Teens love gift cards. This way they can pick out their own style or items they like. They appreciate the chance to be able to shop for themselves and these cards make that possible.

This item doesn't have to be just given in a card though.

Gift cards can be placed between the wrappers of a giant candy bar, put in a gift basket filled with stationary supplies if the teen loves art, or even put in the bottom of a stocking filled with goodies. Again, there are so many unique and fun ways to give this type of gift.

Holiday shopping does not have to be as stressful as it was in the past. With the tips and suggestions outlined in this little shopping guide we hope we have helped to make this holiday season just a little easier!

Modern technology has impacted numerous sectors including retail. This has resulted in many retail lotions closing as the future of shopping shifts to e-commerce. This has placed pressure on the remaining retail locations to adapt or become extinct. Many consumers are choosing to shop online using a computer or mobile device as opposed to visiting a physical store. The expectations of augmented reality will become more sophisticated and impact the online experience. This technology will enable consumers to see exactly how different items will look in their homes. Making purchases online is expected to be voice activated to make the experience even easier.

The Social Experience

The physical retail locations are expected to make the shopping experience of the future along the lines of a town square. The expected offerings include a selection of restaurants and entertainment facilities including theatres, concert halls, electronic and virtual reality arcades and bowling alleys. The retailers must find a way to not only attract new customers but to ensure the existing customers want to return. Many stores are expected to become guide shops where the consumer touches the product they desire and can be educated by the sales associates. Retailers are also expected to use new technologies to obtain more information about their customers, personalize the experience and revolutionize their marketing.

The Independent Locations

The number of independent stores is expected to increase despite the number of retail locations that have closed. The combination of the cloud and mobile based solutions will make it easy to open a new store with a fairly small investment. The option of making a purchase online and picking it up at a retail location is expected to gain in popularity. This will combine online and offline purchases and is tentatively being called click and collect. Checkout lines and cashiers may be replaced with artificial intelligence. This will enable consumers to charge their purchases when they leave while alleviating long lines and wait times.

The Themes

Themes are expected to play a larger role as time passes. This includes flexible payment methods, enhanced customer service, mobile wallets and mobile systems available at the retail locations. Drones are being developed for faster delivery, technology is decreasing the time necessary for product development and environmental and ethics consumer concerns will be addressed. Data security will substantially increase and jobs may be lost to artificial intelligence. The Internet of Things or the connection of devices will become essential for retail operations due to the dramatic increase in the number of consumers shopping with a portable device.

The New Models

The new generations are not interested in the methods used for traditional marketing. This has caused a retail renaissance leading to a disconnection of the consumer experience. Retail is expected to use data as a means of expanding commerce to reengage the consumer. The behavior of the modern consumer makes digital technology necessary for any retail business to survive. The behavior and requirements of the consumer will be analyzed regarding their preferences in the future. This will require new technologies including faster speeds, more convenient purchases and the deployment of physical locations.

Looking fashionable and trendy without breaking the bank can be tricky as well as difficult to pull off, mainly because you are probably working on a budget. However, it does not mean that it is not possible. Here are six tips to help you look fashionable and stylish without breaking the bank.

1. Purchase Your Clothes in Sales or During the Off-Season

Keep in mind that you should never leave the house without knowing what you are going to spend. Plan, budget, and stick to that figure. Most people usually end up spending more than they had anticipated just because there were some lovely items on sale. If you insist on purchasing from an expensive store, make sure that you only do it from their sale rack. Moreover, ensure that you do not buy clothes when they are in high demand, as they are going to be more expensive. For instance, do not buy a winter coat during winter as it will be a lot costlier then. Purchase it during summer, and you will get to save a lot.

2. Sell Articles That You No Longer Need

We all get caught up in the habit of hoarding clothes thinking that we might ‘need’ them someday. However, if you cannot remember the last time you put it on, sell that item. This way, you will get money to purchase trendier ones. Online sites offer platforms such as Thredup, Tradesy, and Poshmark to name a few to sell your used clothes. Moreover, you will have created space for your new clothes.

3. Get Selective Colors

One of the golden rules of looking trendy is to make sure that you wear the right colors. This means avoiding purchasing clothes that require a specific partner. By purchasing neutral colored clothes, you will be able to match them with various tops and trousers.
Moreover, you can also play around with monochromatic and dichromatic outfits.

Monochromes usually have a sophisticated appeal. But if it gets too monotonous, you can try a dichromatic look to shake things up a bit. Nevertheless, monochromatic and dichromatic hues always look sharp.

4. Visit Charity or Thrift Shops

Most people do not purchase their wares from these stores. However, you’d be surprised by what you can find there. Go and look around, you might find a goldmine.

5. Keep it Simple

Keeping it stylish and fashionable does not mean that you must purchase expensive accessories and clothing. In fact, experts recommend keeping it simple regardless of whether you are on a budget or not to avoid overdoing it. Understated pieces are often the most elegant. As such, ditch those flashy and tacky accessories which might cheapen your look, and go for the subtle, timeless pieces which are both stylish and modest.

6. Read Fashion Magazines

The more you know, the better equipped you will be at understanding how to be stylish even when on a budget. Fashion magazines are full of tips and ideas. And thus, even if you will not purchase the exact items in the magazine, you will have an idea on how to make things go together. Peruse through those magazines.

Being trendy does not mean visiting expensive shops. You can be stylish without breaking your bank. Utilize the above tips, and you will turn heads everywhere you go.

Summer Apparel

Yes, it’s true, that fall means long sleeves and pants, coat and scarves, so why buy summer clothes that you won’t be able to wear? Well, because retailers such as Nordstrom Rack, Macy's, and JC penny offer big discounts on all sorts of summer clothing, including swimsuits, shorts, and tees. In order to make room for their fall collections, retailers will mark down their existing stock to low, low prices, which means you can score cute, summer items that you can save for the next time it gets warm out.

Airfare

If you’re planning a big trip for the holidays or thinking of going home for Thanksgiving, then you should search for airfare as soon as those fall leaves start to hit the ground! Buying a ticket early means that you will save big bucks, and you can use that money you saved on gifts for you or your family. If a winter holiday is too far away and you need to getaway now, many airlines also offer great off-season deals on flights.

Mattresses

Sometimes the best thing we can do in order to get a good night’s sleep is buy a new mattress. But mattress retailers don’t offer a lot of sales throughout the year. But September is the perfect time of year to buy yourself a new, comfy mattress. Starting around Labor Day, most mattress retailers offer stunning deals on new mattresses. Like the apparel retailers, they want to get rid of old stock to make room for new products, which means you can snag a new mattress at a bargain price.

iPhones and iPads

Every September Apple throws a huge event in order to introduce their new products, including the latest models of iPhones and iPads. So if you’ve been debating on when to replace your old, damaged phone or tablet, now is the time to do it, as you can get the latest and greatest iPhone or iPad. But if you’re not dying to own that new, fancy iPhone, you can score big discounts on the older models that all get marked down significantly.

Plants and Produce

To add a little greenery to your life and yard, the early fall season is the perfect time year to score discounted plants at your local garden store. To make room for holiday plants, garden stores will mark down their summer flowers, shrubs, and plants. The fall harvesting season is also a great time to head down to your nearby farmer’s market and enjoy fresh, local produce, in the form of vegetables and fruits.

Fall is the best time of year to save big on a wide range of products!

Soft lilac

Most people are saying that this summer is all about ethereal colors, and sift lilac is as ethereal as the colors get. The color was introduced into the summer scene by designers such as Victoria Beckham and Michael Kors. The color can be paired with some good denims and does a great job in softening other textures.

Bubblegum pink

This is another color which has come back with a big bang. The color has even been hailed for being the 2018 version of millennial pink, it doesn’t get better than that. Celebrities like Lucy Hale, Kim Kardashian, and Emma Roberts have all been spotted wearing a number in this color, even little North was spotted with a bubblegum tracksuit earlier in the season. There is something playful and yet so chick about this color. Grab yourself a little bubblegum pink dress, it will make your summer complete.

Chocolate brown

Nothing makes a hot summer day more bearable than a refreshing chocolate ice cream. Well, this summer, in addition to having your favorite chocolate ice cream, you can rock chocolate brown the color as it is back on the runways. Select outfits which have the solid color, or have it mixed up with its complementary colors. Some colors that go really well with chocolate brown are jungle green and cream white.

Yellow

Well, if there is one color which screams boldness and confidence, it is yellow. Kylie Jenner has already been spotted donning a very appetizing tracksuit in a shade of the color, and so has Ummah Thurman, in Kill Bill. The return of yellow also means that its complementary color, purple will be making the headlines. Find amazing ways to combine and block these colors, and you will be winning the summer dress up game.

Tomato red

This is another bold color which is really in season this summer. The trend started with Alexander McQueen’s cocktail dresses and was enhanced by those sophisticated pajamas from Victoria Beckham. You can wear the color alone or mix it up with some complementary colors such as navy blue, brown and purple and their different shades. You can be as bold or as playful as you want to be with the colors and shades to spruce up your summer.

These are some of the colors that you should definitely incorporate in your wardrobe this summer. Other top colors that have been making a statement include Cinderella blue and ultraviolet.

When choosing how to accessorize your look, consider several factors - color, scale and style of the pieces that you choose and how they will complement, rather than overwhelm, your outfit. It's also important to think about the occasion you are planning for - casual or business, day or evening.

The colors that you are coordinating are the first and most important part of choosing how to accessorize. Black, white and any neutral colors make accessorizing a breeze because basically any color or finish of your jewelry will match. When you are complementing outfits that are more colorful, it's important to choose pieces that won't clash with what you wearing.

It's completely acceptable to accessorize with colors that are not the same as what you're wearing as long as the colors complement each other. Reds and pinks, blues and purples, yellows with greens.. and if you're feeling especially bold, combining more than one color as your accessory can create a unique and fun look.

Consider patterns and prints as well when choosing how to accessorize. If what you're wearing is really busy - floral prints, ruffles or plaids, for example - better to choose simple jewelry or solid colors. Keep your choices understated so as not to create a gaudy look with too much going on.

Your body shape is also important. Women with larger frames, for example, can wear jewelry that is also larger. Medium and larger size bags can complement the curves of a larger sized woman. Smaller women should choose large pieces in isolation and not try to combine several pieces to wear at once.

Most importantly, the right fashion accessories can define your fashion style. Simple, classic pieces like pearls, simple chains, and solitary bangles say "I'm in control", "I'm serious", "I choose to keep it refined". Long, draping earrings, over sized rings, rhinestones and crystals and oversized glasses say, "I feel glamourous", "I feel confident", and "I choose to define my own style". Accessorizing with playful pieces like bold, chunky bracelets, brightly colored earrings and large, printed handbags say, "I love having fun", "I am unique", and "I am completely unpredictable!"

Choosing how to accessorize what you are wearing tells the world what you want it to know. Be creative! It's easy to create a unique personality simply be accessorizing.

Mary Kay Vitamin C Squares

These amazing little squares are 100% vitamin C! Seriously! All that vitamin C packed into something that is almost transparent. It is so easy to use. I can use just a few drops of water to dissolve it and then mix it with my moisturizer. Then I apply my moisturizer as usual but now I have a full, concentrated dose of Vitamin C being directly fused into my skin. This is one of the best beauty products on the market.$24, MaryKay.com

Covergirl True Blend Face Primer for Combo Skin

This is one of my favorites because I tend to sweat in the summer. It is exciting to actually find a primer that work. It glides on easily creating a smooth palette for my makeup. It is non-comodogenic (which is great for sweaty people like me) and suitable for many skin types. It keeps my makeup looking super fresh.$8.79 Target.com

Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water

This is an amazing cleanser because you don't really have to do any scrubbing to cleanse your face. There is no oil, no alcohol, and its unscented. It is totally free of harsh chemicals. And it works pretty fast considering the fact that you don't have to scrub. This product is also great for sensitive skin. The cleanser is perfectly priced for someone on a budget. $8.99 Garnierusa.com

E.L.F. Cosmetics Beauty Blender Sponge

There are a million and one beauty sponges on the market and, personally, I am not excited to pay twenty bucks for a sponge. Since I am on a budget, I tried the E.L.F. sponge which is in the lower price range, but it is an amazing sponge that allows me to perfectly contour my makeup like a pro. It is only available online, and it comes in three different cool colors. $5 ELFcosmetics.com

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Miss Manga Mascara

One of the most popular beauty products is mascara. I am a person who loves big lashes so this mascara had to go on the list. This L'Oreal mascara is amazing because it actually gives you movie star lashes. You will be wide-eyed and glamorous after using the flexible 360 degree brush. The brush designs are really great because it helps to get those hard to reach lashes. The best part for me is that its waterproof (because I sweat!). $7.99 Lorealparisusa.com