| v> | | | | homemade scarf or quilt will keep a loved only |
| | | | warm and snuggly all winter long. |
| Don't let the stress of Christmas shopping get | | | | 5. Encourage an interest — Know a wine |
| you down! Follow these tips for holiday gift | | | | enthusiast? Give them a wine kit. Know |
| giving. | | | | someone who wants to learn how to tango? |
| Finding the right Christmas or holiday gift for | | | | Enroll them in lessons. Once you know |
| everyone on your list can be tricky, not to | | | | someone’s interests, the possibilities are |
| mention stressful. So here are some handy tips | | | | limitless. Probe to see what the people on your |
| that will help make your seasonal shopping simple | | | | list are in to. |
| and stress-free: | | | | 6. Certified smiles — Gift certificates allow |
| 1. It is the thought that counts — Put | | | | everyone on your list to treat themselves to |
| some thought into each gift so it matches the | | | | anything from a night at the movies to a day at |
| tastes of each recipient. We can be so rushed | | | | the spa. They also save you time spent shopping |
| and stressed that we just run around the store | | | | and wrapping while reducing clutter. |
| throwing things in the shopping cart. Putting | | | | 7. It’s great to delegate — Some |
| thought into gifts is part of the joy of giving. | | | | stores feature personal shopping services, |
| Everyone will appreciate it, and appreciate you | | | | offering gift advice for everyone on your list |
| more for it. | | | | based on their personalities and tastes. Do not be |
| 2. Bright and early — Start your shopping | | | | stubborn, insisting on doing everything on your |
| early with a set deadline. It’s best to go | | | | own! Make shopping easy on you. |
| early in the day and at the start of the week | | | | 8.Get online — many retailers have |
| when fewer shoppers are out. This will make | | | | websites that allow you to shop at any hour from |
| your day seem longer and you will have more | | | | the comfort of your home. This is great for |
| time to run errands during business hours, as | | | | individuals who have a hard time making it to the |
| well. | | | | mall or work irregular hours. You don’t |
| 3. The perfect getaway — Plan a day or | | | | even have to dig your car out of a snowbank! |
| weekend getaway with a friend that includes a | | | | 9.Give an upgrade — Make that |
| visit to a museum or gallery for unique gift | | | | can’t-live-without-it’ item even |
| ideas. Treating a loved one to something special | | | | better. Buy the new version of a popular video |
| such as a day at the spa or a golf weekend is a | | | | game or computer program, or upgrade someone |
| great way to enjoy planning a present later. It | | | | from a CD player to an MP3. Add memory or |
| will be a big surprise when they open their | | | | space to the family computer. |
| present to only find details of treat you have | | | | 10.Don’t top up’ — Giving |
| planned for them. | | | | gifts is about finding the right present, not how |
| 4. Get creative — Have a knack for crafts | | | | much you spend. So resist the temptation to |
| or culinary delights? Why not buy some supplies | | | | buy that extra gift just to make someone |
| and make something special for someone | | | | happy. Don’t worry about being fair and |
| special? Homemade soup or bread can be a | | | | giving everyone something of equal value or the |
| special healthy treat this busy time of year. A | | | | same number of gifts. |