December is a month of anticipation. You anticipate how Christmas will turn out, whether recipes will go according to plan, what you will receive and what the new year has in store. Unfortunately it is also a time of high pressure.
If you haven’t already bought presents, it’s a time of racking your brain, frantic Google searches and mad dashes around over crowded shopping complexes or browsing on slow websites. And all the while you are wondering whether your present will be good enough. Because one of the last things you want to do is get a present which takes up space or is as good as a paper weight!
One of the first things you want to do is pay attention. It’s best to start this well in advance but there is still time. Family and friends will unknowing drop hints in conversation – all it takes is an eager ear to pick them up. Just make sure no one else has picked up on the same thing!
A friend might not explicitly say “I could really use a new sketch book!” Rather they might say, “I’m finding inspiration in everything lately. If only my sketch book could fit it all!” When you hear hints like that, it may be a good time to flip out your phone and make a note. To an outsider you look inconspicuous!
It’s also a good idea to make use of the Internet. Save fighting over limited stock, waiting in queues and the sound of bustling for later. Websites offer speed and convenience. Although be aware that as pre Christmas sales stock up, these sites may become quite packed and slow.
If you’re still stuck, there is always the option of soliciting ideas. As Our Personal Experience says, “Some people are more tight-lipped than others, so you may find that a few friends or family members are especially difficult to buy for. If they haven’t presented you with any ideas throughout the year, don’t be afraid to ask them for gift suggestions as the holidays grow closer.”
Now that you have an idea what you want to give, but are unsure how to choose it, here are some suggestions:
- Have a techie friend complaining about a slow laptop! Choose a laptop
- Is your spouse complaining about a leaky roof? Hire a tradie
- Know a movie buff keen on a cinema worthy TV? Choose the best TV for them!
- Feeling under protected? Choose a security system simply!
