Many of us are fully aware of the deep discounts we can get on holiday decorations in January. This can be a great time to stock up on cards, wrapping, decorations and small gift items (we love to pick up candles and holiday-related books as well) and store them away until next year.  Just remember that you have them so you don’t buy duplicates next year.

In addition to these holiday-themed items, January is also a good time to take advantage of the the great discounts on items that were hot sellers for the holiday season such as winter clothing, cookware, kitchen gadgets, housewares, rugs and toys. You may find these on the closeout or clearance shelves.
January is also the time to spring for a new TV or computer.

TYPICAL JANUARY ANNUAL SALES: Annual white sales; stock up on linens, sheets and towels, workout and sports gear

MAJOR PURCHASES TYPICALLY ON SALE IN JANUARY: Appliances, furniture, televisions and computers.

SEASONAL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES*: avocados, broccoli, cabbage, celery, collards, endive, grapefruit, kale, oranges, rutabagas, tangerines, winter squash.

*With some produce now available all during the year, many people have forgotten when fruits and vegetables are really fresh. Buying in season means that these items are often cheaper, fresher, taste better and that money may be going to local farmers.

For the past two years, we’ve written about the importance of having a Black Friday plan and how to how to make the most of the various Black Friday deals.  This year, thanks to some crazy antics and injuries across the country, some stores like Walmart, will be forgoing the pre-dawn event and are instead opting to stay open 24-hours on Thanksgiving.  Other stores like Target, are offering a two-day sale to avoid the need to rush to the stores.

Some online companies like Amazon have already started their “Black Friday” sales and plan to have new deals going up daily.  Other stores like MacMall are having a 72-hour sale with great discounts (and add-ons) for new Macs and Apple products.  If I can’t find what I’m looking for online, I like to try shops like BestBuy or Nordstrom where I can at least make my purchase and having it waiting for me at customer service.  Anything to avoid the rush, I say.

And don’t forget sites like Black Friday Ads where you can enter to win daily prizes along with creating your shopping list.  Other companies, like NewEgg.com are offering advance notice of discounts and giveaways through their Facebook Fan page.

Black Friday is definitely not like it used to be.  Just think, you can get massive savings AND sleep in.  Happy Shopping!!

Duck Bill Money Clip - Is your dad’s wallet looking a little worn? Did you know that money in a clip in your front pocket is safer than a wallet in the rear pocket? Why not upgrade dad to a Duck Bill Money Clip? Not only can it hold a lot of *stuff* (who knew men carried so much junk in their wallets?!?), but it’s also stylish and practical. And lucky for you, it comes in a sleek, stainless giftbox. Oh yeah, and we’ll be giving one away later this week so be sure to register for your chance to win.

vTech Cordless Phone #LS6225-2 – We were in desperate need of a new phone here at ConstantChatter. Our old vTech cordless (and we do mean old – #5825) kept going through batteries like the were going out of style and we were going nuts trying to keep it satisfied – to say nothing of the fact we’d lose our charge mid-way through our calls. Then along came our new and improved vTech cordless system…oh.my.god! Who knew a gal could be so in love with a phone. It’s so much thinner than our old model, it has caller ID, you can use either a voicemail system or the built-in answering system, it has a handset intercom, it has various calling options (for those of us that must dial 1+ 10 digits), and my favorite thing…it has voicemail alerts on both the handset AND the phone base! And it’s expandable. We also love that the base rings independently of the handsets, so you can keep the volume down on the handsets, but still hear the phone ring. Really, the only thing lacking is the ability to use a headset. This phone be a great gift for the new grad finally getting his or her own place or to upgrade dad’s old school model.

iHome iP41 – Unless you’ve been living under a rock you know about iHome and their amazing, iPod-ready stereo systems. They carry everything from home stereo systems, to computer speakers and portable systems. The office favorite is the new Rotating Alarm Clock for iPhone & iPod (iP41). The cool thing that makes this alarm clock so special…it’s designed to take advantage of the iPhone and iPod variable aspect screen. What does that mean for you? Well, you can flip this alarm clock on its side to watch your videos widescreen and the clock display with adjust to match. Totally cool. The other iHome product we’ve been eying…the Syncing/Charging iPhone/iPod Computer Speakers (iP71). Replace those old computer speakers that you’ve had for years AND cut down on the clutter. You can sync and charge your iPod/iPhone and listen to your favorite music while at work, all in one easy system. Yes, we’re drooling now.

Artimus Art - Your little one has been busy in school making plenty of beautiful artwork for dad. Why not find a way to organize, feature and preserved those works of art for a lifetime. Artimus allows you to publish the artwork into bound books and allows you to share the artwork online (a great way to share their works of art with the grandparents, aunts and uncles). Artimus can take any two dimensional artwork, even those oversized pieces and publish them into a bound book. As the school year is coming to a close, this would be a perfect time to compile all the artwork from throughout the year, get it all published to a book and print a copy just for dad.

BBQ Vivabox - Okay, we know we’re generalizing here, but for the most part, what dad doesn’t like to grill out? We have the perfect gift…the BBQ Vivabox. The BBQ Vivabox includes samples of three yummy rubs (Kansas City Classic, Cajun Street, Chicago Steak & Chop), and a gift card that the recipient then chooses to cash in the rest of their gift with either specific Omaha Steaks packages or Urban Accents gift sets. It’s a perfect gift for dad. It’s more personal that just a giftcard and it let’s get what he wants. For the grad, they also have wine, gourmet to your door, spa massage, spa beauty, tea, coffee or fragrance boxes available – anything and everything you could imagine. For the Dad & Grad holiday season, they’re offering 25% off the BBQ and Wine boxes.

WildCharge – Are you a multi-Blackberry or multi-iPhone family? Do you frequently fight over the charger in the evening? Then you must check out the WildCharge. This is just an amazing product that really helps to streamline those electronic cords. It’s a new adapter that enables a wide range of mobile phones to charge wire-free on their unique charging pad. In fact, you can place as many compatible mobile devices as can fit on the pad and charge away without plugging in. My favorite part, you can whittle down that stash of power cords to just ONE since only the charging pad itself plugs in. What dad wouldn’t love to be able to easily charge his phone without plugging in? And did we mention that he’d have bragging rights since buzz about the WildCharge is just getting started.

That Should Be on a Pillow – Are you looking for something unique for your favorite dad or grad? What about taking dad’s favorite line and put it on a pillow? How about something along the lines of “Go ask your mother,” “If you’re on time, you’re late,” or “Go Lakers.” You know it, you name it, they can put it on a pillow. You pick what you want it to say and what it looks like, they’re totally customizable. The pillows can be designed to compliment his office, boat or study. And for the recent grad, you can design the pillows to match their alma mater or sorority. Definitely something a little different.

Scribble on Walls – The new grad is finally out on their own and in their own place. All they need now is to decorate the place and bring in a little pizazz. Let’s help our grads personalize their space (home or office) with something a little more hip and fun than boring old paint. Instead, let’s bring in a little wall art with self-adhesive, removable designs from from Scribble on Walls. They’ve got everything from flowers, tribal art, cartoons and well, motivational words or sayings. Here at the ConstantChatter offices, we have “live, love, dream, believe” on our walls to keep us focused. Not only can you pick our your designs, you can also pick out the color…so no boring black here. They can also do custom art or sayings. What a fun way for a recent grad to personalize their space.

Green Dude by Diaper Dude - What do you get for new dad that gives him some style and yet is still functional for taking care of baby? How about one of Diaper Dude’s new eco-friendly diaper bags for dad? It is made of recycled PET material (plastic water bottles) rewoven into durable polyester. The Green Dude, aptly named for both its color and echo friendly materials, contains a large compartment to hold those essentials needed for a day out with your little and a bonus compartment just for dad. Also contains a padded changing pad, an insulated bottle holder, removable cell phone holder, breathable mesh padding for a comfortable fit and our ever popular dad check list screen printed under the front flap. We love that it gives dad his own bag with his own style, just what your favorite new dad needs.

Stainless Sharpie: What mom doesn’t have a collection of Sharpie pens to label things around the house?  Now moms can label lunch bags and laundry baskets in style!  Not only is the newest, and dare I say it…prettiest Sharpie looking great, but it’s also refillable.  Talk about stylish.

Duri Polish: Treat Mom to a manicure this year.  Whether your Mom is a Softy (484) or a tough cookie, she definitely deserves to be pampered on Mother’s Day.  And, if you don’t have a ton of extra cash in the bank to give her an extravagant gift this year, treat her to a Mother’s Day manicure with Duri! With soft spring shades representing those precious memories with Mom, how can you go wrong?  Remember how she used to Sing Me a Lullaby (240) and make you Breakfast in Bed (404) when you were sick? What a fun and inexpensive way to let me know that you remember all she’s done for you.  I’m rocking some Bridal Bells (502) myself and love both the look and how long it lasts.

Charm Story by Things Remembered: Give the gift that tells her story! Each Things Remembered, Charm Story charm is designed specifically with the personal connection in mind, offering space to engrave a name, date or special message to make each charm a unique reflection of mom. For example, if mom is a runner, you can incorporate a charm symbolizing her first marathon and engrave the name of the race, the date she completed it and even her finishing time. Or, if mom is your strength, you can incorporate a charm representing the Chinese symbol for strength and add the date her cancer went into remission, the date she quit smoking or the date of another inspired moment.  A lovely and stylish way to let mom what you think and love about her.

Sommer Designs: Sommer Designs have the gifts that just scream Mom! And in a good way.  The full aprons and hostess aprons have found a way to bring sexy back.  Now mom can bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan and look good in the process.  She also has coordinating dishtowels available.  So pretty, you might be tempted to wear them all the time!  Perfect gift for your wedding party, or Baby & Wedding Shower hostess. Although I have to say, one of my favorite products in their line has to be the lavender drawer liners.  With three heaping cups of lavender, my unmentionables have never smelled so good!

Omoma Coffee: Who doesn’t enjoy waking up to a good cup of coffee?  What mom doesn’t need that flavorful kick to get going in the morning?  I know I do. Omoma is a small, family-run business based in New Jersety. All their coffee is of the highest quality and flavor at an affordable price. It is a single origin, strictly high-grown, shade-grown, 100% Arabica gourmet coffee from El Salvador.  They have gift packages available as well as both whole bean and ground coffe by the bag.

Cinzia Designs Eyewear Accessories: If you mom is anything like my mom, she’s constantly misplacing her ugly ‘ol reading glasses and sunglasses.  Well now, thanks to Cinzia Designs, you can help her out of her rut in two ways…One: get her to ditch those boring and stodgy reading glasses and get something more stylish.  There are some fun and trendy designs out there that will get her to look the diva rockstar that we all know she is.  And two: chedk out their ZIA necklaces – they’re a new and inventive way for women to carry their eyewear in a stylish way. No more stashing your glasses on top of your head or losing them amongst the clutter! Each ZIA is a unique piece of wearable art making it both fashionable and functional to wear. Hand-beaded in their Scottsdale design studio, each ZIA is finished with an open pendant making it easy to hang your eyewear. Each ZIA is designed to be worn as a necklace when not in use. Trust us, mom will thank you for making her look so good.

Silk ‘n Dreams: Transform mom’s leisure time into luxurious self-pampering with our soft, Charmeuse silk lounging accessories. Silk ‘N Dreams provides the ultimate essentials for beauty, relaxation and travel in elegant, silky soft, all natural fabrics.  Did you know that sleeping on silk helps to minimizes facial wrinkling, protects delicate hair follicles from loss and breakage, helps to maintain your hairstyle hair style, and soothes you to sleep.  I knew there was a reason I always coveted my grandmother’s silk pillowcase!

Bedtime! Clock: What mom doesn’t count down the minutes until bedtime finally arrives from time to time.  The Bedtime!! alarm clock counts down, in 5 minute increments, to that magical hour of 8pm when the little ones are off to sleep. “She Loved Her Children Dearly but Counted the Minutes to Bedtime!!” Go ahead — set it for Bedtime! Of course, it functions as a traditional alarm clock, too.  They also have three other whimsical clocks: the Biological Clock, Time to Grow Up and Time to Come Out.  Puts a little fun back in our grown up lives.

EvokeBaby Intimates: Remember when you were a kid and wearing days of the week undies was just fun?  Well take that concept, give the undies a new and positive, empowering twist. The first thing you put on, and the last thing you take off, should reflect how you want to feel.  EvokeIntimates designs are based on Color Theory and the emotions that colors evoke.  Wear it. Evoke it. Be it. Their baby line is just adorable.

Neunique: Jewelry doesn’t have to be boring.  This year, get something bold for mom.  Something to let her know just how precious you think she is…Neunique is a collection of the most distinctive handcrafted jewelry that pays tribute to awareness. The line plays upon an awareness of the duality of women and the complex and unique facets of their personalities. The designs compliment their accomplishments at the office and their sexy and playful sides going out on the town. Neunique is aware of the confidence that comes from style for women. An awareness of nature and the inherent beauty of its stones and minerals inspire all of the pieces.
City Kitty Designs: I don’t know about you, but I’m always open to a fun, new purse. City Kitty handbags are eco-friendly bags made from reclaimed materials, well, all except the metal hardware, that is. There are several handbag styles to choose from. Each bag is slightly different from the next as the materials are rarely exactly the same. Handbags are designed to have a clean modern style. City Kitty was born out of a desire to create minimalist yet functional handbags here in the U.S that illustrate that recycled can look both fresh and refined. Express your individual personality and go green with a handbag from City Kitty.

An ‘Experience’ Giftybox: Gift certificates are easy – but they can also be impersonal – and who wants to put a price tag on their gift? What about giving mom the gift of an “experience”? You choose a theme, and your mom (or dad) gets to choose the activity. Giving an experience is extremely personal, (not just the same old tie or golf shirt) not to mention, if you are looking for a gift for “the person who has it all,” giving an adventure, a winery tour or trip to the spa might just be the best way to go.

April Rain Skin Science: Now I’ll be the first to admit that getting your mom anti-aging skincare might be taken the wrong way. But really, who doesn’t want to look their best and years younger, right? April Rain’s select blend of powerful age-fighting peptides and neuropeptides found in HydroPeptide® defend against all facets of skin aging and sets a new standard in anti-aging skin care. April Rain contains the highest degree of effective age-defying peptides and intelligent time-released hydration that deeply hydrate cells, plumping them for a more lifted appearance, and relaxing wrinkle-causing facial expressions. Desperate Housewives creator, Marc Cherry, loves it so much he personally requested their Rainew collection for all the cast. Bring on those compliments!

BillMyParents might just be a combination of both.  It’s a great idea, a way to allow your teens the freedom to shop, without actually giving them your credit card.

Basically, it’s a pretty simple process.  Your child or teen sees something online that they want to purchase.  At the check out, they use BillMyParents. You the parent then get an email notifying you that your child is trying to purchase something online.  You can then approve or decline the transaction. If you decide to approve it, you then enter your credit card information.

The great thing about this service, your child never gets access to your credit card information.  Your information remains confidential and you approve all online purchasing transactions.  There isn’t a membership or monthly fee involved, but you do pay $.50 per transaction.

I also think that BillMyParents might be a little ahead of its time. I searched all over its site but was only able to find one merchant listed by name: Facebook.  I have a feeling other online merchants will get on board once word gets out.  Either way, there’s a lot of potential there and I’m quite interested to see where it goes.