When you buy gifts simply because it is the time of year to give them, purchases tend to be rushed, dreaded, and ineffective. You will find that it is much more advantageous to buy a gift for someone right when you realize that person would like it, and save it for a time when gift-giving is expected.
No Stress Gift Shopping
For one thing, buying gifts throughout the year makes it much more likely that you will have less stress during the holidays. The less stress you have, the more you can enjoy the season and soak in the joy of its personal meaning for you. Stressless shopping also greatly increases the chances of buying a gift that will be extremely appreciated and enjoyed, rather than buying something that will be either returned or sold in a garage sale.
Buying gifts when you see them requires having a year-round mood of giving and the patience to wait until the time to give. You may be buying gifts at Easter or in the summer, but it is worth it to have ones that will be loved. Avoid getting mere gifts cards if you can, because while they are appreciated and liked, they are not fun or exciting to open/receive. Rather, go into a store that you would have bought the gift card in, and get something random. This will show that you know the genre of things the person likes, and that you have faith in your decision.
Where to Shop when You Don’t Know
If you don’t know what to get a person, but want to pretend that you know, ask some personality questions such as: Is this person cynical? Are they artistic? Religious? Extroverted? These kinds of questions can probe you to different styles of gifts. For example, a cynical person would probably enjoy de-motivational posters, a Far Side comic book, or Stephen Colbert merchandise. An artistic person, on the other hand, may enjoy studio supplies, a graphic design program, or something that looks odd/quirky. Be careful, though, about stereotyping. Don’t get a “religious” person a cross necklace. What if they don't like jewelry, or have ten different kinds of cross necklaces?
After asking yourself these questions, ask the person’s friends what shops they like. If you get a chance, look in that person’s room, find out what they have and don’t have, and what styles they are into (were your predictions correct?). New music is always a hit if you get the right style, and large music stores like Borders or Barns & Noble usually let you sample CDs to find out what they sound like. Clothes or accessories that are “just the right kind” are also well-liked.
Having the right approach to gift-shopping can reduce stress, increase your enjoyment of the holiday, and ensure a great present and a happy receiver.
