Cheap birthday present that seems expensive?

[Deactivated] on 22/04/2014 - 00:45

My older sister's 30th birthday is around the corner (end of next week) and I am in need of some gift ideas. She's not really into sentimental gifts, and all I know is that she really likes branded/expensive pretty things. I don't really understand the whole obsession with luxury brands but I do want to get something nice for her. I have about $50 to spend (I'm on a student's budget) and I have no idea what to get, where to look, or what brands are "good" brands. The only name brands I am familiar with are way out of my price range (Chanel, YSL, Prada, Hermes). My main fear is that, in my ignorance, I will buy something branded that is a ripoff or not a 'good brand' (e.g. I've heard people don't consider Guess to be a 'real brand' and that Armarni Exchange is a bit scummy).

I've considered looking outside of luxury fashion items and instead into luxury appliances or home-wares, but I still have the same problem.

Can someone give me a crash course on branded items and any ideas of what to get her?

General Discussion

Comments

  • SydStrand on 22/04/2014 - 01:39
    +21

    If your sister only cares about labels, I've seen some people with 'premium' key tags, money clips and other trinkets. Perfect for people who want a logo and don't care what it's on (eurgh). That or split a gift.

    It's a present, she doesn't really have the right to be ungrateful if you're on a student budget and her tastes are unreasonably expensive.

  • TheMoDz on 22/04/2014 - 01:44
    +3

    Same thing with my dad, bought him a BMW branded Iphone case for $45.
    hes happy about it…

    get her a branded phone case…
    should be below $50

  • jonno82 on 22/04/2014 - 02:05
    +4

    While I still believe it's the thought that counts, if you looking at homeware, probably can explore your options from big brands, especially crystal items - people who are into labels tend to also like shiny things? Maybe Waterford/Wedgewood/Villeroy & Boch? Another option is homewares from Alessi, they have some trademark items with logos all over them.

  • cwongtech on 22/04/2014 - 02:22
    +1

    Michael Kors keychain?

  • nomoneynoproblems on 22/04/2014 - 04:35
    +4

    How about a decent bottle of wine?

    • [Deactivated] on 22/04/2014 - 23:28

      I'm not much of a wine connoisseur, so any suggestions?

      • SupeNintendoChalmers on 23/04/2014 - 16:11
        +34

        I hear a 1959 Penfolds makes a great gift.

        • theStinge on 23/04/2014 - 16:15
          +26

          Not if you don't even recall receiving it ;)

        • [Deactivated] on 23/04/2014 - 16:32
          +22

          Nah it's that boring of a gift that you tend to forget about it.

        • sk3iron on 23/04/2014 - 23:09

          As long as you don't drink it

        • morpheu on 24/04/2014 - 11:43
          +1

          just remember to destroy handwritten thank you note, uh, must not forget…

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 24/04/2014 - 14:01
          +1

          I can imagine sales of paper shredders went through the roof on that day

        • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2014 - 19:05

          what wine???

  • Ughhh on 22/04/2014 - 06:21
    +2

    High tea some where nice? Cosmetics or makeup from myers/David Jones/ Mecca?

    • cloudy on 23/04/2014 - 09:28
      +1

      I've known girls to get other girls, really expensive hand creams and stuff. By really expensive its around $50 for me, and its just cream.

      But to them, they love that stuff.

      • anastasiastarz on 25/04/2014 - 04:46

        L'Occitane & Jurlique do the best handcreams.

  • itajac on 22/04/2014 - 06:41
    +2

    What about Mimco? they have some girly things aren't as high end as the ones you mentioned but with your budget it will be hard to get much from those particular brands,

    • jto00 on 23/04/2014 - 13:57

      this

      Girls. Love. Mimco

    • brickwall on 23/04/2014 - 21:38
      +5

      To OP. if your sister is really into branded stuffs, by all means AVOID this brand. People that I know who fancy luxurious brands stay away from Mimco. The quality is blah and it looks cheap.

      • pitufon on 24/04/2014 - 08:12
        +1

        MIMCO is pretty good for mid level designer brand. but doesn't match the Pradas or Chanels. MIMCO is now own by Country Road (which is owned by woolworhts) so i think that takes away from the designerness imho.

        • Bren20 on 25/04/2014 - 11:36

          Misleading but true. It isn't owned by the supermarket woolworths, but a south African company of the same name (the same company who may be buying David Jones)

  • ESEMCE on 22/04/2014 - 08:15
    +8

    Get a set of Crystal glasses.. The ones that go "ping" when you tap them.
    You get to buy something useful, she gets something nice and fancy that she either doesn't have or can always use more of.
    Wine Glasses if she's a Wine drinker or tumblers if not.. Only go for Champagne if she "solely" drinks Champagne..
    You should be able to get 2 "brand name" glasses or a set of 4 or 6 "no Name" glasses for your $50.
    If she knows nothing of glassware (as it sounds like she wont), then get the no-name.. They'll break a little easier than the Brand name, but otherwise, once the box has been discarded they're not too different.

  • carpecrash on 22/04/2014 - 08:18
    +28

    What a ridiculous thread.

    • bbqwer on 23/04/2014 - 11:28
      +30

      and yet you have time to reply.

      • ChatCPT on 24/04/2014 - 15:03
        +1

        but look at the positives. shows he wasnt the only one who felt it was ridiculous

    • WatchNerd on 25/04/2014 - 00:33
      +1

      Yeah how silly.
      Asking a bunch of tight arses for ideas on a cheap present on a General Discussion forum.

      • sleet on 25/04/2014 - 22:09
        -1

        Ideas for a cheap present is fine. Ideas for a cheap present that seems expensive is ridiculous. It's a birthday for a sister, get something sentimental.

  • Pooky1 on 22/04/2014 - 09:30
    +5

    For $50 you wont get much but if you can head to a DFO you might have more luck with Oroton (keychains, coin purses), Coach (keychains, coin purses), a Ralph Lauren polo shirt (if on sale) or maybe a nice Ecoya or Mor candle. Tiffany & Co have diaries for $35 or mugs for $50 (service is crap but the packaging is very impressive!). $50 may buy a Gold Class gift card. I see even Country Road as a luxury brand if you only have $50 (they currently have 25% off accessories so their lovely tote bags are $44.95 so you would have some left over for a card!)

    • bargainbunny on 23/04/2014 - 21:55

      Oroton also does branded umbrellas for around $30 at DFO. L'occitane is another one for luxury toiletries.

      • bluedufflecoat on 24/04/2014 - 09:27

        I buy L'Occitane from Strawberry Net… think it's cheaper than going to their shops.

  • PJC on 22/04/2014 - 09:55
    +3

    Priceline always have some designer fragrances within your budget.

    • FiDad on 22/04/2014 - 16:23

      ^ This. You can usually buy Nice designer fragrances under $50 at priceline. One of my favs to buy for my wife is CK eternity moment

  • coin saver on 22/04/2014 - 09:55

    buying gifts is not a competiion, brand names are not important if they are think about your relationship with the person.

  • ms_caz on 22/04/2014 - 10:22
    +2

    You could buy a fine bone china tea cup/coffee mug for that price. It's a total luxury to drink your daily brew from something so delicate and elegant. It doesn't have to be a cup and saucer - you can find a coffee mug in this style. Go to a giftwares place or to a large department store. Some of them will be cheaper but go for the finest bone china you can find in line with your budget. You may be able to purchase a name brand.

    A thirtieth is a milestone birthday - a gift of this kind has the potential to become an heirloom, in the same way that a pair of good crystal wine glasses might. Potentially your sister may have children one day - how lovely if she could pass her special cup along.

    ETA: I just re-read and noticed that she is not into sentimentality - so the heirloom idea is out! In which case, I'd just buy a bottle of French champagne :)

    • [Deactivated] on 22/04/2014 - 23:48

      French champagne or some other fancy alcohol does seem to be the most straightforward and safe solution. I was never really close with my sister (a decade apart) and all I really know for sure is that she loves branded things. I think I've gone a bit over my head by trying to find a 'cheap branded item' (may well be an oxymoron), so I think I should probably just stick with alcohol after all.

      • chaubii on 23/04/2014 - 07:37
        +9

        Just go with a bottle of Moet & Chandon. You can pick one up at Dan's for just under $50 at the moment.

        But to be honest at 30 you shouldn't really expect people to buy you presents for your birthday. Leave that for the kids

        • ESEMCE on 23/04/2014 - 09:24
          +3

          at 30 you shouldn't really expect people to buy you presents for your birthday.

          BIG TIME!

        • [Deactivated] on 23/04/2014 - 18:45
          +5

          I'm sure she's not expecting anything, but I figured it'd be a nice gesture to get her something anyway?

        • itajac on 23/04/2014 - 20:22

          That is really nice and thoughtful of you.

  • PJC on 22/04/2014 - 10:31
    +1

    The latest Priceline catalogue offers Bvlgari - Rose Essentielle $49, Vera Wang - Lovestruck $45, Calvin Klein - Euphoria Blossom $49, Bvlgari - Crystalline Omnia $49, Versace - Yellow Diamond $49, Calvin Klein - IN2U Her $24, Calvin Klein - One Shock For Her $24. I avoided celebrity fragrances, although some of them smell fine. In case you don't know, Bvlgari is an enormously expensive jeweller.

  • bluedufflecoat on 22/04/2014 - 12:15
    +1

    Oroton Factory outlets are doing 70% off I think. Could get something from there.

  • stevednj48 on 22/04/2014 - 13:03
    +2

    gift vouchers always work

    • No ONE on 23/04/2014 - 00:52
      +2

      Why not cash. More flexibilty

    • cloudy on 23/04/2014 - 09:29
      +2

      I don't get why people neg suggestions or opinions…

      +1 from me

      • ESEMCE on 23/04/2014 - 12:22

        Cause flat out gift vouchers suck balls!
        They're never a good suggestion unless you're getting them at a reasonable discount to their face value and you KNOW what you're going to buy from that store!

        • YTW on 23/04/2014 - 13:50
          +2

          …and you know the store won't be going out of business any time soon. I only buy vouchers from Woolies and/or Coles if I have to buy a voucher for someone.

          Bet those people with Robin's Kitchen, Angus and Robertson etc gift vouchers were real impressed to find out overnight they were suddenly worthless.

          Cash is far better than a gift voucher. Far more likely to get used. Far more likely not to lose it's value suddenly. Far more places it's accepted :)

        • brickwall on 24/04/2014 - 03:42

          You know that there's shopping centre gift voucher right? Like Chadstone or Westfield one… so they can spend it in any store they like. Or prepaid visa/mastercard gift voucher.

          To OP if I were your sister, I'd rather have a $50 shopping mall gift voucher where I can spend in any store I prefer, particularly the one with luxury brands store in it, like Chadstone in Melb. When you give it to her just tell her that you know she likes luxury brands but you can't afford it yet - to show her you know what she likes.

          For me I love shopping, gift card is far better than being given a present, because I can buy what I like.

        • ESEMCE on 24/04/2014 - 08:22

          Westfield one… so they can spend it in any store they like. Or prepaid visa/mastercard gift voucher.

          Not at Westfield you can't.. Only the boutique stores accept Westfield cards and they dislike doing so cause Westfield don't transfer the actual cash for months. None of the big stores accept them which makes them kinda pointless..
          Comes back to ONLY buy gift cards if they're:
          a) Cheaper than cash (pretty sure Westfield charge a "service" fee.)
          b) you KNOW what to buy from the specific store.

          Cash on the other hand is accepted everywhere!

        • brickwall on 24/04/2014 - 10:20

          OK OK calm down bro .. cash it is. I don't mind cash either, in fact I much prefer cash (LOVE IT), I just think that if giving cash, maybe better if $100+ to show more appreciation in terms of what she likes (that's how we normally do it - if $100+, you give cash - if only $20-$50, then gift card).

        • ESEMCE on 24/04/2014 - 12:28

          Why?
          Cash all the time!
          It's not like the receiver is fooled into thinking you spent $100 on them cause you gave them a $20 Gift Card!

          A $20 gift card is arguably more annoying cause you either have to spend your own money in a store you don't want to buy from to get something you might actually want/use or restrict yourself to something that fits under $20!

        • brickwall on 24/04/2014 - 12:54
          -1

          OK.. cash. Now chillax….

        • ESEMCE on 24/04/2014 - 13:13
          +1

          :-) all good, but my crusade against Gift Cards is ongoing!

    • Shwayne on 23/04/2014 - 23:18

      Gift vouchers never work, I hate gift vouchers.

  • voteoften on 22/04/2014 - 13:10
    +3

    Bottle of truffle oil.

  • lolmao on 22/04/2014 - 13:13

    cash works

  • JY1 on 22/04/2014 - 15:16
    +2

    A nice pen always works

    • Ughhh on 22/04/2014 - 17:36
      +2

      Maybe for an old man…

      • bargainbunny on 23/04/2014 - 21:59
        +1

        If she likes expensive things she might have to sign credit card reciepts or cheques often ;) A pen is actually quite nice and it can be engraved. Even if its something she just keeps on her desk it is a thoughtful gift.

        • morpheu on 24/04/2014 - 17:32
          +1

          nix on the signature for CC, it's all PIN now, and apart from tradesmen i don't know anyone who uses cheques regularly

        • JY1 on 24/04/2014 - 17:37

          That's only for purchases after August 1st?

  • Ms Mars on 22/04/2014 - 19:08

    Mimco would be perfect. Everyone who loves brands, loves Mimco. Check out their sale page. They have a few iphone cases for about $12. You could add something small with this??

  • zzchatom on 22/04/2014 - 19:19

    buy 50 1 dollar scratchies :)

    • djones145 on 22/04/2014 - 20:06

      they are 1.1 (tax!)

      • zzchatom on 22/04/2014 - 22:08

        Yeah I noticed hey! but it seems to be different each store.. no idea when they started doing this though.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/04/2014 - 23:27
    +4

    T2 is trendy and within the price range if she's a tea lover. Another poster suggested a pen - Kikki K is also pretty cool. Hard to suggest any luxury brands at this price point, but surely you can find out a bit more about what other things she likes?

    • porsche26c on 23/04/2014 - 07:00
      +3

      actually T2 is a good idea. maybe a nice tea pot set from peters of kensington and some nice tea from T2. probably need around 70 with pots and tea

    • pyro love bird on 23/04/2014 - 20:14

      They have some gorgeous teacups got one the other day for my friend for $32

  • juventino on 23/04/2014 - 00:40

    if you are willing to go up to $100, you can find the plethora of 'Swiss designed' watches.

    They look really good aesthetically, quality will be okay.

    They are always on sale, with a ridiculous savings. Although the RRP in all cases are exaggerated as no one will buy them full price.

    Google some brands like Invicta, technomaster, Cronotech, croton,

  • redraoh on 23/04/2014 - 12:56
    +27

    Buy her a book that reflects on the vacuousness of materialism and status.

  • jto00 on 23/04/2014 - 14:00

    Fossill, Michael Kors, Mimco, Oroton all make good designer things

    Or perhaps go into your local David Jones and get one of their cosmetic packs that are on sale, estee laude, clinique etc etc

  • Elppa8 on 23/04/2014 - 14:02
    +10

    If she knows expensive she also knows cheap. She knows your a student so lay it on table and buy her a $50 itunes card from OW or Coles for $40. After all you are an Ozbargainer.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/04/2014 - 15:04

    Jewellery

  • fruit on 23/04/2014 - 19:31
    +1

    Maybe something from www.redballoon.com.au or a gift voucher to a spa?

    • pyro love bird on 23/04/2014 - 20:15
      +1

      I have had bad experiences with RedBallon so I wouldn't recommend it, but a pampered spa experience or massage sounds nice

  • johnn on 23/04/2014 - 19:37
    +3

    I was never really close with my sister (a decade apart)

    I've always been an advocate of a nice experience > a crappy gift. Take her out to a nice lunch/brunch/coffee and get to know the sister you never knew. (A bit out of your budget but high tea is all the rage with my female friends these days).

    Maybe it will be the catalyst for getting to know your sister better, or it could just be a pleasant afternoon eating some nice food. She'll probably remember this effort more than a gift she'll possibly never use.

  • pyro love bird on 23/04/2014 - 20:18
    +3

    I know this maybe crossing the line a bit, but haven't you two ever tried just hanging out? I think that'd be a nice gift for her? Treating her to a lunch or something. You say that you're not particularly close because you're ten years apart, but if you've lived together I don't really know how you can't be close?

    My sister and I are 12 years apart and I've always made sure that we spend some time together.

  • sleet on 23/04/2014 - 22:01
    -2

    What I like to do is supplement the real gift with a fake gift card. I usually take one from DJ's desk and write $200 on the card.

    She'll love you for at least a minute or so until you tell her it's not loaded with any cash.

  • Duff5000 on 23/04/2014 - 22:08

    Flowers and wine. Easy.

  • RefusdClassification on 23/04/2014 - 22:24
    +2

    Perhaps a beaded necklace? A-grade Tiger Eye is cheap but very nice. Malachite and turquoise are obtainable for $50, but ensure they are natural and not synthetic or dyed.

    You can find silver rings or pendants with semi-precious stones cheaply on US Ebay.

    For an affordable unique gift, you could have something printed out on Artscow, like a pillow case. make sure you use a HQ image though, or the end result will be an inferior, blurry print. I like Old masters like Raphael and Botticelli, but I have no idea what sort of visual imagery would appeal to a fashionista.

    Crash course on fashion: Real brands are the ones that have catwalk shows, like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain (all very expensive), Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Calvin Klein, Rodarte, Burburry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton… Armani Exchange is what is termed a diffusion label, a much cheaper and minimalist (or scummier as you put it) alternative to the main line. I am not too familiar with Australian high fashion brands.

  • striker5950 on 23/04/2014 - 22:49

    try to save up some more money, 50 dollars doesn't buy sh!t these days, good branded sh!t anywayz..

  • [Deactivated] on 23/04/2014 - 22:58
    -1

    Get her a $50 voucher for a day spa that doesn't look like a walk in nail salon. Make sure it's not too far from either where she lives or where she works. It will be classy and she will enjoy it.

    If she's so superficial that sentimentality has no impact on her, then no brand name you buy is going to make her happy. Not for $50 anyway. She will probably give you a really awkward "Oh… thats… wonderful…" if you get her a fragrance, and it will end up in the back of her cupboard, a local opshop, or a bin somewhere inbetween the two. My guess would be the bin, you make her sound like a bit of a bitch (no offense).

    • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2014 - 00:13

      I think the description of my sister in my post was a bit misleading. I'm sure she'd still appreciate a sentimental gift, but I wanted to be sure to get her something she'd enjoy? It's kind of hard to give a sentimental gift to someone you don't know very well. Someone in the thread suggested I try to make a date to reconnect with her, but I'm kind of anxious about that! It's a bit of a 'long lost sibling' situation, and her 30th birthday itself would be the chance to 'reconnect'. I figured getting a nice gift that showed I still knew some of her interests would be a nice sisterly gesture to break the ice.

      • pyro love bird on 24/04/2014 - 03:48
        +1

        Don't be anxious, the thing about having lunch with a sibling is that there are that it's like a regular date, except you don't have to worry about what their intentions are and there's no need to overthink the situation, so all the positives and none of the negatives of a date. Plus, really, who doesn't love food?

      • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2014 - 11:55
        +1

        Definitely go for the day spa then. If you want to do something together as sisters, go with her and treat yourself too.

    • brickwall on 24/04/2014 - 03:47

      Please… don't ever buy this kind of watch for her… she will hate you for life… to OP read about gift voucher idea I posted above :)

  • [Deactivated] on 24/04/2014 - 07:20

    Get a bottle of knockoff perfume. My wife says she can't tell the difference between lady million and the $9 knockoff at a cheapie chinese store. She just buys the knockoff and is happy with it. What a gal.

    • Ughhh on 24/04/2014 - 10:41
      +8

      This is probably the worst suggestion ever.
      Unless you want that person to think you don't like them that much or don't care they'll think lowly of you. It's one thing to buy for yourself, but it's another for a gift.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/04/2014 - 12:52

        Your taking it out of context. I'm saying if they are rational i.e. ozbargainer material…

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 06/05/2014 - 11:56

          The description says the sister likes brands. Doesn't care what the brand is on

  • Joshman5k on 24/04/2014 - 07:56

    Strawberry net has pretty good priced cosmetics.

    http://au.strawberrynet.com/main.aspx?gclid=CPDI0eLM970CFYgp…

  • mirovich on 24/04/2014 - 08:05
    -2

    Get her a gift card ?

  • s2Bargain on 24/04/2014 - 08:52

    Does your sister likes Make-up? If so give her a YSL Lipstick (Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte), I had one and I can say that it's beautiful and smells amazing.
    If she love branded pretty things she's going to love that and it's in your price range for $55. Just try to pay attention in each lipstick colour she wears the most, them go to a David Jones store and buy it for her.
    I would say it was the best lipstick I ever had, sure she will get impressed.
    Will be hard to get any designer clothes/bags for $50 but you can get make up or a perfume.
    http://shop.davidjones.com.au/djs/en/davidjones/rouge-volupt…

  • Archi on 24/04/2014 - 10:04
    -2

    Spend $50 on ingredients and cook her a nice meal.

    She's your sister not a trashy girlfriend you need to buy an expensive gift to get her into bed.. Leave that up to her boyfriends .

  • com930 on 24/04/2014 - 10:19
    +1

    Present are always headaches. Not sure you love Peppa Pig or not, but I learn a lot from this (choosing present for others). No matter what you give, the love will do.

  • bbtoon on 24/04/2014 - 10:26

    You can try find some cute gift package in Crabtree & Evelyn. Or look for scent diffuser in DJ or Myer.if she likes Pandora, you can give her the charm for the bracelet. There're some below $50.

  • dlakers3peat on 24/04/2014 - 10:27

    you have absolutely no chance of getting anything descent in the upper echelon of designer brands for $50. brands like Gucci, Chloe, Dior, Chanel, Prada etc is even expensive for people who work full time. you may be able to buy a small bottle of perfume on sale somewhere. try chemist warehouse for perfume. so called brands like Oroton, Coach for instance is not considered designer by people in the know. their stuff is made in china. the proper designer labels make their goods in Italy or France. That lipstick idea is not bad but makeup for girls is so hard to pick. how are u going to select the correct colour without her trying it first. good luck

    • brickwall on 26/04/2014 - 06:43
      +1

      I don't get why you got negged for telling the truth….:)

  • Scrooge McDuck on 24/04/2014 - 11:26

    By something in perfect condition with a designer label from Vinnies then wrap it in a Myer or David Jones bag.

    You'll get her something she likes and save $40 too.

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