1. It is the thought that counts – Put some thought into each gift so it matches the tastes of each recipient.  We can be so rushed and stressed that we just run around the store throwing things in the shopping cart.  Putting thought into gifts is part of the joy of giving.  Everyone will appreciate it, and appreciate you more for it. 

2. Bright and early – Start your shopping early with a set deadline.  It’s best to go early in the day and at the start of the week when fewer shoppers are out.  This will make your day seem longer and you will have more time to run errands during business hours, as well.  

3. The perfect getaway – Plan a day or weekend getaway with a friend that includes a visit to a museum or gallery for unique gift ideas.  Treating a loved one to something special such as a day at the spa or a golf weekend is a great way to enjoy planning a present later.  It will be a big surprise when they open their present to only find details of treat you have planned for them.

4. Get creative – Have a knack for crafts or culinary delights?  Why not buy some supplies and make something special for someone special?  Homemade soup or bread can be a special healthy treat this busy time of year. A homemade scarf or quilt will keep a loved only warm and snuggly all winter long.  

5. Encourage an interest – Know a wine enthusiast?  Give them a wine kit.  Know someone who wants to learn how to tango?  Enroll them in lessons.  Once you know someone’s interests, the possibilities are limitless.  Probe to see what the people on your list are in to.

6. Certified smiles – Gift certificates allow everyone on your list to treat themselves to anything from a night at the movies to a day at the spa. They also save you time spent shopping and wrapping while reducing clutter.

7. It’s great to delegate – Some stores feature personal shopping services, offering gift advice for everyone on your list based on their personalities and tastes. Do not be stubborn, insisting on doing everything on your own!  Make shopping easy on you.

8.Get online – many retailers have websites that allow you to shop at any hour from the comfort of your home. This is great for individuals who have a hard time making it to the mall or work irregular hours.  You don’t even have to dig your car out of a snowbank!

9.Give an upgrade – Make that ‘can’t-live-without-it’ item even better.  Buy the new version of a popular video game or computer program, or upgrade someone from a CD player to an MP3. Add memory or space to the family computer.

10.Don’t ‘top up’ – Giving gifts is about finding the right present, not how much you spend.  So resist the temptation to buy that extra gift just to make someone happy.  Don’t worry about being fair and giving everyone something of equal value or the same number of gifts.  The receipients of your gifts will be so happy you thought of them, they won’t be comparing their gift to everyone else’s.