Gift ideas The art of giving
When the going gets tough the savvy shopper heads to… by Valerie Breese
hopping for Christmas presents is quite possibly the most challenging shopping experience we face each year. We all know how much of a nightmare it can be, trying to fi nd a sack-full (literally) of different family gifts; for nieces, nephews, siblings, parents… And the list goes on!
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A good start is a list even if you can’t at this stage put a gift idea against every name it will help prompt you not to forget anyone. Nothing worse than being given a gift from a friend or family member when you have completely forgotten to buy them anything. Sometimes it helps to have a couple generic gifts tucked away for the unexpected guests that arrive laden with gifts. While its much easier to buy for someone you know well as you will have an idea of their hobbies, likes and dislikes and they may have been dropping some heavy hints for the last few months. But there will always be someone you can’t quite place in the gift stakes and cause you to spend hours looking but never fi nding the gift that ticks all the boxes.
The mistake some people make is that they buy something that they like instead of considering
the interest and preferences of the
person they are buying for. Admit it! We have all done it.
As a last resort don’t just put cash in an envelope unless it’s a gift for a teenager with plans and
no cash. To most people it just says ‘I gave up’ – not the spirit of Christmas you want to convey.
Most men love food and or wine so a course of wine tasting classes could put a smile on their face or a selection of quality cheeses or perhaps a cookery course so they can emulate their kitchen hero.
For us women, how about time off to pamper ourselves with gift vouchers for a selection of spa treatments, a new haircut or much needed manicure.
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www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 31
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