I will admit that I do not enjoy the festive season and would prefer to ignore it but I have whipped up a basic gift giving survival guide. Take a deep breath, grab a pen and paper and write your gift guide. Write a list of everyone you have to buy for, the amount you want to spend on them and fill in the gift once it’s chosen. You could easily do a spreadsheet instead!
Don’t let the holidays stress your pocket, set limits and stick to them. My side of the Ask family do not exchange gifts, so it was easy to have a chat with my friends and stop exchanging gifts there too. Don’t forget that setting a limit, having themed holiday (everyone buys only books or technology or a food gift) or having a Secret Santa can bring costs down.
I keep gold and silver gift wrap and gold, silver and black ribbon at all times, with extra at Christmas. It makes life easy because everything matches and its great for all occasions. I hate having a huge pile of gift wrap from every occasion getting ruined in the back of the cupboard. I keep a few gifts on hand for emergencies, especially at Christmas time when I tend to keep a couple of gift vouchers in case I receive an unplanned gift.
It can be hard to buy for people when you don’t know them well or have a small budget. I’ve tried to include something for everyone. If you get stuck don’t forget the Ask Sarah Brownies in a Jar with free label, you’ll find all you need here.
I have kept this aimed at adults as I find that kids are usually very keen to tell you what they want! I’ve included some suggested websites so you can click and grab rather than face the shopping crowds.
Homewares like bedlinen, towels, glassware or dinner sets and small appliances. Find local sales at www.lasoo.com.au/
iPads, iPods and cool accessories for them from www.apple.com/au/
Gadgets of all kinds. If iPads, iPods and their accessories aren’t enough, try www.thinkgeek.com/
Nice stationary from typoshop.com.au/ or www.smiggle.com.au/
Hampers, homemade or bought, these guys have a great wine selection too www.alittleluxury.com.au/
Accessories and bags – Tons to choose from with www.diva.net.au and www.mimco.com.au
Experience package vouchers from www.redballoon.com.au/
A charity donation www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au/
Books, movies and games – www.amazon.com
Subscription to a newspaper or magazine, www.magshop.com.au/
Wine or spirits with appropriate glasses www.danmurphys.com.au
Gift vouchers – all kinds can be bought from www.giftvouchers.com
Voucher for a home cooked lunch or dinner in the new year. You will find a simple template here free www.uniquevouchers.com
Kitchenware and gourmet gadgets can be found at www.kitchenwaredirect.com.
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