With the holidays just around the corner, many people are wracking their brains, trying to think of the perfect gifts for every person on their list. It can be hard to find gifts that convey the right emotional tone and that the recipient will enjoy. Here, then, are tips to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Friend, Family or Colleague?

First, write down the name of every person for whom you’d like to (or are obligated to) buy a gift. Next, give each person a rating on a scale of one to five, depending on how close they are to your intimate inner circle. If it helps, draw a series of five concentric circles, with the center circle representing those who know your dreams and aspirations and experience your joys and tribulations as they happen. The outer circle represents those people who may not know the “real” you, such as your boss or a business associate. There may be people on your list, such as your child’s teacher, who isn’t close to you, but who has made a tremendous difference in your child’s life. Even though she may not know you well, you might decide to put her name in the second circle.

The reason for this exercise is to keep things in perspective when choosing gifts. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping, and select an inappropriately intimate gift for someone to whom you’re not that close. Rating each person can seem calculating, but it will prevent you from buying lingerie for your pastor’s wife!

Practical vs. Whimsical

The next step is deciding which people on your list would enjoy practical gifts, which would appreciate whimsical gifts, and which could go either way. So, put a “P” (for “practical”), a “W” (for “whimsical”), or a “PW” (for “practical or whimsical”) next to each name. Women who are practical might enjoy a handbag or a blender, while those who are whimsical would appreciate jewelry and painted glass. Those who straddle the fence might find leather goods appealing, since they’re both practical and luxurious.

The man who’s whimsical might enjoy any number of personal electronics, such as a gaming system or DVD player. A practical man who’s into cars, on the other hand, would appreciate a car alarm or even automotive parts. A man with a foot planted in both camps might enjoy something like a radar detector, a headset, or a telephone.

The Zen of Shopping

When you have many people on your gift list, it’s important to keep yourself from getting caught up in shopping mania - going to the mall and grabbing whatever’s available. Now that you have a list that has helped you define your relationships and determined the kinds of gifts each person might enjoy, why not take your time and shop online? Online mega malls have tens of thousands of items that would make perfect gifts. Best of all, they’re often available at wholesale prices and the online stores can dropship them in a matter of a few days. No hassles, no worries, and your holiday shopping is complete!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Three Steps to Perfect Gifts or Majon’s Gifts and Collectibles directory.

Share This

It’s always a challenge to find the perfect gift for that friends, family members, and co-workers, but by following these ABCs, you won’t go wrong!

Automotive - Most men love cars - especially fast cars. Why not buy the man in your life automotive parts that will get his engine humming - or a radar detector that will keep him from being caught!

Baubles - Whether you’re buying for a little girl or a grown woman, gifts that shine and sparkle are sure to be a big hit!

Choices - Sometimes, the best solution for the hard-to-buy for person is a gift certificate. Let your recipients choose the perfect gifts!

Digital Camera - If your recipient is still using a film camera or throwaway cameras, it’s time to drag them into the 21st century and into the digital age!

Electronics - There are a zillion choices when it comes to personal electronics. Surely your recipient would welcome any one of a number of electronic gifts.

Flea Market - If you’re shopping on a budget, a flea market can be a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts at bargain prices.

Garments - If you know your gift recipient’s sense of style, apparel is always a great gift. Whether it’s a cozy sweater or a supple pair of gloves, garments are sure to be appreciated.

Handbag - There’s nothing more exquisite than a wonderful purse. Depending on the recipient’s taste a small clutch for the evening or a funky knapsack for daytime may be the perfect gift.

IPod - iPods can be pricey, but iPod accessories are both fun and affordable.

Jewelry - Whether she admits it or not, every woman loves jewelry. From costume pieces to precious stones, jewelry always makes for the perfect gift.

Key Chains - Key chains are just one of many kinds of gifts that can be personalized with a photo or with your recipient’s name. Monogrammed and personalized gifts are always in style.

Linens - A beautiful tablecloth with matching napkins or a set of fluffy bath sheets always make a wonderful gift.

Movies - Add to your gift recipient’s DVD collection by selecting movies starring his or her favorite celebrities.

Never - Never make the mistake of buying for someone else the gift that you would like to receive. Spend some time thinking about their preferences and hobbies, and you can’t go wrong.

Outdoors - Many people don’t purchase outdoor items for themselves, so why not do it for them? A great doormat, outdoor thermostat, or garden accessory makes a terrific gift.

Pets - Pets have feelings too, so be sure to remember them on gift giving occasions. A snazzy collar or a special bag of treats will set tails to wagging.

Query - If you can’t come up with a gift idea, ask the people closest to the recipient. They’re sure to offer helpful suggestions.

Ribbon - Spending a little time and creativity wrapping your gift makes it all the more special. Use raffia instead of ribbon, comic pages instead of paper, or clear cellophane to bundle your gift.

Sales - Do your gift shopping in bulk. Find online stores that have sales or everyday discounts, and save while you shop.

Telephone - Today, everyone is permanently hitched to his or her cell phone. Cell phone accessories make wonderful gifts.

Unbelievable - Some of the most unbelievable shopping bargains can be found online.

Video Game - Surely, someone on your gift list is a gamer, so why not get the video game - or gaming system - they’ve been longing for?

Wholesale - There’s nothing wrong with buying great gifts at a bargain! Look online for opportunities to buy gifts at wholesale prices.

Xciting - Special occasions are exciting. When you show up to a celebration with your gift, make sure you also show up with a festive attitude!

Yo-Yo - Children aren’t the only ones who appreciate opening a package and finding a toy inside. For adults, think retro toys that trigger childhood memories.

Zebra - Everyone has a wild side, so buy a gift that features an animal print.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about The ABCs of Buying Gifts or Majon’s Gifts and Collectibles directory

Share This