It’s the 1st December!! Which means one thing – the decorations are going up TODAY! Well except the tree. The tree will probably be next weekend. I’ve learnt from my mistakes; put a real tree up at the very start of December (forget to water it!!) and it’s, urm, well it’s a tad crispy by Christmas day. So now I plan for my forgetfulness. But all the other decorations will be going up and from now on the TV will only play Christmas films, Spotify will only play Christmas songs and I will only wear Christmas jumpers … too far?!

I’ve had quite a productive week and have even started the Christmas shopping! Starting before December is unheard of for me so I’m rather pleased with myself. I always struggle at first but, once I’ve bought a couple, I get into the swing of it. I thought I’d share a few finds I’ve seen in a little gift guide but I also want to talk about the pressure to buy the perfect gift and how (hopefully) you can avoid it and, as a result, enjoy the shopping! Lets make it fun rather than overwhelming.

So starting with THE PRESSURE TO THINK OF NEW IDEA’S
This, for me, used to be the hardest part of present buying. I’d think of loads of ideas but then panic that I’ve done something similar in the past, I’d spend ages trying to think of something new and then, before I knew it, it would be nearly Christmas Eve and I hadn't bought anything! (true story) Well. Do we really even need to think of new ideas? Surely this is just a pressure we put on ourselves? If someone loves gardening then what's wrong with getting them a garden themed present each year?! I’m learning that giving a thoughtful gift is about recognising what they love and buying something that reflects this. I’m sure they will appreciate this more than a random present that they aren’t really interested in.

Which is why, every year, as part of my dads Christmas present, I give him a box of Thornton's chocolate covered toffee. It’s his favourite and it makes him happy. I could spend hours trying to think of a new little gift idea but I can guarantee you it won’t be as popular as the toffee!! Ok, so this might not be the best example but you get the idea right! There is no need to re-invent the wheel, just buy them what they like! So (another example!) if they love beauty products then its perfectly ok to buy them beauty based gifts each year – maybe perfume one year, a make up set the next, a really indulgent hair care treatment the following year etc etc. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself.

We all know someone that is impossible to buy for. So I tend to avoid a present as such and instead organise a day out. For example you could all wrap up warm and go for a woodland walk, pack a flask of hot chocolate and plan a route that allows for you to treat them to a nice pub lunch. I’m sure spending time together will mean more to them then any present you can think of. If you want to give them something on the big day itself, you could print off the plans for the day; including a map showing the destination and walk. You could even include the menu for lunch. Or you might be able to find a tourist leaflet of the area, just little things but they can be kept as keepsakes to remember the day.

GIFT GIVING ON A SMALL BUDGET
If you do one thing this Christmas pleaseeee let it be keeping to your budget! You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your family and friends happy. It really is the thought that counts (cheese) I know it can be frustrating when you want to treat someone but you can still show them how much you care. Lets say they love having a weekend away at a spa – gift them a spa day at home; create a little package with a scented candle, some nice bubble bath, a face mask and maybe a small box of chocolates. Wrap it nicely and job done.

Another way to save a few pennies is go homemade, I have done the jar of home made biscuits countless times … unfortunately for my family, I’m not the best cook! soz … you’ll only need to pay for the cost of the ingredients but the time taken to bake the biscuits will be appreciated. There are always little things you can do to make someone's day, maybe the person you’re buying for has children and they haven’t had a night out in ages, gift them some cinema vouchers and volunteer to babysit. For a special extra touch, wrap up all their favourite cinema snacks to give alongside the voucher on Christmas day.

Lastly, don’t forget to make the most of the pre-Christmas sales and voucher codes (but keep to the budget!!) these are perfect for saving some money. A lot of my gift ideas below are in the sale – so be quick!

Ok so on to the fun bit – THE GIFT IDEAS
A few little things that have caught my eye this year, all products are linked, just click the image … We’ll start with gifts with her. Have I included a few little hints for me? Who could say but the colour scheme might indicate yes!

GIFTS FOR HER | Style

GIFTS FOR HER | Food & Drink

GIFTS FOR HER | Beauty

GIFTS FOR HER | Home & Garden

GIFTS FOR HER | Snuggle Up

GIFTS FOR HER | Stationary

GIFTS FOR HER | Accessories

Well guess its only fair to include some gift ideas for men, finding these was nowhere near as exciting! I generally find men harder to shop for and always leave them until last (every year!) If you’re the same, I hope these ideas help!

GIFTS FOR HIM | Style

GIFTS FOR HIM | Food & Drink

GIFTS FOR HIM | Grooming

GIFTS FOR HIM | Home

GIFTS FOR HIM | Get Cosy

GIFTS FOR HIM | Stationary

GIFTS FOR HIM | Accessories

So there you go – Christmas presents DONE.
Oh, I nearly forgot …

Now we’re done!

My last tip … Make a list! No not a wish list of presents you want!! A list of everyone you need to buy for. Write down everyone, note a few gift ideas and a budget for each person. Then tick them off as you purchase their presents (I update my list with what I bought and the actual cost so I can refer back in future years) When shopping you can then easily see what you need to buy helping you keep on track. You can use the list of names year after year to ensure you don’t forget anyone!

Happy Shopping.