Lights brightening up the houses along the streets, children singing Christmas carols and malls overflowing with people shopping for Christmas presents are all that your five senses could, well, sense. It is impossible to not feel the Holiday season that at some point in time, you even find yourself smiling and singing along those happy tunes.

It certainly is the season to be jolly, not to mention the season to be giving. In today's world, love is not the only thing you can give. People buy well-thought of stuff to give to close friends. However, there will be instances when you are stuck in a rut, especially during office kris kringles, wherein you draw lots and pick out a piece of paper with one of your officemate's name on it. Lucky you if that person is also your good friend. But if not, you would have to think of something he or she would like, unless of course if you have the guts to ask him or her about what he or she would like to get. But then again, you are not allowed to spill whose name you have picked out.

So without further ado, here are some gift ideas you can give to your best friends or even to a person you barely know.

Intimate friends

1. Make them a scrapbook! But mind you, this could take days or even weeks to finish so you better start early. Thinking of the lay-out of each page can wear you out. You also have to gather pictures and decorations to be glued on the pages. So what are you waiting for?

2. You should really know this friend very well to be able to buy a dress or a shirt. Exact size and measurements are of prime importance. Besides that, your friend's style matters, too. If you don't know his or her size and measurements, you can just get him or her accessories. If your friend is a girl, make sure that both of her ear lobes have piercing before giving her earrings. And if you want to see your friend wearing the accessories, make sure it's wearable and not for special occasions only.

3. Giving a pet would be very thoughtful of you except that you have to make sure that your friend could live with it. Ask questions to yourself, like, "If I am him or her, do I still have time to feed it everyday?"

4. A magazine subscription is a good idea. This way he or she can remember you the whole year round. Plus, you can choose over all the kinds of glossies available for every personality or hobby.

5. If you can give your friend jewelry, then you must have a lot of cash or you are just being overly affectionate. Authentic jewelry costs a lot and your friend can use it as an asset because the older it gets, the expensive it gets too.

Acquaintances

1. Kitchen or silverware is always a safe choice. Everyone needs them. Don't go overboard by giving your friend a whole set of casseroles in every shape and size. A spatula or wooden ladle could do wonders.

2. Comfy towels or even a set of pillow cases and bed sheet covers are good.

3. A tumbler or a mug for officemates is a nice one because you can see whether they are using it or not. But if they already have a tumbler or a mug, don't even bother.

4. Everyone can always use an oversized bag, especially if your co-worker is known to be very busy. He or she can just dump it all in. Be wary of the design and color. You have to be observant to be able to pick out the perfect design.

5. A set of office supplies is something that he or she can surely use. Plus, you are helping him or her make his or her life a bit more organized. You can add in a set of multi-colored post-its that he or she can use for reminders.