Expecting more of retailers when we want to pay less means that something has to give -- free gift wrap, for example.

The list of retailers offering free wrapping grows shorter every year. Von Maur (Eden Prairie Center) and Nordstrom (Mall of America) are the major department store holdouts.

Often, it's the small, neighborhood shops that still offer the freebie, including Inizio gifts in Minneapolis.

Some retailers come close. Creative Kidstuff has free gift wrap for purchases over $25, but it's $1 per package under $25. Bibelot and Patina gift stores provide free decorative boxes with ribbon, which they will tie if lines are short.

Many department stores, including Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Nordstrom, JC Penney and Sears, as well as specialty retailers such as Victoria's Secret, provide customers with a free gift box for in-store buys.

Stores with a gift wrapping fee usually charge $5 to $10. If you know of other retailers offering free gift wrap, let me know and I'll update my Deal Spotter blog (www.startribune.com/dealspotter) with the information.

For a cheap, green alternative, use the comics or newspaper and dress it up with ribbons or bows. Gift bags, a major reason for the decline of gift wrap, can be purchased inexpensively at dollar stores.

Still hoping to learn how to gift wrap like a pro? Go to a free demonstration at 2 or 4 p.m. Sunday at the Container Store (3825 Gallagher Dr., Edina, 952-831-3780).

Before-Christmas salesMost clothing retailers don't start with major markdowns until after Christmas, but Rags From Riches (848 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-473-1435) has marked down its entire inventory by 30 percent. The women's clothing and accessories at the high-end consignment shops don't look -- perish the thought -- second-hand. The designers are top-shelf, and the condition is usually flawless. The selection includes clothing, scarves, hats, bags, belts, sunglasses, boots, shoes, coats (including fur) and new jewelry.

Just down the street is another consignment gem, Fashion Avenue 2 (810 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-224-7014). Many pieces are samples or new items from New York fashion magazine employees scoring freebies from design houses. About half the store is discounted an additional 20 to 50 percent. FA2 also has a small selection of men's clothing.

The deals at either shop are excellent, but no returns are allowed, so shop carefully if it's a gift.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/dealspotter.