Etsy has amazing stuff

http://www.etsy.com

all the products are handmade and there are luxury gifts from $20. There are some absolutely stunning things... and most of the products are highly original. I buy all my presents from etsy

yes Holly - I agree. Etsy has some amazing things. I also go to as many school fetes and craft fairs as I can. I always find something for under $50 that looks like it costs $200

Depends what you mean by 'luxury'. if you buy a so-called 'luxury' product that's been made in China is it still luxury - when you know it's been made for $2 and sold for $50?

I think true luxury is when you have a story behind a product - who the designer is - where the product is made etc. I would rather spend a little more on a gift like that than a mass produced item from china that costs less.

these back packs for kids are a good example.

http://cbhstudio.com/

I'd rather buy this than a cheapie backpack from target

nice idea Julie - but most people can't afford to spend the extra on something just becuase it has a 'story'. if I bought something like that everytime I bought a gift for a child, I'd soon go broke

maybe we should consumer less and get better quality

how do you know it's better quality. just because something's made in china doesn't mean it's a lower quality gift

but how do you know if what you buy has been ethically made - or whether children are making the products? How can that ever be luxury?

I saw these gorgeous glasses - they are mouth blown, non-lead eco friendly crystal tumblers from only $30. that's a luxury gift on a budget!

http://www.teroforma.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=00024!KVET

http://www.teroforma.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=00018!KVET

http://www.teroforma.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=00097!KVET

buying some beautiful cloth and framing it. http://www.duckcloth.com.au has fab prints. So cheap... but looks expensive