Just a few shopping days left.  Are you still scrambling for a few ideas?  I think that buying for a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend can be quite challenging.
 
Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

1. Charity Donation -- A charity donation in someone's name.  My absolute favorite charity is the Starfish Foster Home founded by BYU alumna Amanda de Lange.  She is the "Mother Teresa" to these orphaned Chinese babies who have minor special needs and were abandoned by the government orphanages.  Every year when I am in Xi'an, China, I take groups of tourists to this humble home of miracles.  The Starfish Foster Home has 50 babies under three years old who are waiting for much needed surgeries and a permanent family.  Your heart will swell to see this loving service rendered to precious children.  For more info: www.thestarfishfosterhome.org.

2.  Clean Scented Bath Products -- Most people don't take time to pamper themselves.  I love to give and to receive whipped body lotions in generic scents.  One of my favorites is the ginger soufflé body lotion from Origins.  This heavenly cream is something I would not buy for myself because I see it as a luxury, but I absolutely love it as a gift.  This time of year it is available in gift packs, which is so fun because you get to sample other products.  Available at Macy's and Dillard's.
 
3.  Tom's Shoes -- These comfy shoes are great when you are traveling or just relaxing.  Plus I love the concept of "One for One" For every shoe that is purchased, one pair is donated to a third world country.  I bought a pair and wore them all over Italy.  My favorite are the peep toe wedges.  Available at Nordstrom and JMR.
 
4.  Costume Jewelry -- I think that inexpensive jewelry that is fashionable and fun is a great gift.  Every time the person wears the item, they think of you.  I love to support local stores.  So my first choices are: DownEast Basics at: www.downeastbasics.com and Tribal Jewelry at: www.tribaljewleryunlimited.com and Luv Savvy www.luvsavvy.com
 
5.  Chic on a Shoestring -- Okay...this is a plug for me.  However, it is also a plug for you because I will help you with your wardrobe dilemmas.  Did you ever wonder why you don't like an outfit, but no one could tell you why?  I will tell you why that outfit does not work on your body type and how to find the best pieces for you within your budget.  Great gift idea for husbands to give their wife or treat yourself!  Go to: www.chiconashoestring.com/services.html
 
6.  Travel -- I think a trip is such a fabulous gift.  I love it for two reasons: 1) You get to get away.  2) You get to spend time with someone you love.  Think of all of the fabulous memories that you will share for year's to come.  This is one of the reason's that I started my shopping trips.  I discovered that people like escorted tours and an added bonus of where and how to shop.  This year Chic on a Shoestring trips are going to: Thailand, China, New York and Italy.  Hopefully, I will be adding a trip to France, which would be fabulous... Oui, Oui!  Check out www.chiconashoestring.com/trips.html or www.dickjensentours.com