Affordable Neiman Marcus Christmas Book 'Surprise Them' Alternatives

Each year Neiman Marcus comes out with another edition of their coveted Christmas Book. The Christmas Book for 2011 has replaced the Fab Finds section for a new section called Surprise Them. This section is full of gifts to give to him or her this holiday. However, for many, these gifts look great but are too expensive. Discover four nifty gift ideas from the Neiman Marcus Christmas that you can purchase a cheaper alternative to elsewhere.

Jonathan Adler Zodiac Coaster Set, $132.00

The Jonathan Adler set features 12 porcelain coasters, each one displaying a zodiac sign on it. This is a novel idea; however, it is also an expensive one. A more affordable zodiac coaster set would be the Carson's Collectibles Tile Coaster Set of 4 for $27.97. This cheaper alternative is made from blue marble with all 12 zodiac signs displayed on each coaster. If you feel like you need 12 of these, you'll still come out around $12.00 ahead.

Men's Shoe-Shine Kit, $125.00

This NM Exclusive shoe-shine kit includes a polishing brush, two cream brushes, two cans of cream, cotton polishing cloth and a shoehorn. The kit comes inside of a luxurious dark brown crocodile-embossed case. However, a more practical and affordable alternative is the Kiwi Military Shoe Care Kit for $22.92. This kit contains a case, two tins of black polish, dauber, horsehair shine brush and shine cloth. Why spend $125.00 for the NM Exclusive when you can get a comparable one for around a fifth of the price?

NM Exclusive iPhone 4 Case, $98.00

So, this NM Exclusive case is made from crocodile-embossed leather and zips up. Who cares if it comes in raspberry, taupe, chocolate or red? Do you really want to spend almost $100.00 on a iPhone case? I wouldn't. However, I would spend about a third of that price on one. The Accent iPhone 4/4S Case for $29.99 is a slim, flip cover/holder that protects the device just as well as the more expensive NM Exclusive case. It also features a white body with a colored side stripe for style appeal.

Agresti Chess Set, $890.00

This is a luxury item for the chess lover on your list who also likes to golf. The golf-themed set is handcrafted from Canadian hard maple with brass player pieces. However, a more affordable and equally attractive golf-themed chess set can be found for less than $80.00. The Clubhouse Collection Golf-Motif Chess Set for $79.99 features a glass chess board with brass and pewter player pieces.

These four Neiman Marcus Surprise Them gifts are very stylish and expensive. If you can afford them and really want them, then go for it. However, if you are on a budget for the holidays, then check out the alternatives that cost way less.

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