Finance Experts Share Their Wants For Christmas

Kiplinger-
Cameron Huddleston, the contributing editor of Kiplinger.com who writes the daily Kip Tips column, says:
I haven't even thought about what I would want for Xmas â€" until now â€" because my husband and I don't give each other gifts. As a personal finance writer, I figure there are better uses for our money. But, of course, there's a long list of things I would love to have.
In my dream world, I would ask for a personal assistant to handle all the tasks I feel like I never have time for because I work full time and have two young kids. For something more realistic, though, there's a console table ($250) that I've been craving at CB2.com (I want it to go right behind the sofa that is pictured). The price is pretty good but the $80-plus shipping cost has prevented me from buying it. CB2.com has a free shipping offer going on now â€" but it excludes furniture!

Inc. Magazine-
Nadine Heintz, a senior editor of Inc. magazine with personal finance expertise, says she wants: Poldark, Series 2: My husband bought the first series of this BBC drama for my birthday last year, and it was completely addictive. Set in Cornwall, England, the story revolves around Ross Poldark, a swashbuckling British captain who returns from the American Revolution to discover his father is dead, his sweetheart is engaged to his cousin, and the family estate is in financial ruin. Now, I can't wait to see the second series, which was released on DVD this Fall. Cost: $47.99 Plum Violet Fuschia Feathered Headband: One of my co-workers wore a fancy headband to the office a few weeks ago, and I’ve wanted one ever since. This brightly colored handmade headband would look great with a sparkly dress for holiday parties. It’s part Gossip Girl, part 1920s flapper. Cost: $12 The Cookbook Collector: I love classic literature, but I’m always on the lookout for g

LearnVest-
Alexa Von Tobel has been named one of Inc. Magazine's 30 under 30, the magazine's list for the top young entrepreneurs, for creating LearnVest. Alexa says: A new journal or diary. I keep one with me every day and use it for meetings, ideas, and thoughts! I want the Moleskine 2011 Large Daily Planner in bright orange! An Apple Photo Album made from all my latest trips (last three years). My mom to find my home videos from when I was little! My splurge: A Dannijo iPad Case! It's my best friend's company . . . and my iPad is my favorite thing!

Bundle-
Bundle, the personal finance website, is backed by Microsoft and Morningstar, and has even partnered up with TheStreet.com. Mike Dang, Bundle's editor, would like:
One of these fun Moshi Moshi Pop phones. I love the retro vibe of these phones, and can imagine the funny looks I'd get if I were to use one of these out in public. I think these would also be useful when I'm making calls on Skype.

A Roku player for Netflix streaming. Netflix is my favorite form of cheap entertainment, but it can get a little uncomfortable watching movies from a computer screen. Solution? The Roku player, which can stream films directly to my TV.

Get Rich Slowly-
J.D. Roth, a self-proclaimed accidental personal finance expert, started the money website Get Rich Slowly after reading many personal finance books to educate himself and climb his way out of debt. J.D. says: First of all, I want pants. I've lost over 40 pounds this year, which means I've been shedding my old wardrobe and buying new clothes. Shirts are sweaters are easy â€" a medium that was tight in May is a little loose now, but it works â€" but pants are a nightmare. I hope Santa brings me more pants.
Also, I'd like a book or two about Africa. My wife and I will be traveling to South Africa (and neighboring countries) in a few months, and I'd love to know more about the history and culture. I'm not sure if Santa's elves dabble much in African studies, but if they do, I hope they'll keep me in mind.

Til Debt Do U$ Part-
Gail Vaz-Oxlade is the host of Til Debt Do U$ Part, a TV show in which she stages personal finance interventions for couples deep in debt. Gail requests: Bath & Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena Shampoo and Conditioner: This is my favorite smell . . . I feel like I'm in a tropical paradise when I wash my hair with this stuff. Sadly, I haven't been able to get my hands on it of late because the stores near me have had supply issues. Maybe Santa will bring me a couple of bottles. Crate & Barrel's Citrus Candles: OMG! I was out Christmas shopping and I stuck my nose in a couple of these: orange and grapefruit. What a wonderful smell. I've put them on my list too. Costco's Laceys: The combination of almonds and dark chocolate with a touch of caramel is unbelievably good. I would kill for another container of these . . . sadly they're sold out! (sob!)

DailyWorth-
DailyWorth is an online personal finance source for women. Founder and CEO Amanda Steinberg says: I hightail it from Philly to NYC every week, so an iPad would make my train ride oh so much more fun. I love white wine and I never drink more than one glass at a time. This wine sampler would be just delightful.

US News and World Report-
Author of Generation Earn, a personal finance guide for 20-somethings, and senior editor of US News and World Report, Kimberly Palmer says: As someone who hasn’t yet upgraded to a smartphone, I would love the new (and affordable) Samsung Intercept smartphone that comes with a $25 per month data plan â€" the cheapest plan out there. You really can’t beat that monthly price.
I’m also lusting after a new large handbag so I can stay organized while traveling around town. PriceGrabber.com has great deals right now on hobo style bags. My closet is full of bags that can hold my wallet and cell phone, but I need something bigger to also carry a notebook and book or two.
And lastly I really want new flannel pajamas from Victoria's Secret, which are comfortable enough to sleep in but also offer enough coverage for holidays with the in-laws!

The Motley Fool-
Joe Magyer, one of the senior advisors for The Motley Fool, a comprehensive online source for investors, says he wants: Cast Iron Dutch Oven: I need more homemade comfort food in my life. Short of moving back in with my parents, I’m pretty sure the best way to make that happen is with new, heavy-duty cookware. Amazon.com Gift Card: The most practical gift this side of cash. Like any good workaholic cheapskate, I do lots of my shopping on Amazon thanks to its killer prices and selection. Farmville Gift Card: Yeah, I said it.

Wise Bread-
Senior editor Meg Favreau of personal finance blogging community site Wise Bread says she wants: Knife Sharpener:Â I love to cook, and one of my favorite kitchen tools is a great chef's knife I received for my birthday. A well-made knife can last for ages if it's sharp, so I'm hoping to find this little guy in my stocking this year. Frye Boots:Â I won't buy a pair of jeans for over $20, but I'm a firm believer in investing in a high-quality pair of boots. As long as you get them resoled when necessary and show them a little shoeshine TLC, good boots will last several seasons, looking equally cute whether you're out at a restaurant or trudging through a snowstorm (which Frye's rubber soles are especially good for). It's also pretty easy to find Frye boots on sale, so if anyone wants to buy these for me (hin

Budgets Are Sexy-
The anonymous creator of Budgets Are Sexy, a hip website that makes personal finance fun, says he wants: A bag of lottery tickets! The rush I get from scratching all those $1 tickets is beyond exciting, and I don't even have to win to be happy! Airline tickets. To anywhere. I'm all about "life experiences" these days . . . More Love Drop members. My new project is to give back to one family in need every single month. We're officially launching on Jan. 1, but we've already got 85 members strong and we're going to do so much good! The OK to be a full-time blogger. If you all can sign off on that for me, that would be great. Also, if you can guarantee a stable salary from it.

SavvySugar-
Emily Co is the associate editor of SavvySugar, a website that helps women make sense of money matters. She says: I hope Santa will give me tickets to an Oprah show. It's her last season, which means I'll never get another chance to watch her live on her Oprah Winfrey show again!
Cookbooks are definitely on top of my wish list. I seem to always be attending potlucks, and I would love to wow friends with some great new recipes from some of the more uncommon cuisines that don't have a lot of recipes online. Cooking is also a fun and budget-friendly activity I can do with my friends.
A puppy â€" self-explanatory.