Groupon Is Really Good At Gifting

Ariel Rivera, Style Editor

Holiday shopping got you down? You're not alone. This year, Groupon--the flash deals site we all know and love--commissioned a study where they surveyed gift-givers about common gift-giving challenges. At this time of year, thirty percent of people polled think that they're going to get "ugly, inappropriate or bad-fitting clothing," said Julie Mossler, Director of Corporate Communications for Groupon.  Been there, received that. Meanwhile, "the majority of people were worried about buying something for an unidentified love interest," which Mossler described as "not an ex and not a current." Her advice is ingenious: "Get them a local experience!" she advises. "Locate traditional Daily Deals in their neighborhood, go do an activity with them--go skydiving, go drive a Lamborghini for an afternoon, go wine-tasting." Makes sense; when you're not quite sure where your "unidentified love interest" stands in your life, spending time with him or her will only bring you closer.

Of course, Groupon is famous for it's incredible variety of experience options. In fact, Mossler herself is gifting a friend with an eight-lap racing experience in an actual race car at the Chicago Speedway. But what we didn't realize was what a wide variety of tangible gifts they had. Their Groupon Goods section is packed to the brim with current season merchandise that makes the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Be sure to check out our click-to-buy options below, but quick perusal left me drooling over these discounted Tom Ford sunglasses and BassBuds Swarovski crystal headphones.

What about all those holiday parties? Mossler's got a great idea for the hostess: gifts of the month! "Try a wine of the month, or Canvas on Demand," she suggests. "[At Canvas on Demand] you can give a credit to their site, and once the holidays die down, she can pick a photo of one of her favorite memories and have it made into a canvas."

Still not getting it? You may need to take advantage of one of their many skilled Grouponcierges (their word, not mine). Hopefully between suggestions of purchasing one of their epic, well-curated weekend getaways to B&Bs and five-star island resorts, current, top-of-the line electronics accessories (you'll need a snazzy case for that iPhone 5 on your list), or their charitable gifts section, they can help you.

Some awesome suggestions:
Under $25:
2-Carat Sterling-Silver CZ Stud Earrings
BassBuds Earbuds with Swarovski Elements and a Hands-Free Microphone
myCharge Rechargeable Battery for iPhone and Android Devices
Netgear Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter

Under $50:
Coach Poppy Flower Eau de Parfum Spray
Premium Sampler with Cutter from Gotham Cigars
Michael Todd True Organics Travel Skincare Kit
Apples to Apples Spanish, Junior, or Party Box

Under $100:
Pursonic Sonic Deluxe Toothbrush
Wine with Shipping
Liquid Image Snow or Off-Road Goggle Cam