Maria's Guide; Gift Shopping!

Let's face it - times are tough in 2013, and your list of friends/presents necessarily aren't getting any shorter. And your imagination isn't getting better either - so here are some ideas on what to get for what friend!

1. Phone-wallet Case! Have a friend that is constantly on-the-go, travelling, or moving? You don't want to get them a high-maintenance gift, like a fish, or something that they'll simply store away, like a pretty vase. You can get them a phone-wallet case!

• Sena offers leather phone-wallet cases that are stylish. They have easy-access to your wallet, but at the same time, not too easy. Unfortunately, they are rather expensive, with prices that average $48.
• Ardium makes leather phone-wallet cases that are less expensive, averaging $37. Ardium prioritizes the phone, not the wallet, so remember that if you buy. They also have a cute hook on the end to tie around keys.
• Speck does custom-fit matte cases. Speck is known for their tight-fitting cases, and this can be a problem if you have a lot of credit cards. They average $40 for price, and come in lots of colors.
• Callet has the same material as Speck. It has easy access to your phone, and wallet, and it comes in lots of colors. And it's only $20. There's one big catch - the "wallet" part isn't really a wallet, it's two pockets on the back of your phone, un-covered. If you do use the Callet, don't make it your permanent wallet, since your money can easily get stolen.
• NerdHerder is a line of custom-made soft-fabric phone cases, produced by RockitBot. These are cheaper, with an average of $32. Unfortunately, not very many colors are available.

2. Gift Cards! Have a friend that you can't figure out? A dad you can't please? They don't have a favorite color, they don't have a favorite band, so let them chose their own gift!

• Itunes Gift Card. For that music-loving, anime-addicted friend. You can't get them a voice actor, so let them jam out to Japanese music!
• Aeropostale/American Eagle/Hollister Gift Card. If you have a fashionista for a friend, then don't risk getting them clothes they already have. Let them get their own cute clothes!
• Gamestop Gift Card. That guy friend of yours may want the new Modern Warfare game, but it's a hefty price. Contribute to his present, and give him a simple gift card!
• Hardware Store Gift Card. If you have an older male relative, then give him a gift card to the local hardware store. It's a gateway to a whole new project.