If you’re used to your partner handling the Christmas shopping and now find yourself needing to buy gifts for friends and family, don’t panic. Here are some tips to make shopping easier, along with gift ideas for children.
General Gift Shopping Tips:
- Shop Online: Save time and avoid the crowds by shopping online. Most high street stores, supermarkets, and even small businesses now have user-friendly websites where you can easily browse and purchase gifts. Many offer gift-wrapping services and direct shipping to recipients, making the process even more convenient.
- Buy Gift Vouchers: Don’t see vouchers as a cop-out. Many people, especially young adults, appreciate the flexibility to choose their own gifts. Vouchers ensure that they get something they truly want, avoiding the risk of getting it wrong.
- Avoid Clothes: Clothing sizes and styles can vary greatly, making it tricky to pick out the perfect item. To avoid any awkwardness or the disappointment of an unworn gift, opt for vouchers instead. However, jewellery can be a great option—just discuss the recipient’s age and style preferences with a jeweller.
- Books: A visit to a bookshop or browsing an online book retailer like Amazon can solve many gift dilemmas. Books cater to all ages and interests, making them thoughtful and versatile presents.
- Go for the Unusual: Gifts don’t have to be enjoyed immediately. Consider experiences like cinema, theatre, or concert tickets, a day out, a beauty treatment session, or even a tour of a local sports stadium. These gifts create memories and give the recipient something to look forward to.
- DIY Gifts: If you’re on a budget, consider making gifts. Homemade cakes, sweets, pickles, or even crafts like candles or painted pictures are often more appreciated than expensive store-bought items. The personal touch goes a long way.
Gift Ideas for Children and Teens:
- Gift Vouchers: For teenagers, clothing vouchers are a safe bet—never buy clothes unless they’ve specified exactly what they want. The wrong size or style can lead to major disappointment. Personalise the voucher by including it in a special card, perhaps with a photo of the two of you together.
- Ask for a Wish List: If you want to buy a specific gift, ask your child to make a wish list. This way, you can choose something you know they’ll love. Coordinate with your ex to avoid duplicate gifts, and always keep the receipt just in case. For young children, choose bright, interactive toys, avoiding small parts for those under three. Activity-based gifts like art sets, construction kits, or jewellery making kits are great for keeping them engaged.
- Unique Finds: For older children, consider gifts related to their favourite pop or film star, like a signed print or poster. Shop online including the official website for their favourite person.
- Small Surprises: Younger children love the thrill of unwrapping multiple small gifts. Consider filling a box with shredded paper and tucking in little treats like soap, perfume, pens, glitter, sweets, and magazines. Wrap the box, and let them enjoy the fun of discovering each item.
- Memorable Experiences: For older teenagers, consider giving an experience rather than a physical gift. Tickets to the cinema, theatre, or a concert, an activity day like kart racing, or a beauty treatment can create lasting memories. Just make sure to check their availability before booking.
Budgeting and Final Thoughts:
If you’re on a tight budget, stick to it. It can be tempting to splurge on expensive gifts to outdo your ex, but it’s not worth the financial strain. Prioritise thoughtful, sentimental gifts over costly ones. Remember, the best gifts come from the heart, not from how much you spend.
