Don't be Poles Apart With Presents This Christmas

Early on Christmas morning, dawn breaks across the snowy fields outside your window, a real fire glows in the hearth of your cosy living-room and the Christmas tree lights sparkle as the family gathers on the rug to unwrap their perfect Christmas presents. An image of Christmas utopia that many of us aspire to but sadly few of us manage to achieve, not least for want of that elusive snow! But when it comes to the Christmas presents we buy for our loved ones, thankfully we can take control. Some careful thought and effort can make all the difference if you don't want your festive offerings to be poles apart from what's on their Christmas wish lists.

When you plan your shopping trips, remember that Christmas has a tendency to creep up faster than you can say "jingle bells." Don't forget that the frenzied run-up to Christmas will also bring with it lots of parties, which means lots of hangovers which will invariably coincide with the days when you plan to buy all your Christmas presents, and you may prefer to stay in bed! This is where online shopping comes in. It's a godsend for anyone who doesn't relish the idea of pushing through frantic crowds of fellow panic-stricken shoppers, in the chill of the dark December air, to the tune of "Ding Dong Merrily on High!" So, in the comfort of your own home with your credit card to hand, with online shopping you'll find its "jingle bells" all the way.

Too many of us have made the classic Christmas gift faux pas of the red-nosed reindeer sweater or the boring socks and slippers without considering that if we take the time to look, we will find there are Christmas Presents our friends and family will really appreciate and even treasure forever. Getting it right is all about observing their tastes and choices, noting what styles of clothes or jewellery they buy for themselves or taking note when they express preferences, likes and dislikes. Of course, then there's the danger that you may buy them something they already have, or something that somebody else has also bought for them. There is nothing more wasteful than the overkill of receiving four bottles of your favourite perfume on Christmas Day!

Originality is the key, and buying Christmas presents that are unique and akin to their tastes will ensure they remember you with affection. Children love to be different, and what could be more original than funky odd socks! As for the eternal conundrum of what to buy the men in your life, Christmas tree and bauble cufflinks provide a subtle and stylish alternative to the knitted Christmas sweater, or a set of finger drums may please the daydreamer who has given up the rock star dream for the comfort of the office. When it comes to treating the ladies, you may end up duplicating if you decide to go for chocolates, but who else would come up with the idea of a yummy chocolate pizza? You can always couple it with a Chocaholics Anonymous mug to bring in a touch of humour. Humour and fun-based Christmas presents are something you can find in abundance, from 'Crime Scene' toilet roll to the poor old Hanging Harry light pull, and just imagine the fun the family will have with a remote controlled tarantula!

Personalised Christmas presents may have become a little over-commercialised in the past, but forget the age-old necklace engraved with your name. Nowadays there are fabulously original ways of personalising gifts that bring the concept into a new dimension. Children can let their imagination run wild when they create their own personalised version of Monopoly - aptly named 'Opoly', or how about a necklace engraved with a little girl's own fingerprint - definitely a gift she will treasure forever. As for giving the precious gift of special memories, there are personalised decade books, journals and photo frames which are perfect for grandparents.

Of course we can never forget those minimalists who have everything and just want to banish the clutter, who often prove to be the most difficult people of all when it comes to choosing Christmas presents. The ultimate solution is an adventure day which will provide them with something to look forward to when the dark days of January descend. So, why not consider providing the would-be racing driver with the thrill of zooming round in a Ferrari, or buy that stressed out lady an indulgent mineral mud spa experience to soothe her troubles away?

So, if you've never really made the effort for the festive season, it's never too late to start surprising your loved ones with the most amazing Christmas presents that they really won't be expecting from you. The reward for you is seeing their smiles and knowing that your money has been well spent. And who can disagree that an investment in love, friendship and good humour is the best investment you can make at the most wonderful time of the year.