Top 5 Gift Buying Stores

Christmas has come and gone but there are still gift giving occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine's day, and just about any day you're feeling generous. Here are some suggestions for all the other occasions you need to shop for.

Best Buy
Best Buy really does have something for everyone. Movies, music, video games, cameras, electronics, washing machines and dryers. Almost everybody likes a movie and/or music. Perhaps the best aspect of Best Buy is the variety of accessories they have. Your friend may have an Ipod and Best Buy has dozens of Best Buy accessories. Your friend may have a camera or camcorder but not a tripod or extra memory cards. You can find lots of original and thoughtful gifts here.

World Market
This store has got everything. Furniture, food, jewelry, wine, home decorations, bath and body. I've found that the best gift from here is a "collage" gift, so to speak. Combine several small unique items into one gift and you've got a great gift. Everytime I go into this store I end up coming out with more than I intended to buy. They have so many unique items.

Barnes and Nobles
Or your local bookstore. For the bookworm or music fan or even the person who can't get enough of magazines. This is always my fall back gift when I just can't think of anything else. Even the person who doesn't read very often will enjoy this gift because once you get into a bookstore you usually find something you'll enjoy, even if it's just the coffee shop and comfy chairs to lounge in while you sip your mocha latte.

Gift Certificates.com
This site is great because if you can't think of a gift someone would like or a store they would enjoy shopping at, this site will give you plenty of ideas. They even have a function to look for stores that are unique to your area. Perhaps my favorite feature of this website is the Super Gift Certificate. This gift certificate is essentially like cash. The recipient takes the Super Gift Certificate and redeems it at the Gift Certificates.com website for a store of their choosing. The best thing about Super Gift Certificates is that any certificate issued after June 30, 2004, never expires.

Wal-mart
Or your local grocery store. This gift is great for college students or anyone who you know might be struggling financially. It's even great as a gift for your child's teacher. My family bought one for a family friend who was a teacher and she loved it. The great thing about this gift is that it helps get rid of a major expense.... groceries and allows the recipient to use their money for things like their house payment or electric bill.