Rod Rodrigo provides a general overview of this aspect and explains how certain color schemes, shapes and positioning can be beneficial to you – and your luck. (DVD) approx. 52 mins.

The Feng Shui Bible $14.95 The idea behind feng shui is simple to improve any aspect of your life, create the right atmosphere to support it. All the strands of this ancient practice come together in this intelligently organized, visual reference that emphasizes feng shui and 39;s practical benefits. Real life applications and examples enhance lucid explanations of the fundamental concepts chi energy, yin and yang, the five elements, and eight trigrams. All the essential tools are laid out, too–everyday objects like mirrors, plants, and fountains that keep the energy flowing smoothly. A comprehensive directory shows how these principles can enhance relationships, finances, creativity, career, health, and spiritual connections.

Feng Shui Pure 2 Fountain $3210 The?Feng Shui Pure?2 Tabletop?Fountain?will relax any home or office. This?Tabletop?or Floor?Fountain?is available with a?stainless?steel frame and glass bowl for ultimate relaxation.

Feng Shui Your Life $24.95 Jayme Barrett, the feng shui consultant to the rich and powerful of Beverly Hills, has written the most comprehensive and life-changing book on the subject. Taking us on a personal tour of the homes she has transformed, Ms. Barrett explains the techniques she uses to create positive space. Room by room, she illustrates the deeper purpose of every aspect of design; she demonstrates how the simplest adjustment-moving a plant from one corner to another-ultimately, your life. Lush photography and hundreds upon hundreds of facts, ideas, tips, and suggestions-from her own experience and gleaned from the wisdom of the ages-take us ever closer to the revitalization of home, health, and spirit.

Feng Shui Ceramic Tabletop Fountain $39.95 This beautiful, high quality glazed ceramic tabletop fountain is perfect for any home or office setting. The water pump sits in the pool of water beneath the sphere and circulates the water up to the

Feng Shui Water Wall by Joseph McGowan $7499 Creating a mood that transcended the energy and balance between water and land was the goal for artist Joseph McGowan in the early stages of this Water Wall. The delicate techniques Joseph has created

Abstract Art Plum Blossom Chinese Feng Shui Painting $39.99 Size: 91*61cm*1pc 30*61cm*2pcs Category: / For The Home / Home Decor / Oil Paintings / Flower Paintings

Chinese Cherry Blossom Feng Shui Oil Paintings Abstract Art $39.99 Size: 91*61cm*1pc 30*61cm*2pcs Category: / For The Home / Home Decor / Oil Paintings / Flower Paintings

4-1/2 X 3-1/8 Rectangular Soap Dish $26.95 Firelight Form Ceramic Molds are easy to use and will be good for countless firings. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Soap dish measures 4-1/2 x 3-1/8.

Asian Candle Tabletop Fountain $99.95 The beautiful fountain combines the four elements (earth, fire, air and water) in an artistic and graceful way. The Asian Candle fountain combines ancient Feng Shui sensibility and modern technology t

Flower Vase Tabletop Fountain $99.95 Like many of our table?fountains, the Flower Vase is not only stylish, but ties together various Feng Shui elements in a precise focal point. This pleasing?tabletop fountain is perfect on a table or a

Buddha Table Fountain $64.95 Place this fountain anywhere for an instant feng shui sanctuary!?The buddha statue sits proudly on top the faux stone finished rocks to remind us to take time out for the important things in life.

5-1/4 X 3-3/4 Oval Soap Dish $20.95 Firelight Form Ceramic Molds are easy to use, and durable for countless firings. This small mold will fit in most table top kilns easily. Its never been so easy to create custom home décor. Make a soap dish for your washroom, one for the kitchen, and dont forget your friends and family. Finished dishes make great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Apply kiln wash before use. Mold measures 5-1/4 x 3-3/4.

Ribbon Molds – 2 Pack $54.95 Matched Mold Sets for Twice the Fun. Limited Time Offer. For the price of the large ribbon mold you get both sizes – It and 39;s like getting the small one FREE. An exceptional retail value. Create finished pieces that will stand on their edge, providing a canvas for any scene you can image. Includes one 13-1/2 x 8-3/4 mold and one 3 x 2-1/4 mold. Reusable ceramic molds can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Projects shown below created by artist Denise Christmas Gibson.

Shui Suspension by Tech Lighting $1020 A stunning, singular modern chandelier. Its appearance can be changed simply by raising or lowering the included shade ring. The Tech Lighting Shui Suspension is made from white threads of fabric draped from another, larger ring, with a small ceiling canopy finished in Satin Nickel. The Shui creates a soft, inviting motion, adding greatly to its warmth and elegance. Available in two sizes. Tech Lighting, headquartered in Skokie, IL, is known for their innovative lighting systems and exquisite lighting designs. Their passion for art, sophistication and imagination is balanced by rigorous testing and quality control in the creation of their line-voltage and low-voltage lighting, including the Tech Lighting FreeJack and monorail systems and track heads. The Tech Lighting Shui Suspension is available with the following: Details:White fabric thread shadeAdjustable shade ringSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopyDimmable with standard incandescent dimmer (not included)ETL ListedOptions:Size: 126 inch, or 144 inch.Lighting: Three 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Diameter 21.5 In.

Jewel Pop Molds – Set of 6 $11.99 Make every pop a gem! Six individual jewel shaped molds come with drip-catching handles, eliminating pop slop.Features: • Made of polypropene • Clever handles catch drips as you eat — no pop slop! • Insulated plastic sleeves keep your pops colder, longer, outside the freezer • Base keeps pop molds secure from tips and spills in the freezer • Dishwasher safe for easy care • Color: Red and ClearSize: 6 1/2″ x 4 3/4″ x 4″

Shui Linear Chandelier by Tech Lighting $1272 The Tech Lighting Shui Linear Chandelier is at once calming, dynamic, soft and contemporary. Taking its name from the Chinese word for “water,” the Shui features a loose fabric thread shade that indeed moves in fluid ripples with the slightest breeze. Makes a textural and dramatic lighting statement over a lengthy dining table. Available in three thread colors. Tech Lighting, headquartered in Skokie, IL, is known for their innovative lighting systems and exquisite lighting designs. Their passion for art, sophistication and imagination is balanced by rigorous testing and quality control in the creation of their line-voltage and low-voltage lighting, including the Tech Lighting FreeJack and monorail systems and track heads. The Tech Lighting Shui Linear Chandelier is available with the following: Details:Fabric thread shadeMetal frameSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopySuspension cablesAdjustable heightDimmable with standard incandescent dimmer (not included)ETL ListedOptions:Shade: Golden Bronze, Gray, or White.Lighting: Six 75 Watt 120 Volt Type A19 Medium Base Incandescent lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Shade: Height 18 In., Width 60 In. Fixture: Overall Hanging Length Adjustable from 24 In. to 60 In.

Heart Shaped Cupcake Molds- Set of 8 $14.99 Share the love with Heart Cupcake Molds by Tovolo. Made of silicone these cupcake molds will be the object of thier affection. The set includes 8 molds, 4 pink and 4 red hearts. Features: • Made of silicone • Sold in a set of 8 • 4 Pink & 4 Red • Dishwasher safeSize: 1 1/4″ tall x 2 3/4″ wide x 2 3/4″ deep

Autographed Chin-Feng Chen Photo – 8×10 $34 Autographed Chin-Feng Chen Photo – 8×10 CHIN – FENG CHEN LOS ANGELES DODGERS SIGNED 8X10Every signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Soap,Antibacterl,18ct,Cr $77.99 SOAP,ANTIBACTERL,18CT,CR

Soap,F/Adf00180 $50.99 SOAP,F/ADF00180

Ice Cream Pop Molds – Set of 4 $10.49 Nix ice cream cone troubles for good. No more melty mess with these soft-serve-style molds with ?cones? that catch sticky spills.Features: • Made of polypropene • Clever handles catch drips as you eat — no pop slop! • Insulated plastic sleeves keep your pops colder, longer, outside the freezer • Base keeps pop molds secure from tips and spills in the freezer • Dishwasher safe for easy care • Color: Blue and clearSize: 5 1/4″ X 5 1/4″ X 6 1/4″

Spatulart Cupcake Molds – Halloween – Set of 12 $18.99 Timeless, durable and waste-free, these printed silicone cupcake molds bring fade-free designs and eliminate the need for cupcake pans and liners.Features: • Made of silicone • Heat resistant to 600°F/315°C • Eliminates the need for cupcake pans and liners • Dishwasher safe for easy care • Color: Black and OrangeSize: 3″ diameter

LPGA SHANSHAN FENG signed 8×10 GOLF photo with COA $78.07 LPGA SHANSHAN FENG signed 8×10 GOLF photo with COA LPGA SHANSHAN FENG signed 8×10 GOLF photo with COA Every signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Rocket Ice Pop Molds – Blue – Set of 6 $13.49 Blast Off with Rocket Pops. Bigger than your average pop mold for more of a good thing, our Pop Mold sets makes it easy to slip out one pop at a time by simply gripping the handle and sliding from the base. Bases are innovatively designed so you can remove just one pop at a time, without running the entire mold under the faucet. Features: • Made of polypropene • Clever handles catch drips as you eat — no pop slop! • Insulated plastic sleeves keep your pops colder, longer, outside the freezer • Base keeps pop molds secure from tips and spills in the freezer • Dishwasher safe for easy care • Color: BlueSize: 7 1/2″ x 5″ x 7 1/2″

Nu Soap Hypoallergenic Soap Sub, 240mL/Bt $11.7 Nu Soap Hypoallergenic Soap Sub, 240mL/Bt

Win Floating Queen Bed $2279 Zen inspired, though with an urban edge, this Rossetto Floating Queen Bed is made in Italy and includes those Italian elements we are so drawn to. This modern look is durable while maintaining its feng shui sense of balance. The low rise design presents a modern feel and the optional removable headboard cushions provide texture and depth. Truly a beautiful design you’ll enjoy for many years.

Ice Cream Sandwich Molds- Classic Shapes Set of 3 $13.99 Go back to the classics! Hard pressed to perfect your ice cream treats? We can help with these Ice Cream Sandwich Molds. Designed as the easiest and most fun-to-use molds on the market, just three steps take you to ice cream sandwich bliss.Features: • Made of polypropylene • Designs are pressed right into the cookie • Dishwasher safe • Comes in a set of three: Star, heart & “squircle”Size: Approximately 3 1/2″ deep x 3 1/2″ wide x 2 1/4″ tall

Ice Cream Sandwich Molds – Farm Animals – Set of 3 $13.99 Head to the farm! Hard pressed to perfect your ice cream treats? We can help with these Ice Cream Sandwich Molds. Designed as the easiest and most fun-to-use molds on the market, just three steps take you to ice cream sandwich bliss.Features: • Made of polypropylene • Bright colors make a fun kitchen addition • Designs are pressed right into the cookie • Dishwasher safe for easy care • Color: Pink, green and yellow (Pig, Cow, and Chicken)Size: Approximately 3 1/2″ diameter