The Chronic Consumer

We’re getting down to the wire as far as Christmas shopping goes, so now’s the time to get moving if there are still people left on your list. You should at least have the big presents out of the way by now, meaning that you likely just need to buy a few smaller items or stocking stuffers at this point. Here are a few ideas to help get you over the hump:

• self defense products for the women in your life
• batteries for all the games and gadgets you’ve purchased
• iTunes gift cards
• mini RC combat tanks
• DVDs

Good luck, and just remember that it’s almost over!!

I think this is an awesome idea! I was browsing through some different stocking stuffer idea lists today when I came across a product called Cool Feet from Bluelounge. Cool Feet are little supports that attach to any laptop with a flat surface to lift the machine off the desk. This allows air to circulate, and can help prevent overheating and associated damage. Cool Feet attach via suction cups, so you can remove them or reattach them at any time.

I hate how hot my laptop gets, so these little things would be PERFECT for me! Plus, they only cost $13, which isn’t much at all. I’m not sure how well they actually work, as I haven’t read any reviews or anything, but for 13 bucks, I’m willing to roll the dice!

One of my pet peeves is when people choose only expensive products for their gift registry. You know what I mean: A soon-to-be-married couple or expectant parents register at a high-end department store and then fill their registry requests with products that cost a minimum of $100, and yet if left to their own devices, they’d gladly shop at Target or Wal-Mart.

Frankly, I don’t go over my budget no matter what’s on the gift list. If I can’t find anything or am not sure what to get them, I just give a gift card. Tacky? Perhaps; but no more so than deliberately selecting expensive products in the hopes of making off like bandits.

For instance, I was invited to a wedding earlier this year where the bride (who worked from home) took that opportunity to request all kinds of office furniture and equipment. Like I’m really going to get someone a fax machine as a wedding gift!

So how about you? Do you know any people like this? If so, do you play along with their gift registry or just get them something else?

With all this recent snowfall, I find myself in need of a pair of new boots. First, I do have to say that I’m not that big on boots, mostly because I can never seem to find a pair that keep my feet warm and dry while actually looking good as well. I usually end up with one feature or the other, with the ugliest boots being the most functional and the more stylish ones being utterly useless against the weather.

Anyway, I think I may have found the perfect combination in UGG boots, which are made of sheepskin, lined with wool, and look fabulous! I have enough money in my clothing budget to order a pair whenever I want, so I’m going to make sure I get these very soon.

I’m a total TV junkie, and have loved so many TV series over the years that it’s almost impossible for me to choose just one favorite. Almost. If I did have to choose, I’d pick Seinfeld, which to me is the best comedy of all-time. I love almost everything about the show, including the characters, the crazy storylines, and the incredibly funny writing.

So I guess it’s a bit surprising that I don’t own any Seinfeld DVDs yet. But in all honesty, I was waiting for a “complete” collection to come out — and now it’s here. Seinfeld: The Complete Series features every single episode that aired during the show’s nine-season run, plus a bunch of bonus clips, segments, interviews, and unaired scenes.

This particular collection also comes with a 226-page coffee book filled with color photos, episode synopses, and more.

Obviously, Seinfeld: The Complete Series is a must-have for any hardcore fan of the show. It’s currently on sale for $179.99, but I have a feeling that the price will drop after Christmas. I’m going to keep an eye on this product and will snap it up if it ever gets down to around $150 or so. I know the DVDs will get a lot of use too, because I can watch Seinfeld eps over and over again, and never get tired of them!

One item that I want to buy in the near future is a portable DVD player for my desk. I like to watch movies or TV shows while I’m doing my online work or surfing the web, but doing so puts a heavy strain on my laptop memory and slows everything down. By getting a portable DVD player, I’ll still be able to watch my DVDs while working, but won’t affect my computer anymore.

From what I’ve seen while doing a few comparisons, I can get a cheapo player for less than $100, or a pretty decent one for about $150. I don’t mind spending that much money for something that I should be able to use for at least 3-4 years, so I’ll go for a better model if possible.

I’m fairly certain that some people will be giving me gift cards for Christmas. If that happens, I’ll either be able to buy the device outright or use the cards to bring the price way down. Either way, I think I’ll be able to get this thing pretty soon!

So what’s the hottest Christmas toy of the year for 2008? I haven’t really heard of one product standing out above the rest, know what I mean? Usually, there’s at least one toy or video game that all the kids clamor for, leaving stores in short supply and compelling parents to pay premium prices for the products on eBay.

A few years ago, it was that TMX Tickle Me Elmo doll. Then it was Nintendo Wii video game systems, and the Guitar Hero III Legends of Rock game. Each time, I read about at least one parent who paid hundreds and hundreds of dollars above and beyond the retail price just to get their kid one of these toys.

But I haven’t heard anything about this season’s must-have toy. Could it be that the bad economy has reduced overall demand, thereby leaving stores with plenty of stock? Or is it simply the fact that no toy stands above and beyond all others this year? I don’t know, but thankfully my son isn’t harping for anything specific!

Have you sent out your holiday cards yet? It’s December 13, and I still haven’t gotten around to mine! I had originally planned to do them right at the beginning of the month, but of course I got sidetracked by other stuff and put the cards off until now.

I have to do them today, however, so I’ve already got everything I need set out on the kitchen table, including my mailing list, the cards, envelopes, stamps, and even a whole cannister full of promotional pens to write with. I would start now, but I’m kind of hoping that Jerry will wake up soon, see everything on the table, and offer to help.

Ha, who am I kidding?! I better get started myself, or I’ll just be looking at even more delays.