Christmas Gift Ideas

These Christmas gift ideas might reveal the perfect gift or spark an idea of your own.

One of the biggest stressors of the holiday season is the shopping. We have to shop for food, for decorations, party supplies, and the big one: gifts. After all the other shopping we do between thanksgiving and New Years gift shopping can be the biggest hassle. You spend months racking your brains for that perfect gift then can’t find it…ANYWHERE!

Make It Easier

Here are a few tips, including gift ideas, that will make the gift shopping easier this year.

Set a spending limit. This is vital unless you like the funny palpitations surprise bank statements or credit card bills tend to induce. Trust me no one is going to think any less of you for doing your shopping on a budget. If they do then you might want to question why exactly it is you include them on your list anyway.

Make a list. Like the head honcho of Christmas shopping himself, you should make a list and check it two or three times. Make sure each person you will give to is on the list. Be sure the items you choose are not above your spending limit. When you go out shopping, buy what is on the list and on the list only. One of the easiest ways over buy is impulse purchases. If the item is not on your list, but happens to truly be perfect, bump another item from the list.

Bargains are your secret friend. One tendency that needs to be rooted out is the feeling that you must spend a certain amount per gift. Where did that idea come from? It is silly. If you find a gorgeous cashmere sweater on sale for 50% off, there is no need to spend the amount you saved on supplemental gifts. All this does is absorb funds and create unnecessary additional shopping. The sweater is enough. Don’t feel guilty for not spending a certain amount; instead feel savvy for finding a smashing gift for a price that leaves a little something for a rainy day.

Start early. New flash: Christmas, and other gift giving occasions, occur on the same day every year. Why is that so many people are rushing frantically to the 24-hour Christmas Eve last chance sales? Unless you like the challenge and stress of doing your shopping with huge crowds of desperate and rabid shoppers, get it done early. The rational of ‘the sales are better if you wait’ just doesn’t make any sense. Why take the risk that you may not have the time or selection to find what you really need? If you start early enough you can bargain shop much more effectively than if you wait to zero hour when the need to get something, anything eclipses all other concerns.

Shop online. Avoid the crowds and stores altogether and shop in your bunny slippers in the comfort of your own home. A few things you will avoid by staying home: fighting for parking, lost crying children, sharp elbowed fellow shoppers or less than helpful store clerks. A few of the pro’s virtual storefronts have to offer: savings in gas, many online stores have free shipping offers, special web only sales and offers, and perhaps the biggest advantage of all shopping and shipping to distant relatives without going to the post office yourself. Don’t forget the list.

Speaking of the list. Below are just a few ideas to make your gift getting easier.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Baby

Clothes
Fun bath time accessories
Hangers
Blankets
Gift certificate for photos

Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids 18 months -2 years

Toys that light up for the toddler, sound control that turns off for the parents
Shoes with lights
Baby Einstein videos
Sturdy books cardboard books with peek-a-boo flaps
Blocks

Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids 3-5

Favorite character toys (classics include army guys, animals and family figurines)
Stuffed toy
Books with sound effects
Puzzles
Coloring books

Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids 6-9

Light sabers
Transformers
Barbie
Tea set
Posters for wall of room

Christmas Gift Ideas for Tweens 10-13

Venus fly trap
Tad poles
Manicure set
Microphone
Zack and Cody or Hannah Montana video/tapes

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens 13-18

Music, gift cert for downloadable tunes
Gift certificate for Netflix
Video games
Ipod
Gift cert for clothes

Christmas Gift Ideas for Grown and Single Adults

Food
A tank of gas!
Bubble bath and nice lotions
Single Magazine about known hobby
Silly putty

Christmas Gift Ideas for Mom

Pedicure (at the salon)
Coupon for cooking meals or dinner’s ready gift certificate
Chocolate, go for the good stuff here
New game to play as family
Chick flick (classics are great fun)

Christmas Gift Ideas for Dad

Hobby supplies (fishing tackle, golf balls)
Tickets to attend sporting event
Magazine subscription
CD, or book on tape for commute
Massage

Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandpa

Video of grand kids
Shoe shine kit
Comfort foods be it smoked almonds or rocky mountain oysters
Movie tickets
Slippers

Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandma

Digital picture frame (pre loaded with photos)
Keepsake ornament for tree, engraved
Collection additions, for those collectors
Robe
Tickets to play or theater