A guide to help you master the art of gift-giving this Christmas

With Christmas around the corner, the time to start planning and thinking about gifts for loved ones and friends is now. Whether you're a seasoned gift-giver or someone who tends to wait until the last minute, the task of choosing the perfect gift can feel daunting.

However, with a little thought and creativity, you can select memorable and meaningful gifts.

A personal touch

Personalised gifts always stand out for the simple reason that they show you have put some thought into your present. It can be anything big or small, below are some examples of personalised presents. The thoughtfulness of a gift shows that you care about the recipient's individuality, making them feel truly considered and cared for.

Ideas for personalised gifts

• Engraving a special message on a piece of jewellery
• Creating a photo album filled with memories and beautiful moments
• Custom name puzzles for kids
• Towels, bags, or robes with their names on them
• Custom portraits of their pets

We all want to give presents that will be treasured forever. Flowers or chocolates are quickly forgotten, but by personalising, your gift can last forever as a token of love.

Fun in the sun

The best present doesn't have to be something physical, it can be an experience. Giving the gift of a memory can be an alternative to material things.

Ideas for some fun experiences

• Wine and cheese tasting experience
• Music concert tickets or theatre shows
• A cooking, pottery or art class
• A weekend away to a meaningful destination (perhaps one of the happiest countries in the world)
• A fun escape room challenge for the whole family

A gift experience is just as thoughtful as something they can hold in their hand, but you are guaranteed it will never be regifted or end up in a bin somewhere.

Passionate gifts

When you think about the recipient's hobbies and passions, you will find ideas for the perfect gift. Ask yourself, "What do they love to do in their free time? What activities make them light up?"

Common hobby gift ideas

• A gourmet cookbook or some unique kitchen gadget for the foodie
• New workout gear, fitness tracking watch, or even a yoga mat for the fitness fanatic
• Lovely books to read, or even an e-reader for the bookworm
• A durable backpack, water bottle set, or any travel accessories for the adventurer
• Sketchbook, paint set, or craft kit for the aspiring artist

The gift that keeps on giving

Subscription services are a fun and versatile choice if you are still deciding what to get. You can get a subscription for almost everything, from gourmet snack boxes and wine to beauty products and books.

Subscription gift ideas

• Monthly subscription to a book club
• Craft beer subscription
• Grooming boxes
• Spotify, Netflix or Disney+ streaming subscriptions
• Meal box subscriptions

DIY Gifts

Heartfelt and homemade gifts add a personal touch, almost like personalised gifts. The only difference is that stores can’t match them. It can be a knitted scarf, a hand-painted coffee mug, or even a batch of their favourite homemade cookies.

Homemade gift ideas

• Hand-knitted scarves, hats, mittens, and blankets
• Homemade candles and lovely scented soap
• A memory jar filled with their favourite snacks and items
• Hand-painted ornaments or pottery
• Baked cakes, jams, or cookies

Practical gifts

Often, the most appreciated gifts are those that are practical and useful. Take the time to consider items that will make your loved one's daily life a little easier and more enjoyable.

Gift ideas with a twist

• A comfortable blanket or a nice throw for their favourite chair
• High-tech headphones and some wireless chargers for their devices
• Smart speakers or automatic lights for the house
• A purse organiser
• Neck and back massager to relieve daily stress

Holiday-inspired gifts

Fun and festive gifts will get you into the Christmas spirit. From Christmas-themed decorations to fluffy winter accessories, there are many ways to celebrate Christmas with gifts that spread cheer.

Christmas is a time steeped in tradition, where we find comfort in the familiar. These presents tap into the nostalgia, allowing you to remember cherished memories of past holidays.

Festive gift ideas

• Christmas-themed mugs, plates, bowls or bedding
• Holiday-scented candles or some festive bath bombs
• Christmas pyjamas, socks, and festive-inspired t-shirts
• DIY gingerbread house kits
• A romantic Christmas movie night with candles, snacks, wine, and a comfy blanket

While Christmas-themed gifts are associated with close friends and family, they can also serve as a token of appreciation for colleagues and neighbours.

Secret Santa

Participating in a Secret Santa? Or are you buying gifts on a tight budget? We've got you covered. Many affordable gift options are available, but thoughtfulness means something other than expensive.

Budget-friendly ideas

• A pretty plant or succulent in a beautiful pot
• A homemade cookie jar
• Fun socks
• Self-defense keychain

Choosing the perfect gift

Now that we have an idea of gifts to give to the people in our lives, we will look at how you can choose the perfect gift. When choosing the perfect gift, you need to follow these simple tips.

• Know the person – Think about their preferences and consider their personality and tastes.
• Set a budget – Christmas gifts don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. Stick to your budget and be creative.
• Consider the experience – Christmas is about the connection and memories. Choosing a gift where you can spend time together will go a long way.
• Make it personal – Selecting a present related to their passions shows your effort, making it more special.

Must-have presents for Christmas

Let’s get to the fun part. Let’s look at some items that are popular gifts, unwanted presents, the biggest gifts in history and the most expensive presents to give this holiday season.

Popular gifts

• Clothing – 56%
• Gift Cards – 44%
• Toys – 37%
• Books – 31%
• Video Games – 31%
• Food – 29%

The unwanted gift

The most unwanted presents people receive are cufflinks, soap on a rope and diet plans. A study consisting of 2,000 adults found that 75% receive up to seven gifts each year that they do not want. Friends, children and colleagues are labelled as the worst for giving presents.

Expensive gifts around the world

• Diamonds are rated among the most expensive gifts
• A plane ticket to another country
• A getaway cruise to an exotic island
• The luxury of a house
• A brand-new car

The biggest gift in history

The Statue of Liberty, unveiled on 28 October 1886, remains the largest Christmas gift ever. France gifted the statue to the United States, making it the world's largest gift.

While Christmas is getting close, there is still time to get into the spirit and source the perfect gift for your loved ones. At the end of the day, Christmas is more than presents. It is about love and thoughtfulness.