MUSIC & ELECTRONICS

Big box: Best Buy is the one-stop shop for anyone with electronics or the latest CDs and DVDs on their gift lists. DVDs, MP3 players, gift cards and practically any new gadget are available here. Four locations in town.

Boutique: Hit up record shops such as Hogwild Records, Tapes & CD's at 1284 N. Main Ave. for vinyl, CDs, DVDs, band items and rare collectibles.

CLOTHES

Big box: For cost-effective style, try Target, Kohl's and Ross. The retailers have cool threads for everyone in the family. Some even carry upper-end labels, such as Kohl's Simply Vera by Vera Wang. 10 locations in town.

Boutique: Places such as Adelante Boutique at% 6414 N. New Braunfels Ave. offer unique, high-end clothes and accessories.  Check out the $45 Ciccia Bella slipper boots.

JEWELRY

Big box: Yes, diamonds and gold can come from Wal-Mart. It's low-priced, but not very original. Silver, gold and white gold necklaces range from $20 to more than $1,500. 16 locations in town.

Boutique: The funky jewelry at Jive Refried at %919 S. Alamo St. is vintage or handmade. A bright handmade necklace bust of a woman for $24 caught our eye. And the vintage jewelry often is 50 percent off.

 
FOOD

Big box: A gift certificate from H-E-B, Chili's or Starbucks makes a quick stocking-stuffer.

Boutique: Give the gift of mouthwatering tamales. The ones at Delicious Tamales are muy delicioso and only $5.15 to $6.50 per dozen.

FURNITURE

Big box: Shop for “dorm-style” furniture to save money. Target's Mali Flex futon is less than $200 and can be folded into six positions.

Boutique: On Fridays, furniture at the Salvation Army Thrift Store on %1324 S. Flores St. is %30 percent off. We found a killer chaise lounge for $99 regular price.

Emily Messer | 210SA