| Some people are natural born present-buyers. Others, | | | | and go for something that is harmonious with the |
| however, dread the thought of buying gifts for friends | | | | person's interests. |
| and loved ones, not because they resent having to | | | | For example, if your father-in-law has recently taken |
| part with their hard earned cash, but the pressure to | | | | up golf and they mentioned that his swing could do |
| choose something that will be well received can be | | | | with a little fine-tuning, golf lessons would go down an |
| just too much. | | | | absolute storm. Or if your mum has been complaining |
| Buying presents needn't be stressful, however, and the | | | | about never having time to relax, a voucher for a day |
| trick often is to not try and be too clever about the | | | | at a top luxury spa is likely to be appreciated. |
| choice. Sure, it'd be great if we could choose the | | | | Experience days are great things to give as presents, |
| perfect clothing or jewellery to suit someone's taste | | | | as they are normally things that someone would never |
| and size, but going down such a highly personal route | | | | buy for themselves, such as a day at the races, |
| such as fashion can often lead to disappointment. | | | | helicopter lessons or a weekend Thai cookery course. |
| Think back to when you were a kid, when you were | | | | If you're completely out of ideas for someone who's |
| forced to wear that multicoloured monstrosity your | | | | particularly difficult to buy for, a gift card is a fantastic |
| auntie lovingly hand-crafted for you on your 10th | | | | alternative to giving cash too, and by selecting a store |
| birthday - she sure meant well, but you would probably | | | | that you know the recipient likes, this demonstrates |
| have preferred a crisp £20 note tucked inside your | | | | you've put some thought into the gift and your loved |
| birthday card. | | | | one then has full control over what they buy with the |
| Indeed, giving money as a present is always a win-win | | | | gift card. It's practical too, meaning you can send the |
| situation - it makes your life easier and the recipient | | | | gift to any of your friends and loved ones across the |
| can treat themselves to whatever they wish with the | | | | UK with nothing more than a personalised card and a |
| cash. Let's be honest, giving money as a present at | | | | first-class stamp. |
| Christmas or birthday time is a bit of a cop out and, | | | | So there you have it – buying presents doesn't |
| well, it's just a little lacking in imagination. | | | | have to be stressful, getting back to basics could be |
| The key to successful present buying is to keep things | | | | the answer to your gift-giving quandaries. |
| simple - demonstrate you've put some thought into it | | | | |