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Apache is functioning normally

November 5, 2023 by Brett Tams

Looking for a present for a birthday, baby shower, housewarming, anniversary, wedding or Christmas?

Meadow Aiken, which opened last month at 1216 Whiskey Road, offers a myriad of choices.

“We are a boutique that specializes in thoughtfully curated home décor and gifts,” said Malia Bybee, who co-owns the shop with her sister, Kristen Waters and her mother, Nikki Mackenzie.

“We find things we love that we would like to share with our friends,” Bybee added. “We also try to find things that are unique to Aiken.”

Hanging on a wall inside Meadow Aiken are brass animal heads, all of which are wearing spectacles. They include a rabbit, a bear and a mouse.

“There was a peacock, but it already has found a home,” Bybee said.

Also available for purchase are bath and body products, handbags, special order pieces of furniture, pottery, jewelry, cookbooks, gourmet items food such as truffles, jellies and jams, and much, much more.

“We have a men’s room with really cool leather goods, whiskey-themed things, cool games and some cool man candles,” Bybee said.

In addition, there is a room filled with baby gifts, including stuffed animals and clothing.

Bybee moved to Aiken from Austin, Texas, around six months ago. Her sister and mother still live there, but they travel to South Carolina on a regular basis and are “working their way” toward spending more time in the Palmetto State, Bybee said.

She learned about Aiken through circaoldhouses.com.

“It’s one of my favorite websites,” Bybee said. “They show old homes across the country, and Aiken just kept popping up on there.”

Bybee was intrigued and so were her sister and mother.

“We visited Aiken, and we just totally fell in love with it,” she said. “We loved the downtown that was full of local businesses and all of the activities in Aiken. When we got home, we couldn’t stop thinking about Aiken and picturing life here.”

The family has a similar business in Texas, Magpie Blossom Boutique, which is a floral and gift shop.

Meadow Aiken’s operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information, visit meadowaiken.com or the Meadow Aiken Home page on Facebook.

Meadow Aiken’s phone number is 803-998-7522.

Source: postandcourier.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 2, 2023 by Brett Tams

In her new book, “The Organized Home for New Parents,” Dallas home organizer and mom Ría Safford offers solutions for managing all the stuff that babies come with, so homes with little ones function better and look good, too. (Getty Images)

If necessity is the mother of invention, motherhood is the inventor of organization. Anyone who’s become a parent knows that if you thought keeping your house and life pulled together before kids was tough, lookout Baby! Here comes chaos.

Although nothing can prepare you for the upheaval, Ría Safford’s new book, “The Organized Home for New Parents: Create Routine-Ready Spaces for Your Baby’s First Years,” out this month from Blue Star Press, gives new parents a running start.

The Dallas mother of three left a corporate job when her first child was born and started her organizing company that year. “This did not come easy,” she said. “I’m a naturally messy person, but I couldn’t keep flying by the seat of my pants.”

Her experiences inspired this new, richly photographed book for parents with kids between newborn and two.

“Everything else about babies is really out of our control, but this book is about what you can control,” she said. “It’s (a) girlfriend guide. I took my mistakes and moments and wrote about them. If I’d had this book when I started having kids, my husband and I would have had a lot fewer arguments.”

Among the suggestions Safford offers to soften the baby blow:

Get ahead of the stuff: “Most expectant parents don’t realize their home’s inventory is going to triple,” Safford said. “These small humans come with so many things: bouncy chairs, sensory toys, cribs, car seats, strollers, diaper bags, clothes and incoming gifts.” Have a plan for where it all will go.

Don’t make the nursery a storage area: The nursery should have only what you need for the baby’s current stage. Separate infant wear from clothes the child will grow into. Put the larger items, washed and ready to wear, in bins labeled by age (12-18 months, 2T) in another room, the garage or on a high shelf in the nursery.

Master the change: The goal when setting up a changing table is to make those 2 a.m. diaper changes as easy as possible. Organize this hard-working surface so you can reach everything you need in the dark when you’re half asleep. Keep the top stocked only with essentials: diapers, wipes, a toy to amuse baby while you’re changing, a diaper disposal in easy reach. In the drawers below, store clean onesies, pajamas, swaddling blankets and crib sheets for those major blowouts.

Manage the inventory: Label drawers and shelves (0–3-month onesies, swaddle blankets, zip-up sleepers), so everyone who cares for the baby can easily find items and put them away. Keep a “too-small” bin in the baby’s closet. As clothes stop fitting, drop those still in good condition in the bin. When you reach the top, that’s your cue to store the items (if you plan on another child), give them to a friend or donate them.

Have a catchall basket: Outside the nursery, baby stuff has a way of taking over. The family living area may start the day in order, but by 4 p.m., it’s a hurricane of blankets, rattles, baby books, toys, teeny socks, teething rings, mini shoes and Goldfish crackers. To reclaim the space (and your sanity), keep a big basket in the main living area and drop all the randoms items in it to put away later (in their labeled places).

Rotate toys as they age out: Just as with outgrown clothes, when kids outgrow certain toys, store them for the next baby or give them away. Otherwise, trust me, they will take over your house. If the child is just bored with certain toys, but not ready to say good-bye, rotate them.

Entertainment centers: Anyone who has had a baby knows, accomplishing anything beyond baby care is a feat. The solution is having an area in every room to safely entertain the baby while you cook, get dressed, or do laundry. A low cupboard in the kitchen with toys, for instance, or a bin of toys under the bathroom sink can buy precious minutes.

marnijameson.com.

Source: mercurynews.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 2, 2023 by Brett Tams

The wedding dress has been altered, the tuxes are pressed, and the rings are tucked safely in velvet boxes. Chefs are preparing an elaborate meal, bartenders are ready to fill Champagne flutes, and a DJ is putting the final touches on his playlist. The venue is decorated with flowers and candles, and the hotel is packed with happy guests.

The only question is: Who’s paying for all this?

Weddings are notoriously expensive. But they are also an important and romantic day in a couple’s life. Who foots the bill for this party has changed over the years. Below, we’ll break down who pays for which wedding expenses in 2023 — and who traditionally paid in previous generations.

Who Pays for the Wedding in 2023?

In the past, it’s been the tradition for the bride’s family to pay for nearly the entire wedding, and the groom’s family to pick up smaller expenses such as the rehearsal dinner. In some cases, families still follow these traditions, but increasingly people are embracing new ways of covering these costs.

Nowadays, wedding expenses can be split any number of ways, and couples are exploring many different ways to pay for their big day:

• Independent couples may decline help from parents and instead pay out of pocket or borrow money to cover the wedding costs.

• Both families and the bride and groom may decide to split the costs. Sometimes grandparents or other extended family members will offer to pay for a portion of the wedding.

• If the groom comes from a wealthier family, his parents may chip in beyond their traditional requirements.

• Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States, LGBTQ+ couples are creating their own traditions since there’s not a single bride or single groom at the altar.

That’s the beauty of your wedding day: It’s yours. Many brides and grooms are embracing the fact that they no longer have to follow outdated customs if they don’t want to.

For others, however, tradition matters — and that’s OK, too. If you’re planning to follow cultural traditions to a T when funding your wedding, how do you split the bill?

Let’s break down who traditionally pays for the wedding and other related expenses.

💡 Quick Tip: Need help covering the cost of a wedding, honeymoon, or new baby? A SoFi personal loan can help you fund major life events — without the high interest rates of credit cards.

The Bride’s Family

Historically, the bride’s family pays for most of the wedding expenses. Depending on the size and extravagance of the wedding, it can add up.

If you’re the parents of the bride who plan to foot the bill, but you don’t have enough money in savings, it might be worth taking out a personal loan to cover the wedding expenses. In the long run, it’s typically a cheaper option than putting everything on a credit card.

While the bride’s family traditionally takes care of many of the wedding expenses they don’t pay for everything. And every wedding is a little different. You may choose to skip certain items or events (and you may find yourself adding, too). Here’s what the bride’s family typically covers:

Expenses the Bride’s Family Is Traditionally Responsible For

• Engagement announcements

• Engagement party

• Wedding planner

• Invitations, save-the-dates, and wedding programs

• Venue for the ceremony

• Venue for the reception

• Flowers and decorations

• Wedding photographer and videographer

• Wedding dress

• Transportation and lodging for the bridesmaids

• Transportation and lodging for the officiant

• Food at the reception

• Wedding cake

• Brunch the morning after the wedding

Recommended: Types of Personal Loans

The Groom’s Family

If you have only sons and think you’re off the hook, don’t get too excited. You still have to cover some costs at the wedding as the parents of the groom.

Though less extensive, the groom’s family’s financial burdens can add up. Personal loans are also an option for the groom’s family; in fact, weddings are one of the most common uses for personal loans.

Here’s everything the groom’s family traditionally pays for at a wedding.

Recommended: Tips for a Dream Wedding on a Budget

Expenses the Groom’s Family Is Traditionally Responsible For

• Rehearsal dinner

• Marriage license

• Officiant’s fee

• Boutonnieres for the groom, his groomsmen, and family members

• Bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids

• DJ or band

• Transportation and lodging for the groomsmen

• Alcohol at the reception

• Honeymoon (in some cases)

Recommended: Affordable Wedding Venue Ideas

The Bride

Many women have dreamed of their wedding days since childhood. But as little girls, they probably didn’t think much about the actual wedding costs they’d have to pay themselves — and there are quite a few.

Expenses the Bride is Traditionally Responsible For

Traditionally, the bride pays for her future husband’s wedding ring, as well as a special gift for him. She may also buy gifts for her bridesmaids. In some cases, she’ll pay for the flowers, and she usually pays for her own hair and makeup.

Nowadays, however, brides may step up and pay more to help out her parents. Many brides choose to do this in part so that they can feel like they have more say in determining the plans for their special day.

People are also getting married later than they did in past generations (the average age for women is now 30 and for a man it’s 32), which means brides (and grooms) may feel more financially capable of covering the expenses themselves.

The Groom

The groom isn’t off the hook either. At weddings, he’s responsible for a few purchases as well.

And even though he and the bride may have separate wedding responsibilities, as a newly married couple they are likely planning to combine their finances, if they haven’t already. Even if they don’t have a joint bank account, the bride and groom are essentially covering their wedding expenses together.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

Expenses the Groom Is Traditionally Responsible For

The first big expense a groom encounters is the one that sets the whole wedding in motion: the engagement ring. The average cost of an engagement ring is now about $6,000. Grooms who don’t have that kind of cash lying around often turn to engagement ring financing options, including personal loans.

While the ring is often the groom’s biggest expense, he’s also responsible for the bride’s wedding band, gifts for his groomsmen, a gift for his bride, his own tux, and the honeymoon — if his parents aren’t footing the bill. (The honeymoon isn’t cheap either; the average cost of a honeymoon is now $5,100.)

Some grooms may also pay for the license and officiant, instead of asking his parents to cover that cost.

Who Pays for Other Wedding Costs

There is also the cost of being in someone’s wedding. For instance, groomsmen and bridesmaids are typically responsible for paying for their own tuxedos and dresses.

These two groups also pay for the bachelorette and bachelor parties for the bride and groom. Bridesmaids may also need to pay for their hair and makeup on the big day.

As someone attending a wedding, you should give a gift, unless the couple has discouraged this. And if it’s a destination wedding, you’ll have to pay your own travel costs, which can include hotels and transportation.

Wedding Costs

Now we know who traditionally pays for what at weddings — and that many modern couples are foregoing these traditions. But how much does a wedding cost?

In 2023, the average couple will spend $29,000 all-in on a wedding. For couples who are paying without their families’ help, a personal loan is the best route, if they don’t have the money in savings or have that money earmarked for buying a house or starting a family.

Are you considering taking out a loan to cover the cost of your wedding? Here are the typical personal loan requirements you’ll need for approval.

The Takeaway

Weddings are expensive, and traditions usually put the bulk of the financial burden on the bride’s family. However, many couples are breaking from tradition nowadays, paying for wedding expenses themselves or splitting the cost among family members more evenly — or in a way that reflects each family’s means.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2023 winner for Best Online Personal Loan overall.

FAQs

Who pays for the wedding reception?

Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for most of the wedding reception, including the venue, food, and decorations. However, the groom’s family usually pitches in by covering the music and the alcohol. Increasingly, couples are choosing to pay for their wedding receptions themselves or splitting the cost with their parents.

Who pays for the engagement party?

The bride’s family is traditionally responsible for paying for the engagement party. Nowadays, however, engaged couples often pay for such parties on their own.

Photo credit: iStock/Halfpoint

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 1, 2023 by Brett Tams

Hosting a successful Thanksgiving on a budget starts with smart shopping strategies and a manageable guest list.

November 1, 2023

Every November, family and friends gather to reflect on what they’re grateful for and indulge in a home-cooked meal. But with food costs steadily increasing, Thanksgiving can easily be one of the most stressful and costly holidays of the year.

The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to host a holiday dinner that leaves your guests full and impressed. Here are some tips for hosting Thanksgiving on a budget without compromising on the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

1. Get a head start on planning

It’s never too early to start preparing for the holidays, especially if you’ve volunteered to host. Haley and Justin Brown-Woods, financial coaches and hosts of the Price of Avocado Toast podcast, recommend thinking about what type of Thanksgiving you’d like to create. Will it be casual or elegant? A full, traditional meal or just heavy appetizers?

Most importantly: How big will the celebration be? Having a rough idea of how many people you’ll be hosting will provide a better sense of how much food and drink you’ll need, which can help you set a realistic budget.

One tip: If you’ve previously hosted Thanksgiving, review bank statements from those years to approximate your expenses for this year’s dinner.

2. Keep your guest list in check

The more, the merrier, right? Not necessarily. Too many Thanksgiving guests mean more mouths to feed—and more money spent. “One of the first steps we’d suggest when doing Thanksgiving on a budget is being modest in who you invite,” Haley says. More guests can mean you might need to plan for considerations like dietary restrictions or picky kids. To keep it simple, invite only close family members or just your immediate household.

“As you add to the list of guests, you need to ask yourself how much more of each dish you’ll need to make,” Haley says. “Boiling a few extra potatoes is wildly different from making an entire new casserole pan of dressing. Do you plan on giving out leftovers to all? Do you have disposable containers to send it all home in? Ask yourself what kind of post-meal situation you’re comfortable with and then build around that.”

3. Commit to a budget and build your savings fund

Once you’ve figured out the guest list and your overall style, determine a budget for food, decorations, and other expenses based on how many guests you plan to invite. Then, pad your final budget to cover any unexpected costs that might pop up.

Try to keep your budget limited to the essentials. “You do not need to buy or serve everything,” Haley says. “Potatoes don’t need to be curated into four styles, and you don’t need every extra casserole you saw on social media.”

Having a rough estimate for expenses is the first step toward building your holiday fund. To help your savings go even further, consider opening a high-yield online savings account to take advantage of the compound interest it earns every month.

Start saving with no minimum balance

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“We suggest having a sinking fund in a high-yield savings account built specifically for holidays that you can add to each month and then pull from when needed,” Justin says. “This could be for things like groceries, gifts, excursions, or any other expenses that come with the holiday season. When we save in advance for our goals, not only do we feel empowered, but we spend more intentionally because we recognize the work and planning that went into getting to that point.” Not to mention, you’ll experience lower overall stress if you come out of the holidays without considerable debt to pay back in the new year.

4. Take inventory of what you have

One simple trick to ensuring a successful Thanksgiving dinner on a budget? Figure out what you already have at home to reduce unnecessary expenses. Pantry staples, like sugar and flour, can last for many months, and there’s no need to buy them brand new just for one dinner. If you’re missing a certain-sized pot or baking tray, consider borrowing cookware from a guest before the big day. Thrift stores are also an inexpensive place to find what you need to help keep your Thanksgiving spending under control.

5. Shop with a budget-first mindset

Haley recommends several money-saving tips when shopping for Thanksgiving dinner on a budget.

“Buy off-brand when possible,” Haley says. “You don’t need name-brand condensed soup for a green bean casserole. Your guests will still love whatever is made. The flavors meld together anyway, so cut costs as much as possible.”

Another tip: To curb spending, buy certain items ahead of time to avoid last-minute and unnecessary purchases. “Start stocking up on the nonperishables months in advance,” Haley adds. “You’ll be tempted to buy straight from the Thanksgiving display if you shop too close to the holiday. And you know what else is on that display? Decor, extra desserts, favors, and other stuff you absolutely do not need.”

6. Save money on the decor

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enhance the Thanksgiving mood. Decorating for Thanksgiving on a budget is a chance for you to exercise creativity and maybe even enlist the help of guests for a night of crafting. Instead of buying that fancy centerpiece you saw online, use it as inspiration to create a centerpiece with decorations you already own or can thrift on the cheap.

Better yet: Take a minimalist approach to your Thanksgiving decorations.

“As far as decor, less is more,” Haley says. “A comforting table setting, maybe one from years past, is just enough. Sometimes we forget that ‘more’ can really mean ‘busy,’ which detracts from the connection we crave on this holiday.”

7. Consider hosting dinner potluck-style

Want to really limit the stress and spending? Offer to host a potluck Thanksgiving or “Friendsgiving” dinner. As the host, you can still cook the main entrees like the turkey, but a potluck allows you to delegate smaller side dishes to your guests—especially if you can’t trim down your guest list.

Justin says: “We are big fans of potluck style. If your extended family is so close that you can’t avoid the invites, consider asking all to contribute meaningfully, in alignment with their budget. Find spaces where folks can contribute, and then ask if that works or if they’d like to adjust. An example could be, ‘Hey, we’re so excited to have you for Thanksgiving. We’re asking everyone to contribute a dish so the meal is easier on all. Would you be comfortable bringing that famous dish you make?’”

Granted, there are certain circumstances where guests may not be able to contribute. For example, family members visiting from out of town might not be able to bring a home-cooked dish or have time to visit the store before dinner. If traveling guests offer, feel free to accept their contribution. Otherwise, it’s probably best not to ask.

Don’t let hosting duties stress you out

Most importantly, Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and loved ones to reflect on all they’re grateful for and to enjoy each other’s company. Hosting should be fun—not gray hair-inducing, and it’s important to remember that who you invite is more important than how much you spend on the tablecloths.

“Remind yourself of what your values for the holiday are,” Haley says. “If feeding people is a value, then how can we do that comfortably, without breaking the bank? If connecting with loved ones matters more, maybe you can save on the meal in some capacity. Value-based spending is key to enjoying your money and your life, so identify the value and then spend intentionally within that framework.”

Ready to raise your hand to host this year’s Thanksgiving on a budget? Check out the features of a Discover^® Online Savings Account to see how it can support your holiday savings efforts today.

Articles may contain information from third-parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third-party or information.

Source: discover.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

Sustainability has been a buzz word in the home décor industry for years, but the types of eco-friendly practices and products that consumers gravitate towards change often. According to a 2023 study by NielsenIQ, 78 percent of U.S. consumers say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them, and in a survey from digital supply chain company Blue Yonder, 69 percent of respondents said they would pay more for sustainable products. But, even though they are seeking out those sustainable products and brands, after so many years of pursuing “greener pastures” consumers have wised up to many of the greenwashing practices that have permeated the industry and marketing tactics.

Now, customers are doing their research before they align their dollars with sustainable and eco-friendly brands and products, and that means retailers need to do the same in 2024.

Authenticity First

Before carrying any eco-friendly products and brands, retailers should invest time into researching them just like their customers. Terms like green, eco-friendly, all-natural, earth-friendly, plant derived, organic — but not organic certified — and non-toxic can be used by manufacturers without meeting any legally required testing or standards.

Retailers should look for third-party certifications — examples include Fair Trade certified, Environmental Working Group Verified, B-Corp, Made Safe and Cradle to Cradle certifications— to be sure they are picking vetted products that meet basic industry standards for those labels. Transparency also goes along way when vetting new products and brands. Consumers gravitate towards brands that feel like they have nothing to hide, so brands that are willing to share their sustainability goals, production processes, and waste and recycling statistics, will continue to resonate with them in 2024.

Material World

Following the rise of biophilic design — or design trends that prioritize connections with nature — green home décor trends in 2024 will be founded on their materials. Sustainable natural materials like bamboo, cork, coconut, straw, cob and natural fabrics like hemp, wool and jute will be more popular because of their renewability, natural origins and — in some cases —recyclability over materials like resin and synthetic fibers. Real woods and stones will be less popular in this category because they are perceived as less renewable and/or recyclable. Carrying products made with recycled metals, plastics and other materials will be key in attracting eco-conscious consumers who want the look of synthetic materials like plastic. Repurposed objects — think newspapers, license plates, fabric scraps, discarded books, and deadstock wallpaper, carpeting, paint and fabric — will also make a big impact.

See Also From GDA:

Source: giftsanddec.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

Looking to turn your home into a cozy and stylish haven? We’ve got a delightful surprise for you! Prepare to be amazed as we unveil a curated collection of 30 home decor treasures that will elevate your space. From incredibly lifelike artificial plants that bring nature indoors with zero maintenance, to luxurious blankets that add a touch of elegance to your living room, and oh-so-comfortable chairs that beckon you to relax after a long day—this incredible assortment is like investing in a beautiful and comfortable future. With these unique finds from Amazon, you can create an inviting atmosphere that will make your guests wonder how you managed to find such amazing pieces.

Review: “This set was pretty quick to throw together with an extra pair of hands. Everything came securely wrapped and well protected. Perfect budget friendly set!” – jrenken88

amazon.com , jrenken88 Report

Review: “I did not expect the sturdiness that this stand has. It is absolutely beautiful once it’s finished. The wood is thick, there’s nothing flimsy on this thing. The actual fireplace has kept my living room toasty. And this weekend our heat just isn’t keeping up, so I’m so glad it came when it did. We’ve kept the heat on for the whole day and all night before heading to bed and it seems like this thing is quality. The shelves are so deep, I can fit multiple game units and our surround sound w out it looking cluttered. And of course my 4 year old enjoys the different color light show lol. Honestly it upgraded our living room. The tv shown is a 65”, and there’s a lot more space around it and in front of it. Our old stand was half the size holding this tv so really this is an amazing upgrade for us. I’m really in love w the quality and how modern this is. Probably the best thing I’ve bought on amazon. Now my only con. Took me forever to put it together… I had a 4 year old distracting me tho. But there’s ALOT of boxes within boxes and ALOT of styrofoam. I mean a lot lol. So be ready to have a major clean up. Otherwise I would totally recommend this stand. Absolutely gorgeous” – Jujubean

amazon.com , Jujubean Report

Review: “This is a beautiful bust. I have been buying a lot of things to decorate my Latin classroom with and, normally, when the items are this intricate, they are also small, but this busy is both intricately detailed and large. It was actually quite a bit bigger than I expected, but fits beautifully with the rest of my classroom decor. This is, perhaps, the center piece of my classroom.” – Tad

amazon.com , Tad Report

Review: “Ordered it after looking at many more expensive options in the furniture stores, ready to return it if we felt it was lower quality and cheap looking. Arrived today and after a simple assembly we feel it is perfect…very elegant and very sturdy. Replaced the supplied bulb with a smart led and we can now control brightness and color with voice commands. A+” – Flamethrower

amazon.com , Flamethrower Report

Review: “These shelves were perfect for my accent wall in my dining room. They are super easy to hang. I was able to hit the studs for both hooks because they placed them in the right location on the shelf. They are truly authentic with nail holes and even a nail. So cool. 7” is plenty of depth to put accessories on. Worth the money.” – K.Ryan

amazon.com , K.Ryan Report

Review: “This lamp was a great complementary piece for our boho style living room. The natural shade added the perfect touch. It fit well next to our sofa . Great looking lamp for an affordable price . Totally on trend . Good vibe . ” – Amazon Customer

amazon.com , Amazon Customer Report

Review: “This was a great buy. Just what I had been looking for, it’s very sturdy with a slight bit of weight but, not heavy by no means to handle. I’m glad I got it. You won’t be disappointed. The seller definitely did an awesome job on this one and it was packaged very very well and delivered with care. Now to decide where to put put because I want to hang it up on my wall.” – BB

amazon.com , BB Report

Review: “I have bought so many things on Amazon and I do get let down often. This tree exceeded anything I thought I would be getting. The details are perfection. The material is perfection. It came in perfect condition. I simply took it out of the box and placed it in the planter I bought for it then fluffed out the leaves. It was so easy to do by myself. The leaves look so green and real like trees I’m used to in Florida but they don’t grow where I live now. Plus it smelled good. Not like a perfume or anything just clean. – Ciscojrmpswife

amazon.com , Ciscojrmpswife Report

Review: “I am shocked by the value and quality! The Amethyst has a rich purple color and is more than a value, more than! I highly reccomend it!” – Odalisque

amazon.com/ , Odalisque Report

Review: “This rug is perfect for my closet. Stylish, cozy and soft on bare feet yet thin enough for my chair to roll over. Does not slide or shed (as stated in other reviews) and vacuums up well. Have not washed it yet but definitely a great buy!” – Tina

amazon.com , Tina Report

Review: “I wanted something to accompany the 50th Wedding Anniversary Card that I got for my wife. There would be plenty of real flowers, a family celebration and many gifts. I wanted something simple yet permanent that would stand out in our already filled China Cabinet. This is perfect. It doesn’t take much space. It is very well done, solid yet delicate. Attractive well made box for storage if need be. It will soon be added to our life-long precious collectibles and will hold its own.” – WallyH

amazon.com , WallyH Report

Apache is functioning normally

October 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

Using a wishlist app can be an excellent way to stay organized when planning holiday shopping. Wishlist apps allow you to create shopping lists and check off purchases as you make them. Some of the best wishlist apps can also make it easier to track price changes for items on your list from different stores.

If you’re gearing up for the holidays (or planning to shop for any other special occasion), there are several wishlist apps you might consider using to make the task easier.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the benefits of wishlist apps and smart picks if you decide to use them.

Why Use a Wishlist App?

Wishlist apps can help to simplify holiday shopping in a number of ways. While the features of individual apps may vary, the benefits are largely the same.

For instance, a wishlist app can help you to:

• Organize shopping lists for the holidays or any other special occasion.

• Plan, set, and hopefully stick to a budget for shopping so that you’re not draining your checking account.

• Track pricing changes for the various items on your list so you can find the best deals.

Wishlist apps can also keep you from wasting money on the wrong gifts (a sweater that’s too big or not quite the right Lego set) or on impulse buys.

If friends and family use wishlist apps to set up a preferred gift list for themselves, they can share it with you. You can then choose which gifts to buy from their list. This can help ensure that you’re giving them something they truly want or need; say, not just any boots but exactly the pair they’re hoping for. And you can set up a shareable wishlist for yourself so that friends and family also know what to buy for you.

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Best Wishlist Apps for Shopping in 2023

There are lots of wishlist apps available for download, but some may prove more valuable to you than others. When comparing wishlist apps, it’s helpful to consider such factors as:

• The range of features offered

• Shareability

• Whether fees are involved in their use (all of the ones on the list below are free).

With those things in mind, here are some of the best wishlist app options to consider when trying to shop affordably for the holidays.

1. Giftful

• Website: https://giftful.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Giftful can make it easy to set up wishlists and share them with friends and family. To create a wishlist for yourself, you can simply add links to items from around the web. People who view your wishlist can browse items and if they decide to make a purchase, click “Claim” in the app to let others know they plan to buy it.

You can do the same for friends and family who have created their own Giftful wishlist. Giftful believes in the value of surprises, so you won’t be able to see who’s claimed items on your list and friends and family won’t be able to see what you’ve claimed from their lists.

2. Wishupon

• Website: https://wishupon.company

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Wishupon is a universal shopping wishlist app that can be used for the holidays or any other time when you need to track gifts (such as birthdays or wedding season).

Users can create wishlists when they browse any online store through the Wishupon mobile app. You can also add items to your wishlist with just a click if you’re window shopping online using the Wishupon browser extension for Google Chrome. Wishlists are shareable on Snapchat, Messenger, and social media.

There are two other features you may also enjoy. Wishupon sends you notifications when the price of an item on a saved or shared wishlist drops (this can help you save money daily during the holiday season). You can also organize your wishlist into different collections, which can make it easier to separate holiday shopping from other occasions.

3. Giftbuster

• Website: https://giftbuster.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Giftbuster allows users to set up one wishlist or multiple lists for different people in your household. For example, if you’re married, you might have one wishlist for yourself, one for your spouse, and one for each of your kids if you have children.

You can instantly save links to any product from any store with just one click and share wishlists with everyone in your friends or family circle. Giftbuster sends notifications for price drops as well as deal alerts to help you avoid paying retail. You can also get access to special promo codes which can deliver added savings on the things you plan to buy.

4. Giftwhale

• Website: https://giftful.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Giftwhale is a fun way to create wishlists for the holidays, including Secret Santa lists. You can set up a wishlist for yourself and add links to items from any store. You can then share your list with friends and family so they know exactly what to buy. They can share their own lists with you as well.

There’s a chat feature that allows you to exchange gift-giving ideas with friends and family, which is hidden from the wishlist’s creators. That can be a plus if you want to avoid confusion about who will buy which gifts from their list. It also makes holiday shopping more social, which can add to the fun.

Here’s another cool feature: Giftwhale makes it easy for wishlist creators to send a thoughtful thank you note to each person who purchases an item from their list.

5. Things to Get Me

• Website: https://thingstogetme.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Things to Get Me is a universal wishlist app that includes some helpful features shoppers might appreciate. For example, you can:

• Create curated lists for each special occasion you plan to shop for

• Personalize your lists with different themes

• Share your lists with individual people or groups that you create

• Collect cash with a money fund if you’d prefer that to a tangible gift (available in the U.S., U.K., and Europe only)

• Receive gifts from people without having to share your mailing address publicly.

You can use Things to Get Me to shop through the mobile app or online using the free browser plugin.

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6. Giftster

• Website: https://giftster.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Giftster is a free private gift registry that’s designed for families. You can create a registry and invite family members to join. Everyone who receives an invite can view the registry at any time to make gift giving for the holidays or any other reason easier.

Members can add links to items to the registry from any store. Any purchases that are made from the list are hidden from the listmaker. If your family follows an annual tradition of doing a Secret Santa gift exchange, you can set that up in the app, and Giftster will automatically draw names for each member.

7. Listery

• Website: https://listery.app

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Listery is a free mobile app that allows users to create gift wishlists and share them with people in their contacts circle. There’s no limit to the number of lists you can create. You can also set up hidden lists of items that you’d like to buy for yourself that no one else on the app would be able to view.

When you set up group lists, you can designate those as public or private view. When an occasion is drawing closer, Listery will send you a reminder to let you know it’s approaching. That can help you avoid waiting until the last minute (or even hitting the stores on Christmas Eve) to purchase a gift from someone’s list.

Recommended: When Is the Best Time to Book Holiday Travel?

8. WishList

• Website: https://wishlist.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

WishList is a wishlist app and gift registry that allows users to set up lists for any occasion. When you create a list, you can add items to it from any store using the WishList mobile app or online with the Chrome browser extension. Wishlists can be shared among friends and family. Bonus: The app has a search feature that lets you find users using their name or email.

Lists can be curated by theme or collection, so you might have one list for holiday shopping, another for birthdays, and a third for the bedroom makeover you’re planning. Users can set up lists for specific gifts they’d like to receive or general lists of things they’re into to offer some gift-giving inspiration for friends and family.

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9. Elfster

• Website: https://elfster.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Elfster is a wishlist app that’s designed especially for Christmas and holiday shopping. Users can create personalized wishlists, review lists from friends and family, and browse the latest gift trends online.

The app also has a Secret Santa generator feature that makes it easier to plan a holiday gift exchange. You can invite friends, family members, or coworkers to Elfster via text or email. Elfster draws names for you and assigns everyone on the list a Secret Santa gift to buy.

10. Wish Explorer

• Website: https://wishexplorer.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Wish Explorer allows users to create and share wishlists for holiday shopping, weddings, birthdays, and other events. One of the best features of the app is the option to organize lists and make notes so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything when it’s time to shop.

It’s easy to add items to lists while shopping online, or you can also import items manually. When you’re browsing the lists of friends or family members, you can tag items as “reserved” or “bought” to let other shoppers know you’re already purchasing that item. That means no duplicate presents, which can help save money on the holidays and minimize frustration.

11. DreamList

• Website: https://dreamlist.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

DreamList is a wishlist app and gift registry with a twist. While the app allows you to set up gift lists for holiday shopping and other occasions, users can also create lists for other purposes.

For example, you can set up wishlists for meaningful experiences you’d like to share with friends, family members, or significant others. You could also ask for cash donations to help fund a specific goal or dream, like planning for a vacation. It’s free to set up wishlists or gift registries, and you can create a group list for the entire family.

12. Moonsift

• Website: https://moonsift.com

• Available on: Android, iOS

• Cost: Free

• Age rating: Everyone

Moonsift makes it easy to browse and create curated collections of items you’d like to buy. You can set up a universal wishlist and add items through the Moonsift app or online with the free browser extension. It’s designed to let you simply add products from any store and share collections with friends and family.

You can view items from lists that have been shared with you. Another cool feature: Moonsift sends price drop alerts to let you know when there are deals to be had. You can also track what’s already been purchased from a listmaker’s list to avoid buying duplicate items.

The Takeaway

The holidays can be one of the busiest times of year, and having to keep up with a lengthy shopping list might only add to the strain. Wishlist apps can take the guesswork out of deciding what to buy for the people you plan to shop for (and ensure that you’re getting gifts you actually want). More importantly, using a wishlist app can help you stay on budget so that you’re not putting unnecessary stress on your checking or savings account.

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FAQ

What are wishlist apps?

Wishlist apps are applications that allow users to create lists of gifts they’d like to receive. They can then share those lists with friends, family members, or coworkers, as well as view lists that have been shared with them.

Can you create gift wishlists without an app?

In addition to wishlist apps, you might also be able to create gift wishlists with your favorite retailers, such as an Amazon wishlist. You could also use Pinterest to curate items you’d like to buy for yourself or gift ideas for others. And there’s always pencil and paper or email as options to share this info.

What’s the difference between a wishlist and a gift registry?

Wishlists, including the kind created using a wishlist app, allow viewers to see which items the listmaker would most like to have. Viewers can then decide which items to purchase, if any. Gift registries work the same way, but are typically store-specific.

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet..

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Source: sofi.com

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1. Get a head start on planning

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Don’t let hosting duties stress you out

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Material World

1. Create your gift cards

2. Promote them as gifts

3. Prepare for redemptions

Why Use a Wishlist App?

Best Wishlist Apps for Shopping in 2023

1. Giftful

2. Wishupon

3. Giftbuster

4. Giftwhale

5. Things to Get Me

6. Giftster

7. Listery

8. WishList

9. Elfster

10. Wish Explorer

11. DreamList

12. Moonsift

The Takeaway

FAQ

What are wishlist apps?

Can you create gift wishlists without an app?

What’s the difference between a wishlist and a gift registry?

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IDR Loan Forgiveness

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Consolidation

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The Takeaway

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