Christmas gift tips and ideas

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Christmas gifts for one and all

Let’s face it, after October first, time has a way of moving very quickly and Christmas will be here before you know it. So start your shopping now.

When the big day finally does arrive, there’s no telling what will be under the tree, except the variety of wrapped items will be wide-ranging, since Santa must come up with something for everyone. With this in mind, here are some ideas to consider when shopping for Christmas gifts for all those special people on your list.

Make it a bottle of champagne or an elegant bottle of wine for your party host. Now, with the advent of new laws, you can go online and order wine and have it shipped directly to you (or another lucky recipient). Or, you could even bring the wine and a wine rack to make a great present. At least, after the wine is consumed, your host will still have the rack to remember your thoughtfulness!

It’s important to plan early, shop early and shop wisely because when most people are rushing to buy Christmas gifts at the last minute, the tendency is to forget budgets. The Internet can save you, not only precious time, but also precious money.

Although there are many who can say, “Price is no object”, there are many more to whom price has to be an important consideration. By shopping early and comparing prices, you can make your budget go further. Make a budget, then make your list and assign a dollar figure to each name on your list. It may sound cold and calculating, but if you’re on a tight budget, it’s the way to go. You’ll be surprised at how good your list of Christmas gifts is beginning to look.

If you do your pre-shopping now, you’ll be able to put together a concise list for your Christmas gifts that is both budget friendly and people friendly. By doing this, you will avoid that typical last minute frenzied buying that inevitable results in spending too much for gifts that aren’t exactly what the recipients wanted

For Dads (and Moms, too) who spend a lot of time in the car, think about getting a satellite radio, with hundreds of stations to choose from. They might be a little pricy, but just think of how much your parents have spent on you over the years!

Always keep in mind that you don’t have to strain your credit card to find good gadget gifts for technically inclined friends and family. Go online now and scout out the prices offered in online electronics catalogs and other gift catalog sites. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Don’t give up on giving a gift of fashion if you don’t know which designers the woman in your life prefers. You can still provide a fashionable gift – the solution: accessories; from scarves to handbags and from belts to fanny packs, you can find the ideal accessory gift for any woman on your list. They’re popular, and you don’t have to worry about fit,

Also consider gift certificates for facials, massages, and even cooking lessons (be careful not to infer she can’t cook). There are so many Christmas gifts for women available online that you will not have to leave your home to complete your shopping your list. Of course, this is true for men’s gifts as well. ~Did you know that according to some psychologists, picking out Christmas gifts for loved ones can be the season’s most nerve-wracking ritual? So much stress is involved in finding that “perfect gift” that the joy of the holidays is often overshadowed. And that’s not what the holidays are about and that’s why it is so important to plan early and not to panic. This is a happy time for the year and your shopping experience should be fun, not stress inducing!

As stated above, one of the best ways to plan early is to go online. Your choices are so numerous—online jewelry catalogs, gardening catalogs, collectibles, personalized Christmas gifts, and the list goes on and on. Take time to consider for whom you’re buying and what their likes and dislikes are. The dollar amount you spend is not important to loved ones. As the saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” With sufficient time you can narrow in on the categories you want to search.

Of course, family members aren’t the only ones you have to consider when compiling your list for Christmas gifts. There are business associates, teachers, bus drivers, neighbors. And, this list can go on and on, too! Pare it down to those you really think belong on your list.

What’s really neat about shopping online is that you can have Christmas gifts sent directly to those with whom you won’t be spending the holidays, or to yourself if you want to give the gift in person. And, you can have them gift wrapped also—usually at a small, extra charge. Speaking of gift wrapping, there are many online sources for your supplies of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, gift cards and all the accoutrements for dazzling packages to place under the tree.

So, don’t let the holidays get you down. Don’t become another stressed out, wild-eyed shopper that gets caught in the revolving doors of traditional retail establishments. Take a deep breath, relax (if you can) and take the plunge into the vast shopping mall of the Internet for all your Christmas gifts. Just thinking about the time (and usually the money) saved should bring a big smile to your face.

Words of caution – make certain that when you are ordering online you are ordering from a reputable merchant with a secure site. Check to see that the security symbol is displayed.

Happy Holidays! Did you know that according to some psychologists, picking out Christmas gifts for loved ones can be the season’s most nerve-wracking ritual? So much stress is involved in finding that “perfect gift” that the joy of the holidays is often overshadowed. And that’s not what the holidays are about and that’s why it is so important to plan early and not to panic. This is a happy time for the year and your shopping experience should be fun, not stress inducing!

Words of caution – make certain that when you are ordering online you are ordering from a reputable merchant with a secure site. Check to see that the security symbol is displayed.

Happy Holidays!