Last Minute Christmas Gifts: Emergency Shopping Tips

Wow! Christmas is here already. You are only a few days away and you realize you have your entire gift list to buy for. Or perhaps you simply have not chosen the perfect gift for your lover, girlfriend/boyfriend, fiance or spouse. How do you buy the perfect gift for your lover? Maybe there are just a few people who have stumped you and you absolutely do not know what to buy. Also, maybe there is a surprise gift on your doorstep you did not expect and you want to return a gift. I have some ideas to help you in all of the above situations.

My family members have often told me the gifts I buy are the best. I say this not to offer myself kudos but rather to inform you that I take great pride and careful selection of the gifts I buy. Here are some tips to buy the perfect gift for the holidays:

First, consider whether or not this is a person you should buy for. There may be people you should add to your Christmas wishlist and their may be some people who you should subtract. Did you remember a gift for your grandma? Are you considering buying a gift for an acquaintance, neighbor or friend? Perhaps you should consider again. Buying a gift for someone may put undue pressure on your relationship. Although it is a gift, some people will feel the pressure to return the gift. Be sure to consider that giving a gift may put unnecessary pressure on a friendship. Are you buying a gift for a close friend? You may simply want to ask if you are doing a gift exchange this year. It may clear any confusion and relieve any pressure that might have been present.

Here are some great ideas for Christmas presents by categories:

Quick Gifts: These gifts can be quickly purchased and yet can show you gave the gift some thought. Some gift suggestions might be a gift card or certificate for a massage or spa. You can buy unique gift cards at places like Target. Note to guys everywhere: A girlfriend or wife may not appreciate a gift card unless specifically requested or you know for sure this is something she would like. Chances are she has access to you money anyhow! ;) Gift cards do not always show the type of thought your girlfriend or wife would want you to put into the present. The only time this rule might be broken would be if the gift certificate was for a massage, trip to the spa or perhaps a mall gift certifcate (especially if you promised to go with her to the mall with a smile on your face & you know she LOVES mall shopping and you don't.) In other words, although a friend who was recently engaged would LOVE a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant your girlfriend is more likely to appreciate a surprise date to her favorite restaurant where you already had her favorite flowers placed on the table by the maitre de and a limosine is waiting outside to take her to a theatre production.

Gifts for those you don't know well: Having a stack of gift cards, or fruit baskets, chocolates or popcorn tins can be a great gift when the unexpected gift need arises.

Gifts for Grandmas and Moms everywhere: Photos, Photos, Photos. You can make photo calendars online, photo books, photo mugs, an 8 x 10 of your family, photo sweaters and more! Some people just love to see your beautiful face!

Gifts for your wife: I know you were waiting for this one. A date like I mentioned above under quick gifts would be great. Jewlery is always appreciated although try to change up what you bought her from last year especially if she likes surprises. Here's an idea - ask for a list & then buy off of it. Simple but appreciated. Try your best to get a unique way to buy this gift. For instance if she requests a Christmas music CD and you have a great voice, you could have a Christmas CD created at a professional recording studio just for her. My best suggestion is Ask, Ask, Ask and if you are able to create a surprise twist to her request you can't go wrong.

Gifts for your husband: Flashlights, Tools, ToolBox, Gift Certificates to his favorite store or restaurant, my husband loved it when I wrapped junk food and placed it under the tree one year simply because I don't normally buy it (silly but true!), warm gloves, Some men like clothes and ties, others might appreciate a movie gift certificate with a promise to attend the movies. Many men would be perfectly happy if you simply buy exactly the item they specify on their Christmas wishlist. I have the most difficulty buying for men so perhaps you would be kind enough to post your own suggestions as comments to this article.

Whomever you buy for and whenever you need a gift, the above are some tips to get you started.