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?
ah, the old ozbargain mantra, how to enjoy champagne on a beer budget!
a friend who i consider quite frugal told me this once, get an expensive looking champagne or wine glass from $2 shop, take out of box, stick a label from a better known brand to bottom, wrap in flashy wrapping paper, tie with ribbon, curl ends etc voila! the appearance of luxury but at a fraction of the cost, i would probably do this for a work employee or annoying relative but maybe not for my sis