IF YOU’RE like me, Christmas shopping has been on your mind for quite a while now.
But if you’re also like me, you have either made a half-hearted attempt to start or have dropped it into the too hard basket.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of Christmas and even have a new grandson to enjoy this year, I just haven’t got around to purchasing the gifts.
With only a few days until Christmas Day, I thought a list of ideas to motivate the late starters, like me, might be useful.
Chocolate, lollies and savoury items can be a great go-to but sometimes lack personalisation.
If we’re honest, a big supply of our favourite treats can never be a bad thing, but opening 20 packs of jellybeans on Christmas morning can be a bit underwhelming.
Why not build your own hamper using a gift box and include an array of favoured sweets and treats?
Or if your recipient is more decerning with their taste, try a fruit, cheese, wine or nut hamper.
A great idea for the sports lover is to fill a stocking full of smaller items that never go astray.
For the golfer, balls and tees and for the footy player Voltaren, Radox and spare boot laces.
For the gadget guy, batteries and small tools come in handy and for the home handyman, gloves or a new battery for his favourite power tool is always appreciated.
There are so many ways you can personalise everyday items so the recipient is not only happy on Christmas Day, but you know they’re going to use the items you have bought.
Another of my golden gift ideas is homemade vouchers.
The idea of acts of service may not be the first thing that crosses your mind when gift giving, but a large proportion of the population, particularly women, list it as their love language.
While Christmas Day may not be the best time to start fixing those drawers you’ve been meaning to get to or replacing those globes you have been promising since September, a homemade voucher has you covered.
I am a big fan of the homemade voucher because I was married to an “acts of service” guy.
If it’s a friend, maybe you could make coffee shout vouchers. If it’s for mum and dad, why not a chore voucher?
If it’s a romantic partner, use your imagination, I guarantee they won’t be disappointed.
Quality time is another great voucher. Simply dedicate a set time to spend with them doing something they really love, even if you don’t.
Night-off vouchers are a hit with mums and dads and night-in vouchers are a great way to spoil grandparents by offering to cater a dinner for them at their house.
Simply write your offer into a Christmas card and you’re all set.
With Christmas set to be a warm one and many people travelling to visit family, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
The Guardian and Gannawarra Times will be back on January 6 and our first editions will be January 10 and January 14 respectively.
We look forward to sharing 2025 with you.
Meagan McGregor
Editor The Guardian and Gannawarra Times.
