Easier said than done, right? When we last blogged, we were knee-deep in orders due to a wonderful newspaper article about our award to outfit female troops with a sports bra. And we had no complaints about that busy time! However, as it is that busy holiday time of year anyway, we're trying to figure out gifts, outfits, plans and more! On that note, I started looking at easy ways to shop for gifts...starting with lists from magazines and blogs that I respect:

This Daily Candy Guys' Gift Guide entertained me, reminding me that guys like unique drinking glasses and funky tools that they can use once a year to measure or fix something. Plus I love their Stylish Gifts That Give Back list with a range of prices and causes to support while giving a little something to family and friends.

The Fun Fashion Gifts for Your Best Friend from Self magazine reminded me of the silliness of gift-giving from fredflare.com, an awesome site with goofy, memorable gadgets and accessories! Similarly, Fitness magazine grouped some great beauty gifts that you can give to others--or yourself--like a new set of makeup brushes to help keep skin breakout-free during this stressful season!

Oprah's Home Design Gifts were like Pottery Barn's list of gifts under $25 that are perfect for hostesses and others where stylish yet practical fits--and the price is right!

Know an athlete? Road ID from active.com is a great gift for your active family and friends, and there are different styles, colors and price points--plenty of options! And of course, this one brand called heart&core is offering everything on site for $20 right now in a range of sizes to support women (sorry for the shameless self-promotion, but...)

The other gift that feels good to give? The one to those we don't know, who we might hear about not having food, clothes or shelter during this season. You can give anonymous gifts at the grocery store, where you can usually buy a pre-packaged bag or toss some change in the Salvation Army's bucket. Although I read that it's business as usual for many people who are spending on lingerie (good for us in the sports bra business!) and lattes, it's important to remember that your $4 drink could pay for something extra for those going without this season. Donating money or hand-picked gifts go a long way for those who count on Toys for Tots to spread holiday cheer.

I hope this helps simplify your gift-giving plans or gives you an idea for that hard-to-shop-for person. Next, I'm seeking out simple additions to the wardrobe to keep us going from day to night fashionably...I'll be back with that soon. Happy shopping!