What's the best thing about Christmas? Getting presents!
What's the worst thing about Christmas? Having to buy presents!
Penny's Christmas gift to Sheldon clip from The Big Bang Theory
(The Big Bang Theory - -A little background... Earlier in the episode, Sheldon planned to have multiple presents ready for Penny so he could give her a present equal in value to the one she gave him. This is how it turned out...)
Choosing the perfect present can be hard, stressful and the last thing you want to do if you are stuck in queues, trying to find parking and under pressure. Don't become another stressed out, wild-eyed shopper -why not consider buying some (or all) of your presents locally. This should save you from a lot of those hassles and you can sit relax & have a coffee, have lunch with a friend or pamper yourself in the time it would take you to drive somewhere else to do your shopping. If you had to drive to Galway or Westport from Clifden you can factor in an hour each way so that gives you two spare hours to relax and do something for yourself & think of the savings on petrol or diesel!!
So here's a few tips on choosing that perfect Christmas Present so that you don't experience any of these replies when your presents are being opened!!
Develop a list.
Even Santa has a list ....making a list keeps you focused and saves you from last minute panic buying.
Ask for a list or listen to hints!
Get whoever you are buying for to make a wish list or pay attention to what what they are talking about if you steer the conversation around to gift buying. This is especially good for kids if you are not sure what toys, interests they have.
Shop around
Have a look around your local shops and see what they have. Some great offers now in local businesses for the next few weeks & you can build up some ideas of what you want to buy. Chat to your local retailers and they will be able to give you advice. Some even have Christmas Clubs to help you spread the cost of Christmas! We will post some gift ideas for local shops over the next couple of weeks!
Work out a budget
Having a budget is very important & be realistic about it. The perfect present doesn't have to cost a lot of money. and with a bit of thought and imagination you will show you considered the person when buying the present. Sticking to a budget means that you won't be overspending and stressing about getting into a financial mess.
Think about person you are buying for
Some people are very fussy about presents (save the receipt!!) Remember Rachel in Friends who always returned all her presents while others are thankful that you have thought about them at all.
What kind of present?
Don’t give something you want the person to have, give something they want to have. After all if the present ends up in the the back of a cupboard it's a waste of your time & money and shows that you didn't really consider the person when buying it. Are they a practical person or would they like something they would never buy for themselves.
What does the person like?
What interests, tastes or hobbies do they have? Find the real passion of the person and buy a gift to suit that.
It's the thought that counts
But only if you have thought about it! Do a bit of research online, in magazines and see what they suggest as presents under various themes and then apply that knowledge to what is available in your local area!
Don't leave it until the last minute!
Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given--when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes. -Joan Winmill Brown
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