We've all done it - spent hours agonizing over what to get for that hard-to-buy-for person on our gift list. Instead of racking your brain needlessly and ending up buying something that ends up stashed away in a closet and quickly forgotten, how about getting them a magazine subscription? Not only is it a great gift-giving alternative, it will remind them that you were thinking of them each time a new issue arrives in his or her mailbox.

There are thousands of magazines out there, with something to fit every interest and hobby, which makes a magazine subscription a very thoughtful and personalized gift. Got a golf buddy who could use a few tips on improving his swing? A coworker who spends his free time working on model railroads? A babysitter whose passion for songwriting could use a little encouragement? Whoever it is, whatever their interest, there's a magazine to suit them.

Magazines can be a great gift idea for children as well. There are magazines that cater to every age group, from babies on up through teens, and having reading material that is current and pertains to their interests can encourage even the most hesitant readers. The genres for children are as widespread as they are for adults - from science and nature magazines, to puzzles and games, to magazines filled with wonderful stories to stir their imagination. What better way to promote literacy in a child than by providing them with entertaining reading material?

A parenting magazine can make a creative baby shower gift for the mother-to-be in your life. She will appreciate the advice she can consult any time of day and in those small bits of time when she gets a chance to read something quickly. Magazines could also be a great housewarming gift, such as a title on home decorating or cooking.

Outdoor enthusiasts can be difficult to shop for, but it needn't be such an impossible task with the myriad of titles out there that cater to their specific areas of interest. Fishing and hunting magazines abound, so instead of trying to narrow down the perfect fishing reel, get a magazine subscription instead - you'll save yourself a lot of frustration, and they'll appreciate the entertaining and educational gift.

Most online sellers of magazine subscriptions today provide the option of printing out a gift card or having one mailed, so when the time comes to present your "gift", simply place the magazine gift card inside the birthday card, or wrap it up and place under the Christmas tree. It's a great way to let the recipient know of the coming gift.

Next time a birthday or other special occasion rolls around, don't spend hours trudging aimlessly through the mall or department store searching for a gift - simply visit one of the dozens of online magazine sellers and pick out a title that caters to the specific interests of that special person. With a few clicks of the mouse and a few taps on the keyboard, your shopping will be done!