Your No-Nonsense, No-Stress Guide For Finding The Perfect Gift This Christmas

If there’s ever a time for overconsumption; it’s Christmas. Granted, we don’t have much choice – there’s gifts to buy, decorations to put up, events to attend, and money to be spent whichever way you look.

If you’re feeling jaded by the amount of presents to buy and how much of it is really just wasteful crap (sorry not sorry!), then here’s our no-stress gift guide with some tips to take the pressure off a little this year. 

Step one: Ignore social media

It’s unavoidable – Instagram will be hopping with stories showing off expensive items, living rooms flooded with gifts, and people tagging their friends to thank them for presents.
It’s a good time of year to remind yourself that what you see online isn’t always real; and that it quantity or the amount of money spent is not a measure of a good gift.

Step two: Self assess 

Tough few months financially? Feeling emotionally run down? Check in with yourself about what’s feasible this year. There’s no need to stretch your limits for the sake of a few unnecessary gifts. Christmas can take a real toll on our mental wellbeing and our pockets too, so if you aren’t feeling up to the task this season, that’s okay!

It’s the thought that counts, and the people you love won’t be fussed if their gifts aren’t super extravagant. 

Step three: Hold back

Repeat after me: not everyone you like needs a gift. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of gift giving, and feeling like you need to show your affection for everyone in the surrounding area. But there are lovely ways to show your appreciation without a gift.

A well timed call to check in or a thoughtful card can speak volumes. One of the best gifts is quality time – your presence is your present! Reach out to set a time for a hot chocolate and a catch up, a cosy cinema trip, or a wrapped-up walk. 

Step four: Alternative gifts

For the special people in your life who do you want to treat, why not try a homemade gift, or something a little creative? Creating a Spotify playlist is a super sentimental way to show you care, and you can print out the code and paste it into a card so they can scan it with their phone – adorable. Baked goods always go down a treat too.

If you’re crafty, you could paint a candle, knit a scarf or make a scrapbook of your favourite memories. The opportunities are endless!

Try the five gift rule 

Still struggling to find the perfect present? The Five Gift Rule consists of something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read and something to do. It’s also a great way to simplify the gift-giving process and make sure everyone gets at least one present they really want.

But before you fully commit to this gift rule, there are a few important steps to remember. Firstly, make sure you’re on the same page as your family and friends. Secondly, decide on a budget and stick to it! Remember to also get your shopping done early to avoid impulse buys and finally don’t be afraid to get creative.  

Something they want

This may sound obvious, but unless you have someone physically writing you a wish list in advance, it can be hard to figure out what to buy. Maybe it’s something your loved one has been hinting at for a while now but would never think of treating themselves to it. Or maybe they’ve mentioned it in passing. Try to also identify their interests; are they into music, travel, cooking etc. Keep an eye and ear out, and if you’re still struggling simply ask them!

Something they need

As you get older, you realise that practical and functional gifts really are the best. While an air fryer might have seemed like the worst gift to receive a few years back, now there’s nothing quite as exciting! This could also be anything from a new winter coat, a coffee maker or a hairdryer to new tupperware! 

Something to wear

Now, I’m not talking about that bulky jumper that your granny’s cousin knitted you when you were four years old (although I wouldn’t pass that up if it was going) but rather more along the lines of a piece of jewellery, a cosy scarf or a new pair of shoes. Why not hit up your local vintage or charity shop if your budget doesn’t allow for brand-new items? You never know what gems you might pick up!

Something to read

A book can be one of the most thoughtful presents to give a loved one and there really is no better time than Christmas to pick up a good novel and get reading. This could be anything from a bestseller to a cookbook or graphic novel to a biography. It’s also the perfect way to while away the time between Christmas and New Year’s.

Something to do

The aforementioned quality time really is important during this time of year. Having an event to look forward to can be a lovely gesture at Christmas, when ‘stuff’ is taking up half the room. This can be anything from tickets to a concert or play for you both to enjoy or booking a weekend spa trip or afternoon tea date. Better yet, why not plan out a surprise special day for the two of you to enjoy? There are so many options for this one you really can’t go wrong!

Christmas gift rules are meant to take the stress out of Christmas so if you’re getting stressed about sticking to one, take a step back and reassess. The most important thing is that you enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones – gifts or no gifts.

In some cases, buying gifts is inevitable – but it doesn’t have to be totally overwhelming. We’ve got you sorted on p50 with lots of useful, meaningful and gorgeous gifts for when you do decide to splash some cash.

This article originally appeared in the December 2023 issue of STELLAR magazine.