It's Almost the BIG Day! Are you Ready Yet? If not, Here's Some Quick Gift Ideas!

As this holiday season seems to be rapidly coming to a close, I see more and more people getting frantic and actually spending MONEY. What’s interesting is that they are now willing to spend money on great things– thoughtful things that are meaningful to a specific person– in a way that all the bargain basement stuff just can’t do. Doesn’t mean it has to cost a lot mind you. Even Tuesday Morning, Cost Plus and Big Lots have some great deals (Yes– and I have been to each one of them shopping — testing out an LA Times Image article and found some interesting things– including some for me!)

For those who love spa treatments or those who truly need some “chill” time, think about sending them to a spa. Not just any spa mind you, but Spa Luce at Hollywood & Highland in LA is definitely worth the trip (shopping ,restaurants, easy parking, proximity to *other* shopping). Spa Luce has some great facials and peels with no down-time and also some achingly delcious massages. Check it out!
Spa Luce, Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Hollywood & Highland.
1755 north highland avenue 323.491.1376
www.spaluce.com
Want to snag some really unsual gifts and even get them online? Check out Discovery Experiences!! There is an array of various experiences from affordable to outrageous experiences which you purchase for your recipient. Discovery Experiences is designed to evoke the same sense of awe, wonder, adventure, exploration and fun that you find in Discovery Channel programming.
Some of our favorite experiences start at $100 and under – many of these happen to be eco-friendly too. In Los Angeles a sample of affordable gift experiences:
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Flying Trapeze (from $55)
Reach new heights with an introductory lesson in aerial arts. Take to the trapeze and learn the elements of flying from a professional trainer. Begin with the basics and work up to more challenging tricks – even try your hand at a release and catch! All sessions are conducted with safety lines and a spotting belt to assure your safety at all times. Available in LA, SF, Miami, San Diego, Tampa. Fun for all ages; encourages exploration
.Behind the scenes at the Aquarium ($85.00 for two)
Tour the “wet side” of the aquarium not usually open to the public. Watch the animals get fed, go nose to nose with sea turtles, an extinct pacific octopus and more

3 Indoor Sky Diving ( $120 )
Take an indoor skydiving flight in a wind tunnel. Wear a flight suit, goggles, helmet and learn the sign language!

www.DiscoveryExperiences.com offers a user friendly website that provides detailed descriptions of all experiences, from 11 different categories. Each experience gift is delivered in an elegant red keepsake box ; e-card or print out delivery options are also available as eco-friendly alternatives, saving shipping costs and reducing packaging.
Other types of experiences available:
Kayak the Channel Islands $100
Tour a Wind Park (Climb 2000 ft and learn about renewable energy) $75.00
Private Gondola Ride in an antique gondola from $115
Other less expensive ideas for gifts include some unusual games called The Box Girls Box of Questions. These nifty gifts are games for all ages (choose wisely here. There are all kinds of categories). If you want to be seasonal, go Christmas-y with the Christmas Box of Questions
or go a bit sassy and girly for the BFF’s with this fun game that you can use as a party theme and prize

The full size run about $20.00, the mini’s run about $10. Easy-peasy gift giving that won’t be forgotten!
Find them at www.theboxgirls.com
For those looking for something that will definitely be used– and read over and over– check out Cosmo’s Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Gorgeous!!

It’s the perfect gift for any woman– of any age who just wants to look fabulous!!
Cute gift that would snag anyone’s heart– Photocharms by lovecharmz.com

www.lovecharmz.com
Found at most drugstores, Target.com and Whole Foods Markets is the natural line Burts Bees. .

This line has gotten pretty serious about entering the market place in a big way. This is a natural skincare line that really goes in for the kitchen chemistry in a big way. There are no synthetics, parabens, formaldehydes,phthalates, dimethicones or petroleum products, artificial colors or test on animals. It’s very serious about great ingredients that do something good for the skin naturally. With some top notch skincare for kids, men and women, (and their pomegranate serum rocks– and it’s only $27.00!!) , this is a line that you can buy one of everything and know you are giving something great — and affordable — at the same time.
Stevie Wilson