gifts

Can you believe how fast the holiday season has crept up on us? Christmas is just over a month away and I’m already working on putting January issues to bed. The end of the year is usually the busiest period for me and while I try my best to sort out most of my Christmas shopping by October, this year I’ve left it a little late. By late I mean 2-3 weeks before the cut-off date for international shipping (approx. 2 weeks) as I do most of my shopping online.

I love shopping for other people - my gift giving philosophy is this: never give anyone something that I wouldn’t be caught dead with myself. Although some prefer the ease of gift vouchers, to me it’s just nicer way of saying “I couldn’t be bothered taking time to pick something for you” - it’s really not all that hard to shop if you…

1 - Plan ahead
Most people will have a rough idea when it comes to the people who are close to us, but it’s hard to shop for someone you don’t know all that well. So plan early if you know you’re going to need more time to find the perfect present - you can usually smell a last minute gift a mile away.

2 - Choose quality over quantity
Something functional and well-made will last a long time. While it doesn’t have to be expensive, remember that poorly-made dollar store gifts will most likely be casted aside after a while.

3 - Know your giftee
If you don’t know your giftee all that well – ask someone who does. If he or she is on Facebook, has a blog or subscribes to any other form of social media it’s usually pretty easy to get an idea of their interests and things they like. Photo albums are great place to take note of their personal style.

4 - Think practical
Don’t try to reinvent the wheel when it come to the obvious - if your giftee likes golf you have a theme to work with. Just stay away from items that weigh heavy on personal preference (ie. clubs) that people usually buy for themselves, unless of course you know they’ve been wanting a particular thing for ages!

5 - Inject your own personality
Are you always the fun and quirky one? or practical? Think about how your gift will represent you. I often try to buy gifts that I think would fit into my friend’s lifestyles while not compromising on the fact that I like unique and beautifully designed things.

6 - Don’t get intimidated by ‘the person who has everything’
It’s not really that hard to shop for the person who has everything. Think something on the lines of giving an ‘experience’ or something personalised. A hot air balloon ride or a skydive won’t really go wrong if the person is adventurous, or perhaps a pampering session if they’ve been flat out lately. If you’re still stumped, you can always donate to a charity or sponsor a dolphin or whale under their name.

7 - Know it’s the thought that counts
But if you can’t think, be prepared to spend! :)

8 - Have a plan B
If all else fails, buy a gift voucher.. :P

Here are some ideas!

The boys
Malcolm Fontier’s iMojito Minimalist wallet and iPhone holder, US$36; Kitson Minimergency Kit for Him, US$11.95; Imaginary Foundation Ink Bottle V-Neck, US$30; Personalised BBQ Branding Iron, A$19.50; Stainless Steel Portable Notebook Grill, A$69.95

The girls
Tord Boontje & Artechnica’s Charming Charms, US$16/set of 3; Obsessive Consumption by Kate Bingaman-Burt, US$13.57 (Amazon); Kate Spade New York iPhone 4 Cover, A$44.95; Haoshi’s Animal Necklaces, US$65 each; The little dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior, US$20

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