Madelyn Furstenau ‘26, Editor-in-Chief
The holidays are approaching quickly, and most of us already have our wishlists set in stone. However, shopping for gifts can get pretty pricey, especially when there are multiple people to shop for. Whether you are trying to soften the blow for your friends and family’s wallets, or want to save money yourself this holiday season, here are several high-quality, yet cheap alternatives to some popular, expensive wishlist items this year, all of which can be found at your local Target.
Sol De Janeiro 59 NatureWell Hair & Body Fragrance Mist (Blissy)
The overwhelmingly popular Sol De Janeiro 59 perfume has taken the internet by storm, and is arguably one of the brand’s most popular scents to date. However, many have noted that while the fragrance is pleasant, it is extremely short-lasting. While this is to be expected with body sprays such as this one, it is a bit frustrating considering an eight ounce bottle costs 40 dollars. If you are looking for a much more budget-friendly alternative that smells identical to the original, Target has a collection of body sprays from NatureWell that mimic popular Sol De Janeiro scents, including number 59. The original spray is said to smell of vanilla orchids and sheer sandalwood, and in comparison, the NatureWell spray in the scent Blissy has notes of vanilla, white flowers, violet, and sandalwood. The bottle, also eight ounces, costs only 12 dollars. So, instead of spending nearly four times as much on Sol De Janeiro, give NatureWell a try—your wallet will thank you.
Summer Fridays Vitamasques Lip Balms or E.L.F. Glow Reviver
Last holiday season, the Summer Fridays lip balms were all the rage. Although the lip balms are wonderfully scented and beautifully tinted, one tiny tube of lip balms costs 24 dollars. Even though the product lasts a good amount of time and seems to be high quality, it is very hard to justify spending that amount on one makeup product. Target carries two very popular alternatives to Summer Fridays, and both are much more affordable. Vitamasques offers many different shades and scents, and each tube costs just under five dollars. E.L.F., a brand that has become recently known for creating dupes of many popular, pricey makeup items, features a glow reviver melting lip balm that is not only identical in quality, but also much more cost-friendly. The E.L.F. lip balms are slightly more expensive than Vitamasques, but still only cost nine dollars. If you are not a fan of regular lip balms, both brands also produce lip oils in various color options.
Lululemon JoyLab and All in Motion
Over time, Lululemon has grown into one of the most popular athletic wear brands, and with so many styles and colors, it is hard to stay away. Whether you want leggings, sweatshirts, shorts, or accessories, Lululemon has it all—but for an overwhelming price. A pair of leggings alone costs over 100 dollars, which can be really limiting when it comes to building a Christmas list, or buying for someone else. Luckily, two of Target’s athletic clothing lines, JoyLab and All in Motion, carry all of the same items that Lululemon does, and for a much cheaper price. Instead of investing in the Lululemon Dance Studio pants, Scuba sweatshirts, or Hotty Hot shorts, opt for JoyLab or All in Motion apparel—of course, the color options are not as extensive as Lululemon, but for high quality pieces starting at 15 dollars, it may be worth the switch this holiday season.
Birkenstock Clogs Universal Thread clogs
For teen boys and girls alike, the Birkenstock suede clogs have been all the rage this past year. While they are certainly very cute, comfy, and easy to slip on and style for any occasion, they are quite the investment. A pair can reach up to 200 dollars depending on the color and style of your choice, which is unjustifiable for some shoes. Luckily, Target offers a pretty accurate—and affordable—replica of these exact shoes, and they have been flying off the shelves lately. The Universal Thread Betsy Clog Mule Flats are stylish, and for only a fraction of the price, coming in at a reasonable 30 dollars. So, if that person in your life is raving about the Birkenstock clogs, satisfy that expensive itch with these nearly identical shoes from Target.
When it comes to Christmas shopping, things can add up pretty fast. However, gift giving does not automatically constitute a detrimental impact on your bank account. Rather than committing to a hefty price tag, think smarter this December. Run to your local Target and get these items before they are gone, because the holidays are coming up quickly.
Lyon Life 