Historical fact: during the Great Depression the only Christmas presents you’d get were sepia-toned clothing and cuts in the soup line. But now that we’re officially in another recession right before the non-denominational holiday season, let’s turn to the country’s ever-dwindling pool of journalists for on-the-cheap gift guides. Video game consoles and chocolate orange stocking stuffers are SO pre-economic downfall.

-Leave it to Us Weekly to coin the term “Recessionista.” Neiman’s credit card debt and DIY bikini waxes are so hot right now. I know they called for a Hérve Léger bandage dress for every man, woman and child before the bailout, but these days it’s easier to justify the markups on whimsically packaged toiletries and polycotton blends. Here’s a picture of Kim Kardashian next to a $36 t-shirt:

More doorbusters for the poor after the jump.

-Esquire offers 24 suggestions under $20 for the whole family, including sleek Sigg water bottles (pictured)–you know, the ones that don’t poison you, and a gift that keeps on giving: the Great Grilled Cheese cookbook.

-Even perennial advocate of luxury Vogue eschews the “price available upon request” items for some goodies under $100, selected by their star editors. Senior West Coast Director (and recurring Hills character) Lisa Love suggests canisters of special Roland Garros French Open edition tennis balls (pictured), and the inimitable André Leon Talley picks royal confits from Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis.

-New York Magazine boasts a whopping 100 items under $100, with precious (if not always practical) picks. A smart-looking flashlight from Muji and a glittery cocktail ring from Henri Bendel (pictured).

-Just do-it-your-damn-self. The bloggers at MAKE put together a list of gadgets you can make and modify for under $20, including a tiny theremin in a mint tin, a synthesizer on a pencil and a make-your-own LED Christmas tree (pictured).

Or you could just make like my family and stick to bottom-shelf booze and paperback books. Nothing beats Ayn Rand once you’re a bottle of Georgi Vodka deep.