Affordable Alternatives to the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book's Fab Finds

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is out for 2010 with tons of trendy gifts at expensive prices. But you don't have to go broke shopping the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. We have found budget friendly alternatives to five of the Fab Finds listed on pages 24 through 25 of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

Kindle Cover for $190.00

A Kindle cover is a great present to give for Christmas. However, $190.00 is a little steep, even for a pebbled leather finish in four fashion colors - purple, turquoise, pink or red. Why not make a great stocking stuffer from one of Box Wave's leather or faux leather Kindle covers such as the Nero Leather Elite Case, Ruby Patent Leather Elite Case or the Sienna Leather Elite Case each for $22.95? If you know of three people who own Kindles, why not purchase all three and only spend $68.85 instead of $190.00 for one single case. Let's face it, the Neiman Marcus versions are a little gender biased with the color choices. At least Box Wave offers colors both men and women would be comfortable receiving.

Manicure Set for $150.00

We must admit the crocodile-embossed calfskin snap case is quite attractive, but this is still a manicure set. The Victorian Trading Company has a Ladies Manicure Set inside of a faux-croc case with crystal embellishment for only $19.95. Why spend more on a manicure set than you normally would to get your nails done at the nail salon? This is a great stocking stuffer for the ladies who love their nails to be neat and pretty. You can purchase five of these cases and still have a little over $50.00 to spare compared to the Neiman Marcus manicure set.

Travel Jewelry Case for $225.00

Granted this case is truly a luxury item made from crocodile-embossed calfskin lined in suede with a mirror inside of the lid and snap closure. Unless you know of someone who is going to travel with jewelry that costs $1,000 or more a piece, you are better off finding a more affordable alternative. Kohl's has two elegant and budget friendly tri-fold jewelry cases made from faux croc leather with a faux suede lining for $35.00 each. Colors come in merlot and coffee. Buy both of these cases and you will still come out on top saving $155.00.

The 525 America Sequin Cardigan for $125.00

This stylish cardigan features sequins on both shoulders, is made of cotton with a "touch of cashmere" (not sure how much a touch equates to) and comes in either black or true heather gray. Sizes range from S(4-6) to XL(16). Kmart's Jaclyn Smith Collection also makes a cotton blend sequin cardigan for over $85.00 less. Granted there is no "touch of cashmere", the sequins are only on one shoulder and the cardigan does button up but for an $85.00 savings, many may be willing to overlook these differences. This more affordable cardigan comes in three colors - black onyx, egret (off white) and baby fair orchid. Sizes run from small to extra large. If you want to spend about $125.00 on a cardigan, purchase the Jaclyn Smith cardigan in each of the three colors and give them to your favorite woman on your Christmas list.

NM Exclusive Halter for $125.00 and 525 America's Satin Camisole for$98.00

The NM Exclusive halter features a keyhole front and comes in black or snowflake while the 525 America ruffled, satin camisole comes in graphite. Why not get the best of both tops for less with Apt. 9 Ruffle Halter Top at Kohl's for $36.00. This top can be worn under the Jaclyn Smith Cardigan. If you purchase each of the three available colors - blackberry, dusky orchid and mystic teal - you still don't spend as much as you would purchasing on NM Exclusive halter top. Make this a set with cardigan or give as a gift to three additional lucky ladies on your Christmas list.

These five affordable alternatives to the luxury priced Fab Finds in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book will be a treat for the people or person lucky enough to receive them. You will be known as great gift giver and you don't have to break the bank to do it. Get a head start on that Christmas shopping before the Fab Find alternatives are sold out.