Just a quick diary to pitch some blue companies and products as the season gets in full gear. I also try to shop at small, local shops, even if the price is higher, and add bows, charms and ornaments, when wrapping.
Much of this info can be found on the buy blue page-
http://www.buyblue.org/...
but I figured people might not have time to check on that, so I'll just reiterate, plus I found a few goodies.
Even when those companies do not appear to have donated a lot of money, I think props and higher purchases from the blue community might encourage them to give more the next election cycle, (think Presidential). So lets let them know we support them and turn out this season for the companies who support Dems.
Apple-Get that nifty I-pod for your niece or nephew. Do it. NOW!!
Barnes and Noble-Books all around maybe some of that Godiva Chocolate, or a planner for your favorite campaigner.
BancWest-open a savings account for a child in your family, put some money in it.
Academy Sports-These people are great, The clothes are good, and moderately priced, they carry Dockers, Columbia, Nike, and have women's and men's clothes. They have a large shoe selection, and I have bought stuff like a luggage, an exercise stepper, black suede pants, and a spiderman backpack, all under one roof!! They have outdoor furniture, turkey fryers, talking fish too! this is one of my favorite stores, and I have bought many gifts there, especially for the men in my life, like dad, husband and my three sons. Go, buy, and be at peace, knowing you have found a great alternative to Walmart and Bass.
American Apparel-Check out there Website if you don't have shop nearby-
http://www.americanapparel.net/
Bed Bath and Beyond- Sure they cost a little more, but for gramma and mom, the kitchen gadgets are the best!! You know what are cool too, are the Sateen Sheets that you can just slip into and onto) at night. Get one of those bamboo cutting boards and a cheese cutter for someone, just add a nice red bow, and a bottle of wine.
Blimpie-grab a sub while you're out shopping.
If you make your tuna casserole, get Bumble Bee tuna.
Spirits by Brown-Forman Company- You know it's time for a strong one. Le bonne ton roullette (let the good times roll).
Jack Daniel's, Canadian Mist, Early Times, Korbel, Southern Comfort, Old Forester, Finlandia, Gentleman Jack, and Pepe Lopez. Its wine labels include Bolla, Fetzer, Bel Arbor, Five Rivers, and Michel Picard.
Buffet dining, great idea on the go! http://www.buffet.com/
Caribou coffee -you know you need it to shop, work, decorate, and stay up to date with your favorite diarists, so do it, send the coffee giftpack and send on to yourself.
http://www.cariboucoffee.com/
Fashion Bug-Okay maybe they didn't donate much ($250, according to BuyBlue) but someone at Charming Shoppes made an attempt. Maybe if we turn out for mom or sister this year and buy a nice sweater or top, that someone will have more money next cycle to maybe send in 500.00? And then maybe the year after that a little more? Well, do what you will.
Travel plans-Choice Hotels-Econo-Lodge, Clarion, Rodeway, Sleep Inn, Comfort Inn. Make those reservations now for the family, instead of housing them head to foot in your finished basement. If your going away to see family, think of trying to get nooky with your spouse while the kids, nieces, nephews and cousins run up and down the hall while your spouses in-laws (your parents) bicker over what vegetables to serve and what temp the ham should be set at. (Your honey will thank you to get a room).
Every girl likes Claire's-get a gift bag, and fill with barret's earrings, bracelets, slippers, hair clips, and lip gloss, it's all there for the girls. I just got slippers the other night and some bracelets, the slippers for myself, and the bracelets to put on my gift tags.
Okay this is THE GIFT, (for women, by you men out there) it's not only blue, it will get you the best sex you ever had. (if it doesn't, then it's you, not the gift)
http://www.coach.com/...
Any handbag by Coach will do. Any wallet, anything by Coach will drive your woman wild. Do it. Get the bag, serve with sparkling wine, and light the fire.
Sam Adams-American beer company- They make the best light beer ever, hands down. The other beers are great too. Try them all, drink them all, stock up for the guests.
I'll have to continue this list another day, but I just want to mention, when you buy that video game console and games, go to GAMESTOP!!!!