eBargain Gifts: Books, Movies and Music

One thing you can be fairly certain of is that you can always find a gift of movies, music or a book for anyone you're shopping to find a special gift for.

Movies are sold everywhere from Barnes & Noble to Blockbuster Video Rental stores. You can find movies in convenience stores and grocery stores. Many of the larger retailers, like Wal Mart, have bins of "bargain" priced movies and if you don't mind digging through them you can find some really good movies at rock bottom prices.

In addition, if the words "previously viewed" does not bother you there is a good chance that you can get some current hits for $8.00 to $10.00. With a diligent search and good timing you can get some great new unopened movies at pricebender auctions for a fraction of the cost in stores. It's also a good source for movies that are out of print.

If you're not sure what different kinds of movies your friends like, an ideal replacement of the actual gift is most certainly a gift card. You can get a gift card for purchase or for rental. A really nice basket to make contains a gift card for movie rental, a box of microwave popcorn and a few candy bars.

You can also purchase some great boxed gift sets from any Barnes & Noble store or B & N online. You may get some of these sets made up of the Directors Editions which contain a lot of extra scenes that were cut from the theater versions and an extra tape with interviews, bloopers and other interesting information. Have a John Wayne or Will Smith fan on your list? There are several different boxed sets combining each of their movies or put one together yourself.

Not sure about their favorite movie, but you know they are addicted to the television show Law & Order? A large number of the television shows release entire seasons in a set format. Does your spouse love watching Discovery Channel or BET (Black Entertainment Television)? You will find that many of their shows and specials can be found on tape or DVD. Whether you are looking for VHS tapes or DVD's you're sure to find the perfect gift.

The same can be said for gifts of music. There are music stores where the selection is enormous and, similar to the movies, you can find CD's in just about any store you walk into. With an idea of the type of music or the favorite singers you're looking for you can put together a really nice gift without a lot of effort.

There are an amazing number of bookstores out there, ranging from the small corner bookstores to the mega chains like Barnes & Noble with a café and reading areas that contain comfortable arm chairs so you can sit back with your cup of coffee and enjoy a good book. You aren't limited to hard or soft cover books. There are also books on cassette tapes and books on CD's. There are even e-books that can be downloaded onto their computer and read that way. Love stories, detective novels, horror novels, westerns, science fiction, biographies, cookbooks, instructional books, children's books. Your bookstore can be your one stop holiday gift shop.

Why The Price Of Your Gift Idea Does Not Matter

Which side of the gift price do you come down on? What I mean is this, have you ever asked or been asked what a person's biggest concern was when choosing their next gift idea? Believe it or not, the overall perception is that price does matter. That is to say, most everyone feels that the more something cost, the higher it's value; and it matters not only to the person purchasing the gift idea, but also to the would-be recipient. This perception, however, could not be further from the truth.

First of all, when thinking of your next gift idea, you must understand that money, in and of itself, is worthless. That is correct - the money you have to spend on a gift is worthless. Now, at first blow this might hit you as a bizarre statement that is hard to grasp, but stay with me. Think about this for a moment: If you were to go to another place where your currency was not accepted by the country you were visiting, what would you do?

I understand how you are thinking: But I am not traveling to another country that does not accept money for items to purchase. This statement does not pertain to me. I am here to tell you that yes indeed it does, and here's why: Even if you decide to give cash as the gift idea to the recipient, is this really the gift in and of itself? No! The money is being given so that the recipient may buy something they really want. This is why in recent years gift cards have become such hot commodities in our culture more than ever before. It really doesn't matter if it is $10, $25, $100 or even more, the real value - what really counts - is the reasoning and feelings behind it.

I don't know of one person who has ever opened their gift to find a gift card inside complain that it was only good for $10. Unless the person is truly shallow, the reaction I have seen towards this gift idea is that of joy and surprise. To them, this is free money to one of their favorite places. And even if it won't buy the expensive item they really want, it brings them closer to achieving that result.

However, let us not forget the physical gift ideas as well. One thing I was taught by my own mother was that those who are wise know where to shop for deep discounts, but at the same time know when to keep quiet as to the price. Allow me to explain this statement a bit more. What I have often heard by those I respect and love (mother, father, wife) is if you can find the item that person really wants and it's at a discount, don't feel bad about it - just buy it. When you give the item, it doesn't matter how much it cost you. All that counts is the joy the item brings to the person receiving that particular gift idea.

Some places that have become popular for buying gift ideas at a discount on-line include the Barnes & Noble bookstore, Amazon bookstore and Triple Clicks. These options help buyers purchase gift items at what you may refer to as a great deal, and in many cases quite a lot less than purchasing at retail prices. Yet the biggest secret of them all when coming up with gift ideas are dollar stores.

Dollar stores have increased in popularity (my wife often get great bargains shopping at dollar stores), and are always sprouting up almost as much as a new convenience store or fast food restaurant. What many people don't realize is that your gift ideas can quite often be found residing in these stores for ridiculous prices way below their original price. There are those who don't yet have access to these types of stores, so one last option exists for them: outlet malls.

An outlet mall is a great way to save on your gift ideas. Whether it is name brand shoes, clothes, or even accessories such as watches, purses or perfumes, you are sure to find some fabulous deals at these locations. But not only clothing is available - Electronic goods, books, and even children toys will be found awaiting the smart shopper. So remember, it's not the price that counts with your gift ideas, it is the meaning behind them.