Christmas Gift-Giving Tips: How To Plan, Prepare & Pick Out The Perfect Present

Plan Ahead

It is always a good idea to get started early, especially if you are buying gifts for a large group of people. The best way to stay on track is to make a list — this ensures you don’t miss anyone and helps you organise your thoughts so you can plan an optimal shopping schedule and strategy.

If you are preparing an excel sheet or table, consider including these columns:

• Name of recipient
• Gift ideas
• Date required (to keep track of the different gatherings)
• Where to buy
• When to buy
• Price
• Bought (yes/no)
• Wrapped (yes/no)
• Completed (yes/no)

Planning ahead also allows you to take advantage of end-of-season sales or major shopping events like Singles’ Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, helping you save while you shop.

Be Attentive

It pays to pay attention. Listen carefully to your recipient during everyday conversations and don’t be afraid to ask questions to learn more about their likes and dislikes. You may spot gaps in their needs when they share challenges they are facing or discover new hobbies and interests that they have recently picked up. With these insights, you can take the guesswork out of Christmas shopping and choose gifts that are thoughtful, practical and truly meaningful.

The 5-Gift Rule

Ever heard of the 5-gift rule? It is a popular strategy that helps people pick out practical yet meaningful gifts, based on five simple principles:

1. Something they want — a gift your recipient truly desires.
2. Something they need — an item they can use in their daily life.
3. Something to wear — a stylish and practical piece they will appreciate.
4. Something to read — a book that matches their interests or taste.
5. A special gift — something with sentimental value, like a personalised present or a custom-made card.

Beyond its practical benefits, the 5-gift rule also encourages more mindful and sustainable gifting. Instead of buying random items that may end up unused, it prompts us to slow down, consider our choices and shop with intention. As a result, these gifts carry an extra layer of meaning, transforming the act of giving into something artful rather than a chore.

If you are shopping for a large group of people, it can be tiresome and time-consuming to apply the 5-gift rule to everyone. Instead, consider more versatile gifting guidelines for acquaintances:

• A branded or elevated version of something your recipient already uses
• An item that relates to their lifestyle or hobbies
• Universal essentials, such as an electric toothbrush or premium body wash
• Nifty gadgets, like a digital measuring spoon

At the end of the day, when it comes to gifting, it is always the thought that counts. You don’t need to burn a hole in your pocket — you just need to put a little extra thought into your choices. From a travel makeup brush for the beauty enthusiast to a packing cube for the frequent traveller and elegant stainless steel ice cubes for the cocktail lover, small yet considerate items like these can leave a lasting impression.

Determining Their Shoe Size Without Asking

In the best-case scenario, you will have access to your giftee’s shoes and can discreetly check them to determine their size. Measure the length and note it down in both centimetres and inches, keeping in mind that sizing can vary across brands and regions. For CHARLES & KEITH shoes, you can refer to our size guide to learn how to measure your feet and determine the right fit.

If that is not an option, try reaching out to your giftee’s roommates, family or close friends to obtain the information. In this case, it is always wise to review the brand’s return policy to ensure your recipient has enough time to exchange or return the shoes if they don’t fit. A return window of 14 to 30 days after purchase is generally ideal.

Lastly, take into account any special needs — such as wide feet, flat arches or bunions — before making your purchase. These considerations will help you select the most comfortable and flattering styles for your recipient.

Other Things To Include In Your Gift

Before wrapping your gift, make sure to include any care instructions, instruction manuals or other useful information that comes with it. Don’t discard the dust bags that accompany bags and shoes, or the boxes that come with other purchases. Instead, pass them along to your recipient, who will likely find them handy for storage.

And don’t forget the personal touches: a handwritten note or a custom-made ribbon can go a long way. These small details give your gift an extra layer of thoughtfulness, making it feel even more special.

Creative Budget-Friendly Items

On a tighter budget? Don’t worry, it won’t affect the thoughtfulness of your gift. Simple yet meaningful items like wallets, card holders, bag charms, socks or even handmade snacks can still mean the world to your recipient. Think along the lines of stocking fillers — for more ideas and inspiration, check out our complete guide to stocking filler gifting.

Thoughtful Mid-Range Gifts

If you have a little more to spend and want to pamper your loved ones, consider gifts like a stylish tote bag, a premium water bottle, a candle warmer, a weighted blanket or a chic scarf. These items may cost a bit more but they make up for it with their practicality and lasting appeal.

Memorable Investment Pieces

No budget constraints? Then go all out with investment-worthy gifts: think sleek leather handbags, plane tickets for a luxurious getaway, the latest covetable tech gadget or even fine jewellery. These indulgent choices impress with their extravagance and will truly spoil your recipient.