Regifting has gained in popularity since comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s show used it on January 19,1995. It’s  link to online auctions has also made the phenomenon of regifting more acceptable.  In fact, more than half of adults recently surveyed by Money Management International (MMI) find regifting acceptable

Here’s the place in the  script where regift was used in that Seinfeld episode as well as another  new term,  degift).  January 19, 1995:

George: The wedding is off.  Now you can go to the Super Bowl.

Jerry: I can’t call Tim Whatley and ask for the tickets back.

George: You just gave them to him two days ago, he’s gotta give you a grace period.

Jerry: Are you even vaguely familiar with the concept of giving? There’s no grace period.

George: Well, didn’t he regift the label maker?

Jerry: Possibly.

George: Well, if he can regift, why can’t you degift?

Jerry: You may have a point.

George: I have a point, I have a point.

Here’s the 10 most popular regifted items counting backwards:

10 – alcohol

9 – gift cards

8 – fruit cake

7 – candles

6 – cookbooks

5 – jewelry

4 – picture frames

3 – gift basket

2 – housewares

1 – clothing

Q: I am looking for a warm long overcoat for my husband to wear to his law firm over his suit. I don’t want to pay Harry Rosen prices. I want to pay about $100-$150. Not down, but wool with a liner.

A: Right on my web site, there’s a reasonably priced full men’s store Jaf  Pret a-Porter http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=31  Note that they also has a liquidation store in Laval.

Secondly, right downtown you can check if Polcaro has them http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=10

Bovet has a clearance store on St-Hubert, and then there’s Boutiques Jacques,a  lovely men’s shop on Cote-des- Neiges which should have them at a decent price. They’re all in my Smart Shopping Montreal book.

At this time of year, all the stores which sell coats should be putting them up for sale which lasts all through January.

Go to the source, Les Delices La Frenaie, for scrumptious cakes to celebrate the New Year: Chocolate Praline Explosion, Apple Caramel Cheesecake, Brownie Cheesecake, Frutti di Bosco, Dulce de Leche, Limoncello, Death by Chocolate and Milky Way, to only name a few. There are over 70 varieties of cakes and cheesecakes always available in 8 inch or 10 inch sizes which can serve a maximum of 20 people. For more than 20 people, they can be ordered 36 hours in advance.

The best deals are the apple walnut, lemon, chocolate espresso, marble, walnut cinnamon, etc… pound cakes which range from $9.19 and $11.50. Traditional Italian biscottis and cookies are available in wide varieties.

Trays of pizza:  tomato, white, ricotta, tomato olive, vegetarian, potato onion, spinach, rapini sausage, all dressed, pepperoni, and tomato cheese,  can be ordered during the week (on Saturdays they are all available without ordering).

Locations: (main store) 8405 Lafrenaie, St. Leonard  H1P 2B3   Tel: 514-324-8039
199F Boul. LaBelle, Rosemere   J7A 2H2   Tel: 450-430-4222
58A Brunswick Blvd, Pointe Claire   H9B 2L3   Tel: 514-542-4242
www.lesdeliceslafrenaie.com

Princessa is a leading retailer of designer wigs, hairpieces, braids, weaves, extensions and hair accessories. They carry a wide variety of styles in both high quality synthetic fibers and human hair. The brands, including Sensationnel, Outré, Marie Daniel, and Magic, are available in a variety of colors, lengths, and textures offering versatility and styling possibilities.

Looking for hair care, hair styling and skin care products to suit your unique beauty needs? They stock a variety of shampoos, hair and scalp conditioners, relaxers, hair colors, moisturizers, polishers, and leave-in conditioners that will help you to maintain healthy manageable hair. Look for brands such as Dark & Lovely, Luster’s, Motions Organic Roots, Black ‘n Sassy, Optimum and Optimum Care, Dr Miracle, Profectiv, Proline (Soft and Beautiful).

Among their many skin products are Palmers, Hollywood Beauty, Red Fox cocoa butter, Queen Helene, Razac, Ambi, Ultra Glow, which aid in softening and moisturizing dry ashy chopped skin and maintaining a healthy looking complexion.

Hair styling with headbands, barrettes, clips, bobby pins etc. adds a nice touch to just about any hairstyle. Head ties, rollers, and hair nets help to keep a styles lasting longer.

Location: 1669 Dollard Ave, Lasalle QC H8N 1T7
corner: Rejean
Tel: 514-595-4894
Hours: Regular plus Sun 11-5
www.princessabeauty.com

Q: My Dad’s 25th high school anniversary is coming up and I’ve been trying to help my Mom find a nice evening gown, preferably long and sleek with a slit in the leg, Would you know any good places to search?

A: St-Hubert St is the ball gown/cocktail dress capitol of Montreal. Start at Jean-Talon, walk South and there are at least a dozen stores to look through.

We’re lucky when a gown manufacturer Bridalane (Beautiful Brides Plus, Tutto Bene and Promiss), allows his doors to be open to the public.  In sizes 00-30,  you can check out the 150 traditional to modern designs each season and order them in 110 colors.

Location: 333 Chabanel St. W, Suite 201, Montreal H2N 2E7
corner: Jeanne Mance
Tel: 514-384-2451
http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=16

Krickets is a Montreal based company which has, for years, been selling well- made kids’ clothing. Their Boxing Day blowout sale is offering you 70% off everything.   There is free shipping on all orders of $50 or more.

Don’t battle the mall traffic, when you can  do your children’s shopping easily and comfortably from your home.

www.kricketsworld.com

Before you hit the malls for Boxing Day specials, visit Linen Depot Direct for their closing sale at their Mont-Royal location.  This store will be permanently closing on Jan 30, 2014.

They are liquidating overstocked high quality, brand name items and the taxes are included in their already low prices. You can save up to 80% on a huge range of goods from mattresses and box springs (delivered to your door) by Maison Blanche, duvets, comforters, sheet sets and pillows to towels, curtains, blinds and decorative accessories. You won’t be disappointed with brand names like Quicksilver, Sandra Venditti, Liz Clairborne, U.S. Polo, Beverly Hills Polo and Maison Condelle.

Location: 1126 Mont-Royal Est
corner: rue de la Roche
Metro: Station Mont-Royal
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-6,  Boxing Day: 1-9
www.linendepotdirect.com

Top designer brands of jeans, jackets and t-shirts will be clearing at Denim Kings. At this Boxing Day sale held at their store, the whole family can score on deals as everything will be up to 90% off retail.

If you are looking babies and kid’s clothing (up to 7 years) in irresistibly cool looks, head right over to Faon. Prices are always reasonable here.  This is the best sale of the year as they are offering a 2 for 1 sale for Boxing Day.

Expect wowie brands: Hatley, appaman, Petit Lem, Deux par Deux, tea, see kai run, Robeez, mayoral, noppies, Zutano

You may come across baby and kiddie accessories by: Skip Hop, Boon, 3 Sprouts, Franck & Fischer, Iplay, les portes-bébé Ergo and Chimparoo.

Faon is a family business run by the parents of three young children.  Quality and good advice is included with every purchase.

Location: 4334 rue St-Denis
corner: Marie-Anne
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-9, Sat 10-5
Date of Sale: Dec 26
Phone: 514-904-1313
www.faon.ca

Boxing Day is a good time to head over to the Diesel Pop-Up Warehouse Sale.  Only Diesel clothing (lots of  jeans) will be there. It’s for the whole family.

This is your last chance for holiday savings. They are closing  the Pop Up Shop on December 29^th.  Grab the last bargains of the year now.

Location: 9185  boul l’Acadie,  Marché Centrale
corner: Legendre
Dates: ends Dec 29
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-9, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

L