How to Select the Perfect Gift for Everyone

One of the most stressful parts of Christmas is deciding what gifts to buy for friends, co-workers and loved ones. 

The pressure is on to find that perfect gift - but where do you start?

For those very organized people around, you may have started your Christmas shopping as early as July.  Catching the end of summer sales and not feeling that time crunch like those last minute shoppers. Or maybe you’re so organized, you caught the after Christmas sales last year and you’re already done.

The truth is most of us are procrastinators, or simply unorganized.  We wait until December to begin shopping - what stress!  Well, whichever category you fall under, step back and take a deep breath.  Get a pad and paper and take some notes.

Begin by making a list of everyone you plan to buy a gift for.  What do they like?  Do they have a favorite hobby?  Do they like to cook, sew, plant a garden or travel?  Just take a moment to look at them as individuals.  Those people on your list that have hobbies are going to be among some of the easiest to shop for. 

There will be gift options for every budget.  Take golf and gardening for instance.  There are numerous choices out there-from your dollar stores to the specialty stores that carry items for these groups of people.  And with all the cool gadgets that are marketed for these hobbies, it makes you wonder how they have time to actually enjoy their hobby.

However, if your list includes people without hobbies, or ones you don’t know about, it can be difficult.  These people will make you bang your head against a wall.  How do you find that perfect gift?  Or will you just end up getting a generic gift card or socks or pajamas.
 
For the hard to buy for people, perhaps you can still put a special touch to that generic gift, making it special for them.  For instance, if you know someone that spends a lot of time at the computer, certainly it would be hard to buy a specific gift. 

But think outside the box for a moment.  If they love the compute, then obviously their sitting down a lot; what about an ergonomic pillow for their chair, or something nice to sit on the desk? 

Does your list involve someone that has a very stressful job and never takes time out to relax?  Try a spa gift card, giving them permission to enjoy a day of pampering. It may be a bit harder for some, but it’s still possible to make a “safe” purchase and add a personal touch.
 
Another simple, safe idea would be nicely scented candles or a box of gourmet chocolates and coffee. Perhaps an annual magazine subscription would be a great option  for teens on your list. Make it personal by nicely wrapping it in their favorite color paper or ribbon. 

With some thought and a little imagination, you’ll discover something for everyone, without going into debt.  Remember, it truly is the thought that counts.