is an intern at The Root and senior journalism major at Howard University.
Princess Tiana Doll
You can give this doll to your baby nieces or even good-and-grown women who live in South Florida and blog about frugality. Oh, wait, that's me. Yep, Disney's first African-American princess is hitting the retail scene royalty. I've seen prices from about $16 to $35. She is on my Christmas list. Princess Tiana is cute and snags a man in the end. I'm not sure if her new man is a brother, but nowadays a lot of black women are open to "trying something new."
CAPTIONS BY NATALIE P. MCNEAL
New Kicks for The Kids
If you have a little one to buy for, give them a pair of Chuck Taylor's for $19.90. I buy my niece a new pair of sneakers every year, and I never spend more than $30 on her gift. This year, Chuck Taylor's are fitting. I mean if the first lady can rock them, why can't the little lady or man in your life wear them, too?
Words are Worth More
I am a big fan of this one, but I am so scared to do it. Which makes it priceless. Write someone you care about a letter and put it in a card. How often do we get a chance to tell people how we feel without being urged? In my life, rarely. Make the time to express yourself. It is a gift that could pay off big.
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
Most people can't be mad at you if you come bearing chocolate. As a gift, it brings the giftee a quick and satisfying experience. (Does that description sound like a one-night stand? Forgive.) Godiva has a four-piece Gold Ballotin set for $6.50. Tell the person you buy it for the gold has been doing well in the market. You can also make your own chocolate, too. People love a gift from the heart.
Make Memories
Take your prized photos and compile them on slide.com, burn to a CD or DVD and give them to loved ones. Sometimes we take forever to upload our photos and rarely organize them other than on Facebook. Gift the give of memories.
Make up
For the lady in your life, E.L.F. has really affordable prices and the $15 make-up brush set is tres affordable. Every lady knows she needs a full brush set, but it's sometimes hard to part with the cash to do it. Do heavy lifting and buy one.
Tech Sexy
A hot LaCie USB hub for the techie in your life goes a long way. For only $19.99, the USB hub allows you to add seven USB ports to your computer. The hub looks like a piece of modern art on your desk.