Work out what they want for Christmas

Stalk on social

If you were buying for Maria von Trapp then you’d be set – you can get bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens almost anywhere. But if you’re less confident about your loved one’s favourite things, then look for hints online. All you have to do is simply take a look at their Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest accounts. Check their latest status updates and what they’ve liked and/or pinned to get some hints into what they’d love to receive. TV shows, movies, singers/bands and hobbies should be easy enough to find.

Solicit info on the sly

Talk around the subject of gifts, but never directly ask questions about what they want. Our personal trick is to start talking about what you want for Christmas (or what you don’t want) and that way it gets the conversation going. Usually the more you divulge, the more they’ll tell in return. This should be one of your last resorts – they’ll let their opinions flow and you can gauge what they would/wouldn’t like when suggesting presents for a “friend”. The drawback of this is when you give it to them – they’ll remember telling you their opinion about it so they won’t be as surprised.

Focus on their passions

What was their new year’s resolution? What have they always wanted to do? Are there any fears they’d like to conquer? Christmas is the perfect time to push some boundaries and give them a gift or experience that will excite, challenge or scare them (in the best possible way!). The most valuable presents don’t always come from a store or fit in a gift-wrapped box. If you get them a gift that you can do together – then what you’re really giving them is quality time. And just quietly, that means you get a gift too! It’s a win-win!