While there are guides to purchasing the perfect cell phone as a gift this holiday, two main problems remain: picking (or guessing, if it's a gift) a carrier, and then choosing a plan! But there's an easier solution: used cell phones !

Little known fact: most used cell phones are also unlocked, which means that the phone will work with any GSM carrier. Which makes used cell phones the safe bet: know which phone you want, but can't choose a carrier? Get an (unlocked) used cell phone. Know your niece is dieing for that new hot phone, but unsure what carrier she's on? Pick up a used cell phone !

Of course, there's still the issue of the contract. If you'd gone with buying a phone from the carrier, then at this point they've already locked you into to a (usually) two year contract, and who knows what unmentioned fees might arise later!

But if you've already got your used cell phone , you can take the time to pick the service plan that's right for you! You can also ask about non-contracted service plans, which are often cheaper per month, which saves you money.