I have been absorbed by writing Decembers recipe of the month for almost two weeks now, which is why posts have been appearing at late hours and perhaps not at all! As a result I am not as organised as I have been in previous years buying gifts but my list has very few spaces so once I start it should be quick (she says, with her fingers crossed!) It's one month away today...
I don't know anyone who isn't making an effort to spend less at the moment, so personal luxuries if not totally cut out are at least harder to justify.
It struck me that great gifts this year will be the things that people may have to cut back on or may be feeling a little guilty spending money on. Here's 7 that came to mind:
1) For the magazine reader: an annual subscription will be a gift every month for a year.
2) For anyone: a voucher for someone's regular hairdresser will mean they can indulge themselves a little more or for an occassion when they may have thought twice.
3) Luxurious cosmetics: if you can sneak a peak on someone's dressing table, you may get a great clue and be able to buy them something they use everyday, now that's really thoughtful!
4) Some couples with children are not good at taking the time to go out as just the two of them, a cinema or restaurant voucher will encourage them and if you include a babysitting voucher (if you're in a position to offer your services) they will be doubly inclined to go.
5) Top end tipples may be off someone's regular shopping list so a gift of a favourite wine or spirit would be welcome and they may even share it with you!
6) A bookworm will always apreciate the opportunity to select a book almost as much as the book itself. Book Tokens don't expire and can be used in a wide variety of stores.
7) Keep their feet neat: really nice tights or socks. Wolford tights for ladies are the last word, I have owned a few pairs in my time and they are definitely a cut above. Take note of a ladies taste in stockings and buy them - she will feel a million dollars. Bridgedale socks for any man with an outdoor job or an interest in the outdoors are really exceptionally comfortable if you think socks are just socks - these will change your mind. My brother in law would be happy if we never gave him anything else. Me, I just want to find bright pink ones so the rugby player won't steal them.
NB: Vouchers get bad press on consumer rights programmes every year so be aware of what you're buying, is there an expiry date? Is it for an amount or a specific product and if so what effect will a price change have on a recipient. Are you confident in the business's future? Buyer Beware and make your recipient aware too!
PS. I have just realised with the additon of a Kitchen Aid or Kenwood Mixer (in case any friends or family win some money and wish to share their good fortune!) this is pretty much my Christmas wish list!
Great post! These luxurious ideas can be really helpful to make best gifts. Thanks for sharing them. They will be useful in next Christmas.
Posted by: radio controlled tank | 12/29/2009 at 06:07 AM