5 golden rules to shop for Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has officially started, with festive tunes being played all around, street lights launch nights ready to kick off and windows decorated with the catchiest themes to get you in the mood for shopping.

Have you ever thought of experiencing an organised Christmas for a change? Did you ever feel that your last minute shopping regularly fails to deliver something that really comes from the heart?

Here are my top 5 rules to give your loved ones something special, thoughtful and reasonably within both your budget and their expectations:

1. LISTEN CAREFULLY

Learn to make a mental note of a comment your friend made on "that" book, experience, pair of shoes.. Do this throughout the year, it doesn't have to be something they mention in the run up to Christmas, the older the reference, the bigger the surprise. You surely know that person well enough to know whether their interest in the item or activity is genuine, it can be something they need but won't buy to prioritise other purchases, or something they would really like but would never go out and buy for themselves. Trust me, when they unwrap that unexpected present they will gift you with the biggest smile you have ever seen!

2. BOOKMARK

The best clues may not always come from the person you're buying for directly.

Every time you come across an article, a website, a suggestion that make you immediately think "Ah! HE would love this soooooo much!", save it into a folder you will name "TIPS" and flick through it every now and then: this will help you remember you already have ideas and that there is no need to stress out as the Big Day approaches.

Note that the folder can contain suggestions for any kind of celebration gift; keep that fancy beach towels for someone who's birthday is in the summer!

3. PLAN

If you are on a budget, thinking and planning in advance will save you lots of money: take your time to find the best deals and the closest shops, check stock and if items are selling fast buy them and store them at home until it's time to give them away.

Most people end up spending twice as much when they leave their shopping until just before Christmas, so the key attitude is: don't be ashamed to think ahead!

4. SCHEDULE

Especially if you live abroad, keep in mind that every year parcel services deal with huge volumes of shipments in December, so if your shipment ends up being caught up in the courier frenzy you risk not to have them delivered before the 25th!

If you can ship in advance to someone at destination that can redirect your gifts closer to the time, don't be afraid to ask and do so: the less miles your parcel travels in December the better.

Or simply consider sending your presents as early as November with a strict "Do not open until Christmas!!" policy and make your loved ones excited about your gift even sooner!

5. PRESENT

It's all in the word: a beautiful gift loses charm if it's wrapped badly. You don't have to break the bank to get individual paper sheets, gift bags and boxes that will complement the present and impress the receiver. Add a personal touch with a few meaningful words on a card, a funny sticker for the children or tape some mistletoe to the box to add some WOW!!

Presentation is essential, but not everyone has the skills, the time or the patience.... Mye PA has been doing that for others for years, so feel free to enquire!

Whatever you decide please please PLEASE don't end up like this: