Holiday gift guide 2021: Where to start

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With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the time to start thinking about what gifts you are going to buy for your loved ones. Choosing gifts is no easy task, and with more options to choose from than ever before, the process is arguably more difficult than it has ever been.

While it should always be "the thought that counts", this old adage is rarely enough as a thoughtful gift-giver. When the holidays roll around, and you have an opportunity to show the important people in your life how much they mean to you, naturally, you will want to be sure that you get them something special, and that makes them smile.

Knowing where to start when choosing gifts is often the most difficult part. How much should you spend? Who are you buying for? What is your relationship status? These questions and so many more buzz around all of our heads at this time of year as we try to navigate the difficult and often stressful gift-giving waters.

Classic gifts like flower delivery in South Yarra are always a great choice and are guaranteed to put a smile on the recipient's face. On the other hand, buying gift vouchers to very general stores is a somewhat lazier approach that most thoughtful individuals will want to avoid at all costs. There is a lot to consider when it comes to getting the right gift, and you need to be sure that you make the right call.

Let's take a look at a few things you need to consider to ensure that you choose the right gifts for your loved ones this year.

It might seem obvious but when you are buying a gift for someone, it should be bought for them. Many people make the mistake of buying gifts that they would like and not gifts that the recipient will like.

Avoid trying to improve their tastes, introduce them to your favourite hobbies or broaden their horizons.

Even if you would not enjoy the gift, it does not mean that the recipient will feel the same way. Remembering who it is that you are buying for is crucial to great gift-giving.

Gifts should be age-appropriate. While this is important for kids, it's equally important to keep this in mind when you're buying gifts for adults, tweens and teens alike. When you're buying gifts for children, you need to ensure that they can actually use the gift that you bought them. Try to avoid buying presents that they are not mature enough to appreciate or old enough to play with.

Finally, if you are buying for an adult, make sure that you buy them something age-appropriate. Remember that just because they like a few Justin Beiber songs doesn't mean they want his latest album! Likewise, if you are buying clothes for a teenager, make sure that you do your research to buy clothes appropriate for their age, style, and tastes.

There is an endless supply of gadgets and gizmos out there nowadays designed to make our lives easier in a multitude of different ways.

However, giving devices, appliances and other tech to people who don't appreciate it or who will never really use it is simply a waste of time.

A techy gift will be a big hit with some people; however, it will be under-appreciated and may never even be used with others. It's also worth keeping in mind that if you are going to give a gift that requires batteries, make sure the batteries are included.

Everyone has different interests, and buying gifts centred around these interests is always the best path to success. You don't even need to know a lot about whatever it is that they are interested in, as a quick search online will generally offer you a multitude of possibilities.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to catering to their interests. For example, if you have a family member that loves to cook, you can always get them an apron, some cooking equipment or a new cookbook.

However, thinking a little outside the box, you might be able to take them for a meal out where they can appreciate some fine-dining on you, or perhaps you could get them a cooking lesson to further their skills. Whatever approach you take, you can be sure that playing to the recipient's interests is always a good way to go.

Gift-giving can be stressful around the holidays, and you want to be sure that you get it right. To make sure you choose the right gifts this year, be sure to follow the tips outlined above so that the gifts you give this holiday season are remembered for all the right reasons and cherished for many years to come.