Hello my lovelies! With Christmas in just 11 days, you may be thinking about your gift list. Some people are very easy to shop for, while others take a little more time and thought. In today’s post, I’m sharing 7 questions to help you find the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list.
Read on for 7 questions to help you find the perfect Christmas gift.
1. What is your budget for Christmas gifts?
First, take a look at your budget. Make a list of all the people you plan to buy gifts for, and assign a dollar amount to each. Tally up the total, and ensure that it will fit into your monthly budget. I typically spread out my Christmas buying over September-December to make it easier on my budget.
Now, you have to be realistic. If you have a part-time job at Burger King, you can’t afford to buy AirPods for anyone on your list. But you could afford to buy a Tim’s gift card, a pair of fun socks, or an inexpensive book. Your gifts should be in proportion to your income. Gift giving is about showing your appreciation for people, not trying to prove your worth or disposable income.
Also, your budget per person will depend on your relationship as well, and what you typically give each other. For example, a friend should likely have a smaller gift than your siblings or spouse.
If you start with the budget, this will simplify your Christmas shopping decisions!
2. What do they enjoy doing?
Ask yourself what the person is passionate about. What gets them excited? What will you find them doing on the weekends? A sports fan might like a ball cap or t-shirt for their favourite team. If they are a coffee lover, pick up a bag of locally roasted coffee. Someone who loves reading might enjoy a book by a favorite author or a gift card to a bookstore. Start with what they enjoy, and you’ll find lots of Christmas gift ideas.
3. What is their love language?
If you have read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, then you are familiar with the concept of love languages. A love language is the default way that a person expresses love. If you can guess what the person’s love language is, you can find a better gift for them. Here are some hints for how to apply the different love languages.
- Gifts: Focus on tangible items that the person can enjoy over and over.
- Quality time: Give a gift that provides the opportunity for quality time. For example, you could give a restaurant gift card or tickets to an event they can attend with their spouse.
- Physical touch: Give coupons (or gift certificates) for a hand massage or pedicure. Or try a fuzzy blanket.
- Words of affirmation– Write them a poem, a song, or letter that honours them, and frame it.
- Acts of service- Print some coupons for chores, babysitting, graphic design, or another skill you have.
4. What type of Christmas gifts do they give?
Confession: I am a book lover. In my mind, the problem is not that we have too many books. The problem is that we don’t have enough bookshelves!
Because I love books so much, I also LOVE giving people books for birthdays and Christmas.
Think back to any gifts you have seen this person give others. Do those gifts have any common patterns or themes? They may give you a hint as to what the person values most.
5. What brands/stores do they love?
If you know that they love a certain brand or store, you could buy a gift card. This gift idea is quick and easy- especially if it happens to be December 24 and you’re still shopping!
6. Would they prefer an experience or a physical Christmas gift?
If you’re buying for a minimalist person, they want to keep their home as clutter-free as possible. So they will only keep items they truly love. For them, an experience-based item would be a much better choice. For example, they might love a cooking class or an adventure (white-water rafting, sailing, etc.)
On the other hand, some people are collectors. They have dozens or hundreds of cookbooks, cats, spoons, etc. This type of person would love another one to add to their collection!
7. Do you have more time or money to spare?
If you have more money than time, focus on purchasing items. You can support local artisans and businesses as you do so.
On the other hand, if you have more time than money, lean towards making your gifts. Bake cookies or another homemade treat. Sew satin pillowcases. Knit a pair of cozy socks. You can read this post for more DIY ideas:
10 Budget-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas
Let’s Chat:
Who is the hardest person to shop for on your list? And what do you like to get for hard-to-shop-for people? I think good quality chocolate is one of the easiest gifts for them! (My dad has certainly gotten a lot of it over the years.) Share your thoughts in the comment section!
p.s. Some of the items in this post are affiliate links. I only post about products that I love + think you’ll probably love, too! As an Amazon Associate or affiliate for other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you SO much for your support!