For most people, finding the perfect gift for everyone is the number one holiday cheer killer. Armed with a few strategies, you can handle this part of the season quickly and easily and get on with the enjoying part of it.
I find the simplest strategy is to start out with a list. First, list everyone you want to buy a gift for. Now, next to their name, add the gift you have in mind for them. Don’t worry, this is the stressful part, I know. If you don’t have an idea, just leave it blank. Next, add the amount of money you are thinking you would like to spend for that gift.
On the first day of shopping, shop only for those whose gifts you have in mind. Attempt to stay within the spending amounts you set. Try to make the day as fun as possible. You already know what you're looking for, so have some fun finding it. Be sure to stop for a special cup of coffee or tea or maybe lunch with a friend. If you love to wrap gifts, be sure to wrap these new gifts before the day is done. If you don’t love to wrap, there are plenty of organizations that set up wrapping tables for those such as yourself. For a small donation you could have all your wrapping done while you sip your coffee. Finally, with your first day of shopping complete, cross those names off your list and consider them DONE. Now, doesn’t that feel good?
Those remaining on your list might require a bit more brainpower. However, riding high on the coattails of your gift buying success that should be an attainable goal. Let’s take these names one at a time. My best advice for these people is to keep it simple. You don’t know what to get them because you either don’t know them well enough or you think they have everything already. They might require a bit more creativity, but going elaborate is usually not the way to go. Stay away from the proverbial sweater or tie. We don’t want anyone to accuse you of being predictable.
For some ideas for the men on that list consider a gadget store. Guys love gadgets. Be careful and try not to get carried away, there are a lot of expensive items in there. But if you look around you might just find that pen that doubles as a laser pointer for your boss. Your brother might like that cooler with a small radio in it for listening to the game. For your dad, consider something like the weather station that lets him predict each day’s weather with unweatherman-like accuracy. Take a look around these stores but be sure to pay attention to those budgets you set for these people. The gifts will be original and fun and hopefully, you'll be able to cross some names off your list while being comfortable with the fact that you bought just the right item.
Moms and grandmas can be hard. They seem to have all the perfume and bath beads one person could ever use. For most, as long as they have their family near, they are content. For them, a day of your undivided attention might be the perfect gift. Plan a special day with just them. Give them a card with the date set and an itinerary of the things the two of you will do. Maybe it will be shopping and then a special supper. Or maybe it will be lunch and the show she’s been dying to see. If grandma isn’t as mobile as she once was, plan a day sipping tea, looking at photo albums and giving her a whole day of your undivided attention. They are sure to bask in it. In the years to come that gift will still be remembered long after the perfume is gone.
For the teens on your list, gift certificates are the perfect gift. Let’s face it, they don’t want something lame and being a “grown up”, you really don’t know what isn’t lame. Music is usually a big part of a teen's life. A gift certificate to their favorite music store is sure to make you their coolest relative. These days most teens have various MP3 players. Consider a gift certificate to the virtual music store of their choice. Most of these transactions can be easily maneuvered over the internet in a matter of minutes. Movie tickets and certificates to their favorite clothing or accessory store are also easy wins. Before you know it, they will be crossed off your list and you can relax knowing that, for this year at least, your gift will not be considered "lame".
With limitless options, a holiday gift basket is perfect for anyone on your list. Your out-of-towners can be easily taken care of with a gift basket. The options are limitless and the gift baskets stunning. With choices from caviar and smoked salmon to chocolate and coffee, there’s something for everyone. A festive gift basket will brighten their day and their holiday season as they work their way through the delicacies tucked inside. A few minutes in an on line store and your gift will be bought, wrapped, and on it's way to your loved one.
As we celebrate the holiday season, it is customary to give those we love a token of that love. We celebrate life, hope and all that the holiday season brings to our hearts. We gather with our families and celebrate each other, our special bonds and the lives that we live together. Take the time to celebrate each other. Gift buying and giving does not have to take the joy out of all the season has to offer. With a little planning it can be one of the more enjoyable times of the holiday season.
Sharon Lauer is the marketing director for www.simplythebestbaskets.com