Along with the hustle and bustle of crowds and traffic comes the temptation to overspend on gifts, but don’t give in! I’ve navigated the terrain and mapped out my favorite gift picks that will help you check off everyone on your list in a flash — leaving you more time with family and more cash in hand!

North Point Mall: For the little girl on your list, you can’t go wrong with the American Girl Store – high-quality dolls, books, clothing and accessories. Go for the signature “mini” doll at just $22. Pop in As Seen on TV for both practical and funny gifts good for white elephant parties. For hard-to-please teens, you can’t go wrong with gift certificates (always the right size/right color!) from Abercrombie, Hollister, The Buckle and Delia’s.

1000 North Point Circle Alpharetta, GA 30022
770-740-9273
www.northpointmall.com

Von Maur: This new addition to North Point Mall is not your typical department store. They offer an interest-free charge card — no one does that! They also always offer free gift wrapping, free shipping and free basic alterations. Their price points are good, and you can find shoes and dresses for less than $50. Head to the second floor for a fun gift department filled with UGA and Tech items, Godiva chocolate, Lolita collectible glasses, napkins and more. I picked up some whimsical wine coasters that double as glass identifiers at parties for around $14. Really unique and thoughtful!

4000 North Point Circle Alpharetta, Georgia 30022
678-339-9988
www.vonmaur.com

ZGallerie: This is one of my all-time favorite stores and secrets for gift buying. Giving home décor is so tasteful and can double as a hostess gift. Focus on their “Under $10” and “Under $20” tables with unique ideas like conversation starter card games and novelty books, candle holders, frames, gourmet kitchen items, modern coffee mugs under $5 and more.

7300 North Point Parkway #117 Alpharetta, GA 30022
678-624-2242
www.zgallerie.com

Crate and Barrel: A surprisingly low-priced gift stop! Alpharetta has one of the biggest and nicest locations I've seen! This is a great source for inexpensive and distinctive kitchenware, fun gift ideas for entertainers, cooks and more. Think fun holiday trays, plates and gadgets. And, it’s hard to beat their great return policy.

7300 N Point Pkwy # 114 Alpharetta, GA 30022-1586
770-569-7737
www.crateandbarrel.com

Fry’s Electronics: Here’s the best stop for Dad! Anything electronic you might be looking for and then some can be found here. They boast a great variety and their prices are better than their competitors on many sought-after items. They carry everything from electronic parts, computers and parts, audio electronics, TVs, gaming consoles and accessories and more. Best of all, they will price match any competitor’s prices so long as they can verify it.

3065 Webb Rd.  Milton, GA 30004
678-280-0550
www.frys.com

Saks OFF 5th: Finally, spoil mom for a fraction here. They have cashmere Portolano gloves for $29.99, a fabulous Frederick Fekkai hair care gift set for $37.99, or go all out with a real Italian Missoni scarf for $129.

800 Highway 400 S # 185
Dawsonville
706-216-4087
www.off5th.com

About Jessica Dauler:
Widely known among deal hunters for her Friday morning radio show segment “JessicaShops” on Star 94’s “The Cindy & Ray Show” (Atlanta) and her weekly column in Thursday’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jessica Dauler is every bargain shopper’s best friend when it comes to deals and trends since 2001. For more great deals, follow her on Facebook, Twitter and JessicaShops.com!