Photo Credit: by Mike_fleming
It’s a few weeks before the tree will come down from the attic, but Christmas 2015 is slowly edging nearer. If there’s one area that you should look to get a head start on right now, it has to be the presents.
Giving is a million times better than receiving, and there’s nothing quite like seeing a loved one’s face light up as they open your gift. However, the pressure to get this aspect of the festivities right is daunting for everyone.
Getting this part of the preparations completed will help you relax during the build up to December 25th. Meanwhile, shopping now will avoid the potential disappointment of stock being sold out. And with these tips, you should have no trouble finding the perfect gift for everyone.
Children
We all love Christmas, but it’s primarily a time for children. Spoiling yours with presents is a long-standing tradition, and you’ll certainly want to get it right. After all, the little ones have probably been counting down the days immediately after the school summer holidays.
As a parent, you probably have a pretty solid idea of what your child wants and needs. However, you can always get them to write a letter Santa. This will give you a far greater insight into what they’ve been dreaming of in Christmas 2015. Alternatively, this list of top toys should get your juices flowing.
Presents aren’t the most important part of Christmas, but the perfect gift will enhance your child’s day hugely. We’re sure you’ll be just fine.
Boyfriend / Husband
Aside from the children, your boyfriend / fiancé / husband is the most important person in your life. Christmas is the perfect opportunity to show how much you care, and you’ll naturally want to grab it with both hands.
It’s easy to concern yourself with huge gestures. However, most men would prefer a small gift that actively enhances their life over a big one that will never get used. Aiding his daily routine with grooming products is a great option for your bearded man. Alternatively, anything that makes his working life easier will be appreciated too.
Another option is to celebrate his hobbies. Buy him tickets for his favourite sports team or take him on a track day. Those memories will last a lifetime.
Parents
They say it’s the thought that counts, and this couldn’t be any truer than when buying gifts for your presents. They’re older, wiser, and appreciate the sentimental value far more than any monetary cost.
Anything that shows you care is a great idea. However, celebrating the family with a digital photo frame can be one of the best gifts they’ll ever receive. Pre-load it with images of the whole family, and your parents will be able to reminisce about magic moments time and time again.
Alternatively, you could buy them something decorative for the home. Each time they see it will remind them of you. Lovely.
Siblings
Despite knowing them your entire life, buying for siblings can be immensely difficult. However, Christmas is a time for family festivities, so finding a way to enhance this is always a fantastic option.
Prestige hampers are a fantastic way to bring a little luxury to the festivities, and will always be appreciated by the receiver. Besides, they’re part of the tradition too.
Combine this thoughtful gift with a cheap jokey present to celebrate the bond you share with your siblings, and it should go down a treat.
Nieces & Nephews
If you thought your own child was hard to buy for, try finding a gift for your nieces and nephews. It poses the same dilemmas. Only, you don’t know quite as much about them, and you don’t know what items they already have.
Communication with your sibling is vital throughout this process. If your niece or nephew is going to receive a PlayStation as their main present, you could buy a game or accessory for it. Just be sure that you’ve talked it through with the parent first. The last thing you want is to double up.
Clothes are fun. But if you want to be the fun auntie, always opt for toys.
Friends
Aside from the family, it’s important that you treat your closest friends. However, the key here is to avoid going overboard. Don’t start buying presents for people you’re not that close to. If nothing else, it puts pressure on them to return the favour.
You know your best friends well, and should have no trouble finding something to make them smile. Bath oils and products that will aid relaxation after a hard day’s work are always a great starting point. Meanwhile, you’ve probably got a pretty clear image of their fashion sense and could buy a nice bag to help accessorise their outfits.
Or if they happen to collect teddies or another item, you could always make an addition to the collection.
Pets
Your pets might not need a present for Christmas, but it doesn’t mean you won’t want to treat them. After all, they are a part of the family.
Let’s face it, there’s only two things you need to consider here: food and toys. There are plenty of special dog treats that will get your pup excited this Christmas. Similarly, you should have no trouble finding cool items for the cat or any other pet you may have.
Animals don’t care about money. A small present, combined with love and affection, will work a treat.
Colleagues
This is rightly the least of your worries. However, you do spend 40 hours a week with your work colleagues, so it’s important that you don’t forget them entirely.
In the interest of fun and saving money, it might be beneficial to organise a secret Santa game in the office. This way you’ll only have to buy one present, and you can all make it a little cheeky too.
Just be sure to set a spending limit that won’t cause any issues.
Milkman / Postman Etc
Quite frankly, I wouldn’t bother. They’ve probably had enough box of chocolates from other customers anyway.